[Kolokotronis]

"Dates and documentation for "ancient" please."

Over 1600 years, OR, maybe more. There is a writing from the late 2nd century called "The Book of the Passing of the Most Holy Virgin, the Mother of God" attributed to Bishop Melito of Sardis. Once we get to the 4th and 5th centuries the belief is all over Eastern Christendom. In Christianity, will you not allow that that is "ancient"? What this means, of course, is that the bishops who determined the canon of scripture in the 4th century were likely conversant with this traditional belief. If you want 2000 years, I cannot give you that.

[OLD REGGIE]

"Dates and documentation for "ancient" please."

Over 1600 years, OR, maybe more. There is a writing from the late 2nd century called "The Book of the Passing of the Most Holy Virgin, the Mother of God" attributed to Bishop Melito of Sardis. Once we get to the 4th and 5th centuries the belief is all over Eastern Christendom. In Christianity, will you not allow that that is "ancient"? What this means, of course, is that the bishops who determined the canon of scripture in the 4th century were likely conversant with this traditional belief. If you want 2000 years, I cannot give you that.

"The Book of the Passing of the Most Holy Virgin, the Mother of God" attributed to Bishop Melito of Sardis"

Not good.

I appreciate your effort but I'm so old (not over 1600 years old, but old enough) and set in my ways I am firm in my belief that the Early Church Fathers most likely knew the Apostles and could speak with some "authority". Of course sorting out the many forgeries is a monumental task so it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine fact or fiction.