# Canons of Hippolytus - Author: Anonymous - Latin title: *Canones Hippolyti* - Date: 4th century (approximate) - Source: Daniel Bonifacius Haneberg, ed. and trans., Canones S. Hippolyti arabice et latine (Munich: Academia, 1870) (Latin translation of the Arabic: Haneberg (1870), Google Books/Internet Archive scan (public domain)) - Note: The Arabic (from a lost Greek) is not in hand. The source is Haneberg's Latin translation (1870), which Claude translates (route 3); the Latin is not shown as the original. - Translation: Claude, from the original text, unless a passage says otherwise; each passage below gives the translator - Editions and translations: Rene-Georges Coquin, ed., Les Canons d'Hippolyte, PO 31.2 (Paris, 1966); Hans Achelis, Die Canones Hippolyti, TU 6.4 (Leipzig, 1891) - Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/ - Passages: 39 ## Canons of Hippolytus, preface - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-0 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: The title of the collection: thirty-eight canons ascribed to Hippolytus of Rome, written by the Spirit's inspiration according to the apostles' commands. ### English translation (Claude) In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the one God. These are the canons of the Church, with the precepts which Hippolytus, chief bishop of Rome, wrote according to the commands of the apostles, by the (inspiration) of the Holy Spirit, who spoke through him. These canons are thirty-eight in number. With (a prayer for) salvation (coming) from the Lord. Amen. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. Words in round brackets are Haneberg's additions for sense, translated as he gives them. The ascription to Hippolytus is the collection's own; the canons are generally thought to be a later reworking of material related to the Apostolic Tradition. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. pref. (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/0). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-1 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: The first canon confesses the equal and eternal Trinity and the Word as Son and Creator, and separates from the Church those who teach wickedly about the Word. ### English translation (Claude) I. The first, on the holy faith. Before everything, our discourse must be about the holy and sound faith, which concerns our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. We have therefore set down (what follows) as a testimony of faith, and we confess with a persevering will in truth that the Trinity is altogether equal in honor, equal in glory, and has neither beginning nor end. The Word is the Son of God, who is the creator of every creature, visible and invisible. This we have decreed with counsel and deliberation against certain lost men who have spoken wicked things about the Word of God, as our Lord Jesus Christ said of such men. Therefore, all the more joined in close union in the power of God, we have separated them, because they do not agree with the Church in God, nor are they with us, who are disciples of the (holy) Scriptures. And so we have separated them from the Church and have committed to God everything that concerns them; we who shall judge creatures in righteousness. But those who are ignorant (of the faith) concerning him (that is, concerning Christ) we inform without envy, so that they may not fall into an evil death like the heretics, but may merit eternal life, and may teach their children and descendants this one faith. ### Scripture references - Matt 19:28: allusion, medium confidence - 1 Cor 6:3: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. The heretics condemned are not named; the language suggests a later anti-Arian setting. "We who shall judge creatures": Haneberg refers to Matt 19:28 and 1 Cor 6:3. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 1 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/1). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-2 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: A bishop is to be chosen by the whole people, who pray for him before one of the bishops lays a hand on his head. ### English translation (Claude) II. The second canon, on bishops. Let the bishop be chosen by the whole people; let him be without any violent passion, as is written of him. In the week in which he is consecrated, let the people say: "We choose him." Then, when silence has fallen in the whole flock, after the confession let all pray for him, saying: "O God, strengthen this man whom you have prepared for us." Then let one of the bishops and presbyters be chosen to lay his hand on his head and pray, saying: ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 3:2: allusion, medium confidence - Titus 1:7: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. "As is written of him": Haneberg refers to 1 Tim 3:2 and Titus 1:7 (his "1 Timoth. 8" is a misprint for 3). "Presbyters" renders sacerdotes, which in these canons means presbyters. "After the confession" (post exomologesim) is uncertain in sense: perhaps a confession of sins or of faith. The prayer follows in canon 3. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 2 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/2). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-3 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: The prayer for a new bishop, the kiss of peace, and the opening dialogue of the eucharistic prayer, with blessings of oil and firstfruits. ### English translation (Claude) III. The third canon: the prayer over one who is consecrated bishop, and the order of the Mass. "O God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who dwells on high and looks on the lowly, who knows all things before they come to be; you who established the boundaries of the Church, by whose command it comes about that the righteous race from Adam endures through this bishop, who is (in a manner) the great Abraham; who appointed rulers and leaders: look upon N., your servant, granting your power and the effective spirit which you granted to the holy apostles through our Lord Jesus Christ, your only Son; to those (apostles) who founded the Church in every place to the honor and glory of your holy name. For you know the heart of each one. Grant him to see your people without sin, that he may be worthy to feed your great and holy flock. Make his conduct also higher than that of all the people, without any turning aside. Make him also to be envied by all for his excellence, and accept his prayers and his offerings, which he will offer to you day and night, and let them be to you a pure fragrance. Grant him also, O Lord, together with the episcopate, a merciful spirit and authority to forgive sins, and grant him power to loose every bond of the devil's iniquity and to heal every disease, and crush Satan under his feet quickly, through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom be glory to you with him and the Holy Spirit to the ages of ages. Amen." After this let all turn to him, kissing him in peace, for he is worthy of it. Then let the deacon bring the offering, and let him who has been consecrated bishop lay his hands on the offering together with the presbyters, saying: "The Lord be with you all." Let the people answer: "And with your spirit." Let (the celebrant) say: "Lift up your hearts." Let the people answer: "We have them with the Lord." (Let the celebrant say:) "Let us give thanks to the Lord." And let (the people) answer: "It is worthy and right," which means: it is fitting. Afterwards let him say the prayer and complete the sacrifice of the Mass. If oil is present, let him pray over it; if not, (let him recite) only those portions (of the prayers). If any firstfruits of edible produce have been brought, let him pray over them and bless the fruits, which have been brought for his prayer, and let the particular prayers be recited over the particular things, and at the end of each prayer let it be said: "Glory to you, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. Amen." ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 1:3: quotation, high confidence - Ps 113:5 (112:5 Vulg.): allusion, medium confidence - Rom 16:20: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Sus 42 (Susanna): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. Haneberg's references: 2 Cor 1:3 ("Father of mercies"; he prints 1:2), Ps 113:5–6 (Vulg. 112:5–6), Susanna 42 ("knows all things before they come to be"; he cites it as Dan 13:42), Rom 16:20. "Through this bishop" is uncertain: the Latin is obscure here (it seems to say the race endures "by reason of the bishop"); Haneberg gives "sublime" with "or righteous" as an alternative for the race. The dialogue ("The Lord be with you all" … "It is worthy and right") is given in Haneberg's text in Greek letters transliterated from the Arabic, badly garbled in the scan; it is translated by its familiar sense. "The sacrifice of the Mass" renders Haneberg's Latin Missae sacrificium. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 3 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/3). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-4 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: A presbyter is ordained like a bishop with the same prayer, but does not sit on the throne and may not ordain. ### English translation (Claude) IV. The fourth canon, on the ordination of a presbyter. If a presbyter is ordained, let everything be done with him in the same way as with a bishop, except that he does not sit on the throne. Let the same prayer also be recited over him in full as over the bishop, with the sole exception of the name of the episcopate. The bishop is to be made equal to the presbyter in all things except the seat and ordination, because the power of ordaining is not given to him. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. The last sentence is translated as the Latin stands ("the bishop is made equal to the presbyter … because the power of ordaining is not given to him"); the sense required is evidently the reverse (the presbyter is equal to the bishop except in seat and ordination), and the subject and object may have been exchanged in transmission. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 4 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/4). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-5 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: The deacon serves the bishop and presbyters, reports the sick and the hidden poor, and is ordained with a prayer naming Stephen as model. ### English translation (Claude) V. The fifth canon, on the ordination of deacons. If a deacon is ordained, let the particular canons be observed, and let this prayer be recited over him; yet he does not therefore belong to the priestly order, but to the diaconal, as befits a servant of God. (The deacon) is to serve the bishop and the presbyters in all things, and not only at the holy offering, but he is also to inform (the bishop) about the sick among the people who have no one (to help them). Let the bishop be informed (of the number and condition of the sick) so that he may pray for them and that what they need may be distributed to them, and likewise to people pressed by hidden poverty. (The deacons) are also to serve others on whom the bishop has mercy. (Let them be so instructed) that they can give to widows, orphans, and the poor (what they need). In this way, then, let him fulfill all his duties. Such truly is that deacon of whom Christ said: "If anyone serves me, my Father will honor him." Let the bishop lay his hand on him, reciting this prayer over him and saying: "O God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we earnestly ask you to pour out your Holy Spirit on your servant N., and to prepare him with those who serve you according to your good pleasure, like Stephen, and to grant him strength to overcome the power of the devil by the sign of the cross with which he himself is marked, and to grant him a life and conduct without sin before all people, and teaching (useful) to many, by which he may lead a numerous people in the holy Church to salvation without any stumbling. Accept all his service through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom be glory to you with him and the Holy Spirit to the ages of ages. Amen." ### Scripture references - John 12:26: quotation, high confidence - Acts 6:5: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. "Priestly order" renders sacerdotalem ordinem (the order of bishop and presbyters). The saying is John 12:26. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 5 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/5). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-6 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: A confessor who suffered punishment for Christ holds priestly rank by his confession without ordination, unless he is made bishop; one not tortured is to be ordained. ### English translation (Claude) VI. The sixth canon, on (martyrs) who are punished for the faith. When someone has been counted worthy to stand before a tribunal for the faith and to be punished for Christ, but afterwards is released by pardon, such a person afterwards merits the priestly rank before God, not by the ordination that is done by the bishop: his confession is his ordination. But if he is chosen as bishop, let him be consecrated. If someone, after making confession, was not harmed by tortures, he is worthy of the priesthood, but let him be ordained by the bishop. If such a (confessor), being someone's slave, endured tortures for Christ, he likewise is a priest to the flock; for although he has not received the form of priesthood, he has nevertheless obtained the spirit of priesthood. Let the bishop (who ordains such a one), therefore, omit the recitation of the prayer which concerns (asking for) the Holy Spirit. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. "Priestly rank" and "priest" render sacerdotalis and sacerdos, which in these canons denote the presbyterate. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 6 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/6). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-7 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Readers receive the Gospel book without laying on of hands; an unmarried subdeacon needs his neighbors' testimony to his purity and must be of mature age. ### English translation (Claude) VII. The seventh canon, on those chosen as readers and subdeacons. Let the one chosen as reader be adorned with the virtues of a deacon, and let a hand not be laid on him first, but let the book of the Gospel be handed to him by the bishop. Let the subdeacon (be promoted) according to this order, and let him not be ordained as unmarried. If he is without a wife, (let him not be ordained) unless testimony has first been given for him by his neighbors to attest his integrity, so that it is certain he was free from corruption at the time he lived there. Nor let a hand be laid on anyone as unmarried (or rather, as a virgin) except when, having reached mature age, he is held to be faithful and has been commended by (good) testimony. When the subdeacon and the reader pray alone, let them stand in the rear part (of the sanctuary?); but let the subdeacon serve before the people. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. Haneberg's "neque ordinetur caelebs" ("let him not be ordained as unmarried") is followed by a condition that permits it after testimony; the sense seems to be that an unmarried man is not ordained without proof of his purity. "Or rather, as a virgin" and "(of the sanctuary?)" are Haneberg's own suggestions. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 7 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/7). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-8 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: A man who claims a gift of healing is not to be ordained until it is shown that his healings truly come from God. ### English translation (Claude) VIII. The eighth canon, on gifts of healing. If someone presents a petition (to the bishop) concerning his own ordination (relying on this), that he says, "I have received a gift of healing," let him not be ordained before it becomes clear how the matter stands (with what he claims about such a gift). First of all it must be inquired whether the healings that are done through him really come from God. [A presbyter whose wife has given birth is not to be set apart.] ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. The last sentence stands in square brackets in Haneberg's text, apparently as a sentence out of place here; it is translated with the brackets. "Presbyter" renders sacerdos. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 8 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/8). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-9 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: A presbyter moving to another church must bring testimony from his bishop or be examined, and is not reordained; widows are to be honored for their prayer, care of the sick, and fasting. ### English translation (Claude) IX. The ninth canon: that it is not fitting (for presbyters) to live in places not their own. On honoring widows. If a presbyter leaves (his church) and wishes to live in a place not assigned to him, let the clergy of that place, while ready to receive him, ask for (a testimony) from the bishop who ordained him (or rather, from his see), lest perhaps he has fled for some (less honorable) reason. But if his city (his homeland) is very far away, let him be examined whether he is indeed adorned with learning, yet lacks what befits presbyters. Afterwards (having been well approved by this examination) let him be received into the fellowship (of the other presbyters) and be given double honor, and let him not be ordained again. To widows let special (honor) be given because of their many prayers, their care for the sick, and frequent fasting. ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 5:17: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. The sentence on examination is obscure in the Latin ("whether he is indeed adorned with learning, yet lacks what befits presbyters"); it is translated as it stands. "Double honor" echoes 1 Tim 5:17. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 9 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/9). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-10 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Inquirers are examined about their motives and occupation and taught to renounce the devil; a slave of a pagan master is not baptized against the master's will but, if he dies unbaptized, is counted with the faithful. ### English translation (Claude) X. On those who wish to become Christians. Let those who frequent the churches with the intention of being received among the Christians be examined with all perseverance, and (let it be asked) why they reject their own worship, lest perhaps they come in to mock. But if someone comes with a sign of good faith, let him be received with joy and be asked about his craft (or the occupation by which he supports himself), and let him be instructed by a deacon and learn in the church to renounce the devil and all his pomp. Let this be observed for the whole time in which he receives catechesis, before he is numbered with the rest of the people. If (the catechumen) is the slave of an idolatrous master, let him not be baptized against his master's will; let him be content that he is a Christian. But if he dies before being admitted to the sacraments, let him not be separated from the rest of the flock (of the faithful). ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 10 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/10). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-11 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Craftsmen may not make idols; a baptized craftsman who does is excommunicated until he repents. ### English translation (Claude) XI. The eleventh canon, on those who make images of the gods by painting or sculpture. Let every craftsman know that it is not at all lawful for him to make an idol or any idolatrous figure, whether the figure is made of silver or by painting. If any craftsman is found after receiving baptism to have made such a thing, apart from things that belong to people's ordinary use, let him be excommunicated until he repents. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 11 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/11). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-12 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Actors, gladiators, diviners, beast-fighters, and idol-sacrificers must abandon these works before instruction and baptism; a schoolmaster may continue if he confesses the pagan gods to be demons and teaches the faith. ### English translation (Claude) XII. The twelfth canon, on the rejection of certain occupations for which one is to be kept from communion until he repents. A stage actor, or a gladiator, or one who trains or teaches the art of (stage) dancing, or one who performs in the Olympic games (?), or one who teaches augury or charming (of snakes) or divination from signs, or a beast-fighter (who fights with beasts for the people's amusement), or one who sacrifices to idols: all these are not admitted to the sacred homilies unless they are first cleansed of those unclean works. After (a probation) of forty days they become sharers in the homily. If they show themselves worthy, they are also admitted to baptism. Let the catechist of the church report (to the bishop) on these matters. A schoolmaster who teaches little boys, if he knows no other craft by which to earn his living, is to rebuke whenever something (deserving rebuke) appears in those he teaches, and is sincerely to confess that those whom the Gentiles call gods are demons, and is to say before them (his pupils) daily: "There is no God but the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." And if he can teach all his pupils the chief part of the Lord's Prayer (?), or if, going further, he can teach them the true faith, this will be a great merit for him. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. The question marks are Haneberg's, marking his uncertainty about the Arabic. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 12 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/12). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-13 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Anyone given the power to kill is not received; soldiers who fought under orders but kept from evil speech and pagan crowns may be; officials who do not act with Gospel justice are separated. ### English translation (Claude) XIII. The thirteenth canon, on authority and soldiers, who are to be wholly excluded. A citizen (or rather, a man) or a soldier who receives (from the emperor) the power to kill is never to be received at all. But those who, while they were soldiers, were ordered to fight, and otherwise have abstained from all evil speech, and have not put crowns on their heads … but have obtained the sign, (let them be received). But every man who has been raised to the rank of prefect, of precedence, or of authority, and is not clothed with the ornament of justice which is according to the Gospel, is to be separated from the flock (of the faithful), and the bishop is not to pray before him. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. Haneberg marks a gap after "crowns on their heads"; the following words ("but have obtained the sign") are translated as they stand, and the sense of "the sign" (perhaps the sign of the cross or baptism) is uncertain. "Or rather, a man" is Haneberg's alternative. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 13 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/13). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-14 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: A Christian is not to enlist voluntarily; a compelled soldier who sheds blood is kept from the mysteries until he repents with tears. ### English translation (Claude) XIV. The fourteenth canon. Let a Christian not become a soldier of his own will, unless he is compelled by a commander. Let him have a sword, but let him take care not to become guilty of the crime of shedding blood. If it is found that blood has been shed by him, let him abstain from participation in the mysteries, unless perhaps he has been corrected by a singular change of life with tears and lamentation. Yet let his offering not be feigned, but with the fear of God. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 14 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/14). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-15 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Those living by sexual immorality, lying, magic, usury, sedition, and similar works are not admitted to the catechumenate or baptism until three witnesses attest that they have left them; relapsed believers are expelled until they do penance. ### English translation (Claude) XV. The fifteenth canon, on certain unlawful works. One who commits sexual immorality, or who seeks profit from sexual immorality, or an effeminate man; above all, one who tells lies; then the slothful and viciously idle one by one, or the prodigal (?), or magicians or astrologers, soothsayers, interpreters of dreams, conjurers, agitators who stir up the people to riots and seditions, or those who make amulets, usurers, the violent, or lovers of the world who delight in oaths, one who carps at people everywhere with abuse, or a moneylender, or one who despises people, or one who (superstitiously) chooses hours and days (asserting) that some are unlucky: all these, and those like them, are to be admitted neither to the catechumenate nor to baptism until they abstain from all such works. The affirmation of three witnesses is needed, who testify that they have already withdrawn from all such wicked works. For it often happens that people cling to their purposes into old age unless they strive with the utmost force. But if after baptism they are found to have relapsed into those most shameful crimes which we have indicated, let them be expelled from the church until they have done penance with weeping, fasting, and works of mercy. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. "Sexual immorality" renders fornicatio; "effeminate man" renders cinaedus; "penance" renders poenitentiam agere in the sense of the church's discipline. The question mark is Haneberg's. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 15 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/15). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-16 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: A Christian who has lived with a concubine who bore him a son and then rejects her to marry another is called a killer, unless he caught her in sexual immorality. ### English translation (Claude) XVI. The sixteenth canon, on one who has a concubine and, rejecting her, wishes to marry another. If a Christian, after he has lived with a particular concubine who has borne him a son, rejects her and wishes to marry (another woman), he is a killer of a man, unless perhaps he has caught her in sexual immorality. ### Scripture references - Matt 5:32: echo, medium confidence - Matt 19:9: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. "A killer of a man" renders occisor hominis, as the Latin stands. "Sexual immorality" renders fornicatio. The canon treats a man's lasting union with a concubine who has borne his child as binding him: he may not put her away to marry another, with the one exception stated, which recalls the exception in Matt 5:32 and 19:9. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 16 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/16). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-17 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Rules for women in church: head covering and plain hair, nursing their own children, submission and humility toward their husbands, silence in church, purification after childbirth, and separate places for women; with directions for catechumens. ### English translation (Claude) XVII. On free women, how they ought to conduct themselves; on pregnant women; on the separation of men from women. That virgins ought to veil their faces and heads. A free woman who does not cover her head in church: even if her husband perhaps permits it, let her nevertheless not let her hair down loose; rather let her have her hair braided and gathered in the house of God, and let her not show curls or tufts of hair when she wishes to partake of the divine sacraments. Let her not give the infants she has borne to wet nurses, but rather nurse them herself alone, according to the duty (or rather, the name) of marriage. Let her take care not to neglect the management of the household, nor oppose her husband in anything. If she surpasses her husband in prudence and knowledge, let her at all times nonetheless enjoy the remembrance of God. If she altogether surpasses men in knowledge, let her show this excellence to no one, but rather serve her husband as the Lord, and let her think of the poor as though they were her relatives, and at the same time let her take care of the (holy) offerings (to receive communion), fleeing far from the empty and vain world. For she who prides herself on ornaments of precious stones and pearls is not so beautiful as she who shines by her nature and goodness alone. A woman of this kind is to be set (over the other women, as it were) as overseer. (The other women) are not to be unclean, nor love pleasure (too much), nor be inclined to laughter, nor speak at all in church, because it is the house of God; it is not a place for chatting but a place of prayer in fear. Whoever talks in church is to be put out and not admitted to the communion of the mysteries on that day. As for a catechumen who is worthy of the light (phōtismos, that is, baptism), let time not hinder him; the catechist of the church is the one who decides this question. When the catechist has finished the daily portion of catechesis, let (the catechumens) pray apart from the Christians. Pregnant women are not to partake of the mysteries before they are purified. Their purification after (childbirth) is to be thus: if the child is male, twenty days; if female, forty days (let them wait before they come to church). Let women who have given birth decline invitations (to rich dinners) and rather devote themselves to prayer for the welfare of the infants they have conceived. If before their purification they wish to attend church, let them pray with the catechumens who have not yet been received and have not been judged worthy to mingle with the assembly (of the faithful). Let the women be separated in a place to which men are not admitted at all. Let the catechist lay his hand on the catechumens before he gives them his care. Young unmarried women, when the time comes at which they are raised to the rank of women, are to veil their heads like the older women, with their veils or mantles, but are not to use a thin cloth. ### Scripture references - Eph 5:22: echo, medium confidence - 1 Tim 2:9: echo, medium confidence - 1 Pet 3:3: echo, medium confidence - 1 Cor 14:34: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. The opening sentences are badly garbled in the scan and are translated by their evident sense. "The light" renders Haneberg's Greek phōtismos, which he glosses as baptism. The periods of purification here (20 and 40 days) differ from those in canon 18 (40 and 80); both are translated as given. "Serve her husband as the Lord" echoes Eph 5:22; the contrast with jewels and pearls echoes 1 Tim 2:9 and 1 Pet 3:3–4; the silence of women in church echoes 1 Cor 14:34. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 17 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/17). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/0/#p-18 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: A woman after childbirth stays outside the holy place for forty days for a boy and eighty for a girl, praying with the catechumens if she enters. ### English translation (Claude) XVIII. The eighteenth canon. Again on women who have given birth. A woman who has given birth is to stand outside the holy place for forty days if the infant is male, eighty if it is a girl. If she enters the church, let her pray with the catechumens and the pregnant women; let this be done so that they are not compelled to stand outside their whole life. ### Scripture references - Lev 12:2: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. Compare the different periods in canon 17 and Lev 12:2–5. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 18 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/18). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/19/#p-19 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: The order of baptism: martyrdom as baptism in blood, examination of candidates, fasting, exorcism, vigil, renunciation of Satan, threefold confession and immersion, anointing, the bishop's prayer and kiss, and first communion with milk and honey. ### English translation (Claude) XIX. The nineteenth canon, on catechumens and on the order of baptism and of the Mass. 1. A catechumen who has been seized (by unbelievers) and brought to martyrdom and killed before receiving baptism is to be buried with the other martyrs; for he has been baptized in his own blood. 2. A catechumen to be initiated by baptism, if he is commended with good testimony by those who bring him, (if above all it is established) that during the time he was being instructed in catechesis he visited the sick, supported the weak, kept himself from all perverse speech, and sang praises (to God), is to be admitted; yet let it be further inquired whether he hates vain glory, whether he despises pride and chooses humility for himself. 3. Then let him confess to the bishop, for on him alone is laid the burden (of responsibility) for him, so that the bishop may approve him and hold him worthy to enjoy the sacraments, for he has now become pure in truth. 4. Afterwards let the Gospel of that season be read over him, and let him be asked several times thus: "Are you not double-hearted, or does some quarrelsome matter trouble you?" For it is not permitted that anyone mock the kingdom of heaven; for when (that kingdom) comes, it drives out of all their hearts (whatever is contrary to faith and good morals). 5. Those who are to be baptized are to wash with (ordinary) water on the fifth day of the week and take food. On the sixth day let them fast. But a woman catechumen to whom impurity happens is not to be baptized that time, but is to be put off to another time when she will be pure. 6. On the Sabbath day let the bishop call together those who are to be baptized, and after they have knelt and turned their faces to the east, let him spread his hands over them, reciting (the exorcism), to drive the evil spirit out of all their members. Let them take care not to return by their deeds to those (evil spirits) from then on. When he has finished the adjurations over them, let him breathe on their faces and seal their breasts and foreheads, ears and mouths (with the sign of the cross). Let them (the catechumens) keep vigil that night, occupied with holy readings and prayers. 7. At cockcrow let them stand near the water of the pool, pure water prepared by a blessing. Let (the sponsors) who answer for the little ones at the font take off their clothes; but those who are already able are to see to this kind of preparation themselves. Let all the women have other women as companions to take off their clothes. Let the women lay aside their ornaments, gold and the rest. Let them undo the knots of their hair, lest anything foreign from foreign spirits go down with them into the water of regeneration. 8. Let the bishop pray over the oil of exorcism and hand it to a presbyter. Then let him pray over the oil of anointing (chrism), which is the oil of thanksgiving, and hand this to another presbyter. Let the one who holds the oil of exorcism stand at the bishop's left, and the one who holds the oil of chrism at the bishop's right. 9. Let the one who is being immersed (the catechumen), with his face turned to the west, say thus: "I renounce you, O Satan, with all your pomp." When he has said this, let the presbyter anoint him with the oil of exorcism over which he has prayed beforehand, that the evil spirit may depart from him. Then he hands him to the presbyter who stands at the water, and the presbyter (acting as deacon), taking him by the right hand, turns his face to the east. 10. Before he goes down into the water, standing over the water with his face turned to the east, after he has received the oil of exorcism, let him say thus: "I believe, and I bow before you and before all your (heavenly) host (that is, before the angels and saints), O Father and Son and Holy Spirit." 11. Then let him go down into the water, and let the presbyter lay his hand on his head and question him with these words: "Do you believe in God the Father almighty?" The one being baptized answers: "I believe," and is immersed in the water the first time, while the presbyter keeps his hand on his head. The second time he questions him with these words: "Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whom the Virgin Mary bore of the Holy Spirit, who came to save the human race, who was crucified for us in the time of Pontius Pilate, who died and rose from the dead on the third day and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father, and will come to judge the living and the dead?" Answering, "I believe," he is immersed in the water the second time. The third time he is asked: "Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, proceeding from the Father and the Son?" Answering, "I believe," he is immersed in the water the third time. Each time (the baptizing presbyter) says: "I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, who is equal (to the Father and the Son)." 12. When he comes up out of the water, the presbyter, with the oil of thanksgiving that he holds, seals his forehead, mouth, and breast with the sign of the cross, and anoints his whole body, his head and face, saying: "I anoint you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." Then he dries him carefully with a cloth and, when he has been clothed, leads him into the church. 13. There the bishop, laying his hand on all who have been baptized, prays with these words: "We bless you, almighty God, because you have made these worthy to be born again, and on whom you have poured out your Holy Spirit, so that they are now united to the body of the Church, never to be separated by alien works. Give rather to those to whom you have already given forgiveness of sins the pledge of your kingdom also, through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom be glory to you with him and with the Holy Spirit to the ages of ages. Amen." Then he seals their foreheads with the sign of love and kisses them, saying: "The Lord be with you." The baptized answer: "And with your spirit." So he does with each of those who have been baptized. 14. Now they pray with the whole (faithful) people, and (the faithful) kiss them, rejoicing over them with jubilation. 15. Then the deacon begins the ceremonies of the Mass, and the bishop brings the remaining parts of the mystery of the body and blood of our Lord; when he has finished, he gives communion to the people, standing at the table of the body and blood of the Lord. (Communion is given in this way.) The presbyters carry cups of the blood of Christ and other cups of milk and honey, to teach those who partake (who eat milk and honey) that they have been born again as little children, because little children are fed with milk and honey. If presbyters are not present (to carry these cups), let them be brought by the deacons. Then let the bishop give them of the body of Christ, saying: "This is the body of Christ," and let them say: "Amen." (In the same way) let those to whom the cup is given answer "Amen," after (the one giving it) has said: "This is the blood of Christ." Afterwards they take the milk and honey in remembrance of the age to come and of the sweetness of the good things announced to them by those signs, so that they may not return to bitterness or be scattered. Now they become perfect Christians, who enjoy the body of Christ and receive as an inheritance wisdom, by which their conduct is to be made bright with virtues, not only among themselves but also before all the nations, who, not without envy, will admire the progress of those who glory that their conduct is higher and more excellent than that of other people. 16. Those who are baptized, together with the others who are bound to their fast, shall taste nothing before they have taken of the body of Christ; if they neglected this, it would be counted not a fast but a sin. If anyone, (contrary to this law,) takes anything before the communion of the body, he opposes God and despises him. When the Mass is finished he is allowed to eat what he wishes. 17. Let all the catechumens be gathered together, so that one catechist suffices for them, to instruct them sufficiently; (let them learn) to pray and to kneel, and let them taste nothing before those who have been baptized have finished the communion of the body and blood. ### Scripture references - 1 Pet 2:2: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. The section numbers 1–17 are Haneberg's. "Presbyter" renders sacerdos throughout. In 11 the question on the Holy Spirit reads "proceeding from the Father and the Son" (procedentem a Patre Filioque) in Haneberg's Latin, and the baptismal formula adds "who is equal (to the Father and the Son)"; both are translated as given and are probably later than the original canons. In 15 "the remaining parts of the mystery" renders reliquias mysterii, whose sense here is uncertain. The milk and honey recall 1 Pet 2:2 and Exod 3:8. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 19 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/19). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/19/#p-20 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: All are to fast on Wednesdays, Fridays, and the forty days before Easter; blessed bread is sent to the catechumens. ### English translation (Claude) XX. The twentieth canon, on the fast of the fourth and sixth days and of the forty days. On the fast days, which are distinguished by their names, the fourth and sixth days (of every week) and the forty (days before Easter each year, let everyone fast); whoever adds other fasts to these (times) will gain a reward, but whoever opposes this (law), excused neither by sickness nor misfortune nor necessity, is outside the canon and opposes God himself, who fasted for us. By the bishop's care, let bread purified by a blessing be sent to the catechumens, so that by eating it they may be associated with the church. ### Scripture references - Matt 4:2: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. "Easter" renders pascha. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 20 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/20). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/19/#p-21 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Clergy and people are to gather daily at cockcrow for prayer, psalms, and Scripture reading; absent clergy are separated, and the gravely sick are visited daily. ### English translation (Claude) XXI. The twenty-first canon, on the daily assembly of the presbyters and the people in church. Let the presbyters, subdeacons, readers, and all the people gather daily in the church at cockcrow and devote themselves to prayer, to the recitation of psalms, and to the reading of the Scriptures with prayers, according to the command of the apostle: "Until I come, attend to reading." Clergy who neglect to come, hindered neither by sickness nor by a journey, are to be separated. As for the sick, their remedy lies in frequenting the church, so that they may enjoy the prayer; except one who suffers from a dangerous illness: such a one is to be visited daily by the clergy, who are to inform (the bishop) about him. ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 4:13: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. The quotation is 1 Tim 4:13. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 21 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/21). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/19/#p-22 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: The week of the Jewish Passover is kept by all as a strict fast of bread, salt, and water in mourning for the Lord's passion; those who missed it through ignorance or sickness keep it after Pentecost. ### English translation (Claude) XXII. The twenty-second canon, on Passover week according to the Jews, on avoiding merriment, on the foods permitted in that week, and lastly on those who, when traveling, do not know the time of Pascha. Let the week in which the Jews keep Passover be observed by all the people with the greatest care, and let them take special care to remain fasting in those days from all desire, so that they abstain even from all cheerful talk; let sadness appear in their speech, because they know that the impassible Lord of all suffered for us at that time, so that we might patiently bear the sorrows by which we may be freed from those torments which we have deserved for our sins; and so that, having become sharers of the sufferings which he took on for us, we may be sharers of his kingdom. The food fitting for the paschal time is bread with only salt and water. If anyone is affected by sickness, or lives in the country where he knows no Christians, so that in the paschal time (Holy Week) he gives himself to merriment, not knowing the bounds of the holy season, or if he was compelled by extreme sickness (to omit the observance of the fast): let all these fast after Pentecost and religiously keep the paschal fast, so that it may be plain that their inner intention was not to make a pascha of their own, casting off fear and neglecting the fast, laying another foundation than the one that is laid. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 3:11: allusion, high confidence - Rom 8:17: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. "The impassible Lord of all suffered for us" is translated as written. The closing words allude to 1 Cor 3:11. "Sharers of the sufferings … sharers of his kingdom" echoes Rom 8:17 and 2 Tim 2:12. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 22 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/22). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/19/#p-23 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: The bishops have ordered their churches by the apostles' commands, which later generations must not change; teaching is boundless and must be sought with effort. ### English translation (Claude) XXIII. The twenty-third canon, on teaching: that it is broader than the sea, and that it is to be acquired with much effort. Our brothers the bishops in their cities (dioceses) have arranged each matter according to the commands of the apostles, our patrons, all of which we cannot recount because of the shortcoming of our office. Let those who come after us take care not to change those (apostolic statutes); for (the author) says of teaching that it is broader than the sea, without end. Let us therefore strive with great effort to acquire teaching of various kinds, and receive it wherever we find it. ### Scripture references - Job 11:9: echo, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Sir 24:29 (Sirach): echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. The saying that teaching is "broader than the sea" is not identified with certainty; compare Job 11:9 and Sir 24:29. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 23 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/23). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/19/#p-24 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: A deacon accompanies the bishop to visit the sick, who often recover through his prayer; the dying are not put out in the cemetery, and the sick who have homes pray in church and return home. ### English translation (Claude) XXIV. The twenty-fourth canon, on the bishop's visiting of the sick. That the sick who have a house ought to return to it when they have said their prayers in church. Let there be a deacon who accompanies the bishop at all times and points out to him each of the sick; for it is a great thing (a great comfort) for a sick man to be visited by the chief of the priests; (not seldom) he recovers from his illness when the bishop comes to him, especially if he prays over him; for the shadow of Peter healed the sick. But when (the sick man's strength) is so exhausted that his last day is at hand, the sick are not to be put out to sleep in the cemetery, but are to be with the poor. But one who has his own house, when he falls ill, is not to be moved into the church, but only to pray in the church and then return to his house. ### Scripture references - Acts 5:15: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. "Chief of the priests" renders princeps sacerdotum, meaning the bishop. The shadow of Peter: Acts 5:15. "Are to be with the poor" (apud pauperes) is obscure; perhaps a house for the poor is meant. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 24 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/24). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/19/#p-25 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: A steward cares for the sick at the bishop's charge; Christians are to pray on rising, at the third, sixth, and ninth hours, at sunset, in the evening, and at midnight. ### English translation (Claude) XXV. The twenty-fifth canon. On the bishop's steward of the sick, and on the times of prayer. The steward is the one to whom the care of the sick is committed. Let the bishop provide for them, and let him hand over to the steward each thing, down to the vessels, that the sick need. Let all who belong to the order of Christians pray first at the time when they rise from sleep in the morning. When they wish to pray, let them wash their hands. Let them do the same before each work. Let them also pray at the third hour, because at that time the Savior was willingly crucified to save us, to grant us freedom. Then let them also pray at the sixth hour, because at that hour the whole creation was thrown into confusion because of the wicked crime committed by the Jews. At the ninth hour let them pray again, because at that hour Christ prayed and gave up his spirit into the hands of his Father. Let them also pray at the hour when the sun sets, because it is the completion of the day. Then let them also pray in the evening (in Greek, lychnikon), because David says: "By night I meditate." Then let them also pray at midnight, because David did the same; and Paul and Silas prayed at midnight and praised God. ### Scripture references - Ps 77:6 (76:7 Vulg.): allusion, medium confidence - Ps 119:62 (118:62 Vulg.): allusion, high confidence - Acts 16:25: allusion, high confidence - Mark 15:25: allusion, medium confidence - Mark 15:33: allusion, medium confidence - Luke 23:46: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. The charge against "the Jews" is translated as written. Haneberg's references: Ps 77:6 (Vulg. 76:7, with his query), Ps 119:62 (Vulg. 118:62), Acts 16:25 (he prints 16:28). The hours recall Mark 15:25, 33–34 and Luke 23:46. "Steward" renders procurator. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 25 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/25). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/19/#p-26 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Believers are to hasten to the assemblies for the word of God and prayer, where the Lord is present and the Spirit gives grace, rather than stay at home. ### English translation (Claude) XXVI. The twenty-sixth canon, on hearing the (divine) word in church and on prayer there. If a festal assembly is prepared for the word of God, let each one hurry with haste to gather (to hear) it, and let them know that they should much rather choose to hear the word of God than to enjoy all the splendor of this world, and let them reckon it a great loss to themselves if necessity sometimes keeps them from hearing the word of God. Let them strive, freed from business, to meet often in church, and bravely drive off the enemy's envy, especially if someone knows letters. He will gain all the more if he hears what he did not know; for the Lord is present in the place where the memory of (the divine) majesty is kept, and the Spirit descends on those gathered and pours out his grace on all. If there is a double-hearted man among them, let him lean on the others, because you have heard that they stand firm in the Spirit. Those who stay at home by their own reasoning do not obtain what they would hear in church. Let each one, therefore, strive with the greatest effort to frequent the church at all the times at which prayers are held in it. ### Scripture references - Phil 1:27: allusion, low confidence - Matt 18:20: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. "They stand firm in the Spirit": Haneberg refers, with a query, to Phil 1:27. "By their own reasoning" (a ratione) is uncertain in the Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 26 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/26). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/19/#p-27 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Those who cannot go to church daily should read Scripture at home and pray at midnight and cockcrow; marriage does not defile, and the married need only wash their hands before prayer. ### English translation (Claude) XXVII. The twenty-seventh canon. It is commanded that one who does not go to church daily should nevertheless devote himself to reading the Scriptures; to this is added an exhortation to pour out prayers at midnight and at cockcrow, and to wash the hands at the time of all prayers. On whatever day someone does not go to church, let him take a book to read in it. Let the sun in the morning see the book upon your knees. Let a Christian wash his hands every time he prays. Those who are bound in marriage, whenever they wish to rise from their wife's side, are to pray; for marriage does not defile, and after the new regeneration (baptism) there is no need of a bath; apart from washing the hands, nothing further (is to be done), because the Holy Spirit gives fragrance to the bodies of the faithful and cleanses them all. Let each one therefore take care to pray with diligent zeal at midnight, because our fathers have said that at that hour all creation is made ready for the service of God's glory, and the ranks of angels and the souls of the righteous bless God; for the Lord testifies and says of this (night office): "But at midnight there was a cry: Behold, the bridegroom comes; go out to meet him." Further, at the time when the cock crows, prayers are to be held in church, because the Lord said: "Watch, for you do not know at what hour the Son of Man will come, (in the evening, or at midnight,) or at cockcrow, or in the morning." We are therefore bound to remember God at every hour. And when someone lies sleepless upon his bed, he ought to pray in his heart; doing this, we Christians, together with the catechumens, instruct one another in the service of God; then the devils cannot sadden us, since in every prayer we remember Christ. ### Scripture references - Matt 25:6: quotation, high confidence - Mark 13:35: quotation, high confidence - Heb 13:4: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. The quotations are Matt 25:6 and Mark 13:35 (as Haneberg notes). "Marriage does not defile" echoes Heb 13:4. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 27 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/27). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/19/#p-28 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: The faithful are to receive the eucharist before eating, especially on fast days, and only the faithful are invited to communion. ### English translation (Claude) XXVIII. The twenty-eighth canon. That none of the faithful may taste anything before he has received the holy (eucharistic) mysteries, especially in the time of the holy fast. Let none of the faithful taste anything unless he has first received of the sacraments, especially on fast days. Let the clergy take careful heed not to invite anyone to receive the sacraments except the faithful alone. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 28 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/28). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/19/#p-29 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: The consecrated elements are to be guarded from falling or contamination, silence kept within the veil, psalms sung after communion, the altar dust thrown into the baptistery, and the forehead signed with the cross like the Passover blood. ### English translation (Claude) XXIX. The twenty-ninth canon. That the eucharistic offerings placed on the altar are to be carefully guarded, so that nothing falls into the holy cup, and nothing (of the holy hosts) falls from the presbyters or faithful who communicate, lest an evil spirit get hold of them. That nothing is to be spoken within the veil except prayers. That when the communion of the laity is finished, psalms are to be recited in place of bells. On the sign of the cross. On throwing the dust of the altar into the sacrarium. Let the clergy who are not occupied (with other duties) stand near the altar when it has been prepared (for completing the sacrifice); let one stand to keep watch so that no fly flies over it and nothing falls into the cup, from which would arise the gravest crime (literally, a crime of death) for the presbyters. Therefore let one guard the holy place. Let the one who distributes the sacrament and those who receive (communion) take the greatest care that nothing falls to the ground, lest an evil spirit be given power to invade him (who is guilty of this sin). Let no one speak anything within the veil except prayers and what is necessary for the service; nothing else at all. Let no work be done in that place. When the presbyters and deacons have finished the people's communion, let them enter (the choir) to recite (psalms). At every time whatever, at whatever hour they enter, because of the powers of the holy place, let the psalms be to them in place of the bells that were on Aaron's tunic; and let no one sit at that time, but let them pray and do nothing else, and let them (as they pass) bend the knee and prostrate themselves before the altar. The dust that is swept with brooms from the holy place they are to throw into the water of the billowing sea (that is, into the baptistery), and it is not to remain to be trodden by people, but (the holy place) is to be clean at all times. Sign your forehead (O Christian) with the sign of the cross to conquer Satan and to glory in your faith. Moses did this with the blood of the lamb, which he smeared on the lintels and doorposts, by which it came about that those living inside were kept safe; how much more will the blood of Christ purify and guard those who believe in him and trace the likeness of the redemption of the whole world, a likeness which, through the blood of the perfect lamb, that is, Christ, directs all the sacraments toward life and resurrection and sacrifice. Only Christians hear these things, because they have received the seal of baptism; for they have been received into the fellowship. ### Scripture references - Exod 28:33: allusion, high confidence - Exod 12:7: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. "The bells that were on Aaron's tunic": Exod 28:33–35. The blood on the doorposts: Exod 12:7, 13. "Kept safe" renders sanarentur (literally "healed"). "Sacrarium" in the heading is Haneberg's word; "the water of the billowing sea (that is, into the baptistery)" is his text with his gloss. The last sentences are obscure in the Latin and are translated as closely as it allows. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 29 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/29). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/30/#p-30 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Catechumens must be ready to forsake family and suffer death; the three temptations of Christ are read as desire, pride, and avarice; a long description of Christian conduct follows, with counsel for those seeking perfection and rules for Sunday communion. ### English translation (Claude) XXX. The thirtieth canon. On catechumens and (certain matters) that concern them. Let the catechumens hear the instruction that concerns the faith, and only the great teaching (nothing profane). Let (the catechumen) turn himself away from his near relatives and bear all the troubles that fall on him because of religion, and take up his cross, following the Savior, and be ready to suffer death for the confession of Christ. For there is no escape: a man who seeks perfection will be tempted, as our Lord was tempted with these three temptations, namely desire, pride, and avarice (literally, love of gold). For the tempter attacked our Savior while he was fasting with his deceit and said: "If you are the Son of God, say that this stone become bread." You too, therefore, O ascetic, if you have chosen fasting for yourself of your own accord, take care not to admit his thoughts (those suggested by the tempter); for he will persuade you to break the resolve of your devotion, especially if it is a fast prescribed by law. Answer your own thoughts in the same way, saying like your Lord: "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Moreover, this saying, "that this stone become bread," has its own allegory: for those who love treasures go astray and so arrange (their pursuits) that it can be said that stones are treasures; for they love treasures, which become dung; (little by little) they are so affected that they think life is provided for them from them, as from bread. Therefore there comes to mind the saying of the Lord in which he says: "When a man's treasures are multiplied, yet he does not find his life in them." Do not therefore love silver, O lovers of God, for the root of all evils is in the love of money; and lead your life without anxiety, for (the apostle) says: "But having food and that with which we are covered, with these we are content." Hear therefore what blessed David advises: "Cast your care upon the Lord and he will nourish you"; and above all (hear) the apostle Peter saying: "Casting all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." When the adversary sees a man growing strong in this way (and advancing to higher virtues), he attacks him with the second kind of temptation. For he set him on the pinnacle of the temple, that is, in great perfection of virtues. When this has happened, he persuades the soul to cast away all zeal for virtue, which is signified by the counsel to throw himself down from that (high pinnacle). For (the tempter) says to the man: "Virtue is too hard, and you will not be able to bear the labor for the whole earth." So he keeps him from remembering the Savior, who says: "Do not be anxious about tomorrow." For of everyone who is raised to virtue by the devil (this holds) which (Scripture) says, that he was brought into the holy city. Yet they do not persevere, because they did not acquire their virtues for God's sake but for vain glory, which is the serpent, and only to be honored by people. These are afterwards cast down to the depths from the pinnacle of the temple, and their inward parts burst open, and what was hidden within appears outside, and the greater part of what they did (well) becomes void. Therefore at the hour when a man binds himself by a covenant before God (to the pursuit of perfection), and afterwards as well, let him take the greatest care not to fall into what is written: "You shall not tempt the Lord your God." For unless a man keeps watch and perseveres every hour in continual remembrance of God, he slips into idolatry; yet a man does not usually know what that idolatry is, but only turns over in his thoughts that he is chosen above others and better than other people. But this is pride, foul before God. When the devil persuades someone that he is better than all other people, he has in truth already obtained from him that he falls down and worships him, not knowing the voice of the Lord in which he says: "For I am gentle and lowly in heart." Nor does he understand the voice (of the Lord, in which) he says: "You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve." Therefore, my dearest ones, flee from the worship of idols, which is pride. And let us love one another, let us love strangers too, let us love teaching, and let us flee from every evil companion; but let us run quickly to the servants of God and gladly keep festivals with them, according to what Abigail once said to David: "Behold, your handmaid is ready to be a maidservant, to wash the feet of my lord's servants." Let us too, then, wash the feet of the saints, so that we may hear him who is greater than David, Jesus Christ our Lord (the angels have their stations), who loves everyone who keeps his commandments with the greatest zeal, saying thus: "Well done, good and faithful servant; because you have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many; enter into the joy of your lord." It is truly to come that he will say to each of us who are gathered in his name: "Come, you blessed of my Father, possess the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink, I was a stranger and you took me in, naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you visited me." He continues: "Then the righteous will answer him, saying: When did we see you hungry and feed you," and the rest that follows, "did we do for you?" "And answering he will say: Truly I say to you, whatever you did to one of these little ones, you did to me." But the one whose work and zeal are not guarded by watchfulness will be destroyed by fire, because he has no life in virtue but is dead in perversity; and these are destined for the furnace, that is, they will be the devil's laughingstock, who first (at baptism) said with their mouth, "I renounce you, Satan," but now run back to him by their evil works. Truly the devil does not seem to rejoice greatly over those who are with him and belong to him, as he does over those who are with us in body but with him in soul. Of these the apostle said: "They profess to know God, but deny him by their deeds"; and of the same it is said in Proverbs: "As a dog that returns to its vomit, so is the fool who repeats his sins." And blessed Peter said of them that they are like a pig which, after it has been washed, wallows in its mire. And of this kind there are not a few; (for it often happens) that someone says before God, "I will indeed do all your will," but at the same time by his evil intentions turns also to the service of the devil. He is like a soldier who receives the military clothing (the military insignia), yet cares nothing for the military duty and dress, but is disgraced when his crimes are uncovered; and though he alone calls himself a soldier, he has nothing but the outward form of the service which he has put on, and by which he can claim (this name) for himself. So some glory that they are Christians, yet are not clothed with works; they are called demons both by God and by people, for they do not hate the works of Satan but are fixed in them. Such people, therefore, obtain their (the devils') name here (in earthly life), and in the other place (in eternal life) become sharers of their lot; for the Savior will say to them on that day: "Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels." For as they loved his works on earth and remained his associates through their life, so they will also be his associates in hell, if they die in their unclean intentions. For it befits a Christian to walk in the commandments of Christ, made like God, as beloved sons are made like Christ in everything. For they do not blaspheme, nor commit sexual immorality, nor are they mockers or slanderers; they do not live viciously with idle women; they are strangers to lies; they do not desire the things that perish; they are not stubborn, nor lovers of wind, nor do they keep anger against anyone; they are not grumblers, nor do they judge the affairs of others (of strangers), nor do they spend their inheritance on business in which there is no salvation, nor do they do what does not agree with the law, nor do they cast away mercy; they do not utter false testimony, nor are they gluttons, drinkers, greedy, lovers of the world, or lovers of women, but are joined to one wife in lawful marriage; not envious, not negligent in frequenting the churches; they bring up their sons in the fear of God and do not flee from persecutions. They devote themselves to reading and meditating on (the word of God) which they have heard (in church); they abstain from injuries; their hands are not quick to strike, but they quickly pay their debts, so that the name of the Lord is not blasphemed because of them. They are not lazy; they do not forget the needy who ask them (for help); they do not divulge secrets entrusted to them; they do not move boundaries; they do not seek usury; rather they are lovers of strangers, they do not insult those who come from far away, but hold them among their own sons; they are not hard in giving and receiving (in trade they do not use the injustice of taking more than is just and giving less than is just); they do not use a double measure for weighing and measuring; nor do they act hesitantly and negligently in receiving holy communion and in worship. They do not use oaths at all, nor do they live familiarly with strangers, serving God and fulfilling the works (his commandments); they do not transgress the command of the Gospel, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. A Christian who perseveres in all these things bears the image of Christ himself, and will shine at his right hand like the angels, and will obtain from him the crown of glory, as he obtained the crown of virtue, the noblest perfection and the guarding of the faith. (Such people) will obtain the crown of life which has been promised to his friends. But if a Christian aspires to the rank of the (heavenly) kingdom, let him withdraw altogether far from women and firmly resolve in his heart that he will not look at them nor take food with them. Without delay let him distribute all his treasures to the poor and take on himself an angelic kindness, with humility of heart and body, and let him be sufficient to himself alone; let him be like a little bird that has no weapons; let him give to the needy from his labor. Let him love communions and much prayer with fasting. This is the precious stone which, as John testifies, no one knows except the one who has received it. On the Lord's day let the bishop at the time of Mass, if he can, distribute communion with his own hand to all the people; if a presbyter is sick, let the deacon bring him the sacrament, and let the presbyter alone receive it. ### Scripture references - Luke 14:26: echo, low confidence - Matt 16:24: allusion, medium confidence - Matt 4:3: quotation, high confidence - Matt 4:4: quotation, high confidence - Deut 8:3: quotation, high confidence - Luke 12:15: allusion, medium confidence - 1 Tim 6:10: quotation, high confidence - 1 Tim 6:8: quotation, high confidence - Ps 55:22 (54:23 Vulg.): quotation, high confidence - 1 Pet 5:7: quotation, high confidence - Matt 4:5: allusion, high confidence - Matt 6:34: quotation, high confidence - Deut 6:16: quotation, high confidence - Matt 11:29: quotation, high confidence - Deut 6:13: quotation, high confidence - Matt 4:10: quotation, medium confidence - 1 Cor 10:14: quotation, high confidence - 1 John 5:21: allusion, medium confidence - 1 Sam 25:41: quotation, high confidence - 1 Tim 5:10: allusion, high confidence - Matt 25:21: quotation, high confidence - Matt 25:34: quotation, high confidence - Matt 25:37: quotation, high confidence - Matt 25:40: quotation, high confidence - Titus 1:16: quotation, high confidence - Prov 26:11: quotation, high confidence - 2 Pet 2:22: allusion, high confidence - Matt 25:41: quotation, high confidence - Rev 2:17: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. Quotations and allusions, mostly as Haneberg identifies them: Matt 4:3–7 and 4:4 (Deut 8:3), Luke 12:15 ("when a man's treasures are multiplied" is a free form of it), 1 Tim 6:10, 1 Tim 6:8, Ps 55:22 (Vulg. 54:23), 1 Pet 5:7, Matt 6:34, Deut 6:16, Matt 11:29, Deut 6:13 (Matt 4:10), 1 Cor 10:14, 1 John 5:21, 1 Sam 25:41 (Haneberg prints the name as "Aravaka" from the Arabic, glossing Abigail), 1 Tim 5:10, Matt 25:21 (Haneberg prints 24:23), Matt 25:34–40, Titus 1:16, Prov 26:11, 2 Pet 2:22, Matt 25:41, Rev 2:17. The parenthesis "(the angels have their stations)" stands in Haneberg's text without evident connection. "Sexual immorality" renders scortantur. The rules on withdrawing from women concern one who aspires to the ascetic life. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 30 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/30). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 31 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/30/#p-31 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: A deacon may distribute communion with the bishop's or presbyter's permission. ### English translation (Claude) XXXI. The thirty-first canon. On a bishop or presbyter who orders a deacon to distribute communion. Let the deacon distribute communion to the people if the bishop or presbyter permits it. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 31 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/31). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 32 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/30/#p-32 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Virgins and widows fast and pray often; clergy fast freely; a deacon may act for an absent presbyter except at the great offering; alms are distributed promptly; agapes for the poor are held with the bishop's prayer and end before dark. ### English translation (Claude) XXXII. The thirty-second canon. That virgins and widows ought to devote themselves to fasting and prayer in church; that the clergy may fast at their own discretion; that the bishop ought not to bind himself to a fast except with the clergy, because of an agape or vigil held for the benefit of the poor. It belongs to virgins and widows to fast often and pray in church; let the clergy be free to fast voluntarily; but let the bishop not bind himself to a fast unless the clergy fast with him. If someone intends to receive (literally, to make) holy communion at a time when the presbyter is not present in church, let the deacon take his place in all things, with the sole exception of the offering of the great sacrifice and the prayer. If communion is distributed, let alms for the poor also be distributed, and let this be divided among the poor by the people before sunset; if anything of what is needed is left over, let it be distributed the next day; and if something still remains, on the third day. From the one in whose house (the alms are distributed and the remainder) is kept, let nothing be reckoned (as payment for his labor) from those things (that were given for the poor); let mercy alone, and all of it, bring the reckoned reward to the one who shows it. Let the one who distributes obtain nothing (from it) when the bread of the poor stays too long in his house through negligence. If an agape is held, or a supper is prepared by someone for the poor, on the Lord's day, at the time of lighting the lamp, in the presence of the bishop, let the deacon rise to light the lamp, and let the bishop pray over them (those invited) and over the one who invited them. Let the poor be present when the eucharist is held at the beginning of the Mass. Let (the bishop or the inviting benefactor) dismiss them, so that they depart separately before darkness falls. Let them recite psalms before they depart. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. Several sentences on the alms are obscure in the Latin and are translated as closely as it allows. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 32 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/32). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 33 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/30/#p-33 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Commemorative meals for the dead begin with communion, are not held on Sunday, exclude catechumens, and avoid drunkenness. ### English translation (Claude) XXXIII. The thirty-third canon. On commemorations for the dead; it is forbidden that they be held on the Lord's day. If commemorations are held for those who have died, let them first receive the sacraments before they sit down, but not on the Lord's day. After communion let the bread (of blessings) be distributed to them before sunset, before they sit down. Let no catechumen sit with them at the agapes. Let them eat and drink to satisfaction but not to drunkenness, but in the divine presence with the praise of God. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 33 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/33). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 34 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/30/#p-34 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: At gatherings in homes there is to be no loud talk, so as to give a good example; the bishop or, in his absence, a presbyter presides and breaks the blessed bread. ### English translation (Claude) XXXIV. The thirty-fourth canon. On avoiding much talk and shouting. On the saints entering the dwellings of the faithful. Let no one talk much or shout, lest perhaps (unbelievers) mock you, and lest you be (literally, they be) a stumbling block to people, so that your invitation is turned into disgrace when it appears that you stray from good order. But let each one continually, with his whole household, take this (good order) for himself and claim it, so that the modesty of each of us may appear and great esteem may be won by the examples seen in us. Let each one pray that the saints (the angels) may enter under his roof; for our Savior says: "You are the salt of the earth." When the bishop speaks sitting down, the others will have (spiritual) profit, and he himself will not be without profit. If in the bishop's absence a presbyter is present, let all turn to him, because he is superior to the others in the Lord, and let them honor him as the bishop is honored, and not stubbornly oppose him. Let him distribute the bread (of blessings), breaking it before sunset, before they sit down, so that God may preserve their agape from fear of the enemy, and that they may rise safe in good health. ### Scripture references - Matt 5:13: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. The quotation is Matt 5:13. "The saints (the angels)" is Haneberg's text with his gloss. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 34 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/34). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 35 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/30/#p-35 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: A deacon may lead the prayer and break the blessed bread at an agape when no presbyter is present; a layman may only break it; suppers for widows end before sunset. ### English translation (Claude) XXXV. The thirty-fifth canon. On a deacon present at an agape in place of an absent presbyter, and that he may perform his office in the prayer and the breaking of the bread of blessing, but not in the body (of the Lord). On widows. At an agape, in the absence of a presbyter, let the deacon take the presbyter's place as far as the prayer and the breaking of the bread are concerned, which he is to distribute to those invited. It is not fitting for a layman to sign the bread, but only to break it; let him do nothing more. If no cleric at all is present, let each eat his own portion with thanksgiving, so that the Gentiles may see your life with envy (and admiration). If anyone wishes to prepare a supper for widows, let him see that they have the supper and are dismissed before the sun sets. If they are many, care must be taken that there is no confusion and that they are not prevented from being dismissed before evening. Let sufficient food and drink be given to each of them. But let them depart before night falls. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 35 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/35). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 36 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/30/#p-36 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Firstfruits of every kind are brought to the bishop, and a presbyter gives thanks and blesses them and the giver with a set prayer. ### English translation (Claude) XXXVI. The thirty-sixth canon. On the firstfruits of the fruits of the earth, and the firstfruits of the threshing floors and winepresses, of oil, honey, milk, wool, and the like, which are to be brought to the bishop that he may bestow a blessing on them. Whoever has firstfruits of the fruits of the earth, let him bring them to the bishop in the church; likewise the firstfruits of the threshing floor and the firstfruits of the winepresses, of oil, honey, milk, wool, and the firstfruits of the wage for the labor of his hands. Let all these be brought to the bishop with the firstfruits of the trees. Let the presbyter who receives them first of all give thanks to God over them, outside the veil, while the one who brought them stands by. Let the presbyter pray thus: "We give you thanks, almighty God, because you have made us worthy to see these fruits which the earth has produced this year. Bless them, O Lord, as the crown of your year according to your kindness, and let them be for the satisfying of the poor of your people; (bless) also your servant N., who has offered these from your riches, because he fears you; bless him from your holy heaven, together with his house and his sons, and pour out on them your mercy and your holy grace, that they may know your will in all things; and grant that he may receive as an inheritance what is in heaven, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. Amen." And all the vegetables of the earth, all the fruits of the trees, and all the fruits of the earth (of the cucumber fields), bless them, and bless also those who brought them. ### Scripture references - Ps 65:11 (64:12 Vulg.): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. "The crown of your year according to your kindness": Ps 65:11 (Vulg. 64:12), as Haneberg notes. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 36 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/36). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 37 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/30/#p-37 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: Clergy and readers wear clean white garments at the eucharist, though integrity matters more; readers read in turn until the people gather. ### English translation (Claude) XXXVII. The thirty-seventh canon. That whenever the bishop wishes to celebrate the holy mysteries, he ought to gather the deacons and presbyters clothed in white garments, more beautiful than (the garments) of the people. The same holds for the readers. Whenever the bishop wishes to celebrate the sacraments, let the deacons and presbyters gather with him, clothed in white garments more beautiful than (the clothing) of all the people, and above all clean. Yet (it is to be expected) of them rather that they be clothed with integrity, for good works surpass all garments. Let the readers also have festal garments like them, and stand at the ambo (literally, at the place of reading), and let one take up from another until all the people are gathered. Afterwards let the bishop pray and complete the Mass. ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 37 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/37). ## Canons of Hippolytus, canon 38 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/canones-hippolyti/30/#p-38 - Source: Haneberg 1870 - Translation: Translated by Claude from D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic)'s Latin translation (1870) of the Arabic; neither is shown Summary: The Easter night is kept in vigil until dawn; baptized Christians must stay watchful and fervent rather than rest on their baptism; the collection closes with a blessing and a colophon. ### English translation (Claude) XXXVIII. The thirty-eighth canon. On the night in which our Lord Jesus Christ rose: that all ought to spend that night in vigil and then wash with water. On those who commit sins after baptism; a discussion of this, followed by a discussion of what ought not to be done, and lastly of what is to be observed. The night of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is to be observed with the greatest zeal, for it is great. Let all therefore keep vigil that night until dawn; then let them wash their bodies with water before they keep the Pascha, and let all the people be in light. For on that night the Savior won freedom for every creature; therefore the things of heaven and earth, and all that is in heaven and on earth, keep festival, because he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father, from where he is to come in the glory of his Father and his angels, to repay each one according to his works. Those who have done good (will be assigned) to the resurrection of life, those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment, as it is written. We must therefore be watchful at all times, not granting our eyes slumber. We must take care that drowsiness does not overcome us until we find a place for the Lord, and that no one says, "I have both been baptized and fed (sacramentally) with the body of Christ," and, relying on such help, now longs for rest, saying, "I am a Christian," and is found to be a lover of pleasures, turned away from the commandments of Christ. Such a one would be like a man full of filth who entered a bath but came out of it before he was well scrubbed, so that filth is found on him even afterwards. For he did not use the burning of the Spirit of which blessed Paul speaks, warning us to be fervent in the Spirit at all times. Whoever keeps these rules, may the peace of the Lord come down on them and on all (the people of) Israel. Let the enemy gain nothing (in them), but may they one day rest with the saints in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom be glory to God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always and to the ages of ages. Amen. And praise be to God always and forever. Here end the canons of the holy patriarch Hippolytus, first patriarch of the great city of Rome, which he composed. Their number is thirty-eight canons. ### Scripture references - Matt 16:27: allusion, high confidence - John 5:29: quotation, high confidence - Ps 132:4 (131:4 Vulg.): allusion, high confidence - Rom 12:11: allusion, high confidence - Gal 6:16: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Translated from Haneberg's Latin version (1870) of the Arabic; the Latin is not shown. The last word of the colophon ("canons") is cut off in the scan and is supplied. References: Matt 16:27, John 5:29, Ps 132:4–5 (Vulg. 131:4–5; "until we find a place for the Lord"), Rom 12:11, Gal 6:16. The heading promises discussions which the canon gives only briefly. ### Citation (SBL) Can. Hipp. 38 (Haneberg 1870; trans. Sophia Scriptura from the Latin of D. B. Haneberg (Latin translation of the Arabic), 1870, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/canones-hippolyti/38).