Timothy of Alexandria’s Canonical Answers

Question 1. If a boy of seven years old, or a grown man, who is a catechumen is present at the offering and eats of it in ignorance, what is to be done in this case? Answer. Let him be enlightened, that is, baptized, for he has been called by God. [a] Question 2. If baptism is requested for a catechumen who is possessed, what is to be done? Answer. Let him be baptized at the hour of death, and not otherwise. Question 3. Should a communicant who is possessed receive communion? Answer. If he does not expose or blaspheme the mysteries, let him receive communion, not always, but at certain times. Question 4. If a catechumen is sick and delirious, so that he cannot make profession of his faith, can he be baptized at the request of his friends? Answer. He may, if he is not possessed.

Question 5. Can a man or a woman receive communion after having marital relations during the night? Answer. No (First Corinthians 7, verse 5). Question 6. A day has been set for the baptism of a woman, and on that day her monthly period comes upon her. Should she be baptized then? Answer. No, not until she is clean. Question 7. Can a menstruating woman receive communion? Answer. Not until she is clean. Question 8. Should a woman who has just given birth keep the Easter fast? Answer. No. [c]

Question 9. Should a clergyman make the offering, or pray, while an Arian or other heretic is present? Answer. As to the divine offering, the deacon, after the kiss, makes this proclamation: “Let all who are not communicants depart.” Such persons therefore ought not to be present, unless they promise to repent and renounce their heresy. [d] Question 10. Is a sick man obliged to keep the Easter fast? Answer. No. Question 11. If a clergyman is called to celebrate a marriage, and has heard that it is incestuous, should he comply and make the offering? Answer. No; he must not share in other men’s sins. [e] Question 12. What if a layman asks a clergyman whether he may receive communion after an emission of seed in the night? Answer. If it comes from desire for a woman, he ought not to; but if it is a temptation from Satan, he ought to, for the tempter will attack him whenever he is about to receive communion.

Question 13. When are husband and wife to refrain from marital relations? Answer. On Saturday and on the Lord’s day, for on those days the spiritual sacrifice is offered. Question 14. Should the offering be made for one who kills himself while out of his mind? Answer. Not unless it is very clear that he was out of his mind. Question 15. If a man’s wife is possessed to such a degree that she has to be bound with irons, and he cannot remain continent, may he marry another? Answer. I can say only that to do so would be adultery. Question 16. If a man swallows a drop of water while washing or bathing, may he receive communion afterward? Answer. If Satan finds a way of keeping us from communion, he will do it all the more often. [f] Question 17. Are those who hear the word and do not do it damned? Answer. If we neither do it nor repent that we have not done it. Question 18. At what age does God count our sins against us? Answer. According to each person’s capacity and understanding: in one at ten years old, in another when older.