# Creed and Canons of the Council of Nicaea (325)

- Author: Anonymous
- Latin title: *Concilium Nicaenum primum*
- Date: 325 (certain)
- 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); the creed from Socrates, Historia ecclesiastica 1.8 (Hussey's text, First1KGreek/Perseus) (Greek text: the Pedalion (Nikodemos the Hagiorite and Agapios, 1800), transcription on Greek Wikisource, CC BY-SA. Creed: Socrates, Historia ecclesiastica, ed. R. Hussey (Oxford, 1853), digitized by the Perseus Digital Library and the First Thousand Years of Greek project, CC BY-SA 4.0)

- 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); Giuseppe Alberigo et al., eds., Conciliorum oecumenicorum generaliumque decreta, vol. 1 (Turnhout: Brepols, 2006)
- Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/
- Passages: 21

## Creed (with anathemas)

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-0
- Source: Hussey, 1.8
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: The creed of the Council of Nicaea confesses the Son as true God of the same essence as the Father and condemns the Arian formulas.

### Greek text

Πιστεύομεν εἰς ἕνα Θεὸν Πατέρα παντοκράτορα, πάντων ὁρατῶν τε καὶ ἀοράτων ποιητήν: καὶ εἰς ἕνα Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν, τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, γεννηθέντα ἐκ τοῦ Πατρὸς μονογενῆ, τουτέστιν ἐκ τῆς οὐσίας τοῦ Πατρός: Θεὸν ἐκ Θεοῦ, φῶς ἐκ φωτὸς, Θεὸν ἀληθινὸν ἐκ Θεοῦ ἀληθινοῦ: γεννηθέντα, οὐ ποιηθέντα: ὁμοούσιον τῷ Πατρί: δἰ οὗ τὰ πάντα ἐγένετο, τά τε ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ τὰ ἐν τῇ γῇ: τὸν δἰ ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀνθρώπους, καὶ διὰ τὴν ἡμετέραν σωτηρίαν κατελθόντα, καὶ σαρκωθέντα, ἐνανθρωπήσαντα, παθόντα, καὶ ἀναστάντα τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ: ἀνελθόντα εἰς τοὺς οὐρανούς: ἐρχόμενον κρῖναι ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς. Καὶ εἰς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον. Τοὺς δὲ λέγοντας, ἦν ποτὲ ὅτε οὐκ ἦν, ἢ οὐκ ἦν πρὶν γεννηθῆναι, ἢ ἐξ οὐκ ὄντων ἐγένετο, ἢ ἐξ ἑτέρας ὑποστάσεως ἢ οὐσίας φάσκοντας εἶναι, ἢ κτιστὸν, ἢ τρεπτὸν, ἢ ἀλλοιωτὸν τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, τούτους ἀναθεματίζει ἡ καθολικὴ καὶ ἀποστολικὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐκκλησία.

### English translation (Claude)

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father, only-begotten, that is, from the essence of the Father; God from God, light from light, true God from true God; begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father; through whom all things came into being, both the things in heaven and the things on earth; who for us human beings and for our salvation came down and was made flesh, became man, suffered, and rose on the third day, ascended into the heavens, and is coming to judge the living and the dead. And in the Holy Spirit. But those who say, “There was once when he was not,” or “He was not before he was begotten,” or “He came into being from things that are not,” or who assert that the Son of God is from another hypostasis or essence, or is created, or changeable, or alterable, these the catholic and apostolic church of God anathematizes.

### Scripture references

- Col 1:16: allusion, medium confidence
- John 1:14: allusion, medium confidence
- John 1:3: allusion, high confidence
- 1 Cor 15:4: allusion, medium confidence
- 2 Tim 4:1: allusion, medium confidence
- Acts 10:42: allusion, low confidence

### Translation notes

- The creed of 325 with its anathemas, as transmitted by Socrates, Church History 1.8 (not the later Niceno-Constantinopolitan creed of 381).
- “Of the same essence” renders ὁμοούσιον; “from the essence of the Father” renders ἐκ τῆς οὐσίας τοῦ Πατρός.
- In the anathema “hypostasis” (ὑπόστασις) and “essence” (οὐσία) are used as near-equivalents; the later distinction between them is not yet made here.
- The condemned phrases are slogans attributed to Arius and his supporters.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. pref. (Hussey, 1.8; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-0).

## Canon 1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-1
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Men who castrate themselves may not be or remain clergy, but those castrated by others or for medical reasons may.

### Greek text

Εἴ τις ἐν νόσῳ ὑπὸ ἰατρῶν ἐχειρουργήθη, ἢ ὑπὸ βαρβάρων ἐξετμήθη, οὗτος μενέτω ἐν τῷ κλήρῳ. Εἰ δέ τις ὑγιαίνων ἑαυτὸν ἐξέτεμε, τοῦτον καὶ ἐν τῷ κλήρῳ ἐξεταζόμενον, πεπαῦσθαι προσήκει· καὶ ἐκ τοῦ δεῦρο, μηδένα τῶν τοιούτων χρῆναι προάγεσθαι. Ὥσπερ δὲ τοῦτο πρόδηλον, ὅτι περὶ τῶν ἐπιτηδευόντων τὸ πρᾶγμα, καὶ τολμώντων ἑαυτοὺς ἐκτέμνειν εἴρηται· οὕτως, εἴ τινες ὑπὸ βαρβάρων, ἢ δεσποτῶν εὐνουχίσθησαν, εὑρίσκοιντο δὲ ἄλλως ἄξιοι, τοὺς τοιούτους εἰς κλῆρον προσίεται ὁ κανών.

### English translation (Claude)

If anyone has been operated on by physicians in illness, or has been castrated by barbarians, let him remain in the clergy. But if anyone in good health has castrated himself, it is proper that he cease, even if he is enrolled in the clergy; and from now on none of such persons ought to be advanced. But as it is evident that this is said of those who do the thing deliberately and dare to castrate themselves, so, if any have been made eunuchs by barbarians or by masters, but are otherwise found worthy, the canon admits such persons to the clergy.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 1 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-1).

## Canon 2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-2
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Newly baptized converts are not to be ordained at once, as Paul's rule against recent converts requires.

### Greek text

Ἐπειδὴ πολλά, ἤτοι ὑπὸ ἀνάγκης, ἢ ἄλλως ἐπειγομένων τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἐγένετο παρὰ τὸν κανόνα τὸν ἐκκλησιαστικόν, ὥστε ἀνθρώπους ἀπὸ ἐθνικοῦ βίου ἄρτι προσελθόντας τῇ πίστει, καὶ ἐν ὀλίγῳ χρόνῳ κατηχηθέντας, εὐθὺς ἐπὶ τὸ πνευματικὸν λουτρὸν ἄγειν, καὶ ἅμα τῷ βαπτισθῆναι προάγειν εἰς ἐπισκοπήν, ἢ εἰς πρεσβυτέριον, καλῶς ἔδοξεν ἔχειν, τοῦ λοιποῦ μηδὲν τοιοῦτο γίνεσθαι· καὶ γὰρ καὶ χρόνου δεῖ τῷ κατηχουμένῳ, καὶ μετὰ τὸ βάπτισμα, δοκιμασίας πλείονος. Σαφὲς γὰρ τὸ ἀποστολικὸν γράμμα, τὸ λέγον· Μὴ νεόφυτον, ἵνα μὴ τυφωθεὶς εἰς κρῖμα ἐμπέσῃ, καὶ παγίδα τοῦ διαβόλου. Εἰ δέ, προϊόντος τοῦ χρόνου, ψυχικόν τι ἁμάρτημα εὑρεθείη περὶ τὸ πρόσωπον, καὶ ἐλέγχοιτο ὑπὸ δύο, ἢ τριῶν μαρτύρων, πεπαύσθω ὁ τοιοῦτος τοῦ κλήρου. Ὁ δὲ παρὰ ταῦτα ποιῶν, ὡς ὑπεναντία τῇ μεγάλῃ συνόδῳ θρασυνόμενος, αὐτὸς κινδυνεύσει περὶ τὸν κλῆρον.

### English translation (Claude)

Since many things have been done contrary to the ecclesiastical canon, either from necessity or because people were otherwise pressing, so that men who have just come to the faith from a pagan life, and have been instructed for a short time, are at once brought to the spiritual washing, and as soon as they are baptized are advanced to the episcopate or the presbyterate, it has seemed good that nothing of the kind be done in future. For the catechumen needs time, and after baptism a further testing. For the apostolic writing is clear, which says: “Not a recent convert, lest, being puffed up, he fall into condemnation and the snare of the devil.” But if, as time goes on, some sin of the soul is found in the person and he is convicted by two or three witnesses, let such a one cease from the clergy. And whoever acts contrary to these things, as one daring to oppose the great synod, will himself be in danger concerning his clerical office.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 3:6: quotation, high confidence
- 1 Tim 3:7: quotation, high confidence
- 1 Tim 5:19: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “Sin of the soul” (ψυχικόν ἁμάρτημα): a grave sin; the exact sense of ψυχικόν here is uncertain.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 2 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-2).

## Canon 3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-3
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Clergy may not keep unrelated women in their houses, only close relatives above suspicion.

### Greek text

Ἀπηγόρευσε καθόλου ἡ μεγάλη σύνοδος, μήτε ἐπισκόπῳ, μήτε πρεσβυτέρῳ, μήτε διακόνῳ, μήτε ὅλως τινὶ τῶν ἐν κλήρῳ, ἐξεῖναι συνείσακτον ἔχειν, πλὴν εἰ μὴ ἄρα μητέρα, ἢ ἀδελφήν, ἢ θείαν, ἢ ἃ μόνα πρόσωπα πᾶσαν ὑποψίαν διαπέφευγεν.

### English translation (Claude)

The great synod has entirely forbidden that it be permitted to a bishop, or a presbyter, or a deacon, or in general to anyone in the clergy, to have a woman brought in to live with him, except only a mother, or a sister, or an aunt, or such persons alone as are beyond all suspicion.

### Translation notes

- “A woman brought in to live with him” (συνείσακτος): a woman living with a cleric as a “spiritual sister”.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 3 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-3).

## Canon 4

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-4
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: A bishop is to be ordained by at least three bishops of the province with the written consent of the rest, confirmed by the metropolitan.

### Greek text

Ἐπίσκοπον προσήκει μάλιστα μὲν ὑπὸ πάντων τῶν ἐν τῇ ἐπαρχίᾳ καθίστασθαι· εἰ δὲ δυσχερὲς εἴη τὸ τοιοῦτο, ἢ διὰ κατεπείγουσαν ἀνάγκην, ἢ διὰ μῆκος ὁδοῦ, ἐξ ἅπαντος τρεῖς ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ συναγομένους, συμψήφων γινομένων καὶ τῶν ἀπόντων, καὶ συντιθεμένων διὰ γραμμάτων, τότε τὴν χειροτονίαν ποιεῖσθαι· τὸ δὲ κῦρος τῶν γενομένων δίδοσθαι καθ' ἑκάστην ἐπαρχίαν τῷ μητροπολίτῃ.

### English translation (Claude)

It is proper that a bishop be appointed by all the bishops in the province; but if this is difficult, either because of urgent necessity or because of the length of the journey, at least three should gather together, the absent also voting with them and consenting by letters, and then perform the ordination; and the confirmation of what is done is to be given in each province to the metropolitan.

### Translation notes

- The metropolitan is the bishop of the province's chief city.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 4 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-4).

## Canon 5

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-5
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Excommunications by one bishop are binding on others but are to be reviewed at provincial synods held twice a year.

### Greek text

Περὶ τῶν ἀκοινωνήτων γενομένων, εἴτε τῶν ἐν κλήρῳ, εἴτε τῶν ἐν λαϊκῷ τάγματι, ὑπὸ τῶν καθ' ἑκάστην ἐπαρχίαν ἐπισκόπων, κρατείτω ἡ γνώμη, κατὰ τὸν κανόνα τὸν διαγορεύοντα, τοὺς ὑφ' ἑτέρων ἀποβληθέντας ὑφ' ἑτέρων μὴ προσίεσθαι. Ἐξεταζέσθω δέ, μὴ μικροψυχία, ἢ φιλονεικία, ἤ τινι τοιαύτῃ ἀηδίᾳ τοῦ ἐπισκόπου, ἀποσυνάγωγοι γεγένηνται. Ἵνα οὖν τοῦτο τὴν πρέπουσαν ἐξέτασιν λαμβάνοι, καλῶς ἔχειν ἔδοξεν, ἑκάστου ἐνιαυτοῦ, καθ' ἑκάστην ἐπαρχίαν δὶς τοῦ ἔτους συνόδους γίνεσθαι· ἵνα κοινῇ πάντων τῶν ἐπισκόπων τῆς ἐπαρχίας ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ συναγομένων, τὰ τοιαῦτα ζητήματα ἐξετάζηται, καὶ οὕτως οἱ ὁμολογουμένως προσκεκρουκότες τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ, κατὰ λόγον ἀκοινώνητοι παρὰ πᾶσιν εἶναι δόξωσι, μέχρις ἂν τῷ κοινῷ τῶν ἐπισκόπων δόξῃ τὴν φιλανθρωποτέραν ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν ἐκθέσαι ψῆφον. Αἱ δὲ σύνοδοι γινέσθωσαν, μία μὲν πρὸ τῆς Τεσσαρακοστῆς, ἵνα πάσης μικροψυχίας ἀναιρουμένης, τὸ δῶρον καθαρὸν προσφέρηται τῷ Θεῷ· δευτέρα δέ, περὶ τὸν τοῦ μετοπώρου καιρόν.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning those who have been excommunicated, whether of the clergy or of the lay order, by the bishops in each province, let the decision stand according to the canon which declares that those cast out by some are not to be received by others. But let it be examined whether they have been excluded from the congregation through pettiness, or contentiousness, or some such displeasure of the bishop. So that this may receive proper examination, it has seemed good that in each province synods be held twice every year, so that, all the bishops of the province being gathered together in common, such questions may be examined; and so those who have admittedly offended against their bishop may be seen by all to be with good reason excommunicated, until it seems good to the common body of the bishops to pronounce a kinder sentence for them. And let the synods be held, one before Lent, so that, all pettiness being removed, the gift may be offered pure to God, and the second about the season of autumn.

### Scripture references

- Matt 5:23: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “Lent” renders Τεσσαρακοστή (“the Forty Days”).

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 5 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-5).

## Canon 6

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-6
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: The traditional authority of the bishops of Alexandria, Rome, and Antioch is confirmed, and no bishop may be made without the metropolitan's consent.

### Greek text

Τὰ ἀρχαῖα ἔθη κρατείτω, τὰ ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ, καὶ Λιβύῃ καὶ Πενταπόλει, ὥστε τὸν ἐν Ἀλεξανδρείᾳ ἐπίσκοπον πάντων τούτων ἔχειν τὴν ἐξουσίαν· ἐπειδὴ καὶ τῷ ἐν Ῥώμῃ ἐπισκόπῳ τοῦτο σύνηθές ἐστιν. Ὁμοίως δὲ καὶ κατὰ τὴν Ἀντιόχειαν, καὶ ἐν ταῖς ἄλλαις ἐπαρχίαις, τὰ πρεσβεῖα σῴζεσθαι ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις. Καθόλου δὲ πρόδηλον ἐκεῖνο· ὅτι, εἴ τις χωρὶς γνώμης τοῦ μητροπολίτου γένοιτο ἐπίσκοπος, τὸν τοιοῦτον ἡ μεγάλη σύνοδος ὥρισε μὴ δεῖν εἶναι ἐπίσκοπον. Ἐὰν μέντοι τῇ κοινῇ πάντων ψήφῳ, εὐλόγῳ οὔσῃ, καὶ κατὰ κανόνα ἐκκλησιαστικόν, δύο, ἢ τρεῖς δι' οἰκείαν φιλονεικίαν ἀντιλέγωσι, κρατείτω ἡ τῶν πλειόνων ψῆφος.

### English translation (Claude)

Let the ancient customs in Egypt, Libya, and Pentapolis prevail, so that the bishop in Alexandria has authority over all these, since this is customary for the bishop in Rome as well. Likewise also in Antioch and in the other provinces let the prerogatives be preserved to the churches. And this is altogether clear: that if anyone becomes a bishop without the consent of the metropolitan, the great synod has decreed that such a one ought not to be a bishop. If, however, two or three, through their own contentiousness, oppose the common vote of all, which is reasonable and in accordance with the ecclesiastical canon, let the vote of the majority prevail.

### Translation notes

- The comparison with Rome is to Rome's customary authority over its own region; the canon is translated as printed.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 6 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-6).

## Canon 7

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-7
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: The bishop of Jerusalem is given a special honor, while the metropolitan see keeps its rank.

### Greek text

Ἐπειδὴ συνήθεια κεκράτηκε, καὶ παράδοσις ἀρχαία, ὥστε τὸν ἐν Αἰλίᾳ ἐπίσκοπον τιμᾶσθαι, ἐχέτω τὴν ἀκολουθίαν τῆς τιμῆς· τῇ μητροπόλει σῳζομένου τοῦ οἰκείου ἀξιώματος.

### English translation (Claude)

Since custom and ancient tradition have prevailed that the bishop in Aelia be honored, let him have the honor that follows from this, the metropolis keeping its own proper dignity.

### Translation notes

- Aelia (Aelia Capitolina) is Jerusalem; its metropolitan was the bishop of Caesarea in Palestine.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 7 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-7).

## Canon 8

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-8
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Novatianist clergy (the “Cathars”) who join the church keep their rank after the laying on of hands, if they accept the church's teaching on the remarried and the lapsed.

### Greek text

Περὶ τῶν ὀνομαζόντων μὲν ἑαυτοὺς Καθαρούς ποτε, προσερχομένων δὲ τῇ καθολικῇ καὶ ἀποστολικῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, ἔδοξε τῇ ἁγίᾳ καὶ μεγάλῃ συνόδῳ, ὥστε χειροθετουμένους αὐτούς, μένειν οὕτως ἐν τῷ κλήρῳ. Πρὸ πάντων δὲ τοῦτο ὁμολογῆσαι αὐτοὺς ἐγγράφως προσήκει, ὅτι συνθήσονται καὶ ἀκολουθήσουσι τοῖς τῆς καθολικῆς καὶ ἀποστολικῆς ἐκκλησίας δόγμασι· τοὐτέστι καὶ διγάμοις κοινωνεῖν, καὶ τοῖς ἐν τῷ διωγμῷ παραπεπτωκόσιν, ἐφ' ὧν καὶ χρόνος τέτακται, καὶ καιρὸς ὥρισται· ὥστε αὐτοὺς ἀκολουθεῖν ἐν πᾶσι τοῖς δόγμασι τῆς καθολικῆς ἐκκλησίας. Ἔνθα μὲν οὖν πάντες, εἴτε ἐν κώμαις, εἴτε ἐν πόλεσιν, αὐτοὶ μόνοι εὑρίσκοιντο χειροτονηθέντες, οἱ εὑρισκόμενοι ἐν τῷ κλήρῳ, ἔσονται ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ σχήματι. Εἰ δὲ τοῦ τῆς καθολικῆς ἐκκλησίας ἐπισκόπου, ἢ πρεσβυτέρου ὄντος, προσέρχονταί τινες, πρόδηλον, ὡς ὁ μὲν ἐπίσκοπος τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἕξει τὸ ἀξίωμα τοῦ ἐπισκόπου· ὁ δὲ ὀνομαζόμενος παρὰ τοῖς λεγομένοις Καθαροῖς ἐπίσκοπος, τήν τοῦ πρεσβυτέρου τιμὴν ἕξει· πλὴν εἰ μὴ ἄρα δοκοίῃ τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ, τῆς τιμῆς τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτὸν μετέχειν. Εἰ δὲ τοῦτο αὐτῷ μὴ ἀρέσκοι, ἐπινοήσει τόπον ἢ χωρεπισκόπου, ἢ πρεσβυτέρου, ὑπὲρ τοῦ ἐν τῷ κλήρῳ ὅλως δοκεῖν εἶναι· ἵνα μὴ ἐν τῇ πόλει δύο ἐπίσκοποι ὦσιν.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning those who once called themselves Cathars but are coming over to the catholic and apostolic church, it has seemed good to the holy and great synod that, hands being laid on them, they remain thus in the clergy. But above all it is proper that they confess this in writing, that they will agree with and follow the doctrines of the catholic and apostolic church: that is, that they will communicate both with the twice-married and with those who lapsed in the persecution, for whom a time has been set and a season appointed; so that they follow the doctrines of the catholic church in all things. Where, then, all, whether in villages or in cities, are found to have been ordained by them alone, those found in the clergy shall remain in the same rank. But if some come over where there is a bishop or presbyter of the catholic church, it is evident that the bishop of the church will have the dignity of the bishop, while the one named bishop among the so-called Cathars will have the honor of a presbyter, unless it seems good to the bishop that he share in the honor of the name. But if this does not please him, he will devise for him the place either of a country bishop or of a presbyter, so that he may appear to be wholly in the clergy, lest there be two bishops in the city.

### Translation notes

- The “Cathars” (“the pure”) are the Novatianists, who refused communion to those who lapsed in persecution and to those who married a second time. Whether “hands being laid on them” means a reordination or a rite of reconciliation is debated.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 8 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-8).

## Canon 9

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-9
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Men ordained presbyter without examination, or despite confessed sins, are not admitted by the canon.

### Greek text

Εἴ τινες ἀνεξετάστως προήχθησαν πρεσβύτεροι, ἀνακρινόμενοι ὡμολόγησαν τὰ ἁμαρτήματα αὐτοῖς, καὶ, ὁμολογησάντων αὐτῶν, παρὰ κανόνα κινούμενοι οἱ ἄνθρωποι τοῖς τοιούτοις χεῖρα ἐπιτεθείκασι, τούτους ὁ κανὼν οὐ προσίεται· τὸ γὰρ ἀνεπίληπτον ἐκδικεῖ ἡ καθολικὴ ἐκκλησία.

### English translation (Claude)

If any have been advanced as presbyters without examination, or, when examined, have confessed their sins, and, although they confessed, men acting against the canon have laid hands on such persons, the canon does not admit them; for the catholic church insists on what is above reproach.

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 3:2: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- The Greek lacks “or” before “when examined”; it is supplied from the sense.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 9 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-9).

## Canon 10

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-10
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Lapsed Christians who have been ordained are to be deposed when discovered.

### Greek text

Ὅσοι προεχειρίσθησαν τῶν παραπεπτωκότων, κατ' ἄγνοιαν, ἢ καὶ προειδότων τῶν προχειρισαμένων, τοῦτο οὐ προκρίνει τῷ κανόνι τῷ ἐκκλησιαστικῷ· γνωσθέντες γάρ, καθαιροῦνται.

### English translation (Claude)

As many of the lapsed as have been advanced, whether through ignorance, or even with the knowledge beforehand of those who advanced them, this does not prejudice the ecclesiastical canon; for when they are known, they are deposed.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 10 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-10).

## Canon 11

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-11
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Those who lapsed without compulsion under Licinius do twelve years of graded penance.

### Greek text

Περὶ τῶν παραβάντων χωρὶς ἀνάγκης, ἢ χωρὶς ἀφαιρέσεως ὑπαρχόντων, ἢ χωρὶς κινδύνου, ἤ τινος τοιούτου, ὅ γέγονεν ἐπὶ τῆς τυραννίδος Λικινίου, ἔδοξε τῇ συνόδῳ εἰ καὶ ἀνάξιοι ἦσαν φιλανθρωπίας, ὅμως χρηστεύσασθαι εἰς αὐτούς. Ὅσοι οὖν γνησίως μεταμέλονται, τρία ἔτη ἐν ἀκροωμένοις ποιήσουσιν, ὡς πιστοί, καὶ ἑπτὰ ἔτη ὑποπεσοῦνται· δύω δὲ ἔτη χωρὶς προσφορᾶς κοινωνήσουσι τῷ λαῷ τῶν προσευχῶν.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning those who transgressed without compulsion, or without the confiscation of their property, or without danger, or anything of the kind, as happened under the tyranny of Licinius, it has seemed good to the synod that, even though they were unworthy of kindness, nevertheless it be shown to them. As many, then, as truly repent shall spend three years among the hearers, as believers, and shall be prostrators for seven years; and for two years they shall share with the people in the prayers without the offering.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Ancyr. 4 (Canons of the Council of Ancyra): echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- On the grades of penance (hearers, prostrators, sharing in the prayers without the offering) see Ancyra, canon 4. “As believers”: though baptized, they stand with the hearers.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 11 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-11).

## Canon 12

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-12
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Christians who left the army for the faith but then bought their way back into it do long penance, which the bishop may shorten for the truly repentant.

### Greek text

Οἱ δὲ προσκληθέντες μὲν ὑπὸ τῆς χάριτος, καὶ τὴν πρώτην ὁρμὴν ἐνδειξάμενοι, καὶ ἀποθέμενοι τὰς ζώνας, μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα ἐπὶ τὸν οἰκεῖον ἔμετον ἀναδραμόντες, ὡς κύνες, ὡς τινάς καὶ ἀργύρια προέσθαι, καὶ βενεφικίοις κατορθῶσαι τὸ ἀναστρατεύσασθαι· οὗτοι δέκα ἔτη ὑποπιπτέτωσαν, μετὰ τὸν τῆς τριετοῦς ἀκροάσεως χρόνον. Ἐφ' ἅπασι δὲ τούτοις, προσήκει ἐξετάζειν τὴν προαίρεσιν καὶ τὸ εἶδος τῆς μετανοίας. Ὅσοι μὲν γὰρ φόβῳ, καὶ δάκρυσι, καὶ ὑπομονῇ, καὶ ἀγαθοεργίαις, τὴν ἐπιστροφὴν ἔργῳ, καὶ οὐ σχήματι, ἐπιδείκνυνται, οὗτοι πληρώσαντες τὸν χρόνον τὸν ὡρισμένον τῆς ἀκροάσεως, εἰκότως τῶν εὐχῶν κοινωνήσουσι, μετὰ τοῦ ἐξεῖναι τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ καὶ φιλανθρωπότερόν τι περὶ αὐτῶν βουλεύσασθαι. Ὅσοι δὲ ἀδιαφόρως ἤνεγκαν, καὶ τὸ σχῆμα τοῦ εἰσιέναι εἰς τὴν ἐκκλησίαν ἀρκεῖν ἑαυτοῖς ἡγήσαντο πρὸς τὴν ἐπιστροφήν, ἐξάπαντος πληρούτωσαν τὸν χρόνον.

### English translation (Claude)

But those who were called by grace and showed their first zeal and laid aside their belts, but afterward ran back to their own vomit like dogs, so that some even paid out money and by favors achieved re-enlistment: these shall be prostrators for ten years, after the time of three years' hearing. But in all these cases it is proper to examine their purpose and the kind of their repentance. For as many as show their conversion in deed and not in appearance, by fear and tears and endurance and good works, these, having fulfilled the appointed time of hearing, may fittingly share in the prayers, with permission to the bishop to resolve something kinder concerning them. But as many as took it indifferently, and thought that the appearance of entering the church was enough for their conversion, let them fulfill the time in full.

### Scripture references

- 2 Pet 2:22: allusion, high confidence
- Prov 26:11: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- “Belts”: the soldier's military belt, the sign of service. “Favors” renders βενεφικίοις (from Latin beneficia), bribes or favors used to regain military rank. Under Licinius, Christian soldiers were required to sacrifice.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 12 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-12).

## Canon 13

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-13
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: The dying are never to be denied communion, though if they recover they return to their penance.

### Greek text

Περὶ δὲ τῶν ἐξοδευόντων, ὁ παλαιὸς καὶ κανονικὸς νόμος φυλαχθήσεται καὶ νῦν, ὥστε, εἴ τις ἐξοδεύοι, τοῦ τελευταίου καὶ ἀναγκαιοτάτου ἐφοδίου μὴ ἀποστερεῖσθαι. Εἰ δὲ ἀπογνωσθείς, καὶ κοινωνίας τυχών, πάλιν ἐν τοῖς ζῶσιν ἐξετασθῇ, μετὰ τῶν κοινωνούντων τῆς εὐχῆς μόνης ἔστω. Καθόλου δέ, καὶ περὶ παντὸς οὑτινοσοῦν ἐξοδεύοντος, αἰτοῦντος τοῦ μετασχεῖν εὐχαριστίας, ὁ ἐπίσκοπος μετὰ δοκιμασίας μεταδιδότω τῆς προσφορᾶς.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning those who are departing, the ancient and canonical law shall be kept now too, so that, if anyone is departing, he is not to be deprived of the last and most necessary provision for the journey. But if, after being despaired of and receiving communion, he is again numbered among the living, let him be with those who share in the prayer only. And in general, concerning anyone whatever who is departing and asks to share in the eucharist, let the bishop, after examination, give him a share of the offering.

### Translation notes

- “Provision for the journey” (ἐφόδιον): the eucharist given to the dying (Latin viaticum).

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 13 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-13).

## Canon 14

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-14
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Catechumens who lapsed are hearers for three years before rejoining the catechumens.

### Greek text

Περὶ τῶν κατηχουμένων, καὶ παραπεσόντων, ἔδοξε τῇ ἁγίᾳ καὶ μεγάλῃ συνόδῳ, ὥστε, τριῶν ἐτῶν αὐτοὺς ἀκροωμένους μόνον, μετὰ ταῦτα εὔχεσθαι μετὰ τῶν κατηχουμένων.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning catechumens who have lapsed, it has seemed good to the holy and great synod that, after being hearers only for three years, they afterward pray with the catechumens.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 14 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-14).

## Canon 15

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-15
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Bishops, presbyters, and deacons may not move from one city's church to another.

### Greek text

Διὰ τὸν πολὺν τάραχον, καὶ τὰς στάσεις τὰς γινομένας, ἔδοξε παντάπασι περιαιρεθῆναι τὴν συνήθειαν, τὴν παρὰ τὸν ἀποστολικὸν κανόνα εὑρεθεῖσαν ἔν τισι μέρεσιν, ὥστε ἀπὸ πόλεως εἰς πόλιν μὴ μεταβαίνειν, μήτε ἐπίσκοπον, μήτε πρεσβύτερον, μήτε διάκονον. Εἰ δέ τις, μετὰ τὸν τῆς ἁγίας καὶ μεγάλης συνόδου ὅρον, τοιούτῳ τινὶ ἐπιχειρήσειεν, ἢ ἐπιδοίη ἑαυτὸν πράγματι τοιούτῳ, ἀκυρωθήσεται ἐξ ἅπαντος τὸ κατασκεύασμα, καὶ ἀποκατασταθήσεται τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, ἐν ᾗ ὁ ἐπίσκοπος, ἢ ὁ πρεσβύτερος ἐχειροτονήθη.

### English translation (Claude)

Because of the great disturbance and the factions that arise, it has seemed good that the custom found in some places contrary to the apostolic canon be wholly done away with, so that neither bishop nor presbyter nor deacon pass from city to city. But if anyone, after the decree of the holy and great synod, attempts anything of the kind or gives himself to such a business, the arrangement shall be wholly void, and he shall be restored to the church in which the bishop or the presbyter was ordained.

### Translation notes

- “The apostolic canon”: probably the rule later collected among the Apostolic Canons (14–15).

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 15 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-15).

## Canon 16

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-16
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Clergy who desert their own church are not to be received elsewhere, and a bishop may not ordain another bishop's cleric without consent.

### Greek text

Ὅσοι ῥιψοκινδύνως, μήτε τὸν φόβον τοῦ Θεοῦ πρὸ ὀφθαλμῶν ἔχοντες, μήτε τὸν ἐκκλησιαστικὸν κανόνα εἰδότες, ἀναχωρήσωσι τῆς ἰδίας ἐκκλησίας, πρεσβύτεροι, ἢ διάκονοι, ἢ ὅλως ἐν τῷ κανόνι ἐξεταζόμενοι, οὗτοι οὐδαμῶς δεκτοὶ ὀφείλουσιν εἶναι ἐν ἑτέρᾳ ἐκκλησίᾳ· ἀλλὰ πᾶσαν αὐτοῖς ἀνάγκην ἐπάγεσθαι χρή, ἀναστρέφειν εἰς τὰς ἑαυτῶν παροικίας· ἤ, ἐπιμένοντας, ἀκοινωνήτους εἶναι προσήκει. Εἰ δὲ καὶ τολμήσειέ τις ὑφαρπάσαι τὸν τῷ ἑτέρῳ διαφέροντα, καὶ χειροτονῆσαι ἐν τῇ αὑτοῦ ἐκκλησίᾳ, μὴ συγκατατιθεμένου τοῦ ἰδίου ἐπισκόπου, οὗ ἀνεχώρησεν ὁ ἐν τῷ κανόνι ἐξεταζόμενος, ἄκυρος ἔστω ἡ χειροτονία.

### English translation (Claude)

As many as recklessly, neither having the fear of God before their eyes nor knowing the ecclesiastical canon, withdraw from their own church, whether presbyters or deacons or in general those enrolled in the canon, these ought by no means to be received in another church; but every pressure must be brought on them to return to their own districts, or, if they persist, it is proper that they be excommunicated. And if anyone dares to steal away one who belongs to another and ordain him in his own church without the consent of his own bishop, from whom the one enrolled in the canon withdrew, let the ordination be void.

### Scripture references

- Rom 3:18: echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “Enrolled in the canon”: on the church's official list of clergy.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 16 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-16).

## Canon 17

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-17
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Clergy who lend at interest, in any form, are to be deposed.

### Greek text

Ἐπειδὴ πολλοὶ ἐν τῷ κανόνι ἐξεταζόμενοι, τὴν πλεοναξίαν, καὶ τὴν αἰσχροκέρδειαν διώκοντες, ἐπελάθοντο τοῦ θείου γράμματος λέγοντος· Τὸ ἀργύριον αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔδωκεν ἐπὶ τόκῳ· καὶ δανείζοντες, ἑκατοστὰς ἀπαιτοῦσιν· ἐδικαίωσεν ἡ ἁγία καὶ μεγάλη σύνοδος, ὡς εἴ τις εὑρεθείη μετὰ τὸν ὅρον τοῦτον τόκους λαμβάνων, ἐκ μεταχειρίσεως, ἢ ἄλλως μετερχόμενος τὸ πρᾶγμα, ἢ ἡμιολίας ἀπαιτῶν, ἢ ὅλως ἕτερόν τι ἐπινοῶν αἰσχροῦ κέρδους ἔνεκα, καθαιρεθήσεται τοῦ κλήρου, καὶ ἀλλότριος τοῦ κανόνος ἔσται.

### English translation (Claude)

Since many who are enrolled in the canon, pursuing greed and shameful gain, have forgotten the divine writing which says, “He did not give his money at interest,” and in lending demand one percent a month, the holy and great synod has judged that, if anyone after this decree is found taking interest, whether by direct dealing or by pursuing the business in some other way, or demanding the half again, or devising anything else whatever for the sake of shameful gain, he shall be deposed from the clergy and be a stranger to the canon.

### Scripture references

- Ps 15:5 (14:5 LXX): quotation, high confidence

### Translation notes

- “One percent a month” (ἑκατοσταί): the usual Roman rate of twelve percent a year. “The half again” (ἡμιολία): repayment of half as much again as was lent, as for loans in kind.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 17 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-17).

## Canon 18

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-18
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Deacons must not give communion to presbyters or receive it before bishops, and must keep their place below the presbyters.

### Greek text

Ἦλθεν εἰς τὴν ἁγίαν καὶ μεγάλην σύνοδον, ὅτι ἔν τισι τόποις καὶ πόλεσι, τοῖς πρεσβυτέροις τὴν εὐχαριστίαν οἱ διάκονοι διδόασιν· ὅπερ οὔτε ὁ κανών, οὔτε ἡ συνήθεια παρέδωκε, τούς ἐξουσίαν μὴ ἔχοντας προσφέρειν, τοῖς προσφέρουσι διδόναι τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Κἀκεῖνο δὲ ἐγνωρίσθη, ὅτι ἤδη τινὲς τῶν διακόνων καὶ πρὸ τῶν ἐπισκόπων τῆς εὐχαριστίας ἅπτονται. Ταῦτα οὖν πάντα περιῃρείσθω, καὶ ἐμμενέτωσαν οἱ διάκονοι τοῖς ἰδίοις μέτροις, εἰδότες, ὅτι, τοῦ μὲν ἐπισκόπου ὑπηρέται εἰσί, τῶν δὲ πρεσβυτέρων ἐλάττους. Λαμβανέτωσαν δὲ κατὰ τὴν τάξιν τὴν εὐχαριστίαν μετὰ τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους, ἢ τοῦ ἐπισκόπου μεταδιδόντος αὐτοῖς, ἢ τοῦ πρεσβυτέρου. Ἀλλὰ μηδὲ καθῆσθαι ἐν μέσῳ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων ἐξέστω τοῖς διακόνοις· παρὰ κανόνα γάρ, καὶ παρὰ τάξιν ἐστὶ τὸ γινόμενον. Εἰ δέ τις μὴ θέλοι πειθαρχεῖν καὶ μετὰ τούτους τοὺς ὅρους, πεπαύσθω τῆς διακονίας.

### English translation (Claude)

It has come to the holy and great synod that in some places and cities the deacons give the eucharist to the presbyters, which neither the canon nor custom has handed down, that those who have no authority to offer should give the body of Christ to those who offer. And this too has become known, that some of the deacons now even touch the eucharist before the bishops. Let all these things, then, be done away with, and let the deacons remain within their own bounds, knowing that they are the servants of the bishop and inferior to the presbyters. Let them receive the eucharist in their order after the presbyters, either the bishop or the presbyter giving it to them. Nor let it be permitted to the deacons to sit among the presbyters; for what is done is contrary to the canon and contrary to order. And if anyone will not obey even after these decrees, let him cease from the diaconate.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 18 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-18).

## Canon 19

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-19
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Followers of Paul of Samosata who join the church must be rebaptized, and their clergy reordained if worthy.

### Greek text

Περὶ τῶν παυλιανισάντων, εἶτα προσφυγόντων τῇ καθολικῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, ὅρος ἐκτέθειται ἀναβαπτίζεσθαι αὐτοὺς ἐξάπαντος. Εἰ δέ τινες τῷ παρεληλυθότι χρόνῳ, ἐν τῷ κλήρῳ ἐξητάσθησαν, εἰ μὲν ἄμεμπτοι καὶ ἀνεπίληπτοι φανεῖεν ἀναβαπτισθέντες, χειροτονείσθωσαν ὑπὸ τοῦ τῆς καθολικῆς ἐκκλησίας ἐπισκόπου. Εἰ δὲ ἡ ἀνάκρισις ἀνεπιτηδείους αὐτοὺς εὑρίσκοι, καθαιρεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς προσήκει. Ὡσαύτως δὲ καὶ περὶ τῶν διακονισσῶν, καὶ ὅλως περὶ τῶν ἐν τῷ κλήρῳ ἐξεταζομένων, ὁ αὐτὸς τύπος παραφυλαχθήσεται. Ἐμνήσθημεν δὲ τῶν διακονισσῶν τῶν ἐν τῷ σχήματι ἐξετασθεισῶν, ἐπεὶ μηδὲ χειροθεσίαν τινὰ ἔχουσιν, ὥστε ἐξάπαντος ἐν τοῖς λαϊκοῖς αὐτὰς ἐξετάζεσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning those who have been Paulianists and then taken refuge in the catholic church, a decree has been set forth that they be rebaptized without exception. And if some in the past time were enrolled in the clergy, if they appear blameless and above reproach, let them, after being rebaptized, be ordained by the bishop of the catholic church. But if the examination finds them unfit, it is proper that they be deposed. And likewise concerning the deaconesses, and in general concerning those enrolled in the clergy, the same form shall be observed. And we have made mention of the deaconesses who have been enrolled in this status, since they do not have any laying on of hands, so that they are by all means to be numbered among the laity.

### Translation notes

- The Paulianists followed Paul of Samosata, bishop of Antioch, deposed ca. 268 for his teaching on Christ. The last sentence is commonly understood of the Paulianists' deaconesses, who had received no ordination.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 19 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-19).

## Canon 20

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-20
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: No one is to kneel for prayer on Sundays or during the fifty days of Easter; prayers then are said standing.

### Greek text

Ἐπειδή τινές εἰσιν ἐν τῇ Κυριακῇ γόνυ κλίνοντες, καὶ ἐν ταῖς τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς ἡμέραις• ὑπὲρ τοῦ πάντα ἐν πάσῃ παροικίᾳ φυλάττεσθαι, ἑστῶτας ἔδοξε τῇ ἁγίᾳ Συνόδῳ τὰς εὐχὰς ἀποδιδόναι τῷ Θεῷ.

### English translation (Claude)

Since there are some who kneel on the Lord's day and on the days of Pentecost, in order that all things may be observed alike in every district, it has seemed good to the holy synod that prayers be offered to God standing.

### Translation notes

- “The days of Pentecost”: the fifty days from Easter to Pentecost.

### Citation (SBL)

Conc. Nic. 20 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-nicaea/0/#p-20).