Sardica, Canons 15–20

Canon 15, the Greek text. Bishop Hosius said: “Let us all decree this too: that if any bishop ordains to any order the minister of another bishop, from another diocese, without the consent of that man’s own bishop, such an ordination should be counted invalid and not confirmed. And if any take it on themselves to do this, they ought to be warned and corrected by our brothers and fellow bishops.” [a] All said: “Let this decree too stand unchangeable.”

The Latin text. Bishop Hosius said: “This too we all decree: that if any bishop ordains the minister of another bishop, from another diocese, without the consent and will of that man’s own bishop, his ordination is not to be ratified. And whoever has taken it on himself to do this ought to be warned and corrected by our brothers and fellow bishops.”

Canon 16, the Greek text. Bishop Aetius said: “You know how important and how large the metropolitan city of Thessalonica is. So presbyters and deacons often come to it from other provinces. Not content with staying a short time, they remain and make it their permanent home, or else they are made to go back to their own churches only with difficulty and after a very long delay. A decree should be made on this matter.” [b] Bishop Hosius said: “Let the decrees that have been made in the case of bishops be kept for these persons too.”

The Latin text. Bishop Aetius said: “You know how large and important the city of Thessalonica is. Presbyters and deacons often come to it from other regions. They are not content to stay a short time, but either make their home there, or at least are made to go back to their own place only with difficulty, after a long interval.” All said: “The limits of time that have been decreed in the case of bishops ought to be kept for these persons too.”

Canon 17, the Greek text. At the suggestion, moreover, of our brother Olympius, we are pleased to decree this too. Suppose a bishop suffers violence and is unjustly thrown out, either because of his discipline, or for his confession of the faith of the catholic church, or for his defense of the truth. And suppose that, fleeing from danger, though he is innocent and devout, he comes to another city. Let him not be forbidden to stay there until he is restored, or until a remedy can be found for the violence and injustice done to him. For it would be harsh indeed and most oppressive if a man who has suffered unjust expulsion were not given shelter by us. Such a man ought to be received with the greatest consideration and warmth. [c] All said: “This too is our will.”

The Latin text. At the suggestion of our brother Olympius, we are pleased to decree this too. Suppose anyone suffers violence and is unjustly thrown out because of his discipline and his catholic confession, or for his defense of the truth, and, fleeing from dangers, though he is innocent and devout, he comes to another city. Let him not be forbidden to stay there until he can return, or until the wrong done to him has been put right. For it is harsh and unfeeling that one who is suffering persecution should not be received. Indeed, great warmth and abundant consideration should be shown him. The whole synod said: “All that has been decreed, the catholic church spread abroad throughout all the world will keep and maintain.” And all the bishops of the various provinces who had gathered signed in this way: I, so-and-so, bishop of the city of such-and-such, in the province of such-and-such, believe as is written above. [e]

Canon 18, the Greek text. Bishop Gaudentius said: “You know, brother Aetius, that since you were made bishop, peace has continued to rule in your diocese. So that no remnants of discord over the clergy may remain, it seems good that those who were ordained by Musaeus and by Eutychianus should all be received, provided no fault is found in them.” [f] Editor’s note: This canon is missing from the Latin.

Canon 19, the Greek text. Bishop Hosius said: “This is the judgment of my humble self, unworthy as I am. Since we ought to be gentle and patient, and constant in compassion toward all, those who were once advanced to clerical office in the church by certain of our brothers, if they are not willing to return to the churches to which they were appointed, should not be received from now on. And Eutychianus should not go on claiming for himself the title of bishop, nor should Musaeus be counted a bishop. But if they ask for lay communion, it should not be denied them.” [g] All said: “This is our will.” Editor’s note: This canon is missing from the Latin.

Canon 20, the Greek text. Bishop Gaudentius said: “These things have been decreed soundly, properly and fittingly, and in the judgment of us bishops they are pleasing both to God and to men. Yet they will not be able to gain their due force and authority unless fear of a penalty is added to the decrees we have proclaimed. For we ourselves know that through the shamelessness of a few, the divine and most reverend title of bishop has often been brought into disgrace. “So if anyone, moved by arrogance and ambition rather than seeking to please God, dares to take a different course, against the decree of all, let him know beforehand that he must give an account and defend himself on this charge, and lose the honor and rank of the office of bishop.” [i] All answered: “This sentence is proper and right, and this is our will.” [j] And this decree will be most widely known and best carried out if each of us bishops whose sees lie on the main roads or the highway, on seeing a bishop pass by, asks the reason for his journey and where he is going. And if he finds on his departure that he is going to the court, he will direct his questions to the purposes mentioned above. If he is going because he was invited, let no obstacle be put in the way of his departure. But if he is trying to go to the court out of a wish to show himself off, as your love has said before, or to press the petitions of certain persons, let his letters not be signed, and let him not be received into communion. [k] All said: “Let this also be decreed.”

The Latin text. Bishop Gaudentius said: “These things which you have soundly and suitably provided in your decrees are pleasing, in the judgment of all, both to God and to men. Yet they can gain force and authority only if fear of a penalty is added to this action of yours. For we ourselves know that through the shamelessness of a few, the sacred and venerable name of the priesthood, that is, of the office of bishop, has been brought into blame many times over. “So if anyone tries to oppose the judgment of all, and seeks to serve ambition rather than please God, he must be given to know that he will have to give an account and lose his office and rank. “This can be carried out only if each of us whose see is on the highway, when he sees a bishop pass, asks the reason for his journey and finds out where he is going. If he finds that the bishop is on his way to the court, he should satisfy himself about what is set out above, that is, about his purposes at the court, in case he has come by invitation, so that permission may be given him to go on. If, however, as your holiness mentioned above, he is going to the court to press petitions and requests for office, let his letters not be signed, and let him not be received into communion.” All said that this was proper and right, and that this rule was approved by them.