Canon LXXIII.
Since the life-giving cross has shewn to us Salvation, we should be careful that we render due honour to that by which we were saved from the ancient fall. Wherefore, in mind, in word, in feeling giving veneration (proskunesin) to it, we command that the figure of the cross, which some have placed on the floor, be entirely removed therefrom, lest the trophy of the victory won for us be desecrated by the trampling under foot of those who walk over it. Therefore those who from this present represent on the pavement the sign of the cross, we decree are to be cut off.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon LXXIII.
If there is a cross upon a pavement it must be removed.
This canon defines that to the image of the cross is to be "given veneration (proskunesis) of the intellect, of the words, and of the sense," i.e., the cross is to be venerated with the interior cultus of the soul, is to be venerated with the exterior culture of praise, and also with sensible acts, such as kissings, bowings, etc.
Canon LXXIV.
It is not permitted to hold what are called Agapæ, that is love-feasts, in the Lord's houses or churches, nor to eat within the house, nor to spread couches. If any dare to do so let him cease therefrom or be cut off.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon LXXIV.
Agapæ are not to be held in the churches, nor shall beds be put up. Whoso refuse to give up these, let them be cut off.
This is a renewal of canon xxviij., of Laodicea, on which canon see the notes.
Canon LXXV.
We will that those whose office it is to sing in the churches do not use undisciplined vociferations, nor force nature to shouting, nor adopt any of those modes which are incongruous and unsuitable for the church: but that they offer the psalmody to God, who is the observer of secrets, with great attention and compunction. For the Sacred Oracle taught that the Sons of Israel were to be pious. [382]
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon LXXV.
Inordinate vociferation of the psalms is not allowed, nor he that adopts things unsuited to the churches.
This question of the character of church-music was one early discussed among Christians, and (long before the time of this synod), St. Augustine, in debating as to whether the chanting or the reading of the psalter was the more edifying, concludes, "when the psalms are chanted with a voice and most suitable modulation (liquida voce et convenientissima modulatione), I recognize that there is great utility in the practice," and further on he adds that singing is to be the rather approved, because "by the delight given to the ears the infirm soul is worked up to pious aspirations." (Confess. Lib. x., cap. xxxiij.).
[382] The Latin adds, "and holy."
Canon LXXVI.
It is not right that those who are responsible for reverence to churches should place within the sacred bounds an eating place, nor offer food there, nor make other sales. For God our Saviour teaching us when he was tabernacling in the flesh commanded not to make his Father's house a house of merchandize. He also poured out the small coins of the money-changers, and drave out all those who made common the temple. If, therefore, anyone shall be taken in the aforesaid fault let him be cut off.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon LXXVI.
A public house should not be established within the sacred precincts; and it is wrong to sell food there; and whosoever shall do so shall be cut off.
Both Balsamon and Zonaras remark that this canon refers to the vestibule of the church and to the rest of the sacred inclosure, and not to the interior of the church proper, for there no one would ever think of having a shop.
Canon LXXVII.
It is not right that those who are dedicated to religion, whether clerics or ascetics, [383] should wash in the bath with women, nor should any Christian man or layman do so. For this is severely condemned by the heathens. But if any one is caught in this thing, if he is a cleric let him be deposed; if a layman, let him be cut off.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon LXXVII.
A Christian man shall not bathe with women. Should a cleric do so he is to be deposed, and a layman cut off.
This is a renewal of the XXX^th canon of Laodicea. It will be noted, as Zonaras remarks, that the monks must be counted among the laymen who are to be cut off, since they have no clerical character or tonsure.
[383] The Latin adds "that is to say Exercisers,' (Exercitatores) or monks."