Bishop Philotheos (his name means “friend of God”) was rummaging through old documents in a monastery in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1873. He discovered a cache of old Greek manuscripts in the library bound as a single volume and signed “Leon, notary and sinner” with the date 1065 AD.Included in these rare manuscripts was the long sought-after Didache (pronounced Did-ah-kay). While early church leaders frequently made mention of this early church manual in their writings, no one had a complete copy until this discovery. It’s the oldest written catechism on record, dating back to the late first century or early second century AD. It is sometimes identified as the Teaching of the Apostles. While there’s no evidence that it was written by the Apostles, it certainly conveys their teaching. The Didache’s 16 short chapters give instruction on baptism and the Lord’s Supper, as well as provide ethical teaching for church members. Here is a sample of its teaching:
Thou shall not desire a schism.
Thou shall not be of two minds.
Pray three times a day.
If travelers settle among you, let them work for their bread.
Settle quarrels before coming to the meeting.
Don’t’ stretch out your hands to receive but shut them when it comes to giving.
The Didache also includes suggested prayers to accompany Holy Communion. The following is an updated version of the prayer that accompanied the Eucharist: