But scripture alone is not enough. It must be translated. It must be interpreted. It goes through the human mind and out of the human mouth. Read Acts and see the description of how the converts were continuing in the teaching of the apostles. This is pre-New Testament.
Paul instructs his disciples to "Hold firm to the traditions I have taught you in word and in letter." He further instructs Timothy to seek out faithful men to pass along the faith to. He was not merely instructing Timothy to hand out pocket sized New Testaments on the street corner. The Ethipoian Eunich is a great example, "How shall I understand if there is no one to teach me?"
The appeal that you say is missing is found in the continuency of the interpretation of the scriptures. This unbroken line of agreed upon interpretation is how we "test every wind of doctrine." That is, we can look to the scriptures, yes, but we must look at how those sciptures have always been interpreted. Any contradiction must be eliminated. (Thus, the holding up of scripture by itself outside of the Church must be eliminated because the Church has never understood it in this manner.)
The modern use (abuse?) of the appeal to scriptures alone leads to divisions (each person interpreting as they see it). A constant appeal to continuous interpretation leads to unity. One leads to error, the other to holding onto the truth.
The scriptures are indeed our greatest source of Holy Tradition (our definition, not yours). However, they are sufficient for "instruction in righteousness." They do not spell out day to day specifics.
But do we not also appeal to scripture for the day to day items, or major decisions within Church practice? Absolutely. We find as our example for the Church to meet and make decisions not found within Holy Scripture. Again, see the book of Acts. Here we find the Church leaders meeting to make decisions that are not spelled out in scripture. We find decisions on what to do regarding gentile converts. We even find the inventing of a brand new Church office, the deacon.
The writings of the NT are letters to Christians explaining what the Christians should believe. The scriptures are a clarification of what had been taught via oral instruction. It is a written form intended to take the place of the person writing the letter. (Paul, "this will be enough until I can come to you in person and teach you further." Paul's letter to the Corinthians regarding communion.) The NT supports the oral teachings of the Apostles.
Yes, I am aware that Paul told Timothy that the scriptures of his youth were able to lead him to salvation. But you won't find an Orthodox believer who doesn't believe that. We do not hold to an event idea of salvation. We need scripture to constantly help us "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." For many in the West, salvation is an event, like buying insurance. Write a check, get a policy. After this, what use is scripture? Once you "get saved" why own a Bible? It creates a need to use scripture in a way it was never intended.
Your own appeal to the fathers shows an inclination towards tradition. Of what scripture is Ignatius refering when he instructs," Despise not the period of forty days, for it comprises an imitation of the conduct of the Lord. After the week of passion (Holy Week) , do not neglect to fast on the fourth and sixth days (Wed. Fri.), distributing at the same time of thine abundance to the poor. If any one fasts on the Lord's Day (Sun.) or the Sabbath (Sat.), except on the paschal Sabbath (Holy Sat.), he is a murderer of God." [parentheses my own] This is a classic defense for Great Lent. You appeal to Ignatius. Do you observe Great Lent? Do you also fast throughout the year on Wednesdays and Fridays as the Orthodox do? Or are the fathers a great buffet where you pick and choose the things you like and think agree with your own conclusions?
We are not the masters. We are the students. And we go to those who came before us for instruction, not justification. We come to them humbly, not proud. We ask, not demand.
Peace.
Rdr. Peter
