Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series • VOLUME 14
The Seven Ecumenical Councils
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No doubt to these, given in Palmer, who has made much use of Lannoy, others could be added; but they are enough to shew that the council was
No doubt to these, given in Palmer, who has made much use of Lannoy, others could be added; but they are enough to shew that the council was very little known, and that none of these writers had ever seen its acts. Sir William is of opinion that by what precedes in his book he has "proved that for at least five centuries and a …
2,654 wordsSECTION 242We have had Constantine, beloved in Christ, most holy Bishop of Leontina in our beloved Sicily, with whom your paternal blessedness is well
We have had Constantine, beloved in Christ, most holy Bishop of Leontina in our beloved Sicily, with whom your paternal blessedness is well acquainted, into our presence; and, having spoken with him face to face, have sent him with this our present venerable jussio to you. Whom, after that he hath seen you, forthwith dismiss, th…
2,203 wordsSECTION 243And receiving their holy and honourable reliques with all honour (times), I salute and venerate these with honour (timetikos proskuneo), hop
And receiving their holy and honourable reliques with all honour (times), I salute and venerate these with honour (timetikos proskuneo), hoping to have a share in their holiness. Likewise also the venerable images (eikonas) of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the humanity he assumed for our salvation; and of our spot…
2,228 wordsSECTION 244[As read in Greek to the Council.]
[As read in Greek to the Council.] (Migne, Pat. Lat., Tom. XCVI., col. 1218.) If the ancient orthodoxy be perfected and restored by your means in those regions, and the venerable icons be placed in their original state, you will be partakers with the Lord Constantine, Emperor of old, now in the Divine keeping, and the Empress …
2,255 wordsSECTION 245[After a number of other quotations, was read the Canon of the Council in Trullo as a canon of the Sixth Synod (col. 233).]
[After a number of other quotations, was read the Canon of the Council in Trullo as a canon of the Sixth Synod (col. 233).] Tarasius, the most holy Patriarch said: There are certain affected with the sickness of ignorance who are scandalized by these canons [viz. of the Trullan Synod] and say, And do you really think they were …
2,205 wordsSECTION 246Wherefore we thought it right, to shew forth with all accuracy, in our present definition the error of such as make and venerate these, for
Wherefore we thought it right, to shew forth with all accuracy, in our present definition the error of such as make and venerate these, for it is the unanimous doctrine of all the holy Fathers and of the six Ecumenical Synods, that no one may imagine any kind of separation or mingling in opposition to the unsearchable, unspeakab…
2,202 wordsSECTION 247[530] In this epitome of the verbose definition of the council, I have followed for the most part Hefele. (Hist. of the Councils, Vol. V., p
[530] In this epitome of the verbose definition of the council, I have followed for the most part Hefele. (Hist. of the Councils, Vol. V., p. 309 et seqq.) [531] Now four years old. [532] These are Hefele's words. [533] These are Hefele's words. [534] These are not given in full but are sufficient to give the true gist. Exc…
2,293 wordsSECTION 248To make our confession short, we keep unchanged all the ecclesiastical traditions handed down to us, whether in writing or verbally, one of
To make our confession short, we keep unchanged all the ecclesiastical traditions handed down to us, whether in writing or verbally, one of which is the making of pictorial representations, agreeable to the history of the preaching of the Gospel, a tradition useful in many respects, but especially in this, that so the incarnatio…
2,223 wordsSECTION 249Question IV.
Question IV. In what Manner we may beseech the Saints to have mercy on us. We may, however, also ask the saints themselves to have mercy on us, for they are most merciful; but we do so on a different principle, for we may beseech them that, touched with the misery of our condition, they would interpose, in our behalf, their fa…
1,333 wordsSECTION 250Canon I.
Canon I. That the sacred Canons are in all things to be observed. The pattern for those who have received the sacerdotal dignity is found in the testimonies and instructions laid down in the canonical constitutions, which we receiving with a glad mind, sing unto the Lord God in the words of the God-inspired David, saying: "I h…
880 wordsSECTION 251Canon II.
Canon II. That he who is to be ordained a Bishop must be steadfastly resolved to observe the canons, otherwise he shall not be ordained. When we recite the psalter, we promise God: "I will meditate upon thy statutes, and will not forget thy words." It is a salutary thing for all Christians to observe this, but it is especially…
930 wordsSECTION 252Canon xxix. of those commonly called Apostolic, and canon iv. of Nice are renewed in this canon.
Canon xxix. of those commonly called Apostolic, and canon iv. of Nice are renewed in this canon. From the words of this canon it is sufficiently clear that in this canon the synod is treating of the choice and intrusion of persons into ecclesiastical offices which the magistrates and Princes had arrogated to themselves under th…
846 wordsSECTION 253Canon V.
Canon V. That they who cast contumely upon clerics because they have been ordained in the church without bringing a gift with them, are to be published with a fine. It is a sin unto death when men incorrigibly continue in their sin, but they sin more deeply, who proudly lifting themselves up oppose piety and sincerity, account…
1,139 wordsSECTION 254Canon VII.
Canon VII. That to churches consecrated without any deposit of the reliques of the Saints, the defect should be made good. Paul the divine Apostle says: "The sins of some are open beforehand, and some they follow after." These are their primary sins, and other sins follow these. Accordingly upon the heels of the heresy of the …
726 wordsSECTION 255Canon IX.
Canon IX. That none of the books containing the heresy of the traducers of the Christians are to be hid. All the childish devices and mad ravings which have been falsely written against the venerable images, must be delivered up to the Episcopium of Constantinople, that they may be locked away with other heretical books. And i…
990 wordsSECTION 256Canon XII.
Canon XII. That a Bishop or Hegumenos ought not to alienate any part of the suburban estate of the church. If bishop or hegumenos is found alienating any part of the farm lands of the bishoprick or monastery into the hands of secular princes, or surrendering them to any other person, such act is null according to the canon of …
873 wordsSECTION 257Canon XIV.
Canon XIV. That no one without ordination ought to read in the ambo during the synaxis. That there is a certain order established in the priesthood is very evident to all, and to guard diligently the promotions of the priesthood is well pleasing to God. Since therefore we see certain youths who have received the clerical tonsu…
855 wordsSECTION 258Canon XVI.
Canon XVI. That it does not become one in holy orders to be clad in costly apparel. All buffoonery and decking of the body ill becomes the priestly rank. Therefore those bishops and clerics who array themselves in gay and showy clothing ought to correct themselves, and if they do not amend they ought to be subjected to punishm…
1,011 wordsSECTION 259Canon XIX.
Canon XIX. That the vows of those in holy orders and of monks, and of nuns are to be made without the exaction of gifts. The abomination of filthy lucre has made such inroads among the rulers of the churches, that certain of those who call themselves religious men and women, forgetting the commandments of the Lord have been al…
1,098 wordsSECTION 260Canon XXI.
Canon XXI. That monks are not to leave their monasteries and go into others. A monk or nun ought not to leave the monastery to which he or she is attached, and betake themselves to others. But if one do this, he ought to be received as a guest. It is not however proper that he be made a member of the monastery, without the con…
2,571 wordsSECTION 261Now who of those rightly and sincerely understanding the Divine Scriptures, has ever supposed that these examples which we have cited speak
Now who of those rightly and sincerely understanding the Divine Scriptures, has ever supposed that these examples which we have cited speak of the worship in spirit (tes en pneumati latreias)? [Certainly no one has ever thought so] except perhaps some persons utterly bereft of sense and ignorant of all knowledge of the Scripture…
2,266 wordsSECTION 262As a result of this feeling of Charlemagne's, there were written what we call the "Caroline Books," and these exercised so mighty an influen
As a result of this feeling of Charlemagne's, there were written what we call the "Caroline Books," and these exercised so mighty an influence on this whole question, and so completely misled even the learned, that I shall give a careful examination of their authorship, authority, and contents; for there can be no doubt that it …
2,235 wordsSECTION 263Whether the author [or authors] had ever seen the Pope's letter or no, one thing is certain, he never read with any care even the imperfect
Whether the author [or authors] had ever seen the Pope's letter or no, one thing is certain, he never read with any care even the imperfect translation with which he had been furnished, and of that translation Anastasius Bibliothetius says: "The translator both misunderstood the genius of the Greek language as well as that of th…
2,229 wordsSECTION 264On this second canon Hefele writes as follows:
On this second canon Hefele writes as follows: (Hefele. Concil., § 398). The second of these canons deserves our full attention; in it, as we have seen, the Synod of Frankfort expresses its feeling against the Second Ecumenical Council of Nice, and against the veneration of images; Eginhard also gives us the information that i…
2,190 wordsSECTION 265Introduction to the Apostolical Canons.
Introduction to the Apostolical Canons. The 85 Apostolical Canons. Epitome of the Canons of the following: I. Dionysius of Alexandria. II. Peter of Alexandria. III. Gregory Thaumaturgus. IV. Athanasius of Alexandria. V. Basil of Cæsarea. VI. Gregory Nyssen. VII. Gregory Theologus. VIII. Amphilochius of Iconium. IX. Ti…
2,276 wordsSECTION 266Canon I. [567]
Such was the state of things until Mgr. Rihmani, the Syrian Archbishop of Aleppo, gave notice that he had found in a codex at Mossul a Syrian version of the Apocryphal book known as the Testamentum Jesu Christi. It is stated that in the discoverer's opinion the Testamentum is earlier in date than the Apostolic Canons, than the C…
708 wordsSECTION 267Canon IX. (X.)
Canon IX. (X.) All the faithful who come in and hear the Scriptures, but do not stay for the prayers and the Holy Communion, are to be excommunicated, as causing disorder in the Church. Canon X. (XI.) If any one shall pray, even in a private house, with an excommunicated person, let him also be excommunicated. Canon XI. (XII…
708 wordsSECTION 268Canon XXVIII. (XXIX.)
Canon XXVIII. (XXIX.) If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, having been justly deposed upon open accusations, shall dare to meddle with any of the divine offices which had been intrusted to him, let him be altogether cut off from the Church. Canon XXIX. (XXX.) If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, shall obtain possession of tha…
826 wordsSECTION 269Canon XLI.
Canon XLI. We ordain that the bishop have authority over the goods of the Church: for if he is to be intrusted with the precious souls of men, much more are temporal possessions to be intrusted to him. He is therefore to administer them all of his own authority, and supply those who need, through the presbyters and deacons, in …
729 wordsSECTION 270Canon LVIII.
Canon LVIII. If any bishop or presbyter neglects the clergy or the people, and does not instruct them in the way of godliness, let him be excommunicated, and if he persists in his negligence and idleness, let him be deposed. Canon LIX. If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, when any of the clergy is in want, does not supply him…
770 wordsSECTION 271Canon LXXV.
Canon LXXV. An heretic is not to be received as witness against a bishop, neither only one believer; for "in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word shall be established." Canon LXXVI. A bishop must not out of favour to a brother or a son, or any other relation, ordain whom he will to the episcopal dignity; for it is …
1,032 wordsSECTION 272Canon I. [583]
Canon I. [583] When the Paschal fast is to be broken depends on the precise hour of our Saviour's resurrection, and this was not certainly to be known from the Four Evangelists; therefore they who have not fasted the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday before Easter, do no great thing if they fast the Friday and Saturday, …
728 wordsSECTION 273Canon XI.
Canon XI. That they who prayed for them who fell after long torments, be connived at, and we pray together with them, since they lament for what they have done, with anguish and mortification. [587] Canon XII. That they who with money purchased their ease and freedom, are to be commended. Canon XIII. Nor should we accuse th…
1,696 wordsSECTION 274Canon I.
Canon I. As to the question concerning the Puritans the custom of every country is to be observed, since they who have discussed this point are of various sentiments. The [baptism] of the Pepuzenes I make no account of, and I wonder that Dionysius the canonist was of another mind. The ancients speak of heresies, which entirely …
734 wordsSECTION 275Canon IX.
Canon IX. Our Lord is equal, to the man and woman forbidding divorce, save in case of fornication; but custom requires women to retain their husbands, though they be guilty of fornication. The man deserted by his wife may take another, and though he were deserted for adultery, yet St. Basil will be positive, that the other woma…
757 wordsSECTION 276Canon XXII.
Canon XXII. That they who have stolen virgins, and will not restore them, be treated as fornicators; that they be one year mourners, the second hearers, the third received to repentance and the fourth be co-standers, and then admitted to communion of the Good Thing. If the virgins be restored to those who had espoused them, it …
703 wordsSECTION 277Canon XLI.
Canon XLI. A widow being at her own discretion, may marry to whom she will. Canon XLII. Slaves marrying without the consent of their masters, or children without consent of their fathers, it is not matrimony but fornication, till they ratify it by consenting. Canon XLIII. That he who gives a mortal wound to another is a mur…
700 wordsSECTION 278Canon LIX.
Canon LIX. The fornicator shall be a mourner two years, two a hearer, two a prostrator, one a co-stander. Canon LX. Professed virgins and monks, if they fall from their profession, shall undergo the penance of adulterers. Canon LXI. The thief, if he discover himself, shall do one year's penance; if he be discovered [by othe…
758 wordsSECTION 279Canon LXXXVI.
Canon LXXXVI. Against the Encratites, who would not eat flesh. Of the Same to Diodorus Bishop of Tarsus, concerning a Man who had taken Two Sisters to Wife. (Found translated in lib. cit., p. 212 et seqq. Epistle clx.) Canon LXXXVII. Contains the preface of his letter to Diodorus Bishop of Tarsus, in which he tells him of a…
760 wordsSECTION 280Canon XCIII.
Canon XCIII. He asserts the Doxology [in these words] "with the Holy Spirit," to be an unwritten, Apostolic tradition. For this is a dogma full of authority, venerable for its antiquity. From the Letter of Basil the Great to the Nicopolitans. There is also in Tilius and Bishop Beveridge here [599] inserted an epistle of St. B…
1,705 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.