| THE HOLY BYZANTINE CATHOLIC ORTHODOX CHURCH A TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY |
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Canon I. (1)
Let a bishop be ordained by two or three bishops.
Canon II. (2)
Let a presbyter, deacon, and the rest of the clergy, be ordained by one bishop
Canon (III. And IV.) (3 and 4)
If any bishop or presbyter offer any other things at the altar, besides that which the Lord
ordained for the sacrifice, as honey, or milk, or strong-made drink instead of wine [fruit
of the vine] or birds, or any living things, or vegetables, besides that which is ordained,
let him be deposed. Excepting only new ears of corn, and grapes at the suitable season.
Neither is it allowed to bring anything else to the altar at the time of the holy oblation,
excepting oil for the lamps, and incense.
Canon V. (5)
Let all other fruits be sent home as first-fruits for the bishops and presbyters, but not
offered at the altar. But the bishops and presbyters should of course give a share of these
things to the deacon, and the rest of the clergy.
Canon VI. (6)
Let not a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, put away his wife under pretense of religion; but if
he put her away, let him be excommunicated; and if he persists, let him be deposed.
Canon VII. (7)
Let not a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, undertake worldly business; otherwise let him be
deposed.
BCC- Let not a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, undertake worldly business but may profess
there profession; otherwise let him be deposed.
[In order to stop the abuse the of clergy with the tithing's given by the faithful to the Holy
Church, the Holy Synod inspired by the Holy Ghost has decreed that no one will be
ordained until they first have a profession and are self supported. The funds of the Holy
Church will never be used to give the clergy an exuberant lifestyle.]
It is permitted for a parish if willing to support the clergy in order for them to be
full-time staff .
"Paul went to see them, and because he was a tent-maker as they were, he stayed and
worked with them" Acts 18:3
Canon VIII. (8)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, shall celebrate the holy day of Easter before the
vernal equinox, with the Jews, let him be deposed.
BCC- If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, shall celebrate the holy day of Easter before
the vernal equinox, let him be deposed.
[The Holy Church abhors any form of bigotry]
Canon IX. (9)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or any one on the sacerdotal list, when the offering is
made, does not partake of it, let him declare the cause; and if it be a reasonable one, let
him be excused; but if he does not declare it, let him be excommunicated, as being a cause
of offence to the people, and occasioning a suspicion against the offerer, as if he had not
made the offering properly.
Canon X. (10)
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 XI. (11)
If any one shall pray, even in a private house, with an excommunicated person, let him
also be excommunicated.
Canon XII. (12)
If any clergyman shall join in prayer with a deposed clergyman, as if he were a clergyman
[this phrase omitted in Hammond's edition], let him also be deposed.
Canon XIII. (13)
If any one of the clergy or laity who is excommunicated, or not to be received, shall go
away, and be received in another city without commendatory letters, let both the receiver
and the received be excommunicated. But if he be excommunicated already, let the time of
his excommunication be lengthened.
Canon XIV. (14)
A bishop is not to be allowed to leave his own parish, and pass over into another,
although he may be pressed by many to do so, unless there be some proper cause
constraining him, as if he can confer some greater benefit upon the persons of that place in
the word of godliness. And this must be done not of his own accord, but by the judgment
of many bishops, and at their earnest exhortation.
Canon XV. (15)
If any presbyter, or deacon, or any other of the list of the clergy, shall leave his own
parish, and go into another, and having entirely forsaken his own, shall make his abode in
the other parish without the permission of his own bishop, we ordain that he shall no
longer perform divine service; more especially if his own bishop having exhorted him to
return he has refused to do so, and persists in his disorderly conduct. But let him
communicate there as a layman.
Canon XVI. (16)
If, however, the bishop, with whom any such persons are staying, shall disregard the
command that they are to cease from performing divine offices, and shall receive them as
clergymen, let him be excommunicated, as a teacher of disorder.
Canon XVII. (17)
He who has been thrice married after baptism, or who has had a concubine, cannot
become a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or any other of the sacerdotal list.
Canon XVIII. (18)
He who married a harlot, or an actress, cannot be a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or any
other of the clergy list.
Canon XIX. (19)
He who has married two sisters, or a niece, cannot become a member of the clergy.
Canon XX. (20)
If a member of the clergy becomes surety (legally liable) for any one, let them be deposed.
Canon XXI. (21)
An eunuch, if he has been made so by the violence of men or if his virilia (male sexual
organs) have been amputated in times of persecution, or if he has been born so, if in other
respects he is worthy, may be made a bishop
Canon XXII. (22)
Whoever mutilates themselves, cannot become a member of the clergy, for they are a
self-murderer, and an enemy to the workmanship of God.
Canon XXIII. (23)
If any member of the clergy shall mutilate themselves, let them be deposed, for they are a
self-murderer, and an enemy to the workmanship of God.
Canon XXIV. (24)
If a layperson mutilates themselves, let them be excommunicated for three years, as an act
against their own life.
Canon (XXV. And XXVI.) (25 and 26)
If a bishop, presbyter, or deacon be found guilty of fornication, perjury, or theft, let them
be deposed, but let them not be excommunicated; for the Scripture says, "thou shall not
punish a man twice for the same offence." In like manner the other clergy shall be subject
to the same proceeding [or, in like manner with respect to the other clergy].
Canon XXVII. (27)
Of those who have been admitted to the clergy unmarried, we ordain, [that Priests,
Deacons] readers and singers only may, if they will, marry.
Canon XXVIII. (28)
If a bishop, presbyter, or deacon shall strike any of the faithful who have sinned, or of the
unbelievers who have done wrong, with the intention of frightening them, we command
that they be deposed. For our Lord has by no means taught us to do so, but, on the
contrary, when he was smitten he smote not again, when he was reviled he reviled not
again, when he suffered he threatened not.
Canon XXIX. (29)
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 entrusted to them, let
them be altogether cut off from the Church.
Canon XXX. (30)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, shall obtain possession of that dignity by money, let
both them and the person who ordained them be deposed, and also altogether cut off from
all communion, as Simon Magus was by me, Peter.
Canon XXXI. (31)
If any bishop obtain possession of a church by the aid of the temporal powers, let him be
deposed and excommunicated, and all who communicate with him.
Canon XXXII. (32)
If any bishop or presbyter, despising the Head* of his church, shall collect a separate
congregation, and erect another altar, not having any grounds for condemning the Head*
of the Church with regard to religion or justice, let him be deposed for his ambition; for
he is a tyrant; in like manner also the rest of the clergy, and as many as join him; and let
laymen be excommunicated. Let this, however, be done after a first, second, and third
admonition from the Head*.
* Patriarch, Primus, Exarch, Archbishop, Bishop
Canon XXXIII. (33)
If any presbyter or deacon has been excommunicated by a bishop, he may not be received
into communion again by any other than by him who excommunicated them, unless it
happen that the bishop who excommunicated them be dead.
Canon XXXIV. (34)
No foreign bishop, presbyter, or deacon, may be received without commendatory letters;
and when they are produced let the persons be examined; and if they be preachers of
godliness, let them be received. Otherwise, although you supply them with what they
need, you must not receive them into communion, for many things are done surreptitiously.
Canon XXXV. (35)
The bishops of every nation must acknowledge him who is first among them and account
him as their head, and do nothing of consequence without his consent; but each may do
those things only which concern his own parish, and the country places which belong to it.
But neither let him (who is the first) do anything without the consent of all; for so there
will be unanimity, and God will be glorified through the Lord in the Holy Spirit.
Canon XXXVI. (36)
Let not a bishop dare to ordain beyond his own limits, in cities and places not subject to
him, but if he be convicted of doing so, without the consent of those persons who have
authority over such cities and places, let him be deposed, and those also whom he has
ordained.
Canon XXXVII. (37)
If any person, having been ordained bishop, does not undertake the ministry, and the care
of the people committed to him, let him be excommunicated until he does undertake it. In
like manner a presbyter or deacon. But if he has gone and has not been received, not of
his own will but from the perverseness of the people, let him continue bishop; and let the
clergy of the city be excommunicated, because they have not corrected the disobedient
people.
Canon XXXVIII. (38)
Let there be a meeting of the bishops twice a year, and let them examine amongst
themselves the decrees concerning religion and settle the ecclesiastical controversies
which may have occurred. One meeting to be held in the fourth week of Pentecost [i.e.,
the fourth week after Easter], and the other on the 12th day of the month Hyperberetaeus
[i.e., October].
Canon XXXIX. (39)
Let the bishop have the care of all the goods of the Church, and let him administer them as
under the inspection of God. But he must not alienate any of them or give the things which
belong to God to his own relations. If they be poor let him relieve them as poor; but let
him not, under that pretense, sell the goods of the Church.
Canon XL. (40)
Let not the presbyters or deacon do anything without the sanction of the bishop; for he it is
who is entrusted with the people of the Lord, and of whom will be required the account of
their souls.
Canon XL. (Continued.)
Let the private goods of the bishop, if he have any such, and those of the Lord, be clearly
distinguished, that the bishop may have the power of leaving his own goods, when he
dies, to whom he will, and how he will, and that the bishop's own property may not be
lost under pretense of its being the property of the Church: for it may be that he has a
wife, or children, or relations, or servants; and it is just before God and man, that neither
should the Church suffer any loss through ignorance of the bishop's own property, nor the
bishop or his relations be injured under pretext of the Church: nor that those who belong
to him should be involved in contests, and cast reproaches upon his death.
Canon XLI. (41)
We ordain that the bishop have authority over the goods of the Church: for if he is to be
entrusted with the precious souls of men, much more are temporal possessions to be
entrusted to him. He is therefore to administer them all of his own authority, and supply
those who need, through the presbyters and deacon, in the fear of God, and with all
reverence. He may also, if need be, take what is required for his own necessary wants,
and for the brethren to whom he has to show hospitality, so that he may not be in any
want. For the law of God has ordained, that they who wait at the altar should be
nourished of the altar. Neither does any soldier bear arms against an enemy at his own
cost.
Canon XLII. (42)
If a bishop or presbyter, or deacon, is addicted to dice or drinking, let them either give it
over, or be deposed.
Canon XLIII. (43)
If a sub-deacon, reader, or singer, commits the same things, let them either give over, or
be excommunicated, so also laymen.
Canon XLIV. (44)
Let a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, who takes usury from those who borrow of them, give
up doing so, or be deposed.
Canon XLV. (45)
Let a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, who has only prayed with heretics, be
excommunicated: but if they have permitted them to perform any clerical office, let them
be deposed.
Canon XLVI. (46)
We ordain that a bishop, or presbyter, who has admitted the baptism or sacrifice of
heretics, be deposed. For what concord hath Christ with Belial, or what part hath a
believer with an infidel?
Canon XLVII. (47)
Let a bishop or presbyter who shall baptize again one who has rightly received baptism,
or who shall not baptize one who has been polluted by the ungodly, be deposed, as
despising the cross and death of the Lord, and not making a distinction between the true
priests and the false.
Canon XLVIII. (48)
If any layman put away his wife [without a proper annulment] and marries another, let him
be excommunicated.
Canon XLIX. (49)
If any bishop or presbyter, contrary to the ordinance of the Lord, does not baptize into the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, but into three Un-originated Beings, or three Sons, or
three Comforters, let him be deposed.
Canon L. (50)
If any bishop or presbyter does not perform the one initiation with three immersions, but
with giving one immersion only, into the death of the Lord, let him be deposed.
For the Lord said not, Baptize into my death, but, "Go, make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
BCC- If any bishop or presbyter does not perform the one initiation with three
immersions, but with giving one immersion only, into the death of the Lord, let him be
deposed. For the Lord said not, Baptize into my death, but, "Go, make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
If it is an sick infant/person or there is scarcity of water it is permitted with the
permission of the Bishop to baptize by the pouring of water three times, in the name of the
Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Canon LI. (51)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or any one of the sacerdotal list, abstains from
marriage, or meat, or wine, not by way of religious restraint, but as abhorring them,
forgetting that God made all things very good, and that he made male and female, and
blaspheming the work of creation, let them be corrected, or else be deposed, and cast out
of the Church, in like manner a layman.
Canon LII. (52)
If any bishop, presbyter or deacon does not receive them who turns away from their sin,
but rejects them, let them be deposed; for he grieveth Christ who said, "There is joy in
heaven over one sinner that repenteth."
Canon LIII. (53)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, does not on festival days partake of meat and wine,
from an abhorrence of them, and not out of religious restraint, let them be deposed, as
being seared in their own conscience, and being the cause of offence to many.
Canon LIV. (54)
If any of the clergy be found eating in a tavern, let them be excommunicated, unless they
have been constrained by necessity, on a journey, to lodge in an inn.
Canon LV. (55)
If any of the clergy insult or disobeys the bishop, let them be deposed.
Canon LVI. (56)
If any of the clergy insult a presbyter, or deacon, let them be excommunicated.
Canon LVII. (57)
If any of the clergy mock the lame, or the deaf, or the blind, or they who are infirm in their
legs, let them be excommunicated. In like manner any of the laity.
Canon LVIII. (58)
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. (59)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, when any of the clergy is in want, does not supply
them with what they needs, let them be excommunicated; but if they persists, let them be
deposed, as one who has killed his brother.
Canon LX. (60)
If any one reads publicly in the church the falsely inscribed [pseudepigrapha- bearing
false inscriptions] books of impious men, as if they were holy Scripture, to the destruction
of the people and clergy, let them be deposed.
Canon LXI. (61)
If any accusation be brought against a believer of fornication or adultery, or any forbidden
action, and they be convicted, let them not be promoted to the clergy.
Canon LXII. (62)
If any of the clergy, through fear of men, whether non-Christian, heathen, or heretic, shall
deny the name of Christ, let them be cast out. If they deny the name of a clergyman, let
them be deposed. If they repent, let them be received as a layman.
Canon LXIII. (63)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or any one of the sacerdotal order, shall eat flesh,
with the blood of the life thereof, or anything killed by beasts, or that dies of itself, let
them be deposed. For the law has forbidden this. If they be a layman, let them be
excommunicated.
Canon LXIV. (64)
If any clergy or layman shall enter into a place of worship of a non-Christians, heathens
or heretics to pray, let the former be deposed and let the latter be excommunicated. The
only exception will be a synagogue for our Lord enter and prayed in the synagogues and
never forbade anyone to do so.
Canon LXV. (65)
If any clergyman shall strike anyone in a contest, and kills them with one blow, let them
be deposed for their violence. If a layman do so, let them be excommunicated.
Canon LXVI. (66)
If any of the clergy be found fasting on the Lord's day [i.e. Sunday], or on the Sabbath [i.e.
Saturday], excepting the one only [i.e. Holy Saturday], let them be deposed. If a layman,
let them be excommunicated.
Canon LXVII. (67)
If anyone shall force and keep a virgin not espoused, let them be excommunicated. And
they may not take any other, but must retain whom they has chosen, though they be a poor
person.
Canon LXVIII. (68)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, shall receive from anyone a second ordination, let
both the ordained and the ordainer be deposed; unless indeed it be proved that he had his
ordination from heretics; for those who have been baptized or ordained by such persons
cannot be either of the faithful or of the clergy.
Canon LXIX. (69)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or reader, or singer, does not fast the holy
Quadragesimal fast of Easter, or the fourth day, or the day of Preparation, let them be
deposed, unless they be hindered by some bodily infirmity. If they be a layman, let them
be excommunicated.
BCC- If any bishop, presbyter, deacon, reader or singer does not fast the holy
Quadragesimal (Lent) fast of Easter, The fourth day(Wednesday)is dedicated to the Holy
Cross of the Lord. It was on this day that Judas agreed to betray Christ, thus setting in
motion the events of the Passion. This is a fast day which is obligatory for all Orthodox
Christians, or The day of Preparation the sixth day (Friday) which is the day of Christ's
crucifixion, is again dedicated to the Holy Cross. Like Wednesday, it is a fast day for all
Orthodox Christians, let them be deposed, unless they be hindered by some bodily
infirmity. If they be a layman, let them be excommunicated. It is recommends for fasting
the eating of bread once a day without olive oil and without drinking wine
Canon LXX. (70)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or any one of the list of clergy, keeps fast or festival
with the non-Christians, heathens or heretics , or receives from them any of the gifts of
their feasts, let them be deposed. If they be a layman, let them be excommunicated.
Canon LXXI. (71)
If any Christian brings oil into a temple of non-Christians, heathens or heretics , at their
feast, or lights lamps, let them be excommunicated.
Canon LXXII. (72)
If any clergyman or layman takes away wax or oil from the holy Church, let them be
excommunicated, and let them restore a fifth part more than he took.]
Canon LXXIII. (73)
Let no one convert to his own use any vessel of gold or silver, or any veil which has been
sanctified, for it is contrary to law; and if anyone be detected doing so, let them be
excommunicated.
Canon LXXIV. (74)
If any bishop has been accused of anything by men worthy of credit, he must be summoned
by the bishops; and if he appears, and confesses, or is convicted, a suitable punishment
must be inflicted upon him. But if when he is summoned he does not attend, let him be
summoned a second time, two bishops being sent to him, for that purpose. [Some mss.
add: If even then he will not attend, let him be summoned a third time, two bishops being
again sent to him.] But if even then he shall disregard the summons and not come, let the
synod pronounce such sentence against him as appears right, that he may not seem to
profit by avoiding judgment.
Canon LXXV. (75)
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. (76)
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 not right to make heirs of the bishopric, giving the
things of God to human affections. Neither is it fitting to subject the Church of God to
heirs. But if anyone shall do so let the ordination be void, and the ordainer himself be
punished with excommunication.
Canon LXXVII. (77)
If any one be deprived of an eye, or lame of a leg, but in other respects be worthy of a
bishopric, he may be ordained, for the defect of the body does not defile a man, but the
pollution of the soul.
Canon LXXVIII. (78)
But if a man be deaf or blind, he may not be made a bishop, not indeed as if he were thus
defiled, but that the affairs of the Church may not be hindered.
Canon LXXIX. (79)
If anyone has a devil, let them not be made a clergyman, neither let them pray with the
faithful; but if they be freed, let them be received into communion, and if they are worthy
he may be ordained.
Canon LXXX. (80)
It is not allowed that a man who has come over from an heathen life, and been baptized or
who has been converted from an evil course of living, should be immediately made a
bishop, for it is not right that he who has not been tried himself should be a teacher of
others. Unless indeed this be done upon a special manifestation of Divine grace in his
favour.
Canon LXXXI. (81)
We have said that a bishop or presbyter must not give himself to the management of
public affairs, but devote himself to ecclesiastical business. Let him then be persuaded to
do so, or let him be deposed, for no man can serve two masters, according to the Lord's
declaration.
Canon LXXXII. (82)
We do not allow any servants to be promoted to the clergy without the consent of their
masters, [ some mss. add: to the troubling of their houses.] But if any servant should
appear worthy of receiving an order, as our Onesimus appeared, and his masters agree
and liberate him, and send him out of their house, he may be ordained.
BCC-[note: this canon is no longer functional because slavery is not permitted or
accepted the by The Holy Church. It will remain in the list as a remainder that God sees
no difference when He call someone to His Holy Service.]
Canon LXXXIII. (83)
If a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, shall serve in the army, and wish to retain both the
magistracy and the priestly office, let them be deposed; for the things of the world belong
to world, and those of God to God.
Canon LXXXIV. (84)
Whosoever shall insult the King, ruler or Head of State, contrary to what is right, let him
suffer punishment. If he be a clergyman, let them be deposed; if a layman,
excommunicated.
Canon LXXXV. (85)
Let the following books be counted venerable and sacred by all of you, both clergy and
Laity. Of the Old Testament, five books of Moses, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,
Deuteronomy; of Joshua the Son of Nun, one; of the Judges, one; of Ruth, one; of the
Kings, four; of the Chronicles of the book of the days, two; of Ezra, two; of Esther, one;
[some texts read: of Judith, one;] of the Maccabees, three; of Job, one; of the Psalter, one;
of Solomon, three, viz.: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs; of the Prophets,
twelve; of Isaiah, one; of Jeremiah, one; of Ezekiel, one; of Daniel, one. But besides these
you are recommended to teach your young persons the Wisdom of the very learned Sirach.
Our own books, that is, those of the New Testament, are: the four Gospels of Matthew,
Mark, Luke, and John; fourteen Epistles of Paul; two Epistles of Peter; three of John; one
of James, and one of Jude. Two Epistles of Clement, and the Constitutions of me Clement,
addressed to you Bishops, in eight books, which are not to be published to all on account
of the mystical things in them. And the Acts of us the Apostles. [The text of this canon is
quite different in the different codices and versions.]
BCC- Let the following books be counted venerable and sacred by all of you, both clergy
and Laity.
The Old Testament Canon
Genesis Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua (Jesus Navi)
Judges
Ruth
I Kingdoms (I Samuel)
II Kingdoms (II Samuel)
III Kingdoms (I Kings)
IV Kingdoms (II Kings)
I Paraleipomenon (I Chronicles)
II Paraleipomenon (II Chronicles)
I Esdras
II Esdras (Ezra)
Nehemiah
Joel
Tobit (Tobias)
Judith
Esther
I Maccabees
II Maccabees
III Maccabees
Psalms (151 in number)
Job
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes (The Preacher)
Song of Solomon (Song of Songs)
Wisdom of Solomon
Wisdom of Sirach (Wisdom of Jesus, Son of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus)
Hosea (Osee)
Amos
Micah
Obadiah (Abdias)
Jonah
Nahum
Habakkuk (Avakkum, Abbacum)
Zephaniah (Sophonias)
Haggai (Aggaeus)
Zechariah
Malachi
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Baruch
Lamentations of Jeremiah (Lamentations)
Epistle of Jeremiah
Ezekiel
Daniel
IV Maccabees
The New Testament Canon
Gospel of Matthew
Gospel of Mark
Gospel of Luke
Gospel of John
Acts of the Apostles
Romans
I Corinthians
II Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
I Thessalonians
II Thessalonians
I Timothy
II Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
I Peter
II Peter
I John
II John
III John
Jude
Revelation (Apocalypse)
Let a bishop be ordained by two or three bishops.
Canon II. (2)
Let a presbyter, deacon, and the rest of the clergy, be ordained by one bishop
Canon (III. And IV.) (3 and 4)
If any bishop or presbyter offer any other things at the altar, besides that which the Lord
ordained for the sacrifice, as honey, or milk, or strong-made drink instead of wine [fruit
of the vine] or birds, or any living things, or vegetables, besides that which is ordained,
let him be deposed. Excepting only new ears of corn, and grapes at the suitable season.
Neither is it allowed to bring anything else to the altar at the time of the holy oblation,
excepting oil for the lamps, and incense.
Canon V. (5)
Let all other fruits be sent home as first-fruits for the bishops and presbyters, but not
offered at the altar. But the bishops and presbyters should of course give a share of these
things to the deacon, and the rest of the clergy.
Canon VI. (6)
Let not a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, put away his wife under pretense of religion; but if
he put her away, let him be excommunicated; and if he persists, let him be deposed.
Canon VII. (7)
Let not a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, undertake worldly business; otherwise let him be
deposed.
BCC- Let not a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, undertake worldly business but may profess
there profession; otherwise let him be deposed.
[In order to stop the abuse the of clergy with the tithing's given by the faithful to the Holy
Church, the Holy Synod inspired by the Holy Ghost has decreed that no one will be
ordained until they first have a profession and are self supported. The funds of the Holy
Church will never be used to give the clergy an exuberant lifestyle.]
It is permitted for a parish if willing to support the clergy in order for them to be
full-time staff .
"Paul went to see them, and because he was a tent-maker as they were, he stayed and
worked with them" Acts 18:3
Canon VIII. (8)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, shall celebrate the holy day of Easter before the
vernal equinox, with the Jews, let him be deposed.
BCC- If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, shall celebrate the holy day of Easter before
the vernal equinox, let him be deposed.
[The Holy Church abhors any form of bigotry]
Canon IX. (9)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or any one on the sacerdotal list, when the offering is
made, does not partake of it, let him declare the cause; and if it be a reasonable one, let
him be excused; but if he does not declare it, let him be excommunicated, as being a cause
of offence to the people, and occasioning a suspicion against the offerer, as if he had not
made the offering properly.
Canon X. (10)
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 XI. (11)
If any one shall pray, even in a private house, with an excommunicated person, let him
also be excommunicated.
Canon XII. (12)
If any clergyman shall join in prayer with a deposed clergyman, as if he were a clergyman
[this phrase omitted in Hammond's edition], let him also be deposed.
Canon XIII. (13)
If any one of the clergy or laity who is excommunicated, or not to be received, shall go
away, and be received in another city without commendatory letters, let both the receiver
and the received be excommunicated. But if he be excommunicated already, let the time of
his excommunication be lengthened.
Canon XIV. (14)
A bishop is not to be allowed to leave his own parish, and pass over into another,
although he may be pressed by many to do so, unless there be some proper cause
constraining him, as if he can confer some greater benefit upon the persons of that place in
the word of godliness. And this must be done not of his own accord, but by the judgment
of many bishops, and at their earnest exhortation.
Canon XV. (15)
If any presbyter, or deacon, or any other of the list of the clergy, shall leave his own
parish, and go into another, and having entirely forsaken his own, shall make his abode in
the other parish without the permission of his own bishop, we ordain that he shall no
longer perform divine service; more especially if his own bishop having exhorted him to
return he has refused to do so, and persists in his disorderly conduct. But let him
communicate there as a layman.
Canon XVI. (16)
If, however, the bishop, with whom any such persons are staying, shall disregard the
command that they are to cease from performing divine offices, and shall receive them as
clergymen, let him be excommunicated, as a teacher of disorder.
Canon XVII. (17)
He who has been thrice married after baptism, or who has had a concubine, cannot
become a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or any other of the sacerdotal list.
Canon XVIII. (18)
He who married a harlot, or an actress, cannot be a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or any
other of the clergy list.
Canon XIX. (19)
He who has married two sisters, or a niece, cannot become a member of the clergy.
Canon XX. (20)
If a member of the clergy becomes surety (legally liable) for any one, let them be deposed.
Canon XXI. (21)
An eunuch, if he has been made so by the violence of men or if his virilia (male sexual
organs) have been amputated in times of persecution, or if he has been born so, if in other
respects he is worthy, may be made a bishop
Canon XXII. (22)
Whoever mutilates themselves, cannot become a member of the clergy, for they are a
self-murderer, and an enemy to the workmanship of God.
Canon XXIII. (23)
If any member of the clergy shall mutilate themselves, let them be deposed, for they are a
self-murderer, and an enemy to the workmanship of God.
Canon XXIV. (24)
If a layperson mutilates themselves, let them be excommunicated for three years, as an act
against their own life.
Canon (XXV. And XXVI.) (25 and 26)
If a bishop, presbyter, or deacon be found guilty of fornication, perjury, or theft, let them
be deposed, but let them not be excommunicated; for the Scripture says, "thou shall not
punish a man twice for the same offence." In like manner the other clergy shall be subject
to the same proceeding [or, in like manner with respect to the other clergy].
Canon XXVII. (27)
Of those who have been admitted to the clergy unmarried, we ordain, [that Priests,
Deacons] readers and singers only may, if they will, marry.
Canon XXVIII. (28)
If a bishop, presbyter, or deacon shall strike any of the faithful who have sinned, or of the
unbelievers who have done wrong, with the intention of frightening them, we command
that they be deposed. For our Lord has by no means taught us to do so, but, on the
contrary, when he was smitten he smote not again, when he was reviled he reviled not
again, when he suffered he threatened not.
Canon XXIX. (29)
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 entrusted to them, let
them be altogether cut off from the Church.
Canon XXX. (30)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, shall obtain possession of that dignity by money, let
both them and the person who ordained them be deposed, and also altogether cut off from
all communion, as Simon Magus was by me, Peter.
Canon XXXI. (31)
If any bishop obtain possession of a church by the aid of the temporal powers, let him be
deposed and excommunicated, and all who communicate with him.
Canon XXXII. (32)
If any bishop or presbyter, despising the Head* of his church, shall collect a separate
congregation, and erect another altar, not having any grounds for condemning the Head*
of the Church with regard to religion or justice, let him be deposed for his ambition; for
he is a tyrant; in like manner also the rest of the clergy, and as many as join him; and let
laymen be excommunicated. Let this, however, be done after a first, second, and third
admonition from the Head*.
* Patriarch, Primus, Exarch, Archbishop, Bishop
Canon XXXIII. (33)
If any presbyter or deacon has been excommunicated by a bishop, he may not be received
into communion again by any other than by him who excommunicated them, unless it
happen that the bishop who excommunicated them be dead.
Canon XXXIV. (34)
No foreign bishop, presbyter, or deacon, may be received without commendatory letters;
and when they are produced let the persons be examined; and if they be preachers of
godliness, let them be received. Otherwise, although you supply them with what they
need, you must not receive them into communion, for many things are done surreptitiously.
Canon XXXV. (35)
The bishops of every nation must acknowledge him who is first among them and account
him as their head, and do nothing of consequence without his consent; but each may do
those things only which concern his own parish, and the country places which belong to it.
But neither let him (who is the first) do anything without the consent of all; for so there
will be unanimity, and God will be glorified through the Lord in the Holy Spirit.
Canon XXXVI. (36)
Let not a bishop dare to ordain beyond his own limits, in cities and places not subject to
him, but if he be convicted of doing so, without the consent of those persons who have
authority over such cities and places, let him be deposed, and those also whom he has
ordained.
Canon XXXVII. (37)
If any person, having been ordained bishop, does not undertake the ministry, and the care
of the people committed to him, let him be excommunicated until he does undertake it. In
like manner a presbyter or deacon. But if he has gone and has not been received, not of
his own will but from the perverseness of the people, let him continue bishop; and let the
clergy of the city be excommunicated, because they have not corrected the disobedient
people.
Canon XXXVIII. (38)
Let there be a meeting of the bishops twice a year, and let them examine amongst
themselves the decrees concerning religion and settle the ecclesiastical controversies
which may have occurred. One meeting to be held in the fourth week of Pentecost [i.e.,
the fourth week after Easter], and the other on the 12th day of the month Hyperberetaeus
[i.e., October].
Canon XXXIX. (39)
Let the bishop have the care of all the goods of the Church, and let him administer them as
under the inspection of God. But he must not alienate any of them or give the things which
belong to God to his own relations. If they be poor let him relieve them as poor; but let
him not, under that pretense, sell the goods of the Church.
Canon XL. (40)
Let not the presbyters or deacon do anything without the sanction of the bishop; for he it is
who is entrusted with the people of the Lord, and of whom will be required the account of
their souls.
Canon XL. (Continued.)
Let the private goods of the bishop, if he have any such, and those of the Lord, be clearly
distinguished, that the bishop may have the power of leaving his own goods, when he
dies, to whom he will, and how he will, and that the bishop's own property may not be
lost under pretense of its being the property of the Church: for it may be that he has a
wife, or children, or relations, or servants; and it is just before God and man, that neither
should the Church suffer any loss through ignorance of the bishop's own property, nor the
bishop or his relations be injured under pretext of the Church: nor that those who belong
to him should be involved in contests, and cast reproaches upon his death.
Canon XLI. (41)
We ordain that the bishop have authority over the goods of the Church: for if he is to be
entrusted with the precious souls of men, much more are temporal possessions to be
entrusted to him. He is therefore to administer them all of his own authority, and supply
those who need, through the presbyters and deacon, in the fear of God, and with all
reverence. He may also, if need be, take what is required for his own necessary wants,
and for the brethren to whom he has to show hospitality, so that he may not be in any
want. For the law of God has ordained, that they who wait at the altar should be
nourished of the altar. Neither does any soldier bear arms against an enemy at his own
cost.
Canon XLII. (42)
If a bishop or presbyter, or deacon, is addicted to dice or drinking, let them either give it
over, or be deposed.
Canon XLIII. (43)
If a sub-deacon, reader, or singer, commits the same things, let them either give over, or
be excommunicated, so also laymen.
Canon XLIV. (44)
Let a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, who takes usury from those who borrow of them, give
up doing so, or be deposed.
Canon XLV. (45)
Let a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, who has only prayed with heretics, be
excommunicated: but if they have permitted them to perform any clerical office, let them
be deposed.
Canon XLVI. (46)
We ordain that a bishop, or presbyter, who has admitted the baptism or sacrifice of
heretics, be deposed. For what concord hath Christ with Belial, or what part hath a
believer with an infidel?
Canon XLVII. (47)
Let a bishop or presbyter who shall baptize again one who has rightly received baptism,
or who shall not baptize one who has been polluted by the ungodly, be deposed, as
despising the cross and death of the Lord, and not making a distinction between the true
priests and the false.
Canon XLVIII. (48)
If any layman put away his wife [without a proper annulment] and marries another, let him
be excommunicated.
Canon XLIX. (49)
If any bishop or presbyter, contrary to the ordinance of the Lord, does not baptize into the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, but into three Un-originated Beings, or three Sons, or
three Comforters, let him be deposed.
Canon L. (50)
If any bishop or presbyter does not perform the one initiation with three immersions, but
with giving one immersion only, into the death of the Lord, let him be deposed.
For the Lord said not, Baptize into my death, but, "Go, make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
BCC- If any bishop or presbyter does not perform the one initiation with three
immersions, but with giving one immersion only, into the death of the Lord, let him be
deposed. For the Lord said not, Baptize into my death, but, "Go, make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
If it is an sick infant/person or there is scarcity of water it is permitted with the
permission of the Bishop to baptize by the pouring of water three times, in the name of the
Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Canon LI. (51)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or any one of the sacerdotal list, abstains from
marriage, or meat, or wine, not by way of religious restraint, but as abhorring them,
forgetting that God made all things very good, and that he made male and female, and
blaspheming the work of creation, let them be corrected, or else be deposed, and cast out
of the Church, in like manner a layman.
Canon LII. (52)
If any bishop, presbyter or deacon does not receive them who turns away from their sin,
but rejects them, let them be deposed; for he grieveth Christ who said, "There is joy in
heaven over one sinner that repenteth."
Canon LIII. (53)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, does not on festival days partake of meat and wine,
from an abhorrence of them, and not out of religious restraint, let them be deposed, as
being seared in their own conscience, and being the cause of offence to many.
Canon LIV. (54)
If any of the clergy be found eating in a tavern, let them be excommunicated, unless they
have been constrained by necessity, on a journey, to lodge in an inn.
Canon LV. (55)
If any of the clergy insult or disobeys the bishop, let them be deposed.
Canon LVI. (56)
If any of the clergy insult a presbyter, or deacon, let them be excommunicated.
Canon LVII. (57)
If any of the clergy mock the lame, or the deaf, or the blind, or they who are infirm in their
legs, let them be excommunicated. In like manner any of the laity.
Canon LVIII. (58)
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. (59)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, when any of the clergy is in want, does not supply
them with what they needs, let them be excommunicated; but if they persists, let them be
deposed, as one who has killed his brother.
Canon LX. (60)
If any one reads publicly in the church the falsely inscribed [pseudepigrapha- bearing
false inscriptions] books of impious men, as if they were holy Scripture, to the destruction
of the people and clergy, let them be deposed.
Canon LXI. (61)
If any accusation be brought against a believer of fornication or adultery, or any forbidden
action, and they be convicted, let them not be promoted to the clergy.
Canon LXII. (62)
If any of the clergy, through fear of men, whether non-Christian, heathen, or heretic, shall
deny the name of Christ, let them be cast out. If they deny the name of a clergyman, let
them be deposed. If they repent, let them be received as a layman.
Canon LXIII. (63)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or any one of the sacerdotal order, shall eat flesh,
with the blood of the life thereof, or anything killed by beasts, or that dies of itself, let
them be deposed. For the law has forbidden this. If they be a layman, let them be
excommunicated.
Canon LXIV. (64)
If any clergy or layman shall enter into a place of worship of a non-Christians, heathens
or heretics to pray, let the former be deposed and let the latter be excommunicated. The
only exception will be a synagogue for our Lord enter and prayed in the synagogues and
never forbade anyone to do so.
Canon LXV. (65)
If any clergyman shall strike anyone in a contest, and kills them with one blow, let them
be deposed for their violence. If a layman do so, let them be excommunicated.
Canon LXVI. (66)
If any of the clergy be found fasting on the Lord's day [i.e. Sunday], or on the Sabbath [i.e.
Saturday], excepting the one only [i.e. Holy Saturday], let them be deposed. If a layman,
let them be excommunicated.
Canon LXVII. (67)
If anyone shall force and keep a virgin not espoused, let them be excommunicated. And
they may not take any other, but must retain whom they has chosen, though they be a poor
person.
Canon LXVIII. (68)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, shall receive from anyone a second ordination, let
both the ordained and the ordainer be deposed; unless indeed it be proved that he had his
ordination from heretics; for those who have been baptized or ordained by such persons
cannot be either of the faithful or of the clergy.
Canon LXIX. (69)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or reader, or singer, does not fast the holy
Quadragesimal fast of Easter, or the fourth day, or the day of Preparation, let them be
deposed, unless they be hindered by some bodily infirmity. If they be a layman, let them
be excommunicated.
BCC- If any bishop, presbyter, deacon, reader or singer does not fast the holy
Quadragesimal (Lent) fast of Easter, The fourth day(Wednesday)is dedicated to the Holy
Cross of the Lord. It was on this day that Judas agreed to betray Christ, thus setting in
motion the events of the Passion. This is a fast day which is obligatory for all Orthodox
Christians, or The day of Preparation the sixth day (Friday) which is the day of Christ's
crucifixion, is again dedicated to the Holy Cross. Like Wednesday, it is a fast day for all
Orthodox Christians, let them be deposed, unless they be hindered by some bodily
infirmity. If they be a layman, let them be excommunicated. It is recommends for fasting
the eating of bread once a day without olive oil and without drinking wine
Canon LXX. (70)
If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or any one of the list of clergy, keeps fast or festival
with the non-Christians, heathens or heretics , or receives from them any of the gifts of
their feasts, let them be deposed. If they be a layman, let them be excommunicated.
Canon LXXI. (71)
If any Christian brings oil into a temple of non-Christians, heathens or heretics , at their
feast, or lights lamps, let them be excommunicated.
Canon LXXII. (72)
If any clergyman or layman takes away wax or oil from the holy Church, let them be
excommunicated, and let them restore a fifth part more than he took.]
Canon LXXIII. (73)
Let no one convert to his own use any vessel of gold or silver, or any veil which has been
sanctified, for it is contrary to law; and if anyone be detected doing so, let them be
excommunicated.
Canon LXXIV. (74)
If any bishop has been accused of anything by men worthy of credit, he must be summoned
by the bishops; and if he appears, and confesses, or is convicted, a suitable punishment
must be inflicted upon him. But if when he is summoned he does not attend, let him be
summoned a second time, two bishops being sent to him, for that purpose. [Some mss.
add: If even then he will not attend, let him be summoned a third time, two bishops being
again sent to him.] But if even then he shall disregard the summons and not come, let the
synod pronounce such sentence against him as appears right, that he may not seem to
profit by avoiding judgment.
Canon LXXV. (75)
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. (76)
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 not right to make heirs of the bishopric, giving the
things of God to human affections. Neither is it fitting to subject the Church of God to
heirs. But if anyone shall do so let the ordination be void, and the ordainer himself be
punished with excommunication.
Canon LXXVII. (77)
If any one be deprived of an eye, or lame of a leg, but in other respects be worthy of a
bishopric, he may be ordained, for the defect of the body does not defile a man, but the
pollution of the soul.
Canon LXXVIII. (78)
But if a man be deaf or blind, he may not be made a bishop, not indeed as if he were thus
defiled, but that the affairs of the Church may not be hindered.
Canon LXXIX. (79)
If anyone has a devil, let them not be made a clergyman, neither let them pray with the
faithful; but if they be freed, let them be received into communion, and if they are worthy
he may be ordained.
Canon LXXX. (80)
It is not allowed that a man who has come over from an heathen life, and been baptized or
who has been converted from an evil course of living, should be immediately made a
bishop, for it is not right that he who has not been tried himself should be a teacher of
others. Unless indeed this be done upon a special manifestation of Divine grace in his
favour.
Canon LXXXI. (81)
We have said that a bishop or presbyter must not give himself to the management of
public affairs, but devote himself to ecclesiastical business. Let him then be persuaded to
do so, or let him be deposed, for no man can serve two masters, according to the Lord's
declaration.
Canon LXXXII. (82)
We do not allow any servants to be promoted to the clergy without the consent of their
masters, [ some mss. add: to the troubling of their houses.] But if any servant should
appear worthy of receiving an order, as our Onesimus appeared, and his masters agree
and liberate him, and send him out of their house, he may be ordained.
BCC-[note: this canon is no longer functional because slavery is not permitted or
accepted the by The Holy Church. It will remain in the list as a remainder that God sees
no difference when He call someone to His Holy Service.]
Canon LXXXIII. (83)
If a bishop, presbyter, or deacon, shall serve in the army, and wish to retain both the
magistracy and the priestly office, let them be deposed; for the things of the world belong
to world, and those of God to God.
Canon LXXXIV. (84)
Whosoever shall insult the King, ruler or Head of State, contrary to what is right, let him
suffer punishment. If he be a clergyman, let them be deposed; if a layman,
excommunicated.
Canon LXXXV. (85)
Let the following books be counted venerable and sacred by all of you, both clergy and
Laity. Of the Old Testament, five books of Moses, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,
Deuteronomy; of Joshua the Son of Nun, one; of the Judges, one; of Ruth, one; of the
Kings, four; of the Chronicles of the book of the days, two; of Ezra, two; of Esther, one;
[some texts read: of Judith, one;] of the Maccabees, three; of Job, one; of the Psalter, one;
of Solomon, three, viz.: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs; of the Prophets,
twelve; of Isaiah, one; of Jeremiah, one; of Ezekiel, one; of Daniel, one. But besides these
you are recommended to teach your young persons the Wisdom of the very learned Sirach.
Our own books, that is, those of the New Testament, are: the four Gospels of Matthew,
Mark, Luke, and John; fourteen Epistles of Paul; two Epistles of Peter; three of John; one
of James, and one of Jude. Two Epistles of Clement, and the Constitutions of me Clement,
addressed to you Bishops, in eight books, which are not to be published to all on account
of the mystical things in them. And the Acts of us the Apostles. [The text of this canon is
quite different in the different codices and versions.]
BCC- Let the following books be counted venerable and sacred by all of you, both clergy
and Laity.
The Old Testament Canon
Genesis Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua (Jesus Navi)
Judges
Ruth
I Kingdoms (I Samuel)
II Kingdoms (II Samuel)
III Kingdoms (I Kings)
IV Kingdoms (II Kings)
I Paraleipomenon (I Chronicles)
II Paraleipomenon (II Chronicles)
I Esdras
II Esdras (Ezra)
Nehemiah
Joel
Tobit (Tobias)
Judith
Esther
I Maccabees
II Maccabees
III Maccabees
Psalms (151 in number)
Job
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes (The Preacher)
Song of Solomon (Song of Songs)
Wisdom of Solomon
Wisdom of Sirach (Wisdom of Jesus, Son of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus)
Hosea (Osee)
Amos
Micah
Obadiah (Abdias)
Jonah
Nahum
Habakkuk (Avakkum, Abbacum)
Zephaniah (Sophonias)
Haggai (Aggaeus)
Zechariah
Malachi
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Baruch
Lamentations of Jeremiah (Lamentations)
Epistle of Jeremiah
Ezekiel
Daniel
IV Maccabees
The New Testament Canon
Gospel of Matthew
Gospel of Mark
Gospel of Luke
Gospel of John
Acts of the Apostles
Romans
I Corinthians
II Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
I Thessalonians
II Thessalonians
I Timothy
II Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
I Peter
II Peter
I John
II John
III John
Jude
Revelation (Apocalypse)
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