# Apostolic Canons

- Author: Anonymous
- Latin title: *Canones Apostolorum*
- Date: ca. 380 (approximate)
- Source: F. X. Funk, Didascalia et Constitutiones Apostolorum, vol. 1 (Paderborn: Schoeningh, 1905)

- Translation: Claude, from the original text, unless a passage says otherwise; each passage below gives the translator
- Editions and translations: Marcel Metzger, Les Constitutions apostoliques, SC 320, 329, 336 (Paris, 1985-1987)
- Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/
- Passages: 85

## Apostolic Canon 1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-1
- Source: Funk 1:564
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A bishop is ordained by two or three bishops; presbyters and other clergy by one.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπος τοίνυν ὑπὸ ἐπισκόπων χειροτονείσθω δύο ἢ τριῶν, πρεσβύτερος ὑπὸ ἑνὸς ἐπισκόπου καὶ διάκονος καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ κληρικοί.

### English translation (Claude)

Let a bishop, then, be ordained by two or three bishops; a presbyter by one bishop, and a deacon and the other clergy likewise.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 1 (Funk 1:564; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-1).

## Apostolic Canon 2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-2
- Source: Funk 1:564
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Nothing but what the Lord ordained may be offered at the altar.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος παρὰ τὴν τοῦ κυρίου διάταξιν τὴν ἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ προσενέγκῃ ἕτερά τινα ἢ μέλι ἐπὶ τὸ τοῦ θεοῦ θυσιαστήριον ἢ γάλα ἢ ἀντὶ οἴνου σίκερα ἐπιτηδευτὰ ἢ ὄρνεις ἢ ζῶά τινα ἢ ὄσπρια, παρὰ τὴν διάταξιν, καθαιρείσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop or presbyter, contrary to the Lord's ordinance concerning the sacrifice, offers other things on the altar of God, such as honey or milk, or strong drink made artificially instead of wine, or birds or any animals or pulse, contrary to the ordinance, let him be deposed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 2 (Funk 1:564; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-2).

## Apostolic Canon 3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-3
- Source: Funk 1:564
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Only new grain, grapes, lamp oil and incense may be brought to the altar.

### Greek text

Τῷ καιρῷ τῷ δέοντι πλὴν νέων χίδρων ἢ σταφυλῆς μὴ ἐξὸν ἔστω προσάγεσθαί τι πρὸς τὸ θυσιαστήριον, καὶ ἔλαιον εἰς τὴν λυχνίαν καὶ θυμίαμα τῷ καιρῷ τῆς θείας ἀναφορᾶς.

### English translation (Claude)

Except new ears of grain or grapes at the proper season, let it not be lawful to bring anything to the altar, besides oil for the lamp and incense at the time of the divine offering.

### Translation notes

- The divine offering (ἀναφορά) is the eucharistic prayer.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 3 (Funk 1:564; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-3).

## Apostolic Canon 4

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-4
- Source: Funk 1:564
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Other firstfruits go to the clergy's house, not the altar.

### Greek text

Ἡ ἄλλη πᾶσα ὀπώρα εἰς οἶκον ἀποστελλέσθω ἀπαρχὴ τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ καὶ τοῖς πρεσβυτέροις, ἀλλὰ μὴ πρὸς τὸ θυσιαστήριον· δῆλον δὲ ὡς ὁ ἐπίσκοπος καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι ἐπιμερίζουσιν καὶ τοῖς διακόνοις καὶ τοῖς λοιποῖς κληρικοῖς.

### English translation (Claude)

Let all other produce be sent to the house as firstfruits for the bishop and the presbyters, and not to the altar; and it is clear that the bishop and the presbyters share it with the deacons and the other clergy.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 4 (Funk 1:564; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-4).

## Apostolic Canon 5

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-5
- Source: Funk 1:564–566
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not put away their wives on the pretext of piety.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος τὴν ἑαυτοῦ γυναῖκα μὴ ἐκβαλλέτω προφάσει εὐλαβείας· ἐὰν δὲ ἐκβάλῃ, ἀφοριζέσθω, ἐπιμένων δὲ καθαιρείσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

Let a bishop or presbyter or deacon not put away his own wife on the pretext of piety; and if he puts her away, let him be excommunicated, and if he persists, let him be deposed.

### Translation notes

- A block of Funk's apparatus printed after the canon is removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 5 (Funk 1:564–566; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-5).

## Apostolic Canon 6

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-6
- Source: Funk 1:566
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not take on worldly business.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος κοσμικὰς φροντίδας μὴ ἀναλαμβανέτω· εἰ δὲ μή, καθαιρείσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

Let a bishop or presbyter or deacon not take on worldly cares; otherwise let him be deposed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 6 (Funk 1:566; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-6).

## Apostolic Canon 7

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-7
- Source: Funk 1:566
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy who keep Easter with the Jews before the equinox are deposed.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος τὴν ἁγίαν τοῦ πάσχα ἡμέραν πρὸ τῆς ἐαρινῆς ἰσημερίας μετὰ Ἰουδαίων ἐπιτελέσῃ, καθαιρείσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop or presbyter or deacon celebrates the holy day of Pascha before the spring equinox with the Jews, let him be deposed.

### Translation notes

- Pascha is Easter.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 7 (Funk 1:566; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-7).

## Apostolic Canon 8

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-8
- Source: Funk 1:566
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A cleric who does not receive communion must give a reason.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος ἢ ἐκ τοῦ καταλόγου τοῦ ἱερατικοῦ προσφορᾶς γενομένης μὴ μεταλάβοι, τὴν αἰτίαν εἰπάτω καί, ἐὰν ᾖ εὔλογος, συγγνώμης τυγχανέτω· ἐὰν δὲ μὴ λέγῃ, ἀφοριζέσθω, ὡς αἴτιος βλάβης γενηθεὶς τῷ λαῷ καὶ ὑπόνοιαν ἐμποιήσας κατὰ τοῦ προσενέγκαντος ὡς μὴ ὑγιῶς ἀνενεγκόντος.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop or presbyter or deacon, or anyone from the priestly list, does not partake when the offering has been made, let him state the reason, and if it is reasonable, let him receive pardon; but if he does not state it, let him be excommunicated, as having become a cause of harm to the people and having raised a suspicion against him who offered, as though he had not offered soundly.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 8 (Funk 1:566; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-8).

## Apostolic Canon 9

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-9
- Source: Funk 1:566
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The faithful who leave before the prayer and communion are excommunicated.

### Greek text

Πάντας τοὺς εἰσιόντας πιστοὺς καὶ τῶν γραφῶν ἀκούοντας, μὴ παραμένοντας δὲ τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ ἁγίᾳ μεταλήψει, ὡς ἂν ἀταξίαν ἐμποιοῦντας τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ ἀφορίζεσθαι χρή.

### English translation (Claude)

All the faithful who come in and hear the Scriptures, but do not remain for the prayer and the holy communion, must be excommunicated, as causing disorder in the church.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 9 (Funk 1:566; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-9).

## Apostolic Canon 10

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-10
- Source: Funk 1:566
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Praying with the excommunicated brings excommunication.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἀκοινωνήτῳ κἂν ἐν οἴκῳ συνεύξηται, οὗτος ἀφοριζέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If anyone prays with an excommunicated person, even in a house, let him be excommunicated.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 10 (Funk 1:566; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-10).

## Apostolic Canon 11

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-11
- Source: Funk 1:566
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A cleric who prays with a deposed cleric is deposed.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις καθῃρημένῳ κληρικὸς ὧν ὡς κληρικῷ συνεύξηται, καθαιρείσθω καὶ αὐτός.

### English translation (Claude)

If anyone who is a cleric prays with a deposed cleric as with a cleric, let him also be deposed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 11 (Funk 1:566; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-11).

## Apostolic Canon 12

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-12
- Source: Funk 1:566–568
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: No one may be received in another city without letters of commendation.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις κληρικὸς ἢ λαϊκός, ἀφωρισμένος ἤτοι δεκτός, ἀπελθὼν ἐν ἑτέρᾳ πόλει δεχθῇ ἄνευ γραμμάτων συστατικῶν, ἀφοριζέσθωσαν οἱ δεξάμενοι καὶ ὁ δεχθείς.

### English translation (Claude)

If any cleric or layman whether excommunicated or admissible, goes away and is received in another city without letters of commendation, let both those who received him and him who was received be excommunicated.

### Translation notes

- “Admissible” (δεκτός) means in good standing; canon 13 then treats the case of one who is excommunicated. Some witnesses read “not admissible”.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 12 (Funk 1:566–568; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-12).

## Apostolic Canon 13

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-13
- Source: Funk 1:568
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: An excommunicated person who deceives another church has his sentence extended.

### Greek text

Εἰ δὲ ἀφωρισμένος ἦ, ἐπιτεινέσθω αὐτῷ ὁ ἀφορισμὸς ὡς ψευσαμένῳ καὶ ἀπατήσαντι ἐκκλησίαν θεοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

And if he is excommunicated, let his excommunication be extended, as one who has lied and deceived the church of God.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 13 (Funk 1:568; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-13).

## Apostolic Canon 14

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-14
- Source: Funk 1:568
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A bishop may not move to another see except for good reason and by the judgment of many bishops.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπον μὴ ἐξεῖναι καταλείψαντα τὴν ἑαυτοῦ παροικίαν ἑτέρᾳ ἐπιπηδᾶν, κἂν ὑπὸ πλειόνων ἀναγκάζηται, εἰ μή τις εὔλογος αἰτία ἦ ἡ τοῦτο βιαζομένη αὐτὸν ποιεῖν, ὡς πλεῖόν τι κέρδος δυναμένου αὐτοῦ τοῖς ἐκεῖσε λόγῳ εὐσεβείας συμβάλλεσθαι· καὶ τοῦτο δὲ οὐκ ἀφ᾽ ἑαυτοῦ, ἀλλὰ κρίσει πολλῶν ἐπισκόπων καὶ παρακλήσει μεγίστῃ.

### English translation (Claude)

A bishop may not leave his own diocese and leap into another, even if he is compelled by many, unless there is some good reason compelling him to do this, as being able to bring greater gain to those there by the word of piety; and even this not of himself, but by the judgment of many bishops and at the greatest entreaty.

### Translation notes

- Diocese renders παροικία.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 14 (Funk 1:568; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-14).

## Apostolic Canon 15

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-15
- Source: Funk 1:568
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy who leave their diocese without leave and refuse to return may not minister.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος ἢ ὅλως τοῦ καταλόγου τῶν κληρικῶν, ἀπολείψας τὴν ἑαυτοῦ παροικίαν, εἰς ἑτέραν ἀπέλθοι καὶ παντελῶς μεταστὰς διατρίβοι ἐν ἄλλῃ παροικίᾳ παρὰ γνώμην τοῦ ἰδίου ἐπισκόπου· τοῦτον κελεύομεν μηκέτι λειτουργεῖν, εἰ μάλιστα προσκαλουμένου αὐτὸν ἐπανελθεῖν τοῦ ἐπισκόπου οὐχ ὑπήκουσεν, ἐπιμένων τῇ ἀταξίᾳ· ὡς λαϊκὸς μέντοι ἐκεῖσε κοινωνείτω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any presbyter or deacon, or anyone at all on the list of the clergy, leaves his own diocese and goes to another, and, having moved altogether, stays in another diocese without the consent of his own bishop, we bid that he no longer minister, especially if he did not obey when his bishop summoned him to return, persisting in the disorder; but let him take communion there as a layman.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 15 (Funk 1:568; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-15).

## Apostolic Canon 16

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-16
- Source: Funk 1:568
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A bishop who receives suspended clergy is excommunicated.

### Greek text

Εἰ δὲ ὁ ἐπίσκοπος, παρ᾽ ᾧ τυγχάνουσιν, παρ᾽ οὐδὲν ἡγησάμενος τὴν κατ᾽ αὐτῶν ὁρισθεῖσαν ἀργίαν, δέξηται αὐτοὺς ὡς κληρικούς, ἀφοριζέσθω ὡς διδάσκαλος ἀταξίας.

### English translation (Claude)

And if the bishop with whom they are staying, setting at nought the suspension decreed against them, receives them as clergy, let him be excommunicated as a teacher of disorder.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 16 (Funk 1:568; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-16).

## Apostolic Canon 17

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-17
- Source: Funk 1:568
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A man twice married after baptism, or with a concubine, cannot be ordained.

### Greek text

Ὁ δυσὶ γάμοις συμπλακεὶς μετὰ τὸ βάπτισμα ἢ παλλακὴν κτησάμενος οὐ δύναται εἶναι ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος ἢ ὅλως τοῦ καταλόγου τοῦ ἱερατικοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

He who has been joined in two marriages after baptism, or has acquired a concubine, cannot be a bishop or presbyter or deacon, or anyone at all on the priestly list.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 3:2: allusion, medium confidence
- 1 Tim 3:12: allusion, medium confidence
- Titus 1:6: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Cf. 1 Tim 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6. The canon concerns a second marriage after baptism, whatever the cause of the first marriage's end.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 17 (Funk 1:568; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-17).

## Apostolic Canon 18

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-18
- Source: Funk 1:568
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A man married to a widow, a divorced woman, a courtesan, a slave or an actress cannot be ordained.

### Greek text

Ὁ χήραν λαβὼν ἢ ἐκβεβλημένην ἢ ἑταίραν ἢ οἰκέτιν ἢ τῶν ἐπὶ σκηνῆς οὐ δύναται εἶναι ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος ἢ ὅλως τοῦ καταλόγου τοῦ ἱερατικοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

He who has taken a widow, or a woman who has been put away, or a courtesan, or a household slave, or one of those on the stage, cannot be a bishop or presbyter or deacon, or anyone at all on the priestly list.

### Scripture references

- Lev 21:7: allusion, medium confidence
- Lev 21:13–14: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “A woman who has been put away” is a divorced woman. Cf. Lev 21:7, 13–14.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 18 (Funk 1:568; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-18).

## Apostolic Canon 19

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-19
- Source: Funk 1:568–570
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A man married to two sisters or to a niece cannot be a cleric.

### Greek text

Ὁ δύο ἀδελφὰς ἀγαγόμενος ἢ ἀδελφιδῆν οὐ δύναται εἶναι κληρικός.

### English translation (Claude)

He who has married two sisters, or a niece, cannot be a cleric.

### Scripture references

- Lev 18:18: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Funk's footnote and apparatus printed after the canon are removed. Cf. Lev 18:18.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 19 (Funk 1:568–570; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-19).

## Apostolic Canon 20

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-20
- Source: Funk 1:570
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not stand surety.

### Greek text

Κληρικὸς ἐγγύας διδοὺς καθαιρείσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

A cleric who gives sureties, let him be deposed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 20 (Funk 1:570; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-20).

## Apostolic Canon 21

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-21
- Source: Funk 1:570
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A eunuch not by his own act may become a bishop.

### Greek text

Εὐνοῦχος εἰ μὲν ἐξ ἐπηρείας ἀνθρώπων ἐγένετο τις ἢ ἐν διωγμῷ ἀφῃρέθη τὰ ἀνδρῶν ἢ οὕτως ἔφυ, καὶ ἔστιν ἄξιος ἐπισκοπῆς, γινέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

A eunuch, if he became so by the violence of men, or was deprived of his manhood in persecution, or was so born, and is worthy of the episcopate, let him be made bishop.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 21 (Funk 1:570; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-21).

## Apostolic Canon 22

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-22
- Source: Funk 1:570
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A man who castrates himself cannot be a cleric.

### Greek text

Ὁ ἀκρωτηριάσας ἑαυτὸν μὴ γινέσθω κληρικὸς· αὐτοφονευτὴς γάρ ἐστιν καὶ τῆς τοῦ θεοῦ δημιουργίας ἐχθρός.

### English translation (Claude)

He who has mutilated himself, let him not be made a cleric; for he is a self-murderer and an enemy of God's creation.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 22 (Funk 1:570; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-22).

## Apostolic Canon 23

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-23
- Source: Funk 1:570
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A cleric who castrates himself is deposed.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις κληρικὸς ὧν ἑαυτὸν ἀκρωτηριάσῃ, καθαιρείσθω· φονεὺς γάρ ἐστιν ἑαυτοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

If anyone who is a cleric mutilates himself, let him be deposed; for he is his own murderer.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 23 (Funk 1:570; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-23).

## Apostolic Canon 24

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-24
- Source: Funk 1:570
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A layman who castrates himself is excommunicated for three years.

### Greek text

Λαϊκὸς ἑαυτὸν ἀκρωτηριάσας ἀφοριζέσθω ἔτη τρία· ἐπίβουλος γάρ ἐστιν τῆς ἑαυτοῦ ζωῆς.

### English translation (Claude)

A layman who has mutilated himself, let him be excommunicated for three years; for he is a plotter against his own life.

### Translation notes

- The numeral is garbled in the scan; “three” (τρία) is the reading of the printed text.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 24 (Funk 1:570; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-24).

## Apostolic Canon 25

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-25
- Source: Funk 1:570
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy guilty of sexual immorality, perjury or theft are deposed but not also excommunicated.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος ὁ πορνείᾳ ἢ ἐπιορκίᾳ ἢ κλοπῇ ἁλοὺς καθαιρείσθω, καὶ μὴ ἀφοριζέσθω· λέγει γὰρ ἡ γραφή· Οὐκ ἐκδικήσεις δὶς ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό. ὡσαύτως καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ κληρικοί.

### English translation (Claude)

A bishop or presbyter or deacon who is caught in sexual immorality or perjury or theft, let him be deposed, but not excommunicated; for the Scripture says, “You shall not punish twice for the same thing.” Likewise the other clergy also.

### Scripture references

- Nah 1:9: quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Nah 1:9 (LXX).

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 25 (Funk 1:570; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-25).

## Apostolic Canon 26

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-26
- Source: Funk 1:570
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Only readers and singers may marry after entering the clergy.

### Greek text

Τῶν εἰς κλῆρον παρελθόντων ἀγάμων κελεύομεν βουλομένους γαμεῖν ἀναγνώστας καὶ ψάλτας μόνους.

### English translation (Claude)

Of those who have entered the clergy unmarried, we bid that only readers and singers marry, if they wish.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 26 (Funk 1:570; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-26).

## Apostolic Canon 27

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-27
- Source: Funk 1:570–572
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy who strike people are deposed, following Christ's example.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπον ἢ πρεσβύτερον ἢ διάκονον τύπτοντα πιστοὺς ἁμαρτάνοντας ἢ ἀπίστους ἀδικήσαντας καὶ διὰ τῶν τοιούτων φοβεῖν ἐθέλοντα καθαιρεῖσθαι προστάσσομεν· οὐδαμοῦ γὰρ ἡμᾶς ὁ κύριος ταῦτα ἐδίδαξεν, τοὐναντίον δὲ αὐτὸς τυπτόμενος οὐκ ἀντέτυπτεν, λοιδορούμενος οὐκ ἀντελοιδόρει, πάσχων οὐκ ἠπείλει.

### English translation (Claude)

A bishop or presbyter or deacon who strikes the faithful when they sin, or unbelievers when they do wrong, and wishes to make them afraid by such means, we command to be deposed; for nowhere did the Lord teach us this; on the contrary, when he himself was struck he did not strike back, “when reviled he did not revile in return, when suffering he did not threaten.”

### Scripture references

- 1 Pet 2:23: quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- 1 Pet 2:23.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 27 (Funk 1:570–572; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-27).

## Apostolic Canon 28

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-28
- Source: Funk 1:572
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A deposed cleric who resumes ministry is cut off from the church.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος, καθαιρεθεὶς δικαίως ἐπὶ ἐγκλήμασι φανεροῖς, τολμήσειεν ἐφάψασθαι τῆς ποτε ἐγχειρισθείσης αὐτῷ λειτουργίας, οὗτος παντάπασιν ἐκκοπτέσθω τῆς ἐκκλησίας.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop or presbyter or deacon, justly deposed for manifest crimes, dares to touch the ministry once entrusted to him, let him be cut off from the church altogether.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 28 (Funk 1:572; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-28).

## Apostolic Canon 29

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-29
- Source: Funk 1:572
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Ordination bought with money brings deposition and excommunication.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος διὰ χρημάτων τῆς ἀξίας ταύτης ἐγκρατὴς γένηται ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος, καθαιρείσθω καὶ αὐτὸς καὶ ὁ χειροτονήσας, καὶ ἐκκοπτέσθω παντάπασιν καὶ τῆς κοινωνίας, ὡς Σίμων ὁ μάγος ὑπ᾽ ἐμοῦ Πέτρου.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop, or presbyter or deacon, obtains this dignity by money, let both him and the one who ordained him be deposed, and let him be cut off altogether from communion also, as Simon Magus was by me, Peter.

### Scripture references

- Acts 8:18–24: allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Acts 8:18–24.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 29 (Funk 1:572; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-29).

## Apostolic Canon 30

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-30
- Source: Funk 1:572
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A bishop who gains a church through secular rulers is deposed.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος, κοσμικοῖς ἄρχουσι χρησάμενος, δι᾽ αὐτῶν ἐγκρατὴς ἐκκλησίας γένηται, καθαιρείσθω καὶ ἀφοριζέσθω, καὶ οἱ κοινωνοῦντες αὐτῷ πάντες.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop, making use of worldly rulers, obtains a church through them, let him be deposed and excommunicated, and all who communicate with him.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 30 (Funk 1:572; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-30).

## Apostolic Canon 31

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-31
- Source: Funk 1:572
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A presbyter who sets up a rival altar without cause is deposed.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις πρεσβύτερος, καταφρονήσας τοῦ ἰδίου ἐπισκόπου, χωρὶς συναγάγῃ καὶ θυσιαστήριον ἕτερον πήξῃ, μηδὲν κατεγνωκὼς τοῦ ἐπισκόπου ἐν εὐσεβείᾳ καὶ δικαιοσύνῃ, καθαιρείσθω ὡς φίλαρχος, τύραννος γάρ ἐστιν, καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ κληρικοί, ὅσοι ἂν αὐτῷ προσθῶνται· οἱ δὲ λαϊκοὶ ἀφοριζέσθωσαν. ταῦτα δὲ μετὰ μίαν καὶ δευτέραν ἢ καὶ τρίτην τοῦ ἐπισκόπου παράκλησιν γινέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any presbyter, despising his own bishop, holds assemblies apart and sets up another altar, without having condemned the bishop in matters of piety and righteousness, let him be deposed as one who loves to rule, for he is a tyrant; and likewise the other clergy, as many as join him; and let the laymen be excommunicated. But let this be done after one, a second, or even a third entreaty from the bishop.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 31 (Funk 1:572; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-31).

## Apostolic Canon 32

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-32
- Source: Funk 1:572
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Only the bishop who excommunicated a cleric may restore him.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος ὑπὸ ἐπισκόπου γένηται ἐν ἀφορισμῷ, τοῦτον μὴ ἐξεῖναι παρ᾽ ἑτέρου δεχθῆναι, ἀλλ᾽ ἢ παρὰ τοῦ ἀφορίσαντος αὐτόν, εἰ μὴ ἂν κατὰ συγκυρίαν τελευτήσῃ ὁ ἀφορίσας αὐτὸν ἐπίσκοπος.

### English translation (Claude)

If any presbyter or deacon is put under excommunication by a bishop, he may not be received by another, but only by him who excommunicated him, unless the bishop who excommunicated him happens to die.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 32 (Funk 1:572; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-32).

## Apostolic Canon 33

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-33
- Source: Funk 1:572
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Visiting clergy need letters and examination before they are received.

### Greek text

Μηδένα τῶν ξένων ἐπισκόπων ἢ πρεσβυτέρων ἢ διακόνων ἄνευ συστατικῶν προσδέχεσθε· καὶ ἐπιφερομένων δὲ αὐτῶν ἀνακρινέσθωσαν, καὶ ἐὰν μὲν ὦσιν κήρυκες τῆς εὐσεβείας, προσδεχέσθωσαν, εἰ δὲ μήγε, τὰ πρὸς τὰς χρείας αὐτοῖς ἐπιχορηγήσαντες εἰς κοινωνίαν αὐτοὺς μὴ προσδέξησθεʼ πολλὰ γὰρ κατὰ συναρπαγὴν γίνεται.

### English translation (Claude)

Receive none of the foreign bishops or presbyters or deacons without letters of commendation; and even when they bring them, let them be examined; and if they are preachers of piety, let them be received; but if not, supply them with what they need, but do not receive them into communion; for many things are done by fraud.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 33 (Funk 1:572; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-33).

## Apostolic Canon 34

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-34
- Source: Funk 1:572–574
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The bishops of each province act with their chief bishop, and he with them.

### Greek text

Τοὺς ἐπισκόπους ἑκάστου ἔθνους εἰδέναι χρὴ τὸν ἐν αὐτοῖς πρῶτον καὶ ἡγεῖσθαι αὐτὸν ὡς κεφαλὴν καὶ μηδέν τι περιττὸν πράττειν ἄνευ τῆς ἐκείνου γνώμης, ἐκεῖνα δὲ μόνα ἕκαστον, ὅσα τῇ αὐτοῦ παροικίᾳ ἐπιβάλλει καὶ ταῖς ὑπ᾽ αὐτὴν χώραις· ἀλλὰ μηδὲ ἐκεῖνος ἄνευ τῆς πάντων γνώμης ποιείτω τι· οὕτως γὰρ ὁμόνοια ἔσται, καὶ δοξασθήσεται ὁ θεὸς διὰ Χριστοῦ ἐν τῷ ἁγίῳ πνεύματι.

### English translation (Claude)

The bishops of each nation must know the first among them and consider him as head, and do nothing of consequence without his consent; but each may do only those things that concern his own diocese and the country districts under it. But neither let him do anything without the consent of all; for so there will be concord, and God will be glorified through Christ in the Holy Spirit.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 34 (Funk 1:572–574; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-34).

## Apostolic Canon 35

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-35
- Source: Funk 1:574
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A bishop may not ordain outside his own territory.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπον μὴ τολμᾶν ἔξω τῶν ἑαυτοῦ ὅρων χειροτονίας ποιεῖσθαι εἰς τὰς μὴ ὑποκειμένας αὐτῷ πόλεις καὶ χώρας· εἰ δὲ ἐλεγχθείη τοῦτο πεποιηκὼς παρὰ τὴν τῶν κατεχόντων τὰς πόλεις ἐκείνας ἢ τὰς χώρας γνώμην, καθαιρείσθω καὶ αὐτὸς καὶ οὕς ἐχειροτόνησεν.

### English translation (Claude)

Let a bishop not dare to perform ordinations outside his own bounds in cities and country districts not subject to him; and if he is convicted of having done so without the consent of those who hold those cities or districts, let both him and those he ordained be deposed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 35 (Funk 1:574; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-35).

## Apostolic Canon 36

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-36
- Source: Funk 1:574
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: An ordained man who refuses his charge is excommunicated; if the people reject him, their clergy are punished.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις χειροτονηθεὶς ἐπίσκοπος μὴ καταδέχοιτο τὴν λειτουργίαν καὶ τὴν φροντίδα τοῦ λαοῦ τὴν ἐγχειρισθεῖσαν αὐτῷ, τοῦτον ἀφωρισμένον τυγχάνειν, ἕως ἂν καταδέξηται· ὡσαύτως καὶ πρεσβύτερος καὶ διάκονος. εἰ δὲ ἀπελθὼν μὴ δεχθείη, οὐ παρὰ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ γνώμην, ἀλλὰ παρὰ τὴν τοῦ λαοῦ μοχθηρίαν, αὐτὸς μὲν ἔστω ἐπίσκοπος, ὁ δὲ κλῆρος τῆς πόλεως ἀφοριζέσθω, ὅτι τοιούτου λαοῦ ἀνυποτάκτου παιδευταὶ οὐκ ἐγένοντο.

### English translation (Claude)

If anyone ordained bishop does not accept the ministry and the care of the people entrusted to him, let him remain excommunicated until he accepts it; likewise a presbyter and a deacon. But if he goes and is not received, not against his own will but because of the wickedness of the people, let him remain bishop, and let the clergy of the city be excommunicated, because they did not become teachers of so unruly a people.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 36 (Funk 1:574; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-36).

## Apostolic Canon 37

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-37
- Source: Funk 1:574
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Bishops hold synods twice a year.

### Greek text

Δεύτερον τοῦ ἔτους σύνοδος γινέσθω τῶν ἐπισκόπων, καὶ ἀνακρινέτωσαν ἀλλήλους τὰ δόγματα τῆς εὐσεβείας, καὶ τὰς ἐμπιπτούσας ἐκκλησιαστικὰς ἀντιλογίας διαλυέτωσαν· ἅπαξ μὲν τῇ τετάρτῃ ἑβδομάδι τῆς πεντηκοστῆς, δεύτερον δὲ Ὑπερβερεταίου δωδεκάτῃ.

### English translation (Claude)

Let a synod of the bishops be held twice a year, and let them examine with one another the doctrines of piety, and settle the ecclesiastical disputes that arise: once in the fourth week of Pentecost, and the second time on the twelfth of Hyperberetaeus.

### Translation notes

- Pentecost here is the fifty days after Easter. Hyperberetaeus is a Macedonian month, roughly October.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 37 (Funk 1:574; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-37).

## Apostolic Canon 38

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-38
- Source: Funk 1:574–576
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The bishop manages church property but may not take it or give it to relatives.

### Greek text

Πάντων τῶν ἐκκλησιαστικῶν πραγμάτων ὁ ἐπίσκοπος ἐχέτω τὴν φροντίδα, καὶ διοικείτω αὐτὰ ὡς θεοῦ ἐφορῶντος· μὴ ἐξεῖναι δὲ αὐτῷ σφετερίζεσθαί τι ἐξ αὐτῶν ἢ συγγενέσιν ἰδίοις τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ χαρίζεσθαι· εἰ δὲ πένητες ὦσιν, ἐπιχορηγείτω ὡς πένησιν, ἀλλὰ μὴ προφάσει τούτων τὰ τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἀπεμπολείτω.

### English translation (Claude)

Let the bishop have the care of all the affairs of the church, and administer them as with God overseeing; but let him not be permitted to appropriate any of them, or to give the things of God to his own relatives. If they are poor, let him supply them as poor, but not sell off the church's property on their pretext.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 38 (Funk 1:574–576; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-38).

## Apostolic Canon 39

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-39
- Source: Funk 1:576
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Presbyters and deacons act only with the bishop's consent.

### Greek text

Οἱ πρεσβύτεροι καὶ οἱ διάκονοι ἄνευ γνώμης τοῦ ἐπισκόπου μηδὲν ἐπιτελείτωσαν· αὐτὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ πεπιστευμένος τὸν λαὸν κυρίου καὶ τὸν ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν αὐτῶν λόγον ἀπαιτηθησόμενος.

### English translation (Claude)

Let the presbyters and the deacons do nothing without the consent of the bishop; for it is he who has been entrusted with the Lord's people and who will be required to give account for their souls.

### Scripture references

- Heb 13:17: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Heb 13:17.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 39 (Funk 1:576; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-39).

## Apostolic Canon 40

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-40
- Source: Funk 1:576
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The bishop's own property and the church's must be kept distinct.

### Greek text

Ἔστω φανερὰ τὰ ἴδια τοῦ ἐπισκόπου πράγματα, εἴγε καὶ ἴδια ἔχει, καὶ φανερὰ τὰ κυριακά, ἵνα ἐξουσίαν ἔχῃ τῶν ἰδίων τελευτῶν ὁ ἐπίσκοπος ὡς βούλεται καὶ οἷς βούλεται καταλεῖψαι, καὶ μὴ προφάσει τῶν ἐκκλησιαστικῶν πραγμάτων διαπίπτειν τὰ τοῦ ἐπισκόπου ἔσθ᾽ ὅτε γυναῖκα καὶ παῖδας κεκτημένου ἢ συγγενεῖς ἢ οἰκέτας· δίκαιον γὰρ τοῦτο παρὰ θεῷ καὶ ἀνθρώποις, τὸ μήτε τὴν ἐκκλησίαν ζημίαν τινὰ ὑπομένειν ἀγνοίᾳ τῶν τοῦ ἐπισκόπου πραγμάτων, μήτε τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ἢ τοὺς αὐτοῦ συγγενεῖς προφάσει τῆς ἐκκλησίας δημεύεσθαι, ἢ καὶ εἰς πράγματα ἐμπίπτειν τοὺς αὐτῷ διαφέροντας, καὶ τὸν αὐτοῦ θάνατον δυσφημίᾳ περιβάλλεσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

Let the bishop's own property, if indeed he has any of his own, be clearly known, and the Lord's property clearly known, so that the bishop may have power at his death to leave his own property as he wishes and to whom he wishes, and so that the bishop's property may not be lost on the pretext of church property, since he sometimes has a wife and children, or relatives, or household slaves. For this is just “before God and men,” that neither the church suffer any loss through ignorance of the bishop's property, nor the bishop or his relatives have their goods confiscated on the pretext of the church, nor those who belong to him fall into lawsuits, and his death be surrounded with ill repute.

### Scripture references

- Prov 3:4: quotation, medium confidence
- 2 Cor 8:21: quotation, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Prov 3:4 (LXX); 2 Cor 8:21. The canon assumes that a bishop may have a wife and children.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 40 (Funk 1:576; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-40).

## Apostolic Canon 41

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-41
- Source: Funk 1:576
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The bishop administers the church's money and may take what he needs from it.

### Greek text

Προστάσσομεν τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ἐξουσίαν ἔχειν τῶν τῆς ἐκκλησίας πραγμάτων· εἰ γὰρ τὰς τιμίας τῶν ἀνθρώπων ψυχὰς αὐτῷ πιστευτέον, πολλῷ ἂν δέοι περὶ τῶν χρημάτων ἐντέλλεσθαι, ὥστε κατὰ τὴν αὐτοῦ ἐξουσίαν πάντα διοικεῖσθαι τοῖς δεομένοις διὰ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων καὶ τῶν διακόνων καὶ ἐπιχορηγεῖσθαι μετὰ φόβου θεοῦ καὶ πάσης εὐλαβείας· μεταλαμβάνειν δὲ καὶ αὐτὸν τῶν δεόντων, εἴγε δέοιτο, εἰς τὰς ἀναγκαίας αὐτοῦ χρείας καὶ τῶν ἐπιξενουμένων ἀδελφῶν, ὡς κατὰ μηδένα τρόπον αὐτοὺς ὑστερεῖσθαι. ὁ γὰρ νόμος τοῦ θεοῦ διετάξατο τοὺς τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ παραμένοντας ἐκ τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου τρέφεσθαι, ἐπείπερ οὐδὲ στρατιώτης ἰδίοις ὀψωνίοις ὅπλα κατὰ πολεμίων ἐπιφέρεται.

### English translation (Claude)

We command that the bishop have authority over the affairs of the church; for if the precious souls of men are to be entrusted to him, much more ought he to be charged with the money, so that by his authority everything may be distributed to those in need through the presbyters and the deacons, and supplied with the fear of God and all reverence; and that he himself also partake of what is needed, if indeed he needs it, for his own necessary uses and those of the brothers who are his guests, so that they may in no way be in want. For the law of God ordained that those who serve at the altar should be fed from the altar, since not even a soldier bears arms against the enemy at his own expense.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 9:13: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Cor 9:7: allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Stray marks in the scan are removed. 1 Cor 9:7, 13.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 41 (Funk 1:576; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-41).

## Apostolic Canon 42

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-42
- Source: Funk 1:576
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy who gamble or get drunk must stop or be deposed.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος κύβοις σχολάζων καὶ μέθαις ἢ παυσάσθω ἢ καθαιρείσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

A bishop or presbyter or deacon who gives himself to dice and drunkenness, let him either stop or be deposed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 42 (Funk 1:576; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-42).

## Apostolic Canon 43

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-43
- Source: Funk 1:576–578
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Minor clergy and laymen who gamble or get drunk must stop or be excommunicated.

### Greek text

Ὑποδιάκονος ἢ ἀναγνώστης ἢ ψάλτης τὰ ὅμοια ποιῶν ἢ παυσάσθω ἢ ἀφοριζέσθω· ὡσαύτως καὶ λαϊκός.

### English translation (Claude)

A subdeacon or reader or singer who does the like, let him either stop or be excommunicated; likewise a layman also.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 43 (Funk 1:576–578; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-43).

## Apostolic Canon 44

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-44
- Source: Funk 1:578
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not take interest on loans.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος τόκους ἀπαιτῶν τοὺς δανειζομένους ἢ παυσάσθω ἢ καθαιρείσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

A bishop or presbyter or deacon who demands interest from those who borrow, let him either stop or be deposed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 44 (Funk 1:578; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-44).

## Apostolic Canon 45

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-45
- Source: Funk 1:578
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy who pray with heretics are excommunicated; if they let them minister, deposed.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος αἱρετικοῖς συνευξάμενοι μόνον ἀφοριζέσθωσαν· εἰ δὲ καὶ ἐπέτρεψαν αὐτοῖς ὡς κληρικοῖς ἐνεργῆσαί τι, καθαιρείσθωσαν.

### English translation (Claude)

A bishop or presbyter or deacon who has only prayed with heretics, let him be excommunicated; but if he has also permitted them to perform any function as clergy, let him be deposed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 45 (Funk 1:578; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-45).

## Apostolic Canon 46

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-46
- Source: Funk 1:578
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy who accept heretical baptism or sacrifice are deposed.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπον ἢ πρεσβύτερον ἢ διάκονον αἱρετικῶν δεξαμένους βάπτισμα ἢ θυσίαν καθαιρεῖσθαι προστάσσομεν. τίς γὰρ συμφώνησις Χριστοῦ πρὸς Βελίαρ; ἢ τίς μερὶς πιστῷ μετὰ ἀπίστου.

### English translation (Claude)

We command that a bishop or presbyter or deacon who has accepted the baptism or sacrifice of heretics be deposed. “For what agreement has Christ with Beliar? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?”

### Scripture references

- 2 Cor 6:15: quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- 2 Cor 6:15.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 46 (Funk 1:578; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-46).

## Apostolic Canon 47

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-47
- Source: Funk 1:578
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: True baptism is not repeated; baptism by the ungodly is no baptism.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος τὸν κατὰ ἀλήθειαν ἔχοντα βάπτισμα ἐὰν ἄνωθεν βαπτίσῃ, ἢ τὸν μεμολυσμένον παρὰ τῶν ἀσεβῶν ἐὰν μὴ βαπτίσῃ, καθαιρείσθω ὡς γελῶν τὸν σταυρὸν καὶ τὸν τοῦ κυρίου θάνατον καὶ μὴ διακρίνων ἱερέας ψευδιερέων.

### English translation (Claude)

If a bishop or presbyter baptizes again one who has true baptism, or does not baptize one who has been polluted by the ungodly, let him be deposed, as mocking the cross and the death of the Lord, and not distinguishing priests from false priests.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 47 (Funk 1:578; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-47).

## Apostolic Canon 48

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-48
- Source: Funk 1:578
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A layman who divorces his wife and remarries, or marries a divorced woman, is excommunicated.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις λαϊκὸς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ γυναῖκα ἐκβαλὼν ἑτέραν λάβοι ἢ παρὰ ἄλλου ἀπολελυμένην, ἀφοριζέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any layman puts away his own wife and takes another, or one who has been divorced by another man, let him be excommunicated.

### Scripture references

- Matt 5:32: allusion, medium confidence
- Matt 19:9: allusion, medium confidence
- Mark 10:11–12: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- The canon gives no exception. Cf. Matt 5:32; 19:9; Mark 10:11–12.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 48 (Funk 1:578; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-48).

## Apostolic Canon 49

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-49
- Source: Funk 1:578
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Baptism must be into the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος κατὰ τὴν τοῦ κυρίου διάταξιν μὴ βαπτίσῃ εἰς πατέρα καὶ υἱὸν καὶ ἅγιον πνεῦμα, ἀλλὰ εἰς τρεῖς ἀνάρχους ἢ εἰς τρεῖς υἱοὺς ἢ εἰς τρεῖς παρακλήτους, καθαιρείσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop or presbyter does not baptize, according to the Lord's ordinance, into the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, but into three without beginning, or into three sons, or into three paracletes, let him be deposed.

### Scripture references

- Matt 28:19: allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Matt 28:19.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 49 (Funk 1:578; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-49).

## Apostolic Canon 50

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-50
- Source: Funk 1:578–580
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Baptism is by threefold immersion, according to the threefold name.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος μὴ τρία βαπτίσματα μιᾶς μυήσεως ἐπιτελέσῃ, ἀλλὰ ἕν βάπτισμα τὸ εἰς τὸν θάνατον τοῦ κυρίου διδόμενον, καθαιρείσθω· οὐ γὰρ εἶπεν ὁ κύριος· Εἰς τὸν θάνατόν μου βαπτίσατε, ἀλλά, Πορευθέντες μαθητεύσατε πάντα ἔθνη, βαπτίζοντες αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop or presbyter does not perform three immersions of one initiation, but one immersion given into the death of the Lord, let him be deposed; for the Lord did not say, “Baptize into my death,” but, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

### Scripture references

- Matt 28:19: quotation, high confidence
- Rom 6:3: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “Immersions” renders βαπτίσματα, literally “baptisms”. Matt 28:19; cf. Rom 6:3.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 50 (Funk 1:578–580; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-50).

## Apostolic Canon 51

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-51
- Source: Funk 1:580
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Abstaining from marriage, meat or wine out of abhorrence of creation is condemned.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος ἢ ὅλως τοῦ καταλόγου τοῦ ἱερατικοῦ γάμου καὶ κρεῶν καὶ οἴνου οὐ δι᾽ ἄσκησιν, ἀλλὰ διὰ βδελυρίαν ἀπέχεται, ἐπιλαθόμενος, ὅτι πάντα καλὰ λίαν καὶ ὅτι ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ ἐποίησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν ἄνθρωπον ἀλλὰ βλασφημῶν διαβάλλει τὴν δημιουργίαν, ἢ διορθούσθω ἢ καθαιρείσθω καὶ τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἀποβαλλέσθω· ὡσαύτως καὶ λαϊκός.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop or presbyter or deacon, or anyone at all of the priestly list, abstains from marriage and meat and wine not for the sake of discipline but out of abhorrence, forgetting that “all things are very good,” and that “God made man male and female,” but blasphemously slanders the creation, let him either be corrected or be deposed and cast out of the church; likewise a layman also.

### Scripture references

- Gen 1:31: quotation, high confidence
- Gen 1:27: quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Gen 1:31; 1:27. Abstinence for the sake of discipline (ἄσκησις) is allowed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 51 (Funk 1:580; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-51).

## Apostolic Canon 52

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-52
- Source: Funk 1:580
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy who refuse a penitent are deposed.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος τὸν ἐπιστρέφοντα ἀπὸ ἁμαρτίας οὐ προσδέχεται, ἀλλὰ ἀποβάλλεται, καθαιρείσθω, ὅτι λυπεῖ τὸν Χριστὸν τὸν εἰπόντα, Χαρὰ γίνεται ἐν οὐρανῷ ἐπὶ ἑνὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ μετανοοῦντι.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop or presbyter does not receive one who turns back from sin, but rejects him, let him be deposed, because he grieves Christ, who said, “There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.”

### Scripture references

- Luke 15:7: quotation, high confidence
- Luke 15:10: quotation, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Luke 15:7, 10.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 52 (Funk 1:580; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-52).

## Apostolic Canon 53

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-53
- Source: Funk 1:580
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy who refuse meat and wine on feast days are deposed.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῶν ἑορτῶν οὐ μεταλαμβάνει κρεῶν καὶ οἴνου, καθαιρείσθω ὡς κεκαυτηριασμένος τὴν συνείδησιν καὶ αἴτιος σκανδάλου πολλοῖς γινόμενος.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop or presbyter or deacon does not partake of meat and wine on the days of the feasts, let him be deposed, as “seared in his conscience” and becoming a cause of stumbling to many.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 4:2: quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- 1 Tim 4:2.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 53 (Funk 1:580; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-53).

## Apostolic Canon 54

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-54
- Source: Funk 1:580–582
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not eat in taverns except when travelling.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις κληρικὸς ἐν καπηλείῳ φωραθῇ ἐσθίων, ἀφοριζέσθω, παρὲξ τοῦ ἐν πανδοχείῳ ἐν ὁδῷ δι᾽ ἀνάγκην καταλύειν.

### English translation (Claude)

If any cleric is caught eating in a tavern, let him be excommunicated, except when he lodges at an inn on a journey from necessity.

### Translation notes

- Stray letters in the scan are removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 54 (Funk 1:580–582; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-54).

## Apostolic Canon 55

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-55
- Source: Funk 1:582
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A cleric who insults his bishop is deposed.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις κληρικὸς ὑβρίσει τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ἀδίκως, καθαιρείσθω. ἄρχοντα γάρ, φησί, τοῦ λαοῦ σου οὐκ ἐρεῖς κακῶς.

### English translation (Claude)

If any cleric insults the bishop unjustly, let him be deposed. “For you shall not speak evil,” it says, “of a ruler of your people.”

### Scripture references

- Exod 22:28: quotation, high confidence
- Acts 23:5: quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Exod 22:28; Acts 23:5.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 55 (Funk 1:582; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-55).

## Apostolic Canon 56

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-56
- Source: Funk 1:582
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A cleric who insults a presbyter or deacon is excommunicated.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις κληρικὸς ὑβρίσει πρεσβύτερον ἢ διάκονον, ἀφοριζέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any cleric insults a presbyter or deacon, let him be excommunicated.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 56 (Funk 1:582; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-56).

## Apostolic Canon 57

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-57
- Source: Funk 1:582
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Mocking the disabled brings excommunication.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις κληρικὸς κωφὸν ἢ χωλὸν ἢ τυφλὸν ἢ τὰς βάσεις πεπληγμένον χλευάσῃ, ἀφοριζέσθω· ὡσαύτως καὶ λαϊκός.

### English translation (Claude)

If any cleric mocks one who is deaf or lame or blind or crippled in the legs, let him be excommunicated; likewise a layman also.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 57 (Funk 1:582; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-57).

## Apostolic Canon 58

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-58
- Source: Funk 1:582
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy who neglect to teach their people are punished.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἀμελῶν τοῦ κλήρου ἢ τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ μὴ παιδεύων αὐτοὺς τὴν εὐσέβειαν ἀφοριζέσθω, ἐπιμένων δὲ τῇ ῥαθυμίᾳ καθαιρείσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

A bishop or presbyter who neglects the clergy or the people and does not instruct them in piety, let him be excommunicated, and if he persists in his negligence, let him be deposed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 58 (Funk 1:582; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-58).

## Apostolic Canon 59

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-59
- Source: Funk 1:582
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy who neglect needy fellow clergy are punished.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος, τινὸς τῶν κληρικῶν ἐνδεοῦς ὄντος, μὴ ἐπιχορηγεῖ τὰ δέοντα, ἀφοριζέσθω· ἐπιμένων δὲ καθαιρείσθω, ὡς φονεύσας τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop or presbyter, when one of the clergy is in need, does not supply what he needs, let him be excommunicated; and if he persists, let him be deposed, as having murdered his brother.

### Scripture references

- 1 John 3:15–17: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- Cf. 1 John 3:15–17.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 59 (Funk 1:582; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-59).

## Apostolic Canon 60

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-60
- Source: Funk 1:582
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Reading spurious books of the ungodly in church brings deposition.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις τὰ ψευδεπίγραφα τῶν ἀσεβῶν βιβλία ὡς ἅγια ἐπὶ τῆς ἐκκλησίας δημοσιεύει ἐπὶ λύπῃ τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ τοῦ κλήρου, καθαιρείσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If anyone reads publicly in the church the falsely inscribed books of the ungodly as holy, to the harm of the people and the clergy, let him be deposed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 60 (Funk 1:582; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-60).

## Apostolic Canon 61

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-61
- Source: Funk 1:582
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A believer convicted of sexual sin may not be ordained.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις κατηγορία γένηται κατὰ πιστοῦ πορνείας ἢ μοιχείας ἢ ἄλλης τινὸς ἀπηγορευμένης πράξεως καὶ ἐλεγχθῇ, εἰς κλῆρον μὴ προαγέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If an accusation is made against a believer of sexual immorality or adultery or any other forbidden act, and he is convicted, let him not be promoted to the clergy.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 61 (Funk 1:582; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-61).

## Apostolic Canon 62

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-62
- Source: Funk 1:582
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A cleric who denies Christ is cast out; one who denies his office is deposed.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις κληρικὸς διὰ φόβον ἀνθρώπινον Ἰουδαίου ἢ Ἕλληνος ἢ αἱρετικοῦ ἀρνήσηται, εἰ μὲν τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἀποβαλλέσθω, εἰ δὲ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ κληρικοῦ, καθαιρείσθω· μετανοήσας δὲ ὡς λαϊκὸς δεχθήτω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any cleric, through human fear of a Jew or a Greek or a heretic, denies: if it is the name of Christ, let him be cast out; if the name of cleric, let him be deposed; but if he repents, let him be received as a layman.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 62 (Funk 1:582; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-62).

## Apostolic Canon 63

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-63
- Source: Funk 1:582
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Eating blood, or meat torn by beasts or found dead, is forbidden.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος ἢ ὅλως ἐκ τοῦ καταλόγου τοῦ ἱερατικοῦ φάγῃ κρέας ἐν αἵματι ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ ἢ θηριάλωτον ἢ θνησιμαῖον, καθαιρείσθω· τοῦτο γὰρ ὁ νόμος ἀπεῖπεν· ἐὰν δὲ λαϊκὸς ᾖ, ἀφοριζέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop or presbyter or deacon, or anyone at all of the priestly list, “eats meat with its life-blood,” or what has been “torn by beasts,” or “what has died,” let him be deposed; for the law forbade this. And if he is a layman, let him be excommunicated.

### Scripture references

- Gen 9:4: quotation, high confidence
- Lev 17:15: allusion, high confidence
- Acts 15:29: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Gen 9:4; Lev 17:15; Acts 15:29.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 63 (Funk 1:582; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-63).

## Apostolic Canon 64

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-64
- Source: Funk 1:582–584
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Fasting on Sunday or Saturday, except one Saturday, is forbidden.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις κληρικὸς εὑρεθῇ τὴν κυριακὴν ἡμέραν ἢ τὸ σάββατον πλὴν τοῦ ἑνὸς μόνου νηστεύων, καθαιρείσθω· ἐὰν δὲ λαϊκός, ἀφοριζέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any cleric is found fasting on the Lord's day, or on the Sabbath except for the one only, let him be deposed; and if a layman, let him be excommunicated.

### Translation notes

- The one Sabbath is the Saturday before Easter.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 64 (Funk 1:582–584; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-64).

## Apostolic Canon 65

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-65
- Source: Funk 1:584
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Praying in a synagogue or heretical assembly is forbidden.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις κληρικὸς ἢ λαϊκὸς εἰσέλθοι εἰς συναγωγὴν Ἰουδαίων ἢ αἱρετικῶν προσεύξασθαι, καθαιρείσθω καὶ ἀφοριζέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any cleric or layman enters a synagogue of Jews or of heretics to pray, let him be deposed and excommunicated.

### Translation notes

- The two penalties apply to the cleric and the layman respectively.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 65 (Funk 1:584; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-65).

## Apostolic Canon 66

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-66
- Source: Funk 1:584
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A cleric who kills someone in a fight is deposed.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις κληρικὸς ἐν μάχῃ τινὰ κρούσας καὶ ἀπὸ τοῦ ἑνὸς κρούσματος ἀποκτείνῃ, καθαιρείσθω διὰ τὴν προπέτειαν αὐτοῦ· ἐὰν δὲ λαϊκὸς ᾖ, ἀφοριζέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any cleric strikes someone in a fight and kills him with the one blow, let him be deposed for his rashness; and if he is a layman, let him be excommunicated.

### Translation notes

- Stray marks in the scan are removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 66 (Funk 1:584; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-66).

## Apostolic Canon 67

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-67
- Source: Funk 1:584
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A man who violates an unbetrothed virgin must keep her as his wife.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις παρθένον ἀμνήστευτον βιασάμενος ἔχῃ, ἀφοριζέσθω· μὴ ἐξεῖναι δὲ αὐτῷ ἑτέραν λαμβάνειν, ἀλλ᾽ ἐκείνην κατέχειν, ἣν καὶ ἠρετίσατο, κἂν πενιχρὰ τυγχάνῃ.

### English translation (Claude)

If anyone has violated an unbetrothed virgin and keeps her, let him be excommunicated; and let it not be permitted him to take another, but let him keep her whom he chose, even if she happens to be poor.

### Scripture references

- Exod 22:16: allusion, medium confidence
- Deut 22:28–29: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Cf. Exod 22:16; Deut 22:28–29.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 67 (Funk 1:584; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-67).

## Apostolic Canon 68

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-68
- Source: Funk 1:584
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Ordination is not repeated, except for those ordained by heretics.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος δευτέραν χειροτονίαν δέξηται παρά τινος, καθαιρείσθω καὶ αὐτὸς καὶ ὁ χειροτονήσας, εἰ μὴ δείξῃ παρὰ αἱρετικῶν αὐτὸν ἔχειν τὴν χειροτονίαν· τοὺς γὰρ παρὰ τοιούτων βαπτισθέντας ἢ χειροτονηθέντας οὔτε πιστοὺς οὔτε κληρικοὺς εἶναι δυνατόν.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop or presbyter or deacon receives a second ordination from anyone, let both him and the one who ordained him be deposed, unless he shows that he had his ordination from heretics; for those baptized or ordained by such cannot be either believers or clergy.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 68 (Funk 1:584; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-68).

## Apostolic Canon 69

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-69
- Source: Funk 1:584
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy and laity must keep the Lenten fast and the Wednesday and Friday fasts.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος ἢ πρεσβύτερος ἢ διάκονος ἢ ὑποδιάκονος ἢ ἀναγνώστης ἢ ψάλτης τὴν ἁγίαν τεσσαρακοστὴν οὐ νηστεύει ἢ τετράδα ἢ παρασκευήν, καθαιρείσθω, ἐκτὸς εἰ μὴ δι᾽ ἀσθένειαν σωματικὴν ἐμποδίζοιτο· ἐὰν δὲ λαϊκὸς ᾖ, ἀφοριζέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop or presbyter or deacon or subdeacon or reader or singer does not fast the holy Forty Days, or the Wednesday or the Friday, let him be deposed, unless he is hindered by bodily weakness; and if he is a layman, let him be excommunicated.

### Translation notes

- Stray marks in the scan are removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 69 (Funk 1:584; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-69).

## Apostolic Canon 70

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-70
- Source: Funk 1:584–586
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Sharing Jewish fasts and festivals is forbidden.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐπίσκοπος ἢ ἄλλος κληρικὸς νηστεύει μετὰ Ἰουδαίων ἢ ἑορτάζει μετ᾽ αὐτῶν ἢ δέχεται αὐτῶν τὰ τῆς ἑορτῆς ξένια, οἷον ἄζυμα ἤ τι τοιοῦτον, καθαιρείσθω· εἰ δὲ λαϊκός, ἀφοριζέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any bishop or other cleric fasts with the Jews, or keeps festival with them, or receives from them the gifts of their festival, such as unleavened bread or anything of the kind, let him be deposed; and if a layman, let him be excommunicated.

### Translation notes

- Translated as written; the rule reflects the work's separation of church and synagogue.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 70 (Funk 1:584–586; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-70).

## Apostolic Canon 71

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-71
- Source: Funk 1:586
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Christians may not bring offerings to pagan temples or synagogues.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις Χριστιανὸς ἔλαιον ἀπενέγκοι εἰς ἱερὸν ἐθνῶν ἢ εἰς συναγωγὴν Ἰουδαίων ἢ ἐν ταῖς ἑορταῖς αὐτῶν λύχνους ἅψῃ, ἀφοριζέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If any Christian brings oil to a temple of the Gentiles or to a synagogue of the Jews, or lights lamps at their festivals, let him be excommunicated.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 71 (Funk 1:586; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-71).

## Apostolic Canon 72

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-72
- Source: Funk 1:586
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Theft from the church is repaid with a fifth added.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις κληρικὸς ἢ λαϊκὸς ἀπὸ τῆς ἁγίας ἐκκλησίας ἀφέληται κηρὸν ἢ ἔλαιον, ἀφοριζέσθω καὶ τὸ ἐπίπεμπτον προστιθέτω μεθ᾽ οὗ ἔλαβεν.

### English translation (Claude)

If any cleric or layman takes away wax or oil from the holy church, let him be excommunicated and add a fifth part to what he took.

### Scripture references

- Lev 5:16: allusion, medium confidence
- Lev 6:5: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Lev 5:16; 6:5.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 72 (Funk 1:586; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-72).

## Apostolic Canon 73

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-73
- Source: Funk 1:586
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Consecrated vessels and cloths may not be taken for private use.

### Greek text

Σκεῦος ἀργύρου ἢ χρυσοῦ ἢ ὀθόνης ἁγιασθὲν μηδεὶς ἔτι εἰς οἰκείαν χρῆσιν σφετεριζέσθω, παράνομον γάρ· εἰ δέ τις φωραθείη, ἐπιτιμάσθω ἀφορισμῷ.

### English translation (Claude)

Let no one any longer appropriate for his own use a vessel of silver or gold, or a linen cloth, that has been sanctified; for it is unlawful. And if anyone is caught, let him be punished with excommunication.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 73 (Funk 1:586; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-73).

## Apostolic Canon 74

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-74
- Source: Funk 1:586
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: An accused bishop is summoned three times before a synod judges him.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπον κατηγορηθέντα ἐπί τινι ὑπὸ ἀξιοπίστων καὶ πιστῶν ἀνθρώπων, καλεῖσθαι αὐτὸν ἀναγκαῖον ὑπὸ τῶν ἐπισκόπων· κἄν μὲν ἀπαντήσῃ καὶ ὁμολογήσῃ, ἐλεγχθέντος αὐτοῦ ὁριζέσθω τὸ ἐπιτίμιον· ἐὰν δὲ καλούμενος μὴ ὑπακούσῃ, καλείσθω καὶ δεύτερον, ἀποστελλομένων ἐπ᾿ αὐτὸν δύο ἐπισκόπων· ἐὰν δὲ καὶ οὕτω μὴ ὑπακούσῃ, καλείσθω καὶ τρίτον, δύο πάλιν ἐπισκόπων ἀποσταλέντων πρὸς αὐτόν· ἐὰν δὲ καὶ οὕτως καταφρονήσας μὴ ἀπαντήσῃ, ἡ σύνοδος ἀποφαινέσθω κατ᾽ αὐτοῦ τὰ δοκοῦντα, ὅπως μὴ δόξῃ κερδαίνειν φυγοδικῶν.

### English translation (Claude)

When a bishop has been accused of something by trustworthy and faithful men, he must be summoned by the bishops; and if he appears and confesses, let the penalty be determined once he has been convicted. But if when summoned he does not obey, let him be summoned a second time, two bishops being sent to him; and if even so he does not obey, let him be summoned a third time, two bishops again being sent to him; and if even so he despises it and does not appear, let the synod pronounce against him what seems good, so that he may not seem to profit by evading judgment.

### Scripture references

- Matt 18:15–17: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- Stray marks in the scan are removed. Cf. Matt 18:15–17.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 74 (Funk 1:586; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-74).

## Apostolic Canon 75

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-75
- Source: Funk 1:586
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A heretic, or a single witness, cannot testify against a bishop.

### Greek text

Εἰς μαρτυρίαν τὴν κατὰ ἐπισκόπου αἱρετικὸν μὴ προσδέχεσθε, ἀλλὰ μηδὲ πιστὸν ἕνα μόνον· ἐπὶ στόματος γὰρ δύο ἢ τριῶν μαρτύρων σταθήσεται πᾶν ῥῆμα.

### English translation (Claude)

For testimony against a bishop do not receive a heretic, nor even one believer alone; for “on the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”

### Scripture references

- Deut 19:15: quotation, high confidence
- Matt 18:16: quotation, medium confidence
- 2 Cor 13:1: quotation, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Stray marks in the scan are removed. Deut 19:15; Matt 18:16; 2 Cor 13:1.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 75 (Funk 1:586; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-75).

## Apostolic Canon 76

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-76
- Source: Funk 1:586–588
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A bishop may not appoint a relative as his successor.

### Greek text

Ὅτι μὴ χρὴ τὸν ἐπίσκοπον τῷ ἀδελφῷ ἢ τῷ υἱῷ ἢ ἑτέρῳ συγγενεῖ χαριζόμενον τὸ ἀξίωμα τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς χειροτονεῖν οὓς αὐτὸς βούλεται· κληρονόμους γὰρ τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς αὐτοῦ ποιεῖσθαι οὐ δίκαιον, τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ χαριζόμενον πάθει ἀνθρωπίνῳ· οὐ γὰρ τὴν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐκκλησίαν ὑπὸ κληρονομίαν ὀφείλει τιθέναι. εἰ δέ τις τοῦτο ποιήσει, ἄκυρος μὲν ἔστω ἡ χειροτονία, αὐτὸς δὲ ἐπιτιμάσθω ἀφορισμῷ.

### English translation (Claude)

A bishop must not, as a favor to his brother or son or other relative, ordain to the dignity of the episcopate whom he wishes; for it is not just to make heirs of his episcopate, giving the things of God as a favor to human affection; for he must not place the church of God under inheritance. And if anyone does this, let the ordination be void, and let him be punished with excommunication.

### Translation notes

- A footnote reference and stray marks printed in the text are removed.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 76 (Funk 1:586–588; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-76).

## Apostolic Canon 77

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-77
- Source: Funk 1:588
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A bodily defect does not bar a worthy man from the episcopate.

### Greek text

Ἐάν τις ἀνάπηρος ἢ τὸν ὀφθαλμὸν ἢ τὸ σκέλος πεπληγμένος, ἄξιος δὲ ᾖ εἰς ἐπισκοπήν, γινέσθω· οὐ γὰρ λώβη σώματος αὐτὸν μιαίνει, ἀλλὰ ψυχῆς μολυσμός.

### English translation (Claude)

If anyone is maimed, or injured in an eye or a leg, but is worthy of the episcopate, let him be made bishop; for a bodily defect does not defile him, but pollution of the soul.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 77 (Funk 1:588; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-77).

## Apostolic Canon 78

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-78
- Source: Funk 1:588
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The deaf and blind are not made bishops, for practical reasons.

### Greek text

Κωφὸς δὲ ὧν καὶ τυφλὸς μὴ γινέσθω ἐπίσκοπος, οὐχ ὡς μεμιαμμένος, ἀλλ᾽ ἵνα μὴ τὰ ἐκκλησιαστικὰ παρεμποδίζοιτο.

### English translation (Claude)

But one who is deaf and blind, let him not be made bishop, not as defiled, but so that the affairs of the church may not be hindered.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 78 (Funk 1:588; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-78).

## Apostolic Canon 79

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-79
- Source: Funk 1:588
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The demon-possessed may not be ordained until cleansed.

### Greek text

Ἐάν τις δαίμονα ἔχῃ, κληρικὸς μὴ γινέσθω, ἀλλὰ μηδὲ τοῖς πιστοῖς συνευχέσθω· καθαρισθεὶς δὲ προσδεχέσθω, καὶ ἐὰν ᾖ ἄξιος, γινέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

If anyone has a demon, let him not be made a cleric, nor even pray with the faithful; but when he has been cleansed, let him be received, and, if he is worthy, let him be made one.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 79 (Funk 1:588; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-79).

## Apostolic Canon 80

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-80
- Source: Funk 1:588
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A new convert is not to be made a bishop at once.

### Greek text

Τὸν ἐξ ἐθνῶν προσελθόντα καὶ βαπτισθέντα ἢ ἐκ φαύλης διαγωγῆς οὐ δίκαιόν ἐστι παραυτὰ προχειρίζεσθαι εἰς ἐπισκοπήν· ἄδικον γὰρ τὸν μηδέπω πεῖραν ἐπιδειξάμενον ἑτέρων εἶναι διδάσκαλον, εἰ μή που κατὰ θείαν χάριν τοῦτο γένοιτο.

### English translation (Claude)

It is not right that one who has come over from the Gentiles and been baptized, or from an evil way of life, should at once be advanced to the episcopate; for it is unjust that one who has not yet given proof of himself should be a teacher of others, unless perhaps this happens by divine grace.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 3:6: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Cf. 1 Tim 3:6.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 80 (Funk 1:588; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-80).

## Apostolic Canon 81

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-81
- Source: Funk 1:588
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A bishop may not hold public office.

### Greek text

Εἴπομεν, ὅτι μὴ χρὴ ἐπίσκοπον καθεῖναι ἑαυτὸν εἰς δημοσίας διοικήσεις, ἀλλὰ προσευκαιρεῖν ταῖς ἐκκλησιαστικαῖς χρείαις· ἢ πειθέσθω οὖν τοῦτο μὴ ποιεῖν, ἢ καθαιρείσθω. οὐδεὶς γὰρ δύναται δυσὶ κυρίοις δουλεύειν κατὰ τὴν κυριακὴν παρακέλευσιν.

### English translation (Claude)

We have said that a bishop must not let himself down into public administration, but devote himself to the needs of the church. Let him therefore either be persuaded not to do this or be deposed. “For no one can serve two masters,” according to the Lord's exhortation.

### Scripture references

- Matt 6:24: quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Matt 6:24.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 81 (Funk 1:588; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-81).

## Apostolic Canon 82

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-82
- Source: Funk 1:588–590
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Slaves may be ordained only with their masters' consent and freedom.

### Greek text

Οἰκέτας εἰς κλῆρον προχειρίζεσθαι ἄνευ τῆς τῶν δεσποτῶν γνώμης οὐκ ἐπιτρέπομεν ἐπὶ λύπῃ τῶν κεκτημένων· οἴκων γὰρ ἀνατροπὴν τὸ τοιοῦτο ἐργάζεται. εἰ δέ ποτε καὶ ἄξιος φανείη οἰκέτης πρὸς χειροτονίαν βαθμοῦ, οἷος Ὀνήσιμος ὁ ἡμέτερος ἀνεφάνη, καὶ συγχωροῦσιν οἱ δεσπόται καὶ ἐλευθεροῦσιν καὶ τοῦ οἴκου ἑαυτῶν ἐξαποστέλλουσιν, γινέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

We do not permit household slaves to be advanced into the clergy without the consent of their masters, to the grief of their owners; for such a thing works the overthrow of households. But if ever a household slave should appear worthy of ordination to a rank, as our Onesimus appeared, and the masters consent and set him free and send him out of their household, let him be ordained.

### Scripture references

- Phlm 1:10–17: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Phlm 10–17.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 82 (Funk 1:588–590; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-82).

## Apostolic Canon 83

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-83
- Source: Funk 1:590
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not hold military command.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπον ἢ πρεσβύτερον ἢ διάκονον στρατείαις παραμένοντα καὶ ἀμφότερα ποιεῖν βουλόμενον, κατέχειν ῥωμαϊκὴν ἀρχὴν καὶ ἱερατικὴν ἀρχὴν διοικεῖν, καθαιρεῖν χρή· τὰ γὰρ Καίσαρος Καίσαρι, καὶ τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ τῷ θεῷ.

### English translation (Claude)

A bishop or presbyter or deacon who stays in military service and wishes to do both, to hold a Roman command and to administer a priestly office, must be deposed; for “the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God.”

### Scripture references

- Matt 22:21: quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- Matt 22:21.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 83 (Funk 1:590; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-83).

## Apostolic Canon 84

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-84
- Source: Funk 1:590
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Unjustly insulting the emperor or a ruler is punished.

### Greek text

Ὅστις ὑβρίσει βασιλέα ἢ ἄρχοντα παρὰ τὸ δίκαιον, τιμωρίαν τιννύτω· καὶ εἰ μὲν κληρικός, καθαιρείσθω, εἰ δὲ λαϊκός, ἀφοριζέσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

Whoever insults an emperor or a ruler contrary to justice, let him pay the penalty; and if he is a cleric, let him be deposed, and if a layman, let him be excommunicated.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 84 (Funk 1:590; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-84).

## Apostolic Canon 85

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-85
- Source: Funk 1:590–592
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The canon lists the books to be held holy, Old and New Testament, adding Sirach for the young.

### Greek text

Ἔστω δὲ ὑμῖν πᾶσι κληρικοῖς καὶ λαϊκοῖς βιβλία σεβάσμια καὶ ἅγια τῆς μὲν παλαιᾶς διαθήκης Μωσέως πέντε, Γένεσις, Ἔξοδος, Λευϊτικόν, Ἀριθμοί, Δευτερονόμιον· Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Ναυὴ ἕν, τῶν Κριτῶν ἕν, τῆς Ῥούθ ἕν, Βασιλείων τέσσαρα, Παραλειπομένων τῆς βίβλου τῶν ἡμερῶν δύο, Ἔσδρα δύο, Ἐσθὴρ ἕν, Ἰουδίθ ἕν, Μακκαβαίων τρία, Ἰὼβ ἕν, Ψαλμοὶ ἑκατὸν πεντήκοντα· Σολομῶντος βιβλία τρία, Παροιμίαι, Ἐκκλησιαστής, Ἆισμα ἀσμάτων· Προφῆται δέκα ἕξ· καὶ ἔξωθεν ὑμῖν προσιστορείσθω μανθάνειν ὑμῶν τοὺς νέους τὰς Σοφίας τοῦ πολυμαθοῦς Σιράχ. ἡμέτερα δέ, τοῦτ᾽ ἔστι τῆς καινῆς διαθήκης, Εὐαγγέλια τέσσαρα, ὡς καὶ ἐν τοῖς προλαβοῦσιν εἴπομεν, Ματθαίου, Μάρκου, Λουκᾶ, Ἰωάννου· Παύλου ἐπιστολαὶ δεκατέσσαρες, Ἰακώβου μία, Ἰωάννου τρεῖς, Ἰούδα μία, Πέτρου δύο, Κλήμεντος δύο, καὶ αἱ Διαταγαὶ ὑμῖν τοῖς ἐπισκόποις δι᾽ ἐμοῦ Κλήμεντος ἐν ὀκτὼ βιβλίοις προσπεφωνημέναι, ἃς οὐ χρὴ δημοσιεύειν ἐπὶ πάντων διὰ τὰ ἐν αὐταῖς μυστικά· καὶ αἱ Πράξεις ἡμῶν τῶν ἀποστόλων.

### English translation (Claude)

And let the venerable and holy books for all of you, clergy and laity, be these. Of the Old Testament: five of Moses, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy; one of Joshua the son of Nun; one of Judges; one of Ruth; four of Kingdoms; two of Chronicles, of the book of Days; two of Ezra; one of Esther; one of Judith; three of Maccabees; one of Job; a hundred and fifty Psalms; three books of Solomon, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs; sixteen Prophets. And besides these, let it be added for you that your young people learn the Wisdom of the very learned Sirach. And ours, that is, of the New Testament: four Gospels, as we said also before, of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John; fourteen letters of Paul; one of James; three of John; one of Jude; two of Peter; two of Clement; and the Constitutions addressed to you bishops through me, Clement, in eight books, which must not be made public before all because of the mysteries in them; and the Acts of us the apostles.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Jdt (Judith): allusion, high confidence
- 1 Macc (1 Maccabees): allusion, high confidence
- 2 Macc (2 Maccabees): allusion, high confidence
- 3 Macc (3 Maccabees): allusion, high confidence
- Sir (Sirach): allusion, high confidence
- 1 Clem. (1 Clement): allusion, high confidence
- 2 Clem. (2 Clement): allusion, high confidence

### Translation notes

- “Four of Kingdoms” are 1–2 Samuel and 1–2 Kings; “Chronicles” renders Παραλειπόμενα. Manuscripts of the canon differ in this list (Judith, for example, is not in all of them). Revelation is not named. The list includes 1–2 Clement and the Apostolic Constitutions (`constitutiones-apostolorum`), the work in which this canon stands; translated as written.

### Citation (SBL)

Can. ap. 85 (Funk 1:590–592; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-apostolorum/1/#p-85).