Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series • VOLUME 14
The Seven Ecumenical Councils
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A SELECT LIBRARY
Title: NPNF2-14. The Seven Ecumenical Councils Creator(s): Schaff, Philip (1819-1893) (Editor) Print Basis: Edinburgh: T&T Clark Rights: Public Domain CCEL Subjects: All; Early Church; Symbols; Proofed LC Call no: BR60 .S4 LC Subjects: Christianity Early Christian Literature. Fathers of the Church, etc. A SELECT LIBRARY OF T…
2,261 wordsSECTION 2The Epitome must indeed be much older, for Nicholas Hydruntinus, who lived in the times of Alexis Angelus, when intending to quote one of th
The Epitome must indeed be much older, for Nicholas Hydruntinus, who lived in the times of Alexis Angelus, when intending to quote one of the canons of Ephesus, actually quotes words which are not in that canon, but which are in the Epitome. "Wherefore," says Beveridge, "it is manifest that the Epitome is here cited, and that un…
2,410 wordsSECTION 3[3] Vide Vasquez, P. III., Disp. 181, c. 9; Bellarmin., De Concil., Lib. II., cap. xvij.; Veron, Rule of the Cath. Faith, Chap. I., §§ 4, 5,
[3] Vide Vasquez, P. III., Disp. 181, c. 9; Bellarmin., De Concil., Lib. II., cap. xvij.; Veron, Rule of the Cath. Faith, Chap. I., §§ 4, 5, and 6. [4] See Hefele's answer to Baronius's special pleading. Hist. Councils, Vol. I., pp. 9, 10. [5] It should be stated that at the Sixth Synod it was said that I. Nice was "summoned b…
2,223 wordsSECTION 4In 1538, the Belgian Franciscan Peter Crabbe (Pierre Grable) issued at Cologne an enlarged collection in two volumes, and the second edition
In 1538, the Belgian Franciscan Peter Crabbe (Pierre Grable) issued at Cologne an enlarged collection in two volumes, and the second edition in 1551 was enlarged to three folio volumes. Besides these, there was Lawrence Surius's still more complete collection, published in 1557 (4 vols. folio), and the Venice collection compiled…
2,398 wordsSECTION 5(3) "Kniga pravil" nicut' ne predstavljaet avtorizovannago textus receptus, i posle eja izdanija sam Sv. Sinod ne redko privodil v svoih uka
(3) "Kniga pravil" nicut' ne predstavljaet avtorizovannago textus receptus, i posle eja izdanija sam Sv. Sinod ne redko privodil v svoih ukazah pravila po slavjanskoj redakcii "Kormcej knigi," a potom rekomendoval Afinskoe izdanie "Sintagmy" dlja vseh duhovno-ucebnyh zavedenij. Eto otkryvalo mesto dlja novoj obrabotki, kotoraja …
2,272 wordsSECTION 6From the outline here presented of the printed editions of the Canons of the Councils, it will be seen that, within the limits of their prac
From the outline here presented of the printed editions of the Canons of the Councils, it will be seen that, within the limits of their practical applicability, they are reverenced as the source of the operative law in the Russian orthodox church, and therefore for her it is only the authoritative Byzantine commentaries which ha…
2,372 wordsSECTION 7"The Basilian revival of Justinianean law was permanent; and it is outside our purpose to follow the history further, except to note the imp
"The Basilian revival of Justinianean law was permanent; and it is outside our purpose to follow the history further, except to note the importance of the foundation of a school of law at Constantinople in the 11th century by the Emperor Constantine IX. The law enacting the institution of this school, under the direction of a sa…
2,273 wordsSECTION 8"This great work is divided into three parts. The first part, in 101 Distinctions,' treats of ecclesiastical law, its origin, principles, an
"This great work is divided into three parts. The first part, in 101 Distinctions,' treats of ecclesiastical law, its origin, principles, and authority, and then of the different ranks and duties of the clergy. The second part, in thirty-six Causes,' treats of ecclesiastical courts and their forms of procedure. The third part, u…
2,395 wordsSECTION 9The word homousios had not had, although frequently used before the Council of Nice, a very happy history. It was probably rejected by the C
The word homousios had not had, although frequently used before the Council of Nice, a very happy history. It was probably rejected by the Council of Antioch, [54] and was suspected of being open to a Sabellian meaning. It was accepted by the heretic Paul of Samosata and this rendered it very offensive to many in the Asiatic Chu…
2,407 wordsSECTION 10Canon I.
The Canons of the 318 Holy Fathers Assembled in the City of Nice, in Bithynia. Canon I. If any one in sickness has been subjected by physicians to a surgical operation, or if he has been castrated by barbarians, let him remain among the clergy; but, if any one in sound health has castrated himself, it behoves that such an one,…
1,595 wordsSECTION 11Canon II.
Canon II. Forasmuch as, either from necessity, or through the urgency of individuals, many things have been done contrary to the Ecclesiastical canon, so that men just converted from heathenism to the faith, and who have been instructed but a little while, are straightway brought to the spiritual laver, and as soon as they have…
719 wordsSECTION 12Canon III.
Canon III. The great Synod has stringently forbidden any bishop, presbyter, deacon, or any one of the clergy whatever, to have a subintroducta dwelling with him, except only a mother, or sister, or aunt, or such persons only as are beyond all suspicion. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon III. No one shall have a woman in his ho…
1,273 wordsSECTION 13Canon V.
Canon V. Concerning those, whether of the clergy or of the laity, who have been excommunicated in the several provinces, let the provision of the canon be observed by the bishops which provides that persons cast out by some be not readmitted by others. Nevertheless, inquiry should be made whether they have been excommunicated t…
1,517 wordsSECTION 14Canon VI.
Canon VI. Let the ancient customs in Egypt, Libya and Pentapolis prevail, that the Bishop of Alexandria have jurisdiction in all these, since the like is customary for the Bishop of Rome also. Likewise in Antioch and the other provinces, let the Churches retain their privileges. And this is to be universally understood, that if…
1,778 wordsSECTION 15Canon VII.
Canon VII. Since custom and ancient tradition have prevailed that the Bishop of Ælia [i.e., Jerusalem] should be honoured, let him, saving its due dignity to the Metropolis, have the next place of honour. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon VII. Let the Bishop of Ælia be honoured, the rights of the Metropolis being preserved int…
1,595 wordsSECTION 16Canon VIII.
Canon VIII. Concerning those who call themselves Cathari, if they come over to the Catholic and Apostolic Church, the great and holy Synod decrees that they who are ordained shall continue as they are in the clergy. But it is before all things necessary that they should profess in writing that they will observe and follow the d…
2,330 wordsSECTION 17Canon IX.
But the Council of Ancyra does furnish a difficulty, for the text seems to permit chorepiscopi to ordain priests. But the Greek text must be corrected by the ancient Latin versions. The letter attributed to pope Nicholas, a.d. 864, must be considered a forgery since he recognises the chorepiscopi as real bishops. If Harmenopulu…
882 wordsSECTION 18Canon XI.
Canon XI. Concerning those who have fallen without compulsion, without the spoiling of their property, without danger or the like, as happened during the tyranny of Licinius, the Synod declares that, though they have deserved no clemency, they shall be dealt with mercifully. As many as were communicants, if they heartily repent…
2,025 wordsSECTION 19Canon XII.
Canon XII. As many as were called by grace, and displayed the first zeal, having cast aside their military girdles, but afterwards returned, like dogs, to their own vomit, (so that some spent money and by means of gifts regained their military stations); let these, after they have passed the space of three years as hearers, be …
1,464 wordsSECTION 20Canon XIII.
Canon XIII. Concerning the departing, the ancient canonical law is still to be maintained, to wit, that, if any man be at the point of death, he must not be deprived of the last and most indispensable Viaticum. But, if any one should be restored to health again who has received the communion when his life was despaired of, let …
1,550 wordsSECTION 21Canon XIV.
Canon XIV. Concerning catechumens who have lapsed, the holy and great Synod has decreed that, after they have passed three years only as hearers, they shall pray with the catechumens. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon XIV. If any of the catechumens shall have fallen for three years he shall be a hearer only, and then let him p…
2,298 wordsSECTION 22Canon XVI.
[86] Athanas. Apol. ij. [87] Sozom. H. E. I. 2. [88] By no one has this whole matter of the translation of bishops been more carefully and thoroughly treated than by Thomassinus, and in what follows I shall use his discussion as a thesaurus of facts. The title of his book is Ancienne et Nouvelle Discipline de l'Église (there i…
700 wordsSECTION 23Canon XVII.
Canon XVII. Forasmuch as many enrolled among the Clergy, following covetousness and lust of gain, have forgotten the divine Scripture, which says, "He hath not given his money upon usury," and in lending money ask the hundredth of the sum [as monthly interest], the holy and great Synod thinks it just that if after this decree a…
1,877 wordsSECTION 24Canon XVIII.
Canon XVIII. It has come to the knowledge of the holy and great Synod that, in some districts and cities, the deacons administer the Eucharist to the presbyters, whereas neither canon nor custom permits that they who have no right to offer should give the Body of Christ to them that do offer. And this also has been made known, …
981 wordsSECTION 25Canon XIX.
Canon XIX. Concerning the Paulianists who have flown for refuge to the Catholic Church, it has been decreed that they must by all means be rebaptized; and if any of them who in past time have been numbered among their clergy should be found blameless and without reproach, let them be rebaptized and ordained by the Bishop of the…
1,740 wordsSECTION 26Canon XX.
Canon XX. Forasmuch as there are certain persons who kneel on the Lord's Day and in the days of Pentecost, therefore, to the intent that all things may be uniformly observed everywhere (in every parish), it seems good to the holy Synod that prayer be made to God standing. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon XX. On Lord's days an…
2,223 wordsSECTION 27Canon I. [109]
g. The Latin canonists of the Middle Ages also acknowledge only these twenty canons of Nicæa. We have proof of this in the celebrated Spanish collection, which is generally but erroneously attributed to St. Isidore (it was composed at the commencement of the seventh century), and in that of Adrian (so called because it was offer…
715 wordsSECTION 28Canon XIV.
Canon XIV. No one shall become a monk without the bishop's license, and why a license is required. Canon XV. That clerics or religious who lend on usury should be cast from their grade. Canon XVI. Of the honour to be paid to the bishop and to a presbyter by the deacons. Canon XVII. Of the system and of the manner of recei…
1,060 wordsSECTION 29Canon XL.
Canon XL. Of the provincial synod which should be held twice every year, and of its utility; together with the excommunication of such as oppose the decree. Canon XLI. Of the synod of Archbishops, which meets once a year with the Patriarch, and of its utility; also of the collection to be made for the support of the patriarch…
1,202 wordsSECTION 30Canon LXVII.
Canon LXVII. Of having two wives at the same time, and of a woman who is one of the faithful marrying an infidel; and of the form of receiving her to penance. [Her reception back is conditioned upon her leaving the infidel man.] Canon LXVIII. Of giving in marriage to an infidel a daughter or sister without her knowledge and …
2,220 wordsSECTION 31The Synodal Letter.
The Synodal Letter. (Found in Gelasius, Historia Concilii Nicæni, lib. II, cap. xxxiii.; Socr., H. E., lib. I., cap. 6; Theodor., H. E., Lib. I., cap. 9.) To the Church of Alexandria, by the grace of God, holy and great; and to our well-beloved brethren, the orthodox clergy and laity throughout Egypt, and Pentapolis, and Lybia…
2,354 wordsSECTION 32Upon an invitation from Rome, S. Ambrose also mentioned the period of this same Easter in 387, in his letter to the bishops of Æmilia, and h
Upon an invitation from Rome, S. Ambrose also mentioned the period of this same Easter in 387, in his letter to the bishops of Æmilia, and he sides with the Alexandrian computation. Cyril of Alexandria abridged the paschal table of his uncle Theophilus, and fixed the time for the ninety-five following Easters--that is, from 436 …
2,199 wordsSECTION 33Canon I.
Canon I. With regard to those presbyters who have offered sacrifices and afterwards returned to the conflict, not with hypocrisy, but in sincerity, it has seemed good that they may retain the honour of their chair; provided they had not used management, arrangement, or persuasion, so as to appear to be subjected to the torture,…
1,053 wordsSECTION 34Canon IV.
Canon IV. Concerning those who have been forced to sacrifice, and who, in addition, have partaken of feasts in honour of the idols; as many as were haled away, but afterwards went up with a cheerful countenance, and wore their costliest apparel, and partook with indifference of the feast provided; it is decreed that all such be…
777 wordsSECTION 35Canon VII.
Canon VII. Concerning those who have partaken at a heathen feast in a place appointed for heathens, but who have brought and eaten their own meats, it is decreed that they be received after they have been prostrators two years; but whether with oblation, every bishop must determine after he has made examination into the rest of…
1,081 wordsSECTION 36Canon XI.
Canon XI. It is decreed that virgins who have been betrothed, and who have afterwards been carried off by others, shall be restored to those to whom they had formerly been betrothed, even though they may have suffered violence from the ravisher. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon XI. If a young girl who is engaged be stolen awa…
731 wordsSECTION 37Canon XIV.
Canon XIV. It is decreed that among the clergy, presbyters and deacons who abstain from flesh shall taste of it, and afterwards, if they shall so please, may abstain. But if they disdain it, and will not even eat herbs served with flesh, but disobey the canon, let them be removed from their order. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Ca…
737 wordsSECTION 38Canon XVII.
Canon XVII. Defilers of themselves with beasts, being also leprous, who have infected others [with the leprosy of this crime], the holy Synod commands to pray among the hiemantes. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon XVII. A leper who goes in to a beast or even to leprous women, shall pray with the hybernantes. Leprosantas is fr…
1,561 wordsSECTION 39Canon XX.
Canon XX. If the wife of anyone has committed adultery or if any man commit adultery it seems fit that he shall be restored to full communion after seven years passed in the prescribed degrees [of penance]. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon XX. An adulteress and an adulterer are to be cut off for seven years. Hefele. The sim…
779 wordsSECTION 40Canon XXIV.
Canon XXIV. They who practice divination, and follow the customs of the heathen, or who take men to their houses for the invention of sorceries, or for lustrations, fall under the canon of five years' [penance], according to the prescribed degrees; that is, three years as prostrators, and two of prayer without oblation. Notes.…
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Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.