# Canons of the Council of Laodicea

- Author: Anonymous
- Latin title: *Concilium Laodicenum*
- Date: ca. 343–381 (approximate)
- Source: Nikodemos the Hagiorite and Agapios, eds., Πηδάλιον τῆς νοητῆς νηὸς τῆς μιᾶς ἁγίας καθολικῆς καὶ ἀποστολικῆς τῶν ὀρθοδόξων ἐκκλησίας (Leipzig: Breitkopf, 1800; reprinted Athens and Zakynthos), text as transcribed on Greek Wikisource (raw wikitext, canon text only) (Greek text: the Pedalion (Nikodemos the Hagiorite and Agapios, 1800), transcription on Greek Wikisource, CC BY-SA)

- Translation: Claude, from the original text, unless a passage says otherwise; each passage below gives the translator
- Editions and translations: Hermann Theodor Bruns, ed., Canones apostolorum et conciliorum veterum selecti, vol. 1 (Berlin: Reimer, 1839); Friedrich Lauchert, ed., Die Kanones der wichtigsten altkirchlichen Concilien (Freiburg i. B.: Mohr, 1896); Périclès-Pierre Joannou, ed., Discipline générale antique (IVe-IXe s.), vol. 1.2 (Grottaferrata: Tipografia Italo-Orientale, 1962)
- Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/
- Passages: 60

## Canon 1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-1
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Those lawfully joined in a second marriage are to be readmitted to communion by indulgence after a short time of prayer and fasting.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ δεῖν κατὰ τὸν ἐκκλησιαστικὸν κανόνα, τοὺς ἐλευθέρως καὶ νομίμως συναφθέντας δευτέροις γάμοις, μὴ λαθρογαμίαν ποιήσαντας, ὀλίγου χρόνου παρελθόντος, καὶ σχολάσαντας, ταῖς προσευχαῖς καὶ νηστείαις, κατὰ συγγνώμην ἀποδίδοσθαι αὐτοῖς τὴν κοινωνίαν ὡρίσαμεν.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning the rule that, according to the canon of the church, those who have freely and lawfully been joined in second marriages, and have not contracted a secret marriage, should, after a short time has passed and they have devoted themselves to prayers and fastings, be given communion by indulgence: so we have decreed.

### Translation notes

- The canons of Laodicea are transmitted as headings, mostly in the form “that …”; the synod's full text is lost.
- “Second marriages” (δεύτεροι γάμοι): the canon does not say how the first marriage ended; it is usually understood of remarriage after a spouse's death. “Secret marriage” (λαθρογαμία): a clandestine union without the public forms.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 1 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-1).

## Canon 2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-2
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Penitents who persevere in confession and turn from their sins are readmitted to communion after a penance proportioned to the fault.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ τοὺς ἐξαμαρτάνοντας ἐν διαφόροις πταίσματι, καὶ προσκαρτεροῦντας τῇ προσευχῇ τῆς ἐξομολογήσεως καὶ μετανοίας, καὶ τὴν ἀποστροφὴν τῶν κακῶν τελείαν ποιουμένους, κατὰ τὴν ἀναλογίαν τοῦ πταίσματος, καιροῦ μετανοίας δοθέντος τοῖς τοιούτοις, διὰ τοὺς οἰκτιρμοὺς καὶ τὴν ἀγαθότητα τοῦ Θεοῦ προσάγεσθαι τῇ κοινωνίᾳ.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning those who sin in various faults and persevere in the prayer of confession and repentance, and make a complete turning away from evil: a time of repentance being given to such persons in proportion to the fault, they are to be brought to communion because of the compassion and goodness of God.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 2 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-2).

## Canon 3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-3
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The newly baptized are not to be ordained.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ μὴ δεῖν προσφάτως φωτισθέντα προσάγεσθαι ἐν τάγματι ἱερατικῷ.

### English translation (Claude)

That one who has been recently enlightened ought not to be advanced to the priestly order.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 3:6: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “Enlightened” (φωτισθείς): baptized.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 3 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-3).

## Canon 4

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-4
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not lend at interest.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ μὴ δεῖν ἱερατικοὺς δανείζειν, καὶ τόκους, καὶ τὰς λεγομένας ἡμιολίας λαμβάνειν.

### English translation (Claude)

That those in priestly orders ought not to lend money and take interest and the so-called hemiolia.

### Translation notes

- “Hemiolia” (ἡμιολία, “one and a half”): a loan repaid with half again as interest.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 4 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-4).

## Canon 5

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-5
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Ordinations are not to be held in the presence of those in the class of hearers.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ μὴ δεῖν τὰς χειροτονίας ἐπὶ παρουσίᾳ ἀκροωμένων γίνεσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

That ordinations ought not to take place in the presence of hearers.

### Translation notes

- “Hearers” (ἀκροώμενοι): catechumens or penitents admitted only to the reading and sermon.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 5 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-5).

## Canon 6

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-6
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Obstinate heretics are not to be admitted into the church.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ μὴ συγχωρεῖν τοῖς αἱρετικοῖς εἰσιέναι εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐπιμένοντας τῇ αἱρέσει.

### English translation (Claude)

That heretics who persist in their heresy are not to be allowed to enter the house of God.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 6 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-6).

## Canon 7

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-7
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Converts from the Novatians, Photinians and Quartodecimans are received after anathematizing heresy, learning the creed and being anointed with chrism.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ τοὺς ἐκ τῶν αἱρέσεων, τοὐτέστι Ναυατιανῶν, ἤτοι Φωτεινιανῶν, ἢ Τεσσαρεσκαιδεκατιτῶν, ἐπιστρεφομένους, εἴτε κατηχουμένους, εἴτε πιστοὺς τοὺς παρ᾽ ἐκείνοις, μὴ προσδέχεσθαι, πρὶν ἀναθεματίσωσι πᾶσαν αἵρεσιν, ἐξαιρέτως δὲ ἐν ᾗ κατείχοντο· καὶ τότε λοιπὸν τοὺς λεγομένους παρ᾽ αὐτοῖς πιστούς, ἐκμαθάνοντας τὰ τῆς πίστεως σύμβολα, χρισθέντας τε τῷ ἁγίῳ χρίσματι, οὕτω κοινωνεῖν τῶν μυστηρίων τῶν ἁγίων.

### English translation (Claude)

That those who are converted from the heresies, that is, of the Novatians, or the Photinians, or the Quartodecimans, whether they were catechumens or those called faithful among them, are not to be received until they anathematize every heresy, and especially that in which they were held; and that thereafter those called faithful among them, having learned the creed of the faith and been anointed with the holy chrism, may so share in the holy mysteries.

### Translation notes

- Novatians: rigorist schismatics; Photinians: followers of Photinus of Sirmium; Quartodecimans: those who kept Easter on 14 Nisan. These converts are received by anointing, not rebaptized.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 7 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-7).

## Canon 8

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-8
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Converts from the Montanists, even their clergy, are to be catechized and baptized.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ τοὺς ἀπὸ τῆς αἱρέσεως τῶν λεγομένων Φρυγῶν ἐπιστρέφοντας, εἰ καὶ ἐν κλήρῳ νομιζομένῳ παρ᾽ αὐτοῖς τυγχάνοιεν, εἰ καὶ μέγιστοι λέγοιντο, τοὺς τοιούτους μετὰ πάσης ἐπιμελείας κατηχεῖσθαί τε καὶ βαπτίζεσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἐπισκόπων τε καὶ πρεσβυτέρων.

### English translation (Claude)

That those who are converted from the heresy of the so-called Phrygians, even if they should be among those regarded as clergy by them, even if they should be called very great, such persons are to be catechized with all care and baptized by the bishops and presbyters of the church.

### Translation notes

- “Phrygians”: the Montanists, named from Phrygia, where the movement began. Unlike the groups of canon 7, they are baptized.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 8 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-8).

## Canon 9

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-9
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Church members who visit heretics' cemeteries or martyr-shrines to pray or seek healing are excommunicated until they repent.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ μὴ συγχωρεῖν εἰς τὰ κοιμητήρια, ἢ εἰς τὰ λεγόμενα μαρτύρια πάντων τῶν αἱρετικῶν ἀπιέναι τοὺς τῆς ἐκκλησίας, εὐχῆς ἢ θεραπείας ἕνεκα· ἀλλὰ τοὺς τοιούτους, ἐὰν ὦσι πιστοί, ἀκοινωνήτους γίνεσθαι μέχρι τινός. Μετανοοῦντας δέ, καὶ ἐξομολογουμένους, ἐσφάλθαι, παραδέχεσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

That members of the church are not to be allowed to go to the cemeteries, or the so-called martyr-shrines, of any of the heretics, for the sake of prayer or healing; but such persons, if they are of the faithful, are to be excommunicated for a time; but if they repent and confess that they have done wrong, they are to be received.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 9 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-9).

## Canon 10

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-10
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Church members are not to marry their children to heretics without discrimination.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ μὴ δεῖν τοὺς τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἀδιαφόρως πρὸς γάμου κοινωνίαν συνάπτειν τὰ ἑαυτῶν παιδία αἱρετικοῖς.

### English translation (Claude)

That members of the church ought not indiscriminately to join their children in the partnership of marriage to heretics.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 10 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-10).

## Canon 11

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-11
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Women called presbytides or presiding women are no longer to be appointed in the church.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ μὴ δεῖν τὰς λεγομένας πρεσβύτιδας, ἤτοι προκαθημένας, ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ καθίστασθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

That the so-called presbytides, or presiding women, ought not to be appointed in the church.

### Translation notes

- “Presbytides” (πρεσβύτιδες) and “presiding women” (προκαθήμεναι): the office meant is disputed; it is often taken to be senior women who supervised the women of the congregation.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 11 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-11).

## Canon 12

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-12
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Bishops are appointed by the metropolitan and neighboring bishops from men long tested in faith and life.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ τοὺς ἐπισκόπους κρίσει τῶν μητροπολιτῶν καὶ τῶν πέριξ ἐπισκόπων καθίστασθαι εἰς τὴν ἐκκλησιαστικὴν ἀρχήν, ὄντας ἐκ πολλοῦ δεδοκιμασμένους ἔν τε τῷ λόγῳ τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τῇ τοῦ εὐθέος βίου πολιτείᾳ.

### English translation (Claude)

That bishops are to be appointed to the government of the church by the judgment of the metropolitans and the bishops round about, being men long tested both in the word of faith and in the conduct of an upright life.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 12 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-12).

## Canon 13

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-13
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The crowds are not to elect candidates for the priesthood.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ μὴ τοῖς ὄχλοις ἐπιτρέπειν τὰς ἐκλογὰς ποιεῖσθαι τῶν μελλόντων καθίστασθαι εἰς ἱερατεῖον.

### English translation (Claude)

That the crowds are not to be permitted to make the elections of those who are to be appointed to the priesthood.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 13 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-13).

## Canon 14

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-14
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The consecrated eucharist is not to be sent to other dioceses at Easter as a gift.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ μὴ τὰ ἅγια, εἰς λόγον εὐλογιῶν, κατὰ τὴν ἑορτὴν τοῦ Πάσχα, εἰς ἑτέρας παροικίας διαπέμπεσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

That the holy things are not to be sent to other districts at the feast of Pascha by way of blessings.

### Translation notes

- “The holy things” (τὰ ἅγια): the consecrated eucharist; “blessings” (εὐλογίαι): gifts of bread exchanged between churches.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 14 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-14).

## Canon 15

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-15
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Only the appointed singers, singing from the book at the ambo, are to sing in church.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ μὴ δεῖν πλὴν τῶν κανονικῶν ψαλτῶν, τῶν ἐπὶ τὸν ἄμβωνα ἀναβαινόντων, καὶ ἀπὸ διφθέρας ψαλλόντων, ἑτέρους τινὰς ψάλλειν ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ.

### English translation (Claude)

That no others ought to sing in church besides the canonical singers, who go up to the ambo and sing from the parchment.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 15 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-15).

## Canon 16

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-16
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: On Saturdays the Gospels are to be read together with the other Scriptures.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ ἐν σαββάτῳ εὐαγγέλια μετὰ ἑτέρων Γραφῶν ἀναγινώσκεσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

That on the Sabbath the Gospels are to be read with the other Scriptures.

### Translation notes

- “Sabbath”: Saturday.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 16 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-16).

## Canon 17

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-17
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Psalms in the services are to be separated by readings.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ μὴ δεῖν ἐπισυνάπτειν ἐν ταῖς συνάξεσι τοὺς ψαλμούς, ἀλλὰ διὰ μέσου καθ᾽ ἕκαστον ψαλμὸν γίνεσθαι ἀνάγνωσιν.

### English translation (Claude)

That in the assemblies the psalms ought not to be joined one to another, but a reading is to take place in between, after each psalm.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 17 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-17).

## Canon 18

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-18
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The same prayers are to be said at the ninth hour and at evening.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ τὴν αὐτὴν λειτουργίαν τῶν εὐχῶν πάντοτε καὶ ἐν ταῖς ἐννάταις, καὶ ἐν ταῖς ἐσπέραις ὀφείλειν γίνεσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

That the same service of prayers ought to be held always, both at the ninth hours and in the evenings.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 18 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-18).

## Canon 19

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-19
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The order of the liturgy: prayers for catechumens and penitents after the sermon, three prayers of the faithful, the kiss of peace, then the offering; only clergy enter the sanctuary.

### Greek text

Περὶ τοῦ δεῖν ἰδίᾳ πρῶτον, μετὰ τὰς ὁμιλίας τῶν ἐπισκόπων, καὶ τῶν κατηχουμένων εὐχὴν ἐπιτελεῖσθαι· καὶ μετὰ τὸ ἐξελθεῖν τοὺς κατηχουμένους, τῶν ἐν μετανοίᾳ τὴν εὐχὴν γίνεσθαι· καὶ τούτων προσελθόντων ὑπὸ χεῖρα καὶ ὑποχωρησάντων, οὕτω τῶν πιστῶν τὰς εὐχὰς γίνεσθαι τρεῖς, μίαν μὲν τὴν πρώτην διὰ σιωπῆς, τὴν δὲ δευτέραν καὶ τρίτην διὰ προσφωνήσεως πληροῦσθαι· εἶθ᾽ οὕτω τὴν εἰρήνην δίδοσθαι· καὶ μετὰ τὸ τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους δοῦναι τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ τὴν εἰρήνην, τότε τοὺς λαϊκοὺς τὴν εἰρήνην διδόναι, καὶ οὕτω τὴν ἁγίαν προσφορὰν ἐπιτελεῖσθαι· καὶ μόνοις ἐξὸν εἶναι τοῖς ἱερατικοῖς εἰσιέναι εἰς τὸ θυσιαστήριον, καὶ κοινωνεῖν.

### English translation (Claude)

That first, after the sermons of the bishops, the prayer for the catechumens is to be completed by itself; and after the catechumens have gone out, the prayer for those in penance is to take place; and when these have come forward under the hand and withdrawn, then the prayers of the faithful are to take place, three of them, the first in silence, and the second and third to be completed aloud; and then the peace is to be given; and after the presbyters have given the peace to the bishop, then the laity are to give the peace; and so the holy offering is to be completed; and only those in priestly orders may enter the altar area and communicate there.

### Translation notes

- “Under the hand”: to receive the bishop's laying on of hands.
- “The altar area” (θυσιαστήριον): the sanctuary.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 19 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-19).

## Canon 20

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-20
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Deacons are not to sit before presbyters without their leave, and are to be honored by the lower clergy.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ διάκονον ἔμπροσθεν πρεσβυτέρου καθέζεσθαι, ἀλλὰ μετὰ κελεύσεως τοῦ πρεσβυτέρου καθέζεσθαι. Ὁμοίως δὲ ἔχειν τιμὴν καὶ τοὺς διακόνους ὑπὸ τῶν ὑπηρετῶν καὶ πάντων τῶν κληρικῶν.

### English translation (Claude)

That a deacon ought not to sit in the presence of a presbyter, but to sit at the presbyter's bidding. Likewise the deacons too are to receive honor from the subdeacons and all the clergy.

### Translation notes

- “Subdeacons” renders ὑπηρέται (literally “servants”), as in the following canons.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 20 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-20).

## Canon 21

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-21
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Subdeacons may not occupy the diaconicon or handle the sacred vessels.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ὑπηρέτας ἔχειν ἐν τῷ διακονικῷ, καὶ ἄπτεσθαι τῶν ἱερῶν σκευῶν.

### English translation (Claude)

That subdeacons ought not to have a place in the diaconicon, nor touch the sacred vessels.

### Translation notes

- “Diaconicon”: the room beside the sanctuary where the vessels were kept.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 21 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-21).

## Canon 22

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-22
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Subdeacons may not wear the deacon's stole or leave their post at the doors.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ὑπηρέτην ὠράριον φορεῖν, οὐδὲ τὰς θύρας ἐγκαταλιμπάνειν.

### English translation (Claude)

That a subdeacon ought not to wear an orarion, nor leave the doors.

### Translation notes

- “Orarion”: the deacon's stole.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 22 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-22).

## Canon 23

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-23
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Readers and singers may not wear the orarion.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἀναγνώστας, ἢ ψάλτας ὡράριον φορεῖν, καὶ οὕτως ἀναγινώσκειν, ἢ ψάλλειν.

### English translation (Claude)

That readers or singers ought not to wear an orarion and so read or sing.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 23 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-23).

## Canon 24

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-24
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: No clergy or ascetics may enter a tavern.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἱερατικοὺς ἀπὸ πρεσβυτέρων ἕως διακόνων, καὶ ἑξῆς τῆς ἐκκλησιαστικῆς τάξεως ἕως ὑπηρετῶν, ἢ ἀναγνωστῶν, ἢ ψαλτῶν, ἢ ἐφορκιστῶν, ἢ θυρωρῶν, ἢ τοῦ τάγματος τῶν ἀσκητῶν, εἰς καπηλεῖον εἰσιέναι.

### English translation (Claude)

That those in priestly orders, from presbyters to deacons, and the rest of the church's ranks in order down to subdeacons, or readers, or singers, or exorcists, or door-keepers, or the order of ascetics, ought not to enter a tavern.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 24 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-24).

## Canon 25

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-25
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Subdeacons may not distribute the eucharistic bread or bless the cup.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ὑπηρέτην ἄρτον διδόναι, οὐδὲ ποτήριον εὐλογεῖν.

### English translation (Claude)

That a subdeacon ought not to give the bread, nor bless the cup.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 25 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-25).

## Canon 26

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-26
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Only those appointed by bishops may perform exorcisms.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἐφορκίζειν τοὺς μὴ προαχθέντας ὑπὸ ἐπισκόπων, μήτε ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις, μήτε ἐν ταῖς οἰκίαις.

### English translation (Claude)

That those who have not been advanced by bishops ought not to exorcise, either in the churches or in houses.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 26 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-26).

## Canon 27

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-27
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Guests at a love-feast are not to carry food away.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἱερατικούς, ἢ κληρικούς, ἢ λαϊκούς, καλουμένους εἰς ἀγάπην, μέρη αἵρειν, διὰ τὸ τὴν ὕβριν τῇ τάξει προστρίβεσθαι τῇ ἐκκλησιαστικῇ.

### English translation (Claude)

That those in priestly orders, or clergy, or laity, when invited to a love-feast, ought not to carry away portions, because this brings insult on the order of the church.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 27 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-27).

## Canon 28

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-28
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Love-feasts and meals are not to be held in church buildings.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἐν τοῖς Κυριακοῖς, ἢ ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις, τὰς λεγομένας ἀγάπας ποιεῖν, ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐσθίειν, καὶ ἀκούβιτα στρωννύειν.

### English translation (Claude)

That the so-called love-feasts ought not to be held in the Lord's houses or in the churches, nor eating in the house of God, nor spreading of couches.

### Scripture references

- 1 Cor 11:22: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “The Lord's houses” (τὰ κυριακά): church buildings.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 28 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-28).

## Canon 29

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-29
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Christians are not to keep the Jewish Sabbath rest but are to honor Sunday; judaizers are anathematized.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ Χριστιανοὺς ἰουδαΐζειν καὶ ἐν τῷ σαββάτῳ σχολάζειν, ἀλλ᾽ ἐργάζεσθαι αὐτοὺς καὶ ἐν τῇ αὐτῇ ἡμέρᾳ· τὴν δὲ Κυριακὴν προτιμῶντας, εἴγε δύναιντο, σχολάζειν ὡς Χριστιανοί. Εἰ δὲ εὑρεθεῖεν Ἰουδαϊσταί, ἔστωσαν ἀνάθεμα παρὰ Χριστῷ.

### English translation (Claude)

That Christians ought not to judaize and rest on the Sabbath, but to work on that day; but, honoring the Lord's day above it, they are to rest, if indeed they can, as Christians. But if they are found to be judaizers, let them be anathema from Christ.

### Scripture references

- Rom 9:3: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- Translated as written; the canon forbids Christians to observe the Sabbath rest in the Jewish manner. “Anathema from Christ” echoes Rom 9:3.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 29 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-29).

## Canon 30

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-30
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: No Christian, cleric or lay, is to bathe with women in the public baths.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἱερατικούς, ἢ κληρικούς, ἢ ἀσκητάς, ἐν βαλανείῳ μετὰ γυναικῶν ἀπολούεσθαι, μηδὲ πάντα Χριστιανόν, ἢ λαϊκὸν· αὕτη γὰρ πρώτη κατάγνωσις παρὰ τοῖς ἔθνεσιν.

### English translation (Claude)

That those in priestly orders, or clergy, or ascetics ought not to bathe in a bath with women, nor any Christian or layman; for this is the first ground of reproach among the pagans.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 30 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-30).

## Canon 31

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-31
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Christians are not to give their children in marriage to heretics, but may take heretics' children who promise to become Christians.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ πρὸς πάντας αἱρετικοὺς ἐπιγαμίας ποιεῖν, ἢ διδόναι υἱούς, ἢ θυγατέρας, ἀλλὰ μᾶλλον λαμβάνειν, εἴγε ἐπαγγέλοιντο Χριστιανοὶ γίνεσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

That one ought not to make marriages with any heretics, nor give them sons or daughters, but rather take theirs, if indeed they promise to become Christians.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 31 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-31).

## Canon 32

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-32
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Christians are not to accept the blessings (gifts of bread) of heretics.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ αἱρετικῶν εὐλογίας λαμβάνειν, αἵτινές εἰσιν ἀλογίαι μᾶλλον, ἢ εὐλογίαι.

### English translation (Claude)

That one ought not to receive the blessings of heretics, which are follies rather than blessings.

### Translation notes

- A play on words: εὐλογίαι (“blessings”, also blessed bread) and ἀλογίαι (“absurdities”).

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 32 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-32).

## Canon 33

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-33
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Christians are not to pray with heretics or schismatics.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ αἱρετικοῖς, ἢ σχισματικοῖς συνεύχεσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

That one ought not to pray with heretics or schismatics.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 33 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-33).

## Canon 34

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-34
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Christians who leave the true martyrs to honor heretics' martyrs are anathematized.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ πάντα Χριστιανὸν ἐγκαταλείπειν μάρτυρας Χριστοῦ, καὶ ἀπιέναι πρὸς τοὺς ψευδομάρτυρας, τουτέστιν αἱρετικῶν, ἢ αὐτοὺς πρὸς τοὺς προειρημένους αἱρετικοὺς γενομένους· οὗτοι γὰρ ἀλλότριοι τοῦ Θεοῦ τυγχάνουσιν. Ἔστωσαν οὖν ἀνάθεμα οἱ ἀπερχόμενοι πρὸς αὐτούς.

### English translation (Claude)

That no Christian ought to forsake the martyrs of Christ and go off to false martyrs, that is, those of heretics, or those who were themselves the aforesaid heretics; for these are strangers to God. Let those, then, who go off to them be anathema.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 34 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-34).

## Canon 35

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-35
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Christians who leave the church to invoke angels in separate gatherings are anathematized as idolaters.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ Χριστιανοὺς ἐγκαταλείπειν τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ἀπιέναι, καὶ ἀγγέλους ὀνομάζειν, καὶ συνάξεις ποιεῖν, ἅπερ ἀπηγόρευται. Εἴ τις οὖν εὑρεθῇ ταύτῃ κεκρυμμένῃ εἰδωλολατρείᾳ σχολάζων, ἔστω ἀνάθεμα, ὅτι ἐγκατέλιπε τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ εἰδωλολατρείᾳ προσῆλθεν.

### English translation (Claude)

That Christians ought not to forsake the church of God and go off and invoke angels by name and hold assemblies, which things are forbidden. If, then, anyone is found devoting himself to this hidden idolatry, let him be anathema, because he has forsaken our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and gone over to idolatry.

### Scripture references

- Col 2:18: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- The worship of angels condemned here recalls Col 2:18.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 35 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-35).

## Canon 36

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-36
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not practice magic or astrology or make amulets, and those who wear amulets are expelled.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἱερατικοὺς ἢ κληρικούς, μάγους ἢ ἐπαοιδοὺς εἶναι, ἢ μαθηματικούς, ἢ ἀστρολόγους, ἢ ποιεῖν τὰ λεγόμενα φυλακτήρια, ἅτινά ἐστι δεσμωτήρια τῶν ψυχῶν αὐτῶν. Τοὺς δὲ φοροῦντας, ῥίπτεσθαι ἐκ τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἐκελεύσαμεν.

### English translation (Claude)

That those in priestly orders or clergy ought not to be magicians or enchanters, or mathematicians, or astrologers, or to make the so-called phylacteries, which are prisons of their own souls. And those who wear them we have ordered to be cast out of the church.

### Translation notes

- “Mathematicians”: astrologers who cast horoscopes. “Phylacteries”: amulets.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 36 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-36).

## Canon 37

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-37
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Christians are not to accept festival gifts from Jews or heretics or keep their feasts.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ παρὰ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, ἢ αἱρετικῶν, τὰ πεμπόμενα ἑορταστικὰ λαμβάνειν, μηδὲ συνεορτάζειν αὐτοῖς.

### English translation (Claude)

That one ought not to receive festal gifts sent by Jews or heretics, nor to celebrate feasts with them.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 37 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-37).

## Canon 38

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-38
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Christians are not to accept unleavened bread from Jews.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ παρὰ τῶν Ἰουδαίων ἄζυμα λαμβάνειν, ἢ κοινωνεῖν ταῖς ἀσεβείαις αὐτῶν.

### English translation (Claude)

That one ought not to receive unleavened bread from the Jews, or to share in their impieties.

### Translation notes

- Translated as written; the canon's language about the Jews is its own.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 38 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-38).

## Canon 39

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-39
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Christians are not to join pagan festivals.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ τοῖς ἔθνεσι συνεορτάζειν, καὶ κοινωνεῖν τῇ ἀθεότητι αὐτῶν.

### English translation (Claude)

That one ought not to celebrate feasts with the pagans and share in their godlessness.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 39 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-39).

## Canon 40

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-40
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Bishops summoned to a synod must attend unless ill.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἐπισκόπους καλουμένους εἰς σύνοδον καταφρονεῖν, ἀλλ᾽ ἀπιέναι, καὶ διδάσκειν, ἢ διδάσκεσθαι, εἰς κατόρθωσιν τῆς ἐκκλησίας καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν. Εἰ δὲ καταφρονήσειεν ὁ τοιοῦτος, ἑαυτὸν αἰτιάσεται, παρεκτὸς εἰ μὴ δι᾽ ἀνωμαλίαν ἀπολιμπάνοιτο.

### English translation (Claude)

That bishops summoned to a synod ought not to disregard it, but to go and teach or be taught, for the setting right of the church and of the rest. And if such a one disregards it, he will have himself to blame, unless he stays away because of illness.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 40 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-40).

## Canon 41

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-41
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not travel without their bishop's order.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἱερατικὸν ἢ κληρικὸν ἄνευ κελεύσεως ἐπισκόπου ὁδεύειν.

### English translation (Claude)

That one in priestly orders or a cleric ought not to travel without the bishop's order.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 41 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-41).

## Canon 42

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-42
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy may not travel without canonical letters.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἱερατικούς, ἢ κληρικοὺς ἄνευ κανονικῶν γραμμάτων ὁδεύειν.

### English translation (Claude)

That those in priestly orders or clergy ought not to travel without canonical letters.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 42 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-42).

## Canon 43

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-43
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Subdeacons may not leave the church doors, even to pray.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ὑπηρέτας, κἂν βραχύ, τὰς θύρας ἐγκαταλείπειν, καὶ τῇ εὐχῇ σχολάζειν.

### English translation (Claude)

That subdeacons ought not to leave the doors even for a short time to devote themselves to prayer.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 43 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-43).

## Canon 44

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-44
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Women may not enter the sanctuary.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ γυναῖκας ἐν τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ εἰσέρχεσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

That women ought not to enter the altar area.

### Translation notes

- “The altar area” (θυσιαστήριον): the sanctuary.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 44 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-44).

## Canon 45

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-45
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: No one is to be enrolled for baptism after the second week of Lent.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ μετὰ δυὸ ἑβδομάδας τῆς Τεσσαρακοστῆς δέχεσθαι εἰς τὸ φώτισμα.

### English translation (Claude)

That candidates ought not to be received for illumination after two weeks of Lent.

### Translation notes

- “Illumination” (φώτισμα): baptism. “Lent” renders Τεσσαρακοστή (“the Forty Days”).

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 45 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-45).

## Canon 46

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-46
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Baptismal candidates must learn the creed and recite it to the bishop or presbyters on Thursday.

### Greek text

Ὅτι δεῖ τοὺς φωτιζομένους τὴν πίστιν ἐκμανθάνειν, καὶ τῇ πέμπτῃ τῆς ἑβδομάδος ἀπαγγέλειν τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ ἢ τοῖς πρεσβυτέροις.

### English translation (Claude)

That those being enlightened ought to learn the creed thoroughly and recite it to the bishop or the presbyters on the fifth day of the week.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 46 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-46).

## Canon 47

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-47
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Those baptized in sickness who recover must learn the creed.

### Greek text

Ὅτι δεῖ τοὺς ἐν νόσῳ παραλαμβάνοντας τὸ φώτισμα, καὶ εἶτα ἀναστάντας, ἐκμανθάνειν τὴν πίστιν, καὶ γινώσκειν, ὅτι θείας δωρεᾶς κατηξιώθησαν.

### English translation (Claude)

That those who receive illumination in sickness and then recover ought to learn the creed thoroughly and know that they have been counted worthy of a divine gift.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 47 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-47).

## Canon 48

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-48
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The newly baptized are to be anointed with chrism.

### Greek text

Ὅτι δεῖ τοὺς φωτιζομένους μετὰ τὸ βάπτισμα χρίεσθαι χρίσματι ἐπουρανίῳ, καὶ μετόχους εἶναι τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ.

### English translation (Claude)

That those who are enlightened ought after baptism to be anointed with the heavenly chrism and be partakers of the kingdom of Christ.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 48 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-48).

## Canon 49

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-49
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: In Lent the eucharist is celebrated only on Saturdays and Sundays.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἐν τῇ Τεσσαρακοστῇ ἄρτον προσφέρειν, εἰ μὴ ἐν Σαββάτῳ καὶ Κυριακῇ μόνον.

### English translation (Claude)

That during Lent the bread ought not to be offered except on the Sabbath and the Lord's day only.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 49 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-49).

## Canon 50

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-50
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The fast is not to be broken on Thursday of Holy Week; all Lent is to be kept with dry food.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἐν τῇ Τεσσαρακοστῇ τῇ ὑστέρᾳ ἑβδομάδι τὴν πέμπτην λύειν, καὶ ὅλην τὴν Τεσσαρακοστὴν ἀτιμάζειν· ἀλλὰ δεῖ πᾶσαν τὴν Τεσσαρακοστὴν νηστεύειν ξηροφαγοῦντας.

### English translation (Claude)

That one ought not, in Lent, in the last week, to break the fast on the fifth day and so dishonor the whole of Lent; but one ought to fast the whole of Lent, eating dry food.

### Translation notes

- “The fifth day of the last week”: Thursday of Holy Week. “Eating dry food” (ξηροφαγία): a strict fast without wine, oil, or cooked food.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 50 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-50).

## Canon 51

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-51
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Martyrs' feasts falling in Lent are to be kept on Saturdays and Sundays.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἐν τῇ Τεσσαρακοστῇ μαρτύρων γενέθλια ἐπιτελεῖν, ἀλλὰ τῶν ἁγίων μαρτύρων μνήμας ποιεῖν ἐν τοῖς σαββάτοις καὶ ταῖς Κυριακαῖς.

### English translation (Claude)

That the birthdays of martyrs ought not to be celebrated in Lent, but commemorations of the holy martyrs are to be made on the Sabbaths and Lord's days.

### Translation notes

- “Birthdays” (γενέθλια): the anniversaries of the martyrs' deaths.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 51 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-51).

## Canon 52

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-52
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: No weddings or birthday celebrations in Lent.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἐν τῇ Τεσσαρακοστῇ γάμους ἢ γενέθλια ἐπιτελεῖν.

### English translation (Claude)

That weddings or birthday feasts ought not to be celebrated in Lent.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 52 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-52).

## Canon 53

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-53
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Christians at weddings are not to dance but to eat soberly.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ Χριστιανοὺς εἰς γάμους ἀπερχόμενους, βαλλίζειν, ἢ ὀρχεῖσθαι, ἀλλὰ σεμνῶς δειπνεῖν ἢ ἀριστᾷν, ὡς πρέπει Χριστιανοῖς.

### English translation (Claude)

That Christians going to weddings ought not to leap about or dance, but to dine or breakfast soberly, as befits Christians.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 53 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-53).

## Canon 54

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-54
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Clergy must leave weddings and banquets before the entertainers come in.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἱερατικοὺς ἢ κληρικούς τινας θεωρίας θεωρεῖν ἐν γάμοις, ἢ δείπνοις, ἀλλά, πρὸ τοῦ εἰσέρχεσθαι τοὺς θυμελικούς, ἐγείρεσθαι αὐτοὺς καὶ ἀναχωρεῖν.

### English translation (Claude)

That those in priestly orders or clergy ought not to watch any shows at weddings or banquets, but, before the performers come in, they are to rise and withdraw.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 54 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-54).

## Canon 55

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-55
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Neither clergy nor laity are to hold club drinking parties.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἱερατικοὺς ἢ κληρικοὺς ἐκ συμβολῆς συμπόσια ἐπιτελεῖν, ἀλλ᾽ οὐδὲ λαϊκούς.

### English translation (Claude)

That those in priestly orders or clergy ought not to hold drinking parties by shared contributions, nor laity either.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 55 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-55).

## Canon 56

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-56
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Presbyters are to enter the sanctuary with the bishop, not before him.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ πρεσβυτέρους πρὸ τῆς εἰσόδου τοῦ ἐπισκόπου εἰσιέναι καὶ καθέζεσθαι ἐν τῷ βήματι, ἀλλὰ μετὰ τοῦ ἐπισκόπου εἰσιέναι· πλὴν εἰ μὴ ἀνωμαλοίη ἢ ἀποδημοῖ ὁ ἐπίσκοπος.

### English translation (Claude)

That presbyters ought not to enter and sit in the bema before the bishop's entrance, but to enter with the bishop, unless the bishop is ill or away.

### Translation notes

- “Bema”: the raised sanctuary.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 56 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-56).

## Canon 57

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-57
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Villages are to be served by visiting clergy rather than bishops, and existing country bishops and presbyters act only with the city bishop's consent.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἐν ταῖς κώμαις καὶ ἐν ταῖς χώραις καθίστασθαι ἐπισκόπους, ἀλλὰ περιοδευτάς· τοὺς μέν τοι ἤδη προκατασταθέντας, μηδὲν πράττειν ἄνευ γνώμης τοῦ ἐπισκόπου τοῦ ἐν τῇ πόλει· ὡσαύτως δὲ καὶ τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους μηδὲν πράττειν ἄνευ τῆς γνώμης τοῦ ἐπισκόπου.

### English translation (Claude)

That bishops ought not to be appointed in the villages and in the country districts, but visitors; and those already appointed beforehand are to do nothing without the consent of the bishop in the city; and likewise the presbyters too are to do nothing without the consent of the bishop.

### Translation notes

- “Visitors” (περιοδευταί): clergy who travelled round the country districts on the bishop's behalf.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 57 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-57).

## Canon 58

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-58
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Bishops and presbyters are not to celebrate the eucharist in private houses.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἐν τοῖς οἴκοις προσφορὰν γίνεσθαι παρὰ ἐπισκόπων ἢ πρεσβυτέρων.

### English translation (Claude)

That the offering ought not to be made in houses by bishops or presbyters.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 58 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-58).

## Canon 59

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-59
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Only the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments are to be read in church.

### Greek text

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἰδιωτικοὺς ψαλμοὺς λέγεσθαι ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, οὐδὲ ἀκανόνιστα βιβλία, ἀλλὰ μόνα τὰ κανονικὰ τῆς Παλαιᾶς καὶ Καινῆς Διαθήκης.

### English translation (Claude)

That privately composed psalms ought not to be read in the church, nor uncanonical books, but only the canonical books of the Old and New Testament.

### Translation notes

- “Privately composed psalms” (ἰδιωτικοὶ ψαλμοί): hymns not taken from Scripture.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 59 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-59).

## Canon 60

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-60
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A list of the books to be read: twenty-two of the Old Testament and twenty-six of the New, without Revelation.

### Greek text

Ὅσα δεῖ βιβλία ἀναγινώσκεσθαι τῆς Παλαιᾶς Διαθήκης· α' Γένεσις κόσμου· β' Ἔξοδος ἐξ Αἰγύπτου· γ' Λευϊτικὸν· δ' Ἀριθμοί· ε' Δευτερονόμιον· ς' Ἰησοῦς τοῦ Ναυῆ· ζ' Κριταί, Ῥούθ· η' Ἐσθήρ· θ' Βασιλειῶν πρώτη καὶ δευτέρα· ι' Βασιλειῶν τρίτη καὶ τετάρτη· ια' Παραλειπομένων πρῶτον καὶ δεύτερον· ιβ' Ἔσδρας πρῶτον καὶ δεύτερον· ιγ' Βίβλος Ψαλμῶν ρν'· ιδ' Παροιμίαι Σολομῶντος· ιε' Ἐκκλησιαστής· ις' Ἆσμα ᾀσμάτων· ιζ' Ἰώβ· ιη' Δωδεκαπρόφητον· ιθ' Ἡσαΐας· κ' Ἱερεμίας καὶ Βαρούχ, Θρῆνοι καὶ ἐπιστολαί· κα' Ἰεζεκιήλ· κβ' Δανιήλ. Τὰ δὲ τῆς Καινῆς Διαθήκης ταῦτα· Εὐαγγέλια τέσσαρα, κατὰ Ματθαῖον, κατὰ Μάρκον, κατὰ Λουκᾶν, κατὰ Ἰωάννην· Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων· Ἐπιστολαὶ καθολικαὶ ἑπτά, Ἰακώβου μία, Πέτρου δύο, Ἰωάννου τρεῖς, Ἰούδα μία· Ἐπιστολαὶ Παύλου δεκατέσσαρες· πρὸς Ρωμαίους μία, πρὸς Κορινθίους δύο, πρὸς Γαλάτας μία, πρὸς Ἐφεσίους μία, πρὸς Φιλιππησίους μία, πρὸς Κολοσσαεῖς μία, πρὸς Θεσσαλονικεῖς δύο, πρὸς Ἑβραίους μία, πρὸς Τιμόθεον δύο, πρὸς Τίτον μία, καὶ πρὸς Φιλήμονα μία.

### English translation (Claude)

These are all the books of the Old Testament that ought to be read: 1. Genesis of the world; 2. Exodus from Egypt; 3. Leviticus; 4. Numbers; 5. Deuteronomy; 6. Joshua son of Nun; 7. Judges, Ruth; 8. Esther; 9. First and Second of Kingdoms; 10. Third and Fourth of Kingdoms; 11. First and Second of Chronicles; 12. First and Second of Esdras; 13. The Book of the 150 Psalms; 14. The Proverbs of Solomon; 15. Ecclesiastes; 16. Song of Songs; 17. Job; 18. The Twelve Prophets; 19. Isaiah; 20. Jeremiah and Baruch, Lamentations and Letters; 21. Ezekiel; 22. Daniel. And those of the New Testament are these: four Gospels, according to Matthew, according to Mark, according to Luke, according to John; the Acts of the Apostles; seven Catholic Epistles: one of James, two of Peter, three of John, one of Jude; fourteen Epistles of Paul: one to the Romans, two to the Corinthians, one to the Galatians, one to the Ephesians, one to the Philippians, one to the Colossians, two to the Thessalonians, one to the Hebrews, two to Timothy, one to Titus, and one to Philemon.

### Scripture references

- Gen 1–Gen:50: allusion, high confidence
- Exod 1–Exod:40: allusion, high confidence
- Lev 1–Lev:27: allusion, high confidence
- Num 1–Num:36: allusion, high confidence
- Deut 1–Deut:34: allusion, high confidence
- Josh 1–Josh:24: allusion, high confidence
- Judg 1–Judg:21: allusion, high confidence
- Ruth 1–Ruth:4: allusion, high confidence
- Esth 1–Esth:10: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Sam 1–1Sam:31: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Sam 1–2Sam:24: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Kgs 1–1Kgs:22: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Kgs 1–2Kgs:25: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Chr 1–1Chr:29: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Chr 1–2Chr:36: allusion, high confidence
- Ezra 1–Ezra:10: allusion, medium confidence
- Neh 1–Neh:13: allusion, medium confidence
- Ps 1–Ps:150: allusion, high confidence
- Prov 1–Prov:31: allusion, high confidence
- Eccl 1–Eccl:12: allusion, high confidence
- Song 1–Song:8: allusion, high confidence
- Job 1–Job:42: allusion, high confidence
- Hos 1–Hos:14: allusion, high confidence
- Joel 1–Joel:3: allusion, high confidence
- Amos 1–Amos:9: allusion, high confidence
- Obad 1: allusion, high confidence
- Jonah 1–Jonah:4: allusion, high confidence
- Mic 1–Mic:7: allusion, high confidence
- Nah 1–Nah:3: allusion, high confidence
- Hab 1–Hab:3: allusion, high confidence
- Zeph 1–Zeph:3: allusion, high confidence
- Hag 1–Hag:2: allusion, high confidence
- Zech 1–Zech:14: allusion, high confidence
- Mal 1–Mal:4: allusion, high confidence
- Isa 1–Isa:66: allusion, high confidence
- Jer 1–Jer:52: allusion, high confidence
- Lam 1–Lam:5: allusion, high confidence
- Ezek 1–Ezek:48: allusion, high confidence
- Dan 1–Dan:12: allusion, high confidence
- Matt 1–Matt:28: allusion, high confidence
- Mark 1–Mark:16: allusion, high confidence
- Luke 1–Luke:24: allusion, high confidence
- John 1–John:21: allusion, high confidence
- Acts 1–Acts:28: allusion, high confidence
- Jas 1–Jas:5: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Pet 1–1Pet:5: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Pet 1–2Pet:3: allusion, high confidence
- 1 John 1–1John:5: allusion, high confidence
- 2 John 1: allusion, high confidence
- 3 John 1: allusion, high confidence
- Jude 1: allusion, high confidence
- Rom 1–Rom:16: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Cor 1–1Cor:16: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Cor 1–2Cor:13: allusion, high confidence
- Gal 1–Gal:6: allusion, high confidence
- Eph 1–Eph:6: allusion, high confidence
- Phil 1–Phil:4: allusion, high confidence
- Col 1–Col:4: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Thess 1–1Thess:5: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Thess 1–2Thess:3: allusion, high confidence
- Heb 1–Heb:13: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Tim 1–1Tim:6: allusion, high confidence
- 2 Tim 1–2Tim:4: allusion, high confidence
- Titus 1–Titus:3: allusion, high confidence
- Phlm 1: allusion, high confidence

### Extrabiblical texts

- Bar (Baruch): allusion, high confidence
- Ep Jer (Letter of Jeremiah): allusion, medium confidence
- 1 Esd (1 Esdras): allusion, low confidence

### Translation notes

- Whether this list belongs to the original canons of Laodicea is disputed: it is absent from some manuscripts and from the early Latin version of Dionysius Exiguus, and may have been added later to explain canon 59.
- 1–4 Kingdoms are 1–2 Samuel and 1–2 Kings; “Chronicles” renders Παραλειπόμενα. “First and Second of Esdras” probably means Ezra and Nehemiah (counted together in Hebrew), though in Greek Bibles “Esdras A” is the book now called 1 Esdras. “Letters” after Lamentations is probably the Letter of Jeremiah. Baruch, the Letter of Jeremiah, and 1 Esdras are outside the Protestant canon and are tagged as extrabiblical. The list counts Hebrews among Paul's letters and omits Revelation.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Laod. 60 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-60).