The Rock of Faith


The Rock of Faith also translated as The Stone of Faith, is a major anti-Protestant treatise written by Russian Orthodox Archbishop Stefan Yavorsky in 1713–1715. Its full title The Stone of faith: for the sons of the holy Orthodox Church — for affirmation and spiritual creation; for those who stumble over a block of stumbling and temptation — for getting up and correcting,. Later it was also published under the title, The Stone of Faith of the Orthodox Catholic Eastern Church
Tsar Peter the Great forbade its publication, as during this time period Russia needed to attract Western Europeans, including a significant number of Protestants, and such work would be detrimental to this. It was later published in 1728 under Peter II.
An anonymous pamphlet that has eventually become known in historical works under the title, "Hammer on the Rock of Faith", a rebuttal of Yavorsky's treatise, appeared between 1732 and 1734.

Summary

The Rock of Faith consists of twelve chapters that cover the following issues: icons; the cross; relics; Holy Communion; prayers to the saints; prayers for the departed; holy tradition; liturgy; fasting; good works; and punishment of heretics.