IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1150. ARSENIUS, MONK OF THE MONASTERY OF PHILOTHEOU ON THE HOLY MOUNTAIN: SYNOPSIS OF THE DIVINE CANONS
With the corresponding numbers of the divine canons set beside each chapter, from which the meaning has been derived. By reading these, you will without difficulty find those things which are pertinent to the matter: first, by learning thoroughly all the meaning from the chapters, and then by searching with the aid of the numbers in the book of canons; and by becoming more fully informed regarding each point, to the glory of the holy and consubstantial Trinity. Amen.
A 1. That before all things one must believe rightly in the holy and consubstantial Trinity, following the dogmas of our holy Fathers and ecumenical teachers; for they who do not so believe are anathematized. Revelation of Saint Gregory Thaumaturgus. Two orations from the synodical writings of Saint Sophronius. Libellus of Michael Syncellus. Oratio concerning the holy and ecumenical VII synods. Synod of Constantinople, canons 1 and 5. Synod of Ephesus, canons 7, 8, and 9. Synod of Carthage, canons 2, 135, 136, and 137. And the first canon of the Sixth Synod.
2. That one must not say that the house of God is to be held in contempt, nor that which is gathered within it, and the commemorations B of the holy martyrs. For they who say these things are anathematized. Synod of Gangra, canons 5 and 20.
3. That one must observe the divine and sacred canons without delay; for they who do not keep them, if
they are clergy, are deposed; if they are laity, they are excommunicated. A Synod of Ephesus, canon 7. Synod of Chalcedon, canon 1. Synod of Sardica, canon 20. Synod of Carthage, canons 1, 18, 34, 135, 136, 157. Synod VI, canon 2. Synod VII, canons 1, 2, 11. Synod celebrated in the temple of the Holy Apostles, canon 10. Saint Basil, canon 88. Constitution, chapter 1, 2, 22. 4. That one must receive and read all the accepted divine Scriptures, both of the Old and of the New Testament, and also the writings of our holy Fathers and teachers; and that bishops must teach the people B from these every Sunday. But they who corrupt or mutilate anything from these sacred Books are excommunicated. Holy Apostles, canon 85. Synod of Laodicea, canon 60. Synod of Carthage, canon 24. Synod VI, canons 19 and 68. Verses of Saint Gregory the Theologian, and a verse of Saint Amphilochius. 5. That one must not read in church the books of the impious, nor what are called apocrypha, nor falsely composed martyrologies, as they cast the hearers into unbelief; nor must any non-canonical book be received at all; but these are to be consumed by fire. But they who attend to these as if they were true, if they have been initiated into sacred orders, are deposed; C but if they are laity, they are subjected to anathema. However, the testimonies of the saints received by the Church must be read during their commemorations. Holy Apostles, canon 60. Synod of Laodicea, canons 59 and 60. Synod of Carthage, canons 24 and 46. Synod VI, canon 63, and the canons of Saint Athanasius, 2. 6. That one must not build a divine temple unless it is furnished with what is necessary for its completion; nor must one consecrate such a one without the deposition of holy relics; for he who consecrates without these is deposed. And that heretics do not enter the house of God; nor may a liturgy be celebrated while they are present. D Synod of Laodicea, canon 6. Synod VII, canons 7 and 17, and Saint Timothy, canon 7. 7. That those entering the house of God must persist in the hearing of the divine oracles, even if they do not do the things they hear; and to persevere in prayer and in the holy communion, and that the sacrifices are to be offered by the fasting. For they who do not act thus are excommunicated. Holy Apostles, canons 8 and 9. Synod of Antioch, canon 2.
A Synod of Carthage, canon 41. Synod VI, canon 29, and Saint Timothy, canon 17. And civil law, chapter 9.
8. That in the assemblies the Gospels together with other Scriptures must be read, and psalms are to be chanted, and readings must be interspersed between them; and that the same service must always be performed. Synod of Laodicea, canons 6, 17, 18, 19. Synod of Carthage, canon 105.
9. That it is not permitted to offer bread during the Forty Days, nor to perform commemorations of martyrs, except on Saturday and Sunday only; and on the feast of the Annunciation. On the other days of the holy Forty Days, let the divine Liturgy of the Presanctified be celebrated. B Synod of Laodicea, canons 41 and 51, and Synod VI, canon 2.
10. That no one of the faithful must absent himself from the divine assemblies; for if he is absent for three weeks, if he be a clergyman, let him be deposed; if a layman, let him be excommunicated. Synod VI, canon 80.
11. That a clergyman must not be enrolled in the churches of two cities, but must be content with one, according to the definition of the canons, and must entirely withdraw from the other, otherwise he is deposed; but in villages outside the city, because of the shortage of men, this may be permitted. Synod of Chalcedon, canons 10 and 20, and Synod VII, canon 15.
12. That it is not permitted to add to the Trisagion hymn, "Who was crucified for us," for such a phrase is held by heretics. If, therefore, he is a clergyman who says this, let him be deposed; if a layman, let him be excommunicated. Synod VI, canon 81.
13. That only priests should enter the holy sanctuary and communicate; and that C to the bodies of the deceased, communion is not to be given. Synod of Laodicea, canon 19. Synod of Carthage, 18, and Synod VI, canon 83.
14. That no layman should administer the divine mysteries to himself when a bishop, or presbyter, or deacon is present; and that they who partake must form their hands into the shape of a cross and thus approach the divine mysteries. Synod VI, canons 58 and 101.
15. That holy things must not be sent as D *eulogiae* from parish to parish; nor are oblations to be made in private houses without the Church, the bishop, or the presbyter. Synod of Laodicea, canons 14 and 58.
16. That no kind of fee is to be demanded from those who receive the body of Christ; otherwise, they are deposed.
A
Synod VI, canon 23.
17. That those who are not canonical chanters ought not to sing in the midst of the church, or for the ministers to perform exorcisms, or to touch the sacred vessels, or to give the bread, or to bless the chalice; and they should never leave the doors; and furthermore, those who are chanting should not do so using unruly cries. Synod of Laodicea, canons 15, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26 and 43. Synod VI, canons 33, 75, and Synod VII, canon 14.18. That all unwritten ecclesiastical traditions, which have been accepted by custom in the Church and are in no way contrary to written constitutions, are to be observed. Saint Basil, canons 90 and 91.
19. That it is not permitted, contrary to the Lord's ordinance, to bring any other things to the holy altar for sacrifice except only bread and wine mixed with water: for whoever does otherwise shall be deposed. Holy Apostles, canon 3. Synod of Carthage, canon 37. Synod VI, canons 28, 57.
20. That the fruits and first-fruits which are offered are not to be brought into the holy altar, but are to be sent to the house, so that the bishop and the other clergy may distribute these. But those who steal these or carry them off against the will of the bishop are anathematized and must pay fivefold. Holy Apostles, canons 4 and 72. Synod of Gangra, canon 2. Synod of Carthage, canon 37. Synod VI, canons 28, 57 and 99. Theophilus of Alexandria, canon 8. And legal chapter 19.
C 21. That it is not permitted for a linen cloth or any vessel whatsoever that has been sanctified to be appropriated for any other use. For he who does this, if he be in holy orders, is deposed as a sacrilegious person; but if he be a layman, he is excommunicated and cut off from communion. Holy Apostles, canon 73. Synod celebrated in the temple of the Holy Apostles, canon 10. And Saint Gregory of Nyssa, canon 8.
D 22. That one must not bend the knee on Sunday or at Pentecost; but standing, one must offer prayers to the Lord. Synod of Nicaea, canon 20. Synod VI, canon 90. Saint Peter of Alexandria, canon 15. Saint Basil, canon 90.
23. That one must refrain from work on Sunday, unless necessity compels; but on the Sabbath one ought to work. For those who remain idle on it are anathematized. Synod of Laodicea, canon 29.
24. That holy images are to be set up, and are to be venerated, as the honor is transferred to the prototype. If anyone...
keeps hidden with himself a book of those who oppose images, if he is in holy orders, let him be deposed; if he is a layman, let him be excommunicated. A Synod VI canon 82. Synods VII [should be read: 6] canons 7, 9.
25. That the sign of the cross is not to be made upon the ground; but if it is found, it is to be abolished in every way: for those who accept this are excommunicated. Synod VI canon 73.
26. That believers must not celebrate Easter before the vernal equinox. For those who do this, if they are enrolled in the sacred orders, are deposed and deprived of their dignity; if they are laymen, they are excommunicated and cast out of the Church. Sanctorum apostolorum canon 7. Synod of Antioch, canon 1. Synod of Carthage, canons 34, 51, and 73. B
27. That no one of the believers should celebrate the "Purification" for the most holy Theotokos on the day following Christ’s Nativity; for we confess the divine birth from the Virgin to be free from the need of purification. He who does this, if he is in holy orders, is deposed; but if he is a layman, he is excommunicated. Synod VI canon 79.
28. That a presbyter, and deacon, and subdeacon must abstain from their own wives on those days in which they perform their duties; for those who do not do so, are deposed. But the rest of the clergy are not to be compelled in this matter. Synod of Carthage, canons 3, 4, 25, and 60. Synod VI canon 13. C
29. That local presbyters are not to offer in the church of a city. Synod of Neocaesarea, canon 13.
30. That those who make feasts of charity because of faith, and invite the brethren, are not to be despised; but these [feasts] are not to be held in the church, since they are excommunicated [if they do so]; nor are portions to be taken away in them; and those who hold them in contempt, and do not partake of the "callings" (distributions), are anathematized. Synod of Gangra, canon 11. Synods of Laodicea, canons 27, 50, and 51. Synod of Carthage, canon 42. Synod VI canon 74. D
31. That those who take refuge at the church must be free; the most Christian emperors are protectors of these, upon the intercession of the church's asylum-seekers. Synod of Carthage, canons 64 and 84.
32. That a layman is not to teach in public, since he is excommunicated for forty days; nor is a woman to speak in church; nor to sit therein. Nor to enter the holy sanctuary, except for the emperor, who is to offer gifts to God; nor is it permitted for laymen to perform prayers. Synod of Laodicea, canons 11, 44. Synod VI, canons 64, 69 and 70.
Legal Chapter 75
A 53. It is not permitted to propose vendibles within the enclosures of the temples; nor to depict faces in such adornment as can draw the beholders toward lust; for he who does so is excommunicated. Synod VI, canon 76 and 100.
54. It is not permitted, unless there be a great necessity occurring on a journey, to lead any beast of burden whatsoever into the sacred temple; nor indeed for anyone to remain therein, or for one cohabiting with a woman to remain among the catechumens of the temple; for those who do these things, if they are clergy, are deposed; but if they are laymen, they are excommunicated. Synod VI, canon 88 and 97.
B 55. One must first instruct and teach the faith, then baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, with three immersions; and be anointed with myrrh after baptism; and not, as some of the heretics, into three who are without beginning, or three sons, or three paracletes; nor yet in one immersion into the death of the Lord; for those who do so are deposed. Synod of the holy Apostles, canon 49 and 50. Synod of Laodicea, canons 45, 46, 47 and 48. Synod of Constantinople, canon 7, and Synod VI, canon 78.
56. It is necessary also to baptize little infants for the remission of sins, on account of the sin adhering to them from the transgression of Adam; and that the grace of holy baptism provides power and aid against sin. For those who do not act and speak thus, are anathematized. Synod of Carthage, canons 110, 111, 112 and 113.
C 57. No one is to be called without sin; for he who says this is anathematized. Synod of Carthage, canons 114, 115 and 116.
58. It is not permitted to rebaptize one who has baptism in truth, nor not to baptize those who are baptized by heretics or polluted by the impious; but neither is it permitted to baptize the dead; for those who do these things contrary to this are deposed. However, those who are baptized by schismatics and by those holding separate assemblies ought to be received, but only after exact and diligent examination. Synod of the holy Apostles, canon 46, 47 and 68. Synod... canon 19. Synod of Carthage, canon 18 and 48. D Of Saint Basil, canon 1 and 47. And the epistle to the holy martyr, bishop of Antioch.
59. It is necessary that the pregnant woman be baptized whenever she wishes. Also, that an invalid is not to be baptized unless he requests this. If, however, he is out of his mind, and at the time of his death his kin request holy baptism for him, he is baptized; similarly also, he who is vexed by a demon at the time of his death is bapti-
baptized; A similarly also, he regarding whom there is doubt as to whether he has been baptized. Canon 6 of the Synod of Spania. Canon 46 and 72 of the Synod of Carthage; and canon 4 of Saint Timothy.
40. A bishop must be ordained by three, or even by all the bishops of the province, being thirty-five years of age. Seculars and monks are also elected as bishops, having the authority of the metropolitan confirmed. But where the parties’ rivalries are equal, the vote of the majority prevails; yet ordinations must take place with much inquiry. Also, those about to be ordained ought to attest that they will observe the divine and sacred B canons; and election must not be permitted to the crowds. He who does otherwise shall be deposed.
Canon 1 of the Holy Apostles. Canon 4 and 5 of the Synod of Nicaea. Canon 19 of the Synod of Antioch. Canon 5 and 13 of the Synod of Laodicea. Canon 6 and 10 of the Synod of Sardica. Canon 13, 18, 49 and 50 of the Synod of Carthage. Canon 2 of the VII Synod. Canon 17 of the Synod in the Temple of the Holy Apostles. Legal chapters 2, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 53.
41. Presbyters, deacons, and the remaining clergy must be ordained by one bishop, and there are not to be more than is necessary, and this with much examination. C Also, it is necessary for those about to be ordained to attest that they will observe the divine and sacred canons, and that they have no one in their house who is not baptized, and that none of them is illiterate, and that ordinations do not take place according to family lineage, but according to merit: the presbyter indeed being thirty years of age, the deacon twenty-five, the subdeacon twenty, and the reader eight. For those who do otherwise are deposed from their rank.
Canon 2 of the Holy Apostles. Canon 11 and 12 of the Synod of Nicaea. Canon 13 of the Synod of Laodicea. Canon 10 of the Synod of Sardica. Canon 16, 18 and 36 of the Synod of Carthage. Canon 14, 15 and 33 of the VI Synod. Canon 88 of Saint Basil. Canon 4, 5, 6 and 33 of Saint Cyril. D Legal chapters 4, 20, 42, 43, 44 and 48.
42. One who is promoted to the rank of bishop, or of presbyter, or of deacon must accept the ordination and the ministry, and care for the people entrusted to him. For he who does not accept is excommunicated until he does accept, or until the full provincial synod decides something regarding him.
Canon 36 of the Holy Apostles. Canon 17 of the Synod of Antioch. Canon 31 of the Synod of Carthage.
43. Ordained bishops must not [hold] their own diocese
A if they have not been received by their own parish, not due to their own fault, they shall enjoy the dignity and perform the work until a perfect synod shall decide concerning them; but the clergy of the parish that did not receive them shall be excommunicated. Canon 36 of the Holy Apostles. Canon 18 of the Synod of Antioch.
44. One must also be ordained from among eunuchs into every priestly order, if they are otherwise worthy, or if they have been deprived of their male parts by the injury of men, or if they have suffered through illness, or if they were perchance born so. But if anyone has castrated himself of his own volition, he is by no means admitted into the clergy, as he has laid violent hands upon himself. Furthermore, those who castrate sound men are murderers; and therefore, if they are initiated into the priesthood, they are deposed; if they are laymen, they are excommunicated for three years. Canon 21, 22, and 23 of the Holy Apostles. Canon 1 of the Synod of Nicaea. Canon 8 of the Synod in the Temple of the Holy Apostles.
45. B It is necessary that the worthy man be promoted to be a bishop, even if he be deprived of one eye, or injured in his leg; but if he be deaf or completely blind, he must not be promoted. Canon 27 and 78 of the Holy Apostles.
46. It is not permitted that slaves be promoted to the clergy, or become monks, unless they have been set free by their own masters before three witnesses, or have completed a three-year term such that no one can drag them into slavery. C Whoever acts contrary to this is subjected to excommunication. And those who teach them to despise their own masters and to depart from their service are anathematized. Canon 82 of the Holy Apostles. Canon 5 of the Synod of Gangra. Canon 4 of the Synod of Chalcedon. Canon 85 of the Sixth Synod. And legal chapter 8, 50, and 51.
47. A bishop who is without a see must not invade a vacant Church without the consent of the metropolitan of the region and the bishops; if not, he is cast out of the Church. Canon 16 of the Synod of Antioch.
48. D One must not come into the priesthood or obtain the governance of a Church through the influence of secular rulers; for they are removed and excommunicated, and all who communicate with them likewise. Canon 30 of the Holy Apostles. Canon 12 of the Synod of Chalcedon. Canon 3 of the Seventh Synod.
49. One must not obtain the dignity of bishop or priest through money; for both he who is ordained and he who ordained him are cast down from their rank and cut off from the Church, like Simon Magus. Not only these, but also if any are found to be mediators in such matters. Canon 29 of the Holy Apostles.
A Canon 22 of the Council of Chalcedon. Canon 22 of the Sixth Council. Canon 5 of the Seventh Council. Epistola of Saint Tarasius. Canon 85 of Saint Basil. Epistola of Patriarch Gennadius. Chapter 2 of the Law.
50. That those who have been ordained in truth should not be ordained a second time; since they themselves and those who ordained them are deposed. Canon 68 of the Holy Apostles. Canon 48 of the Council of Carthage.
51. That a bishop should not, out of favor to a relative or friend, ordain whomsoever he wishes in his place. For he who does this is excommunicated; and such an ordination remains void. Canon 76 of the Holy Apostles. Canon 23 of the Council of Antioch.
52. That those from the Gentiles who are to be ordained must be examined for a suitable period after baptism, and thus be ordained. Those who do not do so are deposed. Canon 80 of the Holy Apostles. Canon 12 of the Council of Ancyra. Canon 2 of the Council of Nicaea. Canon 3 of Laodicea.
53. That no one should be ordained absolutely, unless he is specifically named for a church or monastery; for those who are ordained in such a manner are deposed. Canon 6 of the Council of Chalcedon.
54. That the property belonging to a cleric who has been advanced to the clergy from extreme poverty, and who has subsequently acquired farms or fields, shall be subject to the authority of the Church. Canon 37 of the Council of Carthage.
55. That one who is possessed by a demon should not be advanced to the clergy, nor pray with the faithful, nor frequently partake of the body of Christ, but only after a long interval, and then only if he does not blaspheme. When he has been cleansed of the demon, if he is otherwise worthy, let him be consecrated. Canon 79 of the Holy Apostles. Canon 3 of Saint Timothy.
D 56. That presbyters should not enter the sanctuary before the bishop; nor should deacons give communion to the priests, or partake of it before the bishop; for they are ministers of the bishop and lower than the presbyters. And for this reason it is not fitting for them to sit in the midst of the presbyters; and it is fitting that deacons be honored likewise by the rest of the clergy. Canon 18 of the Council of Nicaea. Canons 20 and 56 of the Council of Laodicea. Canon 7 of the Sixth Council.
57. That it is necessary to ask the emperor for advocates against the tyranny of a neighbor, by the choice of the bishops, on account of the oppression of the churches and the poor.
A Likewise, that one ought not to seize the land of a farmer because he is in debt. Synod of Carthage, canon 75 and 97. And law, chapter 21. 58. That clergy ought not to be clothed in garments of silk fabrics, or be anointed with ointment; for those who do this are excommunicated. B Synod VI, canon 27. Synod VII, canon 16. 59. That bishops and presbyters ought not to neglect the people subject to them, nor be absent from their own church for more than six months; for those who do so are deposed. Holy Apostles' canon 58. Synod of Carthage, canon 71, 121, and 123. Synod celebrated in the church of the Holy Apostles, canon 16. 60. That bishops and presbyters ought to provide the necessities of life to the needy among those subject to them; for those who do not do so are deposed. Holy Apostles' canon 59. 61. That chorepiscopi ought not to ordain a presbyter or deacon, but only subdeacons, readers, and exorcists; and that travelers [circuitores] ought to be appointed rather than chorepiscopi. C Synod of Ancyra, canon 13. Synod of Neocaesarea, canon 13. Synod of Antioch, canon 10. Synod of Laodicea, canon 57. St. Basil's canon 82. 62. That those who, on account of a barbarian incursion or other necessity and violence, cannot depart or be in their own churches, may reside and serve in other dioceses without prejudice, until their own church enjoys peace, to which they must then return even against their will. For if they do not depart, they are excommunicated; similarly also the bishops who detain them. Synod of Chalcedon, canon 20. Synod VI, canon 18 and 37. 63. That those who are sick unto death, and who are under excommunication, should be allowed to receive the body of the Lord; but if, after this has been done, they are recalled from death, they are again excommunicated. Synod of Nicaea, canon 13. St. Gregory of Nyssa's canon 5. 64. That in the time of the age of puberty, readers should be asked whether they wish to take wives, D or to profess continence. For after the ordination of a deacon, it is not permitted to enter into marriage. But if the bishop permits this, both he and the deacon are deposed; similarly also a presbyter. Synod of Carthage, canon 16. Synod VI, canon 6. And law, chapter 45 and 46. 65. That those who confess that they sinned before their ordination are to be deposed from office, remaining in the others [the lower orders], if they are upright; so that those who...
A have ordained them suffer no prejudice, unless they were complicit. Council of Nicaea, canons 9 and 10. Theophilus of Alexandria, canons 3 and 5.
66. That those who were complicit with the one who sinned, and did not confess, must be excommunicated; and that those in authority who are indulgent toward such persons are subject to the same judgment. Council of Ancyra, canon 25. Saint Gregory Thaumaturgus, canon 2. Saint Basil, canon 71.
67. That no one in holy orders or a monk may undertake secular offices, cares, or military service; otherwise, he is deposed and anathematized. Holy Apostles, canons 6, 81, and 83. Council of Chalcedon, canons 3, 4, and 7. Council of Carthage, canon 16. Seventh Council, canon 10. Council held in the Church of the Holy Apostles, canon 11. Legal chapter 33, 34, and 35.
68. That a priest may not attend the wedding feasts of those who marry a second time or act unlawfully. Council of Neocaesarea, canon 7. Holy Apostles, canon 11.
69. That the private property of a bishop must be clear, if he has any, which he may leave at his death to whomsoever he B wishes; for it is not permitted for the clergy to seize these things, otherwise they fall from their own ranks. Moreover, the property of the Church must be clear, which must be preserved intact for the Church, being known to the priests and deacons. And the Churches must not be required to pay what is exacted from other common men, except only for the building and repair of bridges. And a bishop may not sell anything belonging to the Church without great necessity, and then only with the knowledge of the primate of the province, that is, the greater high priest. Likewise, emphyteutic leases shall be made with his knowledge; and he who does not pay the emphyteutic canon for two years forfeits the emphyteutic lease entirely. C D Holy Apostles, canon 40. Council of Antioch, canon 24. Council of Chalcedon, canon 22. Council of Carthage, canons 25 and 33. Seventh Council, canon 19. Saint Cyril, canon 2. Legal chapter 13, 14, 15, 23, and 35.
70. That priests and deacons must do nothing without the consent of the bishop. Holy Apostles, canon 39. Council of Ancyra, canon 15. Council of Carthage, canon 33.
A 71. That the bishop must have authority over the souls subject to him and manage the affairs of the Church with the fear of God, and not misappropriate these, or bestow them upon his kinsmen, but dispense them for the needy, as one about to render an account for them to God. Nevertheless, he must distribute these through the presbyters and deacons by his own authority, having appointed one of them as steward, and not through his own blood relations. But if he himself does not wish to have a steward, it is permitted to the primate of the province to appoint a steward from all. The bishop himself must derive from these matters only what is necessary for himself and the brothers sojourning with him under the name of hospitality. Whoever does not observe these things will be answerable to the synod and subject to punishment; with license granted to any person who wishes, if he sees any of these being violated, to report it to the emperor. Holy Apostles, canons 38 and 41. Council of Antioch, canon 25. Council of Chalcedon, canon 26. Council VII, canon 11. Theophilus of Alexandria, canons 10 and 11. Saint Cyril, canon 2. Legal chapters 20, 60, and 61.
72. That cities honored by imperial letters with the status of a metropolis are to enjoy that honor; but the ancient metropolises existing in the same locations are B not to suffer any detriment to their own rights therefrom. Council of Chalcedon, canons 12 and 17. Council VI, canon 35.
73. That bishops who are unjustly driven out are to be received in other provinces and helped and supported in every way until the injury inflicted upon them has been redressed. Council of Sardica, canon 17.
74. That patriarchs must treat one another peacefully and be honored according to the rank assigned to them. And furthermore, metropolitans and bishops, too, must not do anything to those subject to their dioceses without their consent; nor may they themselves do anything without the consent of all. Holy Apostles, canon 34. Council of Nicaea, canons 6 and 7. Council of Antioch, canon 9. Council of Constantinople, canons 2 and 3. Council of Ephesus, canon 10. Council of Chalcedon, canons 8 and 28. Council of Carthage, canons 17, 39, 55, 86, and 101. Council VI, canons 36 and 39. Council celebrated in the Church of Holy Sophia, canon 1. Legal chapter 22.
75. That a cleric is not to be received in another diocese without the consent of his own bishop; otherwise C both the one who receives and the one who is received are excommunicated. If he persists in retaining him, let him also be deposed; nor shall one harbor one who has been excommunicated by another, if D
A perchance the one who excommunicated him has died. The Apostles’ canons 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, and 19. Council of Carthage, canon 90 and 54. Council VI, canon 19. Council VII, canon 10. Council held in the temple of Holy Sophia, canon 1.
76. That a bishop must not invade a diocese not subject to him, either entirely or for a time, even if he is urged by many, unless for a cause reasonable and acceptable; and this not of his own motion, but by the judgment of many bishops and the archbishop of the province. Neither shall he confer holy orders B in another's diocese without his consent; otherwise, both he and those whom he ordained shall be deposed. The Apostles’ canons 11, 34, and 35. Council of Constantinople, canon 5. Council of Ephesus, canon 10. Council of Chalcedon, canon 5. Council of Sardica, canon 1, 2, and 3. Council of Carthage, canon 48.
77. That a bishop must not teach in another city; if he is caught doing this, he is demoted from the rank of bishop to the rank of presbyter. Council of Sardica, canon 11 and 12. Council VI, canon 20.
78. That a bishop must not be tonsured and yet remain in the bishopric, nor build a private monastery from the revenues of the bishopric to the detriment C of the bishopric; otherwise, he is subjected to a penalty. Council held in the temple of the Holy Apostles, canon 7. Council held in the temple of Holy Sophia, canon 2.
79. That oratories built in fields and vineyards, as it were in memory of martyrs, must not be destroyed in any way. Sacred liturgical services are to be performed within the interior oratories, but only with the permission of the bishop of the region; it is not permitted to baptize in them, but rather in the catholic Churches. He who acts contrary to this, and the laity who communicate D with him, are excommunicated. Council of Carthage, canon 83. Council VI, canon 31 and 59. Council held in the temple of the Holy Apostles, canon 12.
80. That the archpriests must not demand from the clergy under them gold, silver, or any kind of goods, and for this reason excommunicate anyone or close the temple of God; otherwise, he is subject to the same penalty, that is, excommunication. Council VII, canon 4. And legal chapter 39.
81. That a metropolitan, or bishop, or presbyter, or cleric must not despise their own prel-
- ates, nor omit to include their names in the sacred liturgies; nor assemble a gathering because of a suspicion of some crime, before a synodal inquiry; nor separate themselves from their communion; nor craftily draw the people to themselves. For those who act in this way are tyrants; and for this reason they are deposed and anathematized, as well as all those who communicate with them, provided, of course, that no manifest heresy is being openly preached by them. [A] Holy Apostles' canon 8 and 51. Council of Gangra canon 6. Council of Antioch canon 5. Council of Carthage canon 10, 11, 53, 98, and 105. Council held in the temple of the Holy Apostles canon 13, 14, and 15.
82. That one must not strike, or imprison, or insult a bishop, or presbyter, or deacon, or king, or magistrate, on the pretext of some trouble caused by them, or disturb the Church while the sacred office is being celebrated. For those who do these things, if they are in holy orders, they are deposed; but if they are laymen, they are excommunicated, anathematized, fined, tortured, or even punished with death. Holy Apostles' canon 55, 56, and 84. Council of the Holy Wisdom canon 3. Legal chapter 34 and 74.
83. That no one of the priestly order ought to strike believers who have sinned, or commit injury upon unbelievers, neither by themselves nor through others; otherwise they are deposed. [C] Holy Apostles' canon 27. Council in the temple of the Holy Apostles canon 9. Legal chapter 40.
84. That he who receives the accounts must do so by the judgment of the local bishop; he must have authority to govern the penalties according to the penitence of the one approaching, whether imposing them more severely, or more humanely, or with greater moderation, according to the quality and quantity of the sins committed. And [all] that from the age of twelve [years] sins are judged; and furthermore, that one who turns from sin must be received. For he who does not receive such a one is deposed. [D] Holy Apostles' canon 52. Council of Nicaea canon 12. Council of Neocaesarea canon 3. Council of Gangra canon 21. Council of Laodicea canon 2. Council of Carthage canon 6, 7, 43, and 45. Council VI canon 107. St. Basil canon 3, 54, 74, and 84. St. Gregory of Nyssa's Prologue. St. Timothy the Apostle's canon 18.
85. That no one ought to approach the emperor without royal order or judgment, and the letter of the archbishop of the province; for he who
acts in this way is deposed and subjected to excommunication; for it is much more proper for him to make petitions and requests through his own clergy. A Synod of Antioch, canon 11 and 12. Synod of Constantinople, canon 6. Synod of Sardica, canon 7, 8, 9, and 21. Synod of Carthage, canon 106. And legal chapter 3.
86. That it is necessary at the proper time to request and summon the power of the rulers for aid and correction. Synod of Antioch, canon 5. Synod of Carthage, canon 48 and 53. Synod celebrated in the church of the Holy Apostles, canon 9. B
87. That one ought not, under the pretext of a counterfeited asceticism, to abandon one’s own [goods], nor should children abandon their own pious parents; since those who do this are anathematized. Synod of Gangra, canon 15, 16, and 21. And Synod of Carthage, canon 31.
88. That those who have been forced by the impious to accept polluted food into their mouths, and have endured torments, as if they had committed no sin, are to be received into communion and into the priesthood, if they are otherwise worthy, as having become confessors. Synod of Ancyra, canon 3. Of Saint Peter of Alexandria, canon 14. And of Saint Gregory Thaumaturgus, canon 1. C
89. That one ought not to pray or communicate with the excommunicated as if they were in communion; since he who receives one who is deposed or excommunicated as if he were not deposed and irreproachable, he himself is similarly punished by the canon as the other. But simply to receive such a person and to hold one who is deposed has no criminality; just as also to receive into communion one who is held on a charge but does not confess, and cannot be manifestly convicted, is blameless. Synod of the Holy Apostles, canon 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 28, and 31. Synod of Nicaea, canon 5. Synod of Neocaesarea, canon 9. Synod of Antioch, canon 2, 3, 4, 6. Synod of Sardica, canon 13, 19. Synod of Carthage, canon 9, 11, 132, and 133. Theophilus of Alexandria, canon 6. And legal chapter 39. D
90. That synods ought to be held at the appointed times, twice a year, or at least once, for the correction of those who have strayed; and that they do not take place without the metropolitans of the provinces; and that the provinces ought to be visited at the times of the synods. If they be hindered by the ruler, let the ruler be excommunicated; if they be hindered by the negligence of the metropolitan, he himself shall be subject to punishment. Synod of the Holy Apostles, canon 37.
A Synod of Nicaea, canon 5. Synod of Antioch, canon 20. Synod of Laodicea, canon 40. Synod of Chalcedon, canon 19. Synod of Carthage, canons 18, 52, 73, 76, 77, and 95. Synod VI, canon 8. Synod VII, canon 6.
91. A catechumen who has fallen away is to undergo penance for three years, and then he is to be instructed again and baptized. But if it happens that he falls ill unto death, let him be instructed and baptized, even within the three-year period. Likewise, a child who is being instructed is to be baptized if, through ignorance, he partakes [of the mysteries]. Synod of Nicaea, canon 14. Synod of Neocaesarea, canon 5. Saint Timothy, canon 1. Saint Cyril, canon 7.
92. That it is not necessary to seek the judgment of public matters or courts from the emperor; but those who are ordained must seek the judgments of bishops. For if they do not do so, they are deposed. Synod of Carthage, canons 104 and 120.
93. That it is not necessary for anyone to say that Adam was made by God as a mortal; for he who says this is subject to anathema. Synod of Carthage, canon 109.
94. That it is not necessary at the same time to depose and excommunicate an ordained person for committing a fault; but it is sufficient to be content with perpetual deposition alone. Sanctorum Apostolorum canon 25. Synod of Carthage, canon 27. Saint Basil, canons 3, 32 and 51.
95. A presbyter who for crimes has been cast out of rank is to be demoted to the rank of a cleric, and to remain without advancement, if indeed he ceases from his evil; likewise a reader, if he had intercourse with his betrothed before marriage; but if even before betrothal, he is wholly deposed. Synod of Neocaesarea, canons 9 and 10. Synod VI, canon 21. Saint Basil, canon 69.
96. That an accused bishop who is summoned must appear within two months; for if he does not appear, a sentence of excommunication is passed against him. Heretics are not received for accusation, nor even one of the faithful, unless perhaps he has some personal legal claim at issue. Nor is one who is excommunicated receivable for accusation, nor one who is defamed, nor a slave, nor a man’s own freedman, nor one cut off from the Church, nor one who has previously lied in another accusation, nor one under the age of fourteen years. And an accusation is not to be received before they have confessed in writing that they will undergo the same trial [themselves]. And [it is established] that bishops are to be judged by their own bishops; and if all the bishops within the province agree on the decision of the case, they are not challenged; but if it happens that they disagree, it is permitted to the metropolitan of the region... D
to summon from another province the judges, together with the local bishops, or to appeal to a larger synod. And that a cleric who has been accused of a crime and has become excommunicated will not have the license, after the completion of one year, to clear himself of the charge; and that the thirty-year or forty-year period closes commercial lawsuits. A
Canons 74 and 75 of the Holy Apostles. Canons 12, 14, and 15 of the Synod of Antioch. Canon 6 of the Synod of Constantinople. Canons 9, 17, and 21 of the Synod of Chalcedon. Canons 3, 4, and 5 of the Synod of Sardica. Canons 8, 12, 14, 15, 19, 20, 28, 29, 30, 59, 62, 65, 77, 79, 87, 88, 96, 100, 107, 121, 122, 125, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 134, and 138 of the Synod of Carthage. A decree enacted in Constantinople concerning... and charity. Canon 25 of the VI Synod. Canons 4, 6, 7, and 9 of Theophilus. Canon 1 of Saint Cyril. And legal chapters 12, 18, 24, 31, 44, 52, 53, 54, 55, 60, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70, and 78.
97. That the ordination of a bishop should not be delayed by metropolitans without great necessity due to negligence; nor should the metropolitan take away or misappropriate the assets and the church widowed of its pastor, but rather all things should be kept safe by the steward of that same church. B Canon 25 of the Synod of Chalcedon. Canons 74 and 78 of the Synod of Carthage. Canon 35 of the VI Synod.
98. That no conspiracies, disturbances, tumults, or disorder should be made by clerics or monks; otherwise they fall entirely from their own rank and are excommunicated. Canon 5 of the Synod of Antioch. Canon 4 of the Synod of Constantinople. Canon 4 of the Synod of Chalcedon. Canon 53 of the Synod of Carthage. Canon 34 of the VI Synod. C Canon 9 of the Synod celebrated in the temple of the Holy Apostles.
99. That no one of those who are initiated into the sacred orders should travel without canonical, peaceable, or commendatory letters; and that those who bring them are to be examined. For those who receive them otherwise are deposed and excommunicated. Canons 12 and 33 of the Holy Apostles. Canons 7 and 8 of the Synod of Antioch. Canons 41 and 42 of the Synod of Laodicea. Canons 11 and 13 of the Synod of Chalcedon. D Canon 9 of the Synod of Sardica. Canons 23, 85, and 106 of the Synod of Carthage. Canon 17 of the IV Synod. (Note: The Greek text here reads ς', "VI", but the Latin text refers to the IV; the manuscript tradition varies here). Legal chapter 3.
B 100. It is not fitting for a bishop, out of pusillanimity or contentiousness, to demote anyone from their rank. But if this should happen, it is permitted to approach the metropolitan and the neighboring bishops against him; and if he is found to have excommunicated the person unjustly, the one who excommunicated him shall himself be excommunicated. And even if one be unjustly excommunicated, one ought not to claim communion for oneself before the matter has been examined. Synod of Nicaea, canon 5. Synod of Antioch, canon 6. Synod of Sardica, canon 14. Synod of Carthage, canon 134. Legal chapter 39.
101. That the resignations of bishops are to be accepted, and others ordained in their stead, provided they are offering their resignations voluntarily; these individuals shall retain the honor and office of their high priesthood. But if these occur not of their own volition, but through some contingency or fear, these are not to be accepted; and a removed bishop is not to be demoted to the rank of presbyter. Synod of Ephesus, canon 11. Synod of Chalcedon, canon 29. Synod held in the Church of the Holy Apostles, canon 16. Saint Cyril, canon 3.
102. It is not fitting for anyone in holy orders to have a subintroducta woman; nor is it permitted, even after ordination, for a bishop to live with his own wife, or for a woman at all to stay in the episcopal house, for he is deposed if he does; nor, moreover, may he have a eunuch as a subintroductus, for he is excommunicated if he is a layman; if, however, he is in holy orders, he too is deposed. Synod of Nicaea, canon 3. Synod of Ancyra, canon 19. Synod of the VI, canon 19 and 48. Synod of the VII, canon 18. Saint Basil, canon 87. Legal chapter 5, 71, 72.
103. That a monastery, or another holy house, or a hospital is not to be built without the permission of the bishop of the region and his counsel and consent, even if it be requested by will that some such thing be done for the sake of the soul; moreover, monks dwelling within his diocese D ought to obey him, naturally in spiritual matters. And that thirty or forty years sets a limit to pecuniary lawsuits. And that monasteries once consecrated may not become secular lodgings; and that the superior must appoint an administrator in his monastery; but if he refuses to do so, the bishop shall do it, in the event of his disobedience. Nor may a monastery be leased at all to any secular men; for whoever does this is subjected to canonical penalties. And that a double monastery of men and women is not to be established; and that women are not to reside in a monastery of men. And that nothing pertaining to the monastery is to be alienated, nor are any renunciations to be given or received; since he who does this, whether superior, or bishop, or anyone engaged in a sacred [rest of page missing in original, see next page for continuation]
A order, is deposed. But if the superior is disobedient, he is cast out of the superiorship: unless he brings something of his own from his own purpose; for this is unaccountable. And that the superior may make a reader in his own monastery, if he is a priest, and has the seal of the superior from the bishop. From which it is evident that superiors are created who are not priests, and unsigned by bishops. Nor can a superior give anything belonging to the monastery in emphyteusis, without the consent of the primate in the province; and that he who does not pay the emphyteutic canon, falls away entirely from the emphyteusis. Synod of Chalcedon, canon 4 and 8. Synod VI, canon 48. Synod VII, canons 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, and 20. Synod in the temple of the Holy Apostles, canon 1. And legal chapter 6, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 24, 25, 26, 27, 35, 49, 54, 55, 56, 60, 61, 63, 65, 67, 68, 69.
104. That he who is renouncing the world, and becoming a monk, must not be less than ten years of age; nor shall he be hindered in any way by any person or man from doing this. Nor shall he have license to go out of the monastery, without the consent of his superior; nor to migrate from his monastery to another: since both he and he who receives him are excommunicated. B And indeed monks ought not to have anything of their own; but all things, whatever may appertain to them, belong to the monastery. And neither shall a father hold those things which appertain to his son, who chooses to live a solitary life. And that a superior is not to be chosen entirely according to rank, but according to virtue. Synod of Carthage, canon 80. Synod VI, canons 40 and 46. Synod VII, canon 21. C Synod in the temple of the Holy Apostles, canons 3, 4, 6. And legal chapter 9, 10, 11, 76, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, 84.
105. That sacred virgins ought not to be unguarded; nor should anyone go to converse with them haphazardly; and that they ought not to have anything of their own; since he who does so is excommunicated. D Synod of Carthage, canons 38 and 44. Synod VI, canon 46. Synod VII, canon 22. Synod in the temple of the Holy Apostles, canon 6.
106. That no one ought to be tonsured without the presence of those to whom he is about to be subject, who are to receive him: for he who does not do this is deposed. And that a perfect monk, that is to say, one wearing the great habit, ought not to be tonsured within three years, unless a serious malady has occurred, threatening death; or unless anyone is a pious man, and testified to by reason of his reputation, and their
six-month time suffices for tonsure. The superior who acts contrary to these things is cast out of his superiorate. A Synod in the Temple of the Holy Apostles, canon 2 and 5. Legis caput 7 and 77. 107. Those who are about to enter into solitary confinement must first dwell in a monastery and be in perfect obedience for three years, then be tested by the bishop of the region for another year, and if indeed he remains in this good intention, to enclose him; but it is not possible for him thereafter to depart from the cloister in any way without the consent of the bishop. Also, those who have put on a habit becoming to a solitary and have shorn their heads are not permitted to wander through the city; but if they wish to be with men, they must enter a monastery of pious men and live after their manner; but if not, they are to be driven out of the cities by all means and compelled to dwell in the deserts. B Synod VI canon 41 and 42. 108. Monks or virgins dedicated to God must not enter into marriage, nor be seized by anyone, nor be corrupted; otherwise the marriage is dissolved, and they themselves undergo punishment for seven years; but if they are in holy orders, they are also deposed. If he is a perfect monk wearing the great habit, he is punished for fifteen years; but by the law he is punished with capital punishment. Synod of Ancyra canon 19. Synod of Chalcedon canon 6. Synod VI canon 4 and 44. Saint Basil canon 6, 18, and 60. Legis caput 85 and 86. 109. Virgins must not, unless by necessity, obtain the holy habit of nuns within twenty-five years of age; nor in the meantime, while they are to be shorn, should they be adorned with variegated garments, nor should they go out of the monastery without the consent of the superioress, and only then with virtuous older women; and they must not sleep outside the monastery at all, or else they are segregated; likewise also if they move from monastery to monastery. D Synod of Carthage canon 126. Synod VI canon 46 and 45. Synod VII canon 21. Saint Basil canon 17. 110. A woman must not sleep in a men's monastery, nor a man in a women's; otherwise he is segregated. Nor is a woman to be ordained as a deaconess before forty years of age, and this with accurate probation; and if after this she enters into marriage, both she and the one joined to her are anathematized. Synod of Chalcedon canon 15. Synod VI canon 14, 40, 47, 48. Saint Basil canon 24 and 45. Legis caput 5, 43 and 73.