Priestly Era and Old Rome (1st Throne)

The slow and progressive expansion and realignment of jurisdiction boundaries among presbyters and bishops. Leadership develops a healthy competition between those exemplary leaders who are in a spectrum of Rigorists (one end of strict discipline) and Flexible/Moderates (other end of self-controlled character and compassionate dispensation of grace based on wisdom of spiritual economy). Writings for both sides are revealed in scrolls such as those of Epistle of Barnabas (70AD), Didache (80AD), 1 Clement (69 or 96AD), Ignatius Epistles (107AD), Polycarp's Epistle (108AD), Epistle of the Apostles (120AD), 2 Clement (130AD), Shepherd of Hermas (140AD), Protoevangelium of James (150AD). During the second century inheritors from the sub-apostolic leaders pass on the Holy Traditions such as the essence/energy, and the theosis, and the Mysteries so that mankind is redeemed both in principle and in action, with love and with struggle. Besides epistles and liturgical writings we have oktoechos. The oldest hymnal book I could find was collecting church songs (matins and vespers) from 381-600 AD) This collection offers the first English translation of the oldest known Christian hymnal, a book of hymns which was compiled in Jerusalem. The First Christian Hymnal offers an unmatched resource for understanding the development of early Christian worship and piety, as well as the transmission of Christian doctrine. Any curious student of early Christianity, can now online access this Old Georgian translation. You can also see my corresponding commentary on Jerusalem bishops on youtube for these early periods of Church when the inheritors of the disciples of the Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ could write things down. Sample from Stephen J Shoemaker's translation. Hymns of the Resurrection: First Mode: Rejoice, O All-holy Virgin, For by you the peace of heaven was born in the world, And all the ends of the earth were illuminated with great light.And you conceived the Word of the Father, who is before the ages, Who is seated upon the cherubim, Whom the four-faced beings glorify (Ezek 10:14): Entreat him to save our souls! https://brill.com/display/title/64548?language=en&srsltid=AfmBOor5tQ8lsdm-eHGvu_nUWBxbiip2pp_ErXyOY7qt47eum1aAzJ9g