Canons of the Council of Sardica (Latin) (complete)
Latin text: Lauchert (1896) (Latin text: Lauchert (1896), OCR of the archive.org scan).English: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), public domain (CC0).
Chapter 1
1Lauchert, 51
Osius episcopus dixit: Non minus mala consuetudo, quam perniciosa corruptela funditus eradicanda est, ne cui liceat episcopo de civitate sua ad aliam transire civitatem. Manifesta est enim causa, qua hoc facere tentant, cum nullus in hac re inventus sit episcopus, qui de maiore civitate ad minorem transiret. Unde apparet, avaritiae ardore eos inflammari, et ambitioni servire et ut dominationem agant. Si omnibus placet, huiusmodi pernicies saevius et austerius vindicetur, ut nec laicam communionem habeat, qui talis est. Responderunt universi: Placet.
Bishop Osius said: A bad custom, no less than a pernicious corruption, must be rooted out from its foundations, so that no bishop may be permitted to pass from his own city to another city. For the reason why they attempt this is plain, since no bishop has been found in this matter who would pass from a greater city to a lesser. Hence it appears that they are inflamed with the heat of avarice and serve ambition, and seek to exercise domination. If it pleases all, let such a pest be punished more severely and sternly, so that one who is such shall not have even lay communion. All answered: It pleases.
Notes and citation
Summary: Osius proposes, and all agree, that a bishop who moves from his own city to another be denied even lay communion.
- This is the Latin version of the canons of Serdica as transmitted by Dionysius Exiguus; its numbering and some contents differ from the Greek canons (also published on this site). Here the Latin forbids moving “from his own city”, where the Greek says “from a small city”.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): civiiate → civitate.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 1 (Lauchert, 51; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 2
2Lauchert, 52
Osius episcopus dixit: Etiam si talis aliquis exstiterit temerarius, ut fortassis excusationem afferens asseveret quod populi litteras acceperit; cum manifestum sit, potuisse paucos praemio et mercede corrumpi eos, qui sinceram fidem non habent, ut clamarent in ecclesia et ipsum petere viderentur episcopum: omnino has fraudes damnandas esse arbitror, ita ut nec laicam in fine communionem talis accipiat. Si vobis omnibus placet, statuite. Synodus respondit: Placet.
Bishop Osius said: Even if someone should prove so rash as perhaps to offer an excuse, asserting that he has received letters from the people, since it is plain that a few, who do not have a sincere faith, could have been corrupted by reward and payment, so as to shout in the church and seem to ask for him as bishop: I judge that these frauds must be wholly condemned, so that such a one does not receive lay communion even at the end. If it pleases you all, decree it. The synod answered: It pleases.
Notes and citation
Summary: A bishop who claims a popular invitation to justify his transfer is refused lay communion even at death.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 2 (Lauchert, 52; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 3
3Lauchert, 52–53
Osius episcopus dixit: Illud quoque necessario adiciendum est, ut episcopi de sua provincia ad aliam provinciam, in qua sunt episcopi, non transeant, nisi forte a fratribus suis invitati, ne videamur ianuam claudere caritatis. Quod si in aliqua provincia aliquis episcopus contra fratrem suum episcopum litem habuerit, ne unus e duobus ex alia provincia advocet episcopum cognitorem. Quod si aliquis episcoporum iudicatus fuerit in aliqua causa, et putat se bonam causam habere, ut iterum concilium renovetur: si vobis placet, sancti Petri apostoli memoriam honoremus, ut scribatur ab his, qui causam examinarunt, Iulio Romano episcopo, et si iudicaverit renovandum esse iudicium, renovetur et det iudices; si autem probaverit, talem causam esse, ut non refricentur ea, quae acta sunt, quae decreverit confirmata erunt. Si hoc omnibus placet? Synodus respondit: Placet.
Bishop Osius said: This too must necessarily be added, that bishops are not to pass from their own province to another province in which there are bishops, unless perhaps invited by their brothers, so that we may not seem to shut the door of love. And if in any province some bishop has a suit against his brother bishop, neither of the two is to call in a bishop from another province as judge. And if any of the bishops has been judged in some case and thinks he has a good case, so that the hearing may be renewed: if it pleases you, let us honor the memory of the holy apostle Peter, so that those who examined the case write to Julius, the Roman bishop; and if he judges that the trial should be renewed, let it be renewed, and let him appoint judges; but if he finds the case to be such that what has been done should not be reopened, what he has decreed shall be confirmed. Does this please all? The synod answered: It pleases.
Notes and citation
Summary: Bishops are not to intrude into other provinces; a condemned bishop's case may be referred to Julius of Rome, who decides whether it is retried and appoints the judges.
- Here the Latin gives the bishop of Rome the decision whether the case is reopened; the Greek has him arrange a retrial through the neighboring bishops. “The hearing” renders concilium (literally “the council”).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray letter in the OCR): in qua suni episcopi → in qua sunt episcopi; nisi forie → nisi forte; advocet epiScopum → advocet episcopum; Quod si s aliquis → Quod si aliquis; ut ilerum → ut iterum; lulio Romano → Iulio Romano; quae acta suni → quae acta sunt; Si hoe omnibus → Si hoc omnibus.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 3 (Lauchert, 52–53; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 4
4Lauchert, 53–54
Gaudentius episcopus dixit: Addendum si placet huic sententiae, quam plenam sanctitate protulisti, ut cum aliquis episcopus depositus fuerit eorum episcoporum iudicio, qui in vicinis locis commorantur, et proclamaverit agendum sibi negotium in urbe Roma: alter episcopus in eius cathedra post appellationem eius, qui videtur esse depositus, omnino non ordinetur, nisi causa fuerit in iudicio episcopi Romani determinata.
Bishop Gaudentius said: Let there be added, if it pleases, to this sentence which you have pronounced, full of holiness, that when any bishop has been deposed by the judgment of the bishops who dwell in neighboring places, and has declared that his case is to be heard in the city of Rome, another bishop is by no means to be ordained to his see after the appeal of him who appears to be deposed, unless the case has been determined in the judgment of the Roman bishop.
Notes and citation
Summary: When a deposed bishop appeals to Rome, no successor is to be ordained until the Roman bishop has decided the case.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): Gaudentius episeopus → Gaudentius episcopus; huie sententiae → huic sententiae.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 4 (Lauchert, 53–54; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 5
5Lauchert, 54
Osius episcopus dixit: Si contigerit, in una provincia, in qua plurimi fuerint episcopi, unum forte remanere episcopum, ille vero per negligentiam noluerit ordinare episcopum, et populi convenerint, episcopi vicinae provinciae debent illum prius convenire episcopum, qui in ea provincia moratur, et ostendere, quod populi petant sibi rectorem et hoc iustum esse, ut et ipsi veniant, et cum ipso ordinent episcopum; quod si conventus litteris tacuerit et dissimulaverit nihilque rescripserit, satisfaciendum esse populis, ut veniant ex vicina provincia episcopi et ordinent episcopum.
Bishop Osius said: If it happens that in a province in which there were very many bishops only one bishop perhaps remains, and he through negligence will not ordain a bishop, and the people have come together, the bishops of the neighboring province ought first to approach that bishop who stays in that province and show him that the people are asking for a ruler for themselves, and that it is right that they too should come and ordain a bishop together with him. But if, though approached by letter, he keeps silent and pretends not to notice and writes nothing back, the people must be satisfied, so that bishops come from the neighboring province and ordain a bishop.
Notes and citation
Summary: If the only remaining bishop of a province neglects to ordain a bishop the people request, bishops from the neighboring province may do so.
- The Latin speaks of a province left with only one bishop; the Greek (canon 6) of one bishop who stays away from the ordination.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): ut et ips veniant → ut et ipsi veniant.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 5 (Lauchert, 54; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 6
6Lauchert, 55
Licentia vero danda non est ordinandi episcopum aut in vico aliquo aut in modica civitate, cui sufficit unus presbyter, quia non est necesse ibi episcopum fieri, ne vilescat nomen episcopi et auctoritas. Non debent illi ex alia provincia invitati facere episcopum, nisi aut in his civitatibus, quae episcopos habuerunt, aut si qua talis aut tam populosa est civitas, quae mereatur habere episcopum. Si hoc omnibus placet? Synodus respondit: Placet.
But leave is not to be given to ordain a bishop either in some village or in a small town for which one presbyter suffices, because there is no need for a bishop to be made there, lest the name and authority of a bishop be cheapened. Those invited from another province ought not to make a bishop except either in those cities which have had bishops, or if a city is of such a kind or so populous that it deserves to have a bishop. Does this please all? The synod answered: It pleases.
Notes and citation
Summary: Bishops are not to be ordained for villages or small towns that one presbyter can serve, but only for cities that have had bishops or are populous enough to deserve one.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): cul sufficit → cui sufficit.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 6 (Lauchert, 55; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-6). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 7
7Lauchert, 55–56
Osius episcopus dixit: Placuit autem, ut si episcopus accusatus fuerit et iudicaverint congregati episcopi regionis ipsius et de gradu suo eum deiecerint, si appellaverit qui deiectus est et confugerit ad episcopum Romanae ecclesiae et voluerit se audiri: si iustum putaverit, ut renovetur iudicium vel discussionis examen, scribere his episcopis dignetur, qui in finitima et propinqua provincia sunt, ut ipsi diligenter omnia requirant et iuxta fidem veritatis definiant. Quod si is, qui rogat causam suam iterum audiri, deprecatione sua moverit episcopum Romanum, ut de latere suo presbyterum mittat, erit in potestate episcopi, quid velit et quid aestimet; et si decreverit mittendos esse, qui praesentes cum episcopis iudicent, habentes eius auctoritatem a quo destinati sunt, erit in suo arbitrio. Si vero crediderit episcopos sufficere, ut negotio terminum imponant, faciet quod sapientissimo consilio suo iudicaverit.
Bishop Osius said: It has pleased, moreover, that if a bishop has been accused, and the assembled bishops of that region have judged him and removed him from his rank, if he who was removed has appealed and taken refuge with the bishop of the Roman church and wishes to be heard, and if he thinks it just that the trial or the examination of the case be renewed, let him deign to write to those bishops who are in the bordering and neighboring province, so that they themselves may inquire into everything diligently and decide according to the faith of truth. But if he who asks that his case be heard again moves the Roman bishop by his entreaty to send a presbyter from his side, it shall be in the bishop's power what he wishes and what he judges right; and if he decides that persons should be sent to judge in person together with the bishops, having the authority of him by whom they were appointed, it shall be at his discretion. But if he believes that the bishops suffice to put an end to the matter, he will do what he judges in his most wise counsel.
Notes and citation
Summary: A deposed bishop may appeal to the bishop of Rome, who may have neighboring bishops rehear the case or send a presbyter to judge with them.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slip (c read as e); line-break hyphen and stray colon in the OCR): con-: fugerit → confugerit; mitiendos → mittendos; praesentes eum episcopis → praesentes cum episcopis.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 7 (Lauchert, 55–56; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-7). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 8
8Lauchert, 57–58
Osius episcopus dixit: Importunitates et nimia frequentia et iniustae petitiones fecerunt, nos non tantam habere vel gratiam vel fiduciam, dum quidam non cessant ad comitatum ire episcopi, et maxime Afri, qui, sicuti cognovimus, sanctissimi fratris et coépiscopi nostri Grati salutaria consilia spernunt atque contemnunt, ut non solum ad comitatum multas et diversas ecclesiae non profuturas perferant causas, neque, ut fieri solet aut oportet, ut pauperibus aut viduis aut pupillis subveniatur, sed et dignitates saeculares et administrationes quibusdam postulent. Haec itaque pravitas olim non solum murmurationes, sed et scandala excitat. Honestum est autem, ut episcopi intercessionem his praestent, qui iniqua vi opprimuntur aut si vidua affligatur aut pupillus exspolietur, si tamen isthaec nomina iustam habeant causam aut petitionem. Si ergo vobis, fratres carissimi, placet, decernite, ne episcopi ad comitatum accedant, nisi forte hi, qui religiosi imperatoris litteris vel invitati vel evocati fuerint. Sed quoniam saepe contingit, ut ad misericordiam ecclesiae confugiant, qui iniuriam patiuntur, aut qui peccantes in exilio vel insulis damnantur, aut certe quamcunque sententiam excipiunt, subveniendum est his et sine dubitatione petenda indulgentia. Hoc ergo decernite, si vobis placet. Universi dixerunt: Placet et constituatur.
Bishop Osius said: Importunities, excessive frequency, and unjust petitions have caused us not to have so much either favor or confidence, while certain bishops do not cease going to the court, and especially the Africans, who, as we have learned, spurn and despise the salutary counsels of our most holy brother and fellow bishop Gratus, so that they not only carry to the court many and various cases that will not benefit the church, and not, as is usual or proper, so that the poor or widows or orphans may be helped, but even ask for secular dignities and offices for certain people. This perversity, then, has for some time stirred up not only murmurings but even scandals. But it is honorable that bishops should give their intercession to those who are oppressed by unjust force, or if a widow is afflicted or an orphan despoiled, provided these persons have a just cause or petition. If, then, it pleases you, dearest brothers, decree that bishops are not to go to the court, except perhaps those who have been invited or summoned by letters of the religious emperor. But since it often happens that those who suffer injury, or who for their sins are condemned to exile or to islands, or who indeed receive any sentence whatever, take refuge in the mercy of the church, these must be helped and indulgence must be asked for them without hesitation. Decree this, then, if it pleases you. All said: It pleases, and let it be established.
Notes and citation
Summary: Bishops are not to go to the imperial court unless summoned by the emperor, though they may intercede for the oppressed and for the condemned who seek the church's mercy.
- The Latin says the Africans despise the counsels of Gratus, bishop of Carthage; the Greek (canon 7) says the synod learned of their conduct from Gratus.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): mulias → multas; epiScopi intercessionem → episcopi intercessionem; senlentiam → sententiam.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 8 (Lauchert, 57–58; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-8). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 9
9Lauchert, 58–59
Osius episcopus dixit: Hoc quoque providentia vestra tractare debet, quia decrevistis, ne episcoporum improbitas nitatur, ut ad comitatum pergant. Quicunque ergo quales superius memoravimus preces habuerint vel acceperint, per diaconum suum mittant; quia persona ministri invidiosa non est, et quae impetravit celerius poterit referre. Et hoc consequens esse videtur, ut de qualibet provincia episcopi ad eum fratrem et coépiscopum nostrum preces mittant, qui in metropoli consistit, ut ille et diaconum eius et supplicationes destinet, tribuens commendatitias epistolas pari ratione ad fratres et coepiscopos nostros, qui in illo tempore in his regionibus et urbibus morantur, in quibus felix et beatus Augustus rem publicam gubernat. Si vero habet episcopus amicos in palatio, qui cupit aliquid quod tamen honestum est impetrare, non prohibetur per diaconum suum rogare ac significare his, quos scit benignam intercessionem sibi absenti posse praestare.
Bishop Osius said: Your foresight ought also to deal with this, since you have decreed that bishops should not, out of importunity, press to go to the court. Whoever, then, have or receive petitions such as we mentioned above, let them send them through their deacon, because the person of a minister does not arouse envy, and he will be able to bring back more quickly what he has obtained. And this seems to follow, that from any province whatever the bishops should send petitions to that brother and fellow bishop of ours who is established in the metropolis, so that he may send both his deacon and the petitions, giving letters of commendation in like manner to our brothers and fellow bishops who at that time dwell in those regions and cities in which the fortunate and blessed Augustus governs the state. But if a bishop who wishes to obtain something, something honorable, however, has friends in the palace, he is not prohibited from asking through his deacon and making it known to those whom he knows can give him kind intercession in his absence.
Notes and citation
Summary: Bishops are to send petitions to court through deacons, via the metropolitan with letters of commendation, or through friends at the palace.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): meiropoli → metropoli; co&piscopos → coepiscopos.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 9 (Lauchert, 58–59; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-9). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 10
10Lauchert, 60
Qui vero Romam venerint, sicut dictum est, sanctissimo fratri et coépiscopo nostro Romanae ecclesiae preces quas habent tradant, ut et ipse prius examinet, si honestae et iustae sunt, et praestet diligentiam — atque sollicitudinem, ut ad comitatum perferantur. Universi dixerunt, placere sibi et honestum esse consilium. Alypius episcopus dixit: Si propter pupillos et viduas vel laborantes, qui causas non iniquas habent, susceperint peregrinationis incommoda, habebunt aliquid rationis; nunc vero cum ea postulent praecipue, quae sine invidia hominum et sine reprehensione esse non possunt, non necesse est eos ire ad comitatum.
But those who come to Rome, as has been said, are to hand over the petitions they have to our most holy brother and fellow bishop of the Roman church, so that he too may first examine whether they are honorable and just, and may give diligence and care that they be carried to the court. All said that it pleased them and that the counsel was honorable. Bishop Alypius said: If they have undertaken the hardships of travel for the sake of orphans and widows or those in distress who have causes that are not unjust, they will have some reason; but now, since they ask above all for things that cannot be without men's envy and without reproach, there is no need for them to go to the court.
Notes and citation
Summary: Petitions brought to Rome are first examined by its bishop; Alypius adds that bishops have no need to go to court for self-interested requests.
- The Latin names “the bishop of the Roman church” where the Greek (canon 9) names Julius. Alypius's remark has no counterpart in the Greek.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slip (c read as e)): sicut dietum est → sicut dictum est; nunc vero eum ea → nunc vero cum ea.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 10 (Lauchert, 60; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-10). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 11
11Lauchert, 60–62
Gaudentius episcopus dixit: Ea quae salubriter providistis convenientia et aestimatione omnium et Deo placitura et hominibus tenere hactenus firmitatem possunt, si metus huic sententiae coniungatur. Scimus enim et ipsi saepissime propter paucorum impudentiam religiosum sacerdotale nomen fuisse reprehensum. Si igitur aliquis contra omnium sententiam nisus voluerit ambitioni magis placere quam Deo, is debet scire, causis redditis honorem dignitatemque se amissurum: quod ita demum compleri poterit, si unusquisque nostrum, qui in canali constitutus est, cum progredientem episcopum viderit, inquirat transitum eius, causas videat, quo tendat agnoscat, et si quidem eum invenerit ire ad comitatum, requirat et illud, quod superius comprehensum est, ne forte invitatus sit, ut ei facultas eundi permittatur. Si vero, ut superius memoravit sanctitas vestra, propter desideria et ambitiones ad comitatum pergat, neque in litteris eius subscribatur, neque in communionem recipiatur. Si vobis placet, omnium sententia confirmari debet. Universi dixerunt, honestum esse et placere sibi hanc constitutionem.
Bishop Gaudentius said: What you have salutarily provided, being fitting and, in the judgment of all, pleasing to God and to men, can keep its firmness only if fear is joined to this sentence. For we ourselves know that very often, because of the shamelessness of a few, the religious name of the priesthood has been censured. If, then, anyone, striving against the judgment of all, wishes to please ambition rather than God, he ought to know that, when the case has been heard, he will lose his honor and dignity. This can be accomplished only if each of us who is established on the highway, when he sees a bishop passing through, inquires about his journey, looks into the reasons, and learns where he is going; and if he finds him going to the court, let him inquire also into what is contained above, whether perhaps he has been invited, so that he may be permitted to go. But if, as your holiness mentioned above, he goes to the court because of desires and ambitions, neither is his letter to be signed, nor is he to be received into communion. If it pleases you, it must be confirmed by the judgment of all. All said that this regulation was honorable and pleased them.
Notes and citation
Summary: Bishops who go to court out of ambition lose their rank; bishops on the highways are to check travelling bishops and refuse communion to those going without summons.
- This canon corresponds to the Greek canons 20–21. “The highway” renders canalis, the main imperial road.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): plaeitura → placitura; haetenus → hactenus.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 11 (Lauchert, 60–62; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-11). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 12
12Lauchert, 62
Osius episcopus dixit: Sed et moderatio necessaria est, dilectissimi fratres, ne adhuc aliqui nescientes, quid decretum sit in synodo, subito veniant ad civitates eas, quae in canali sunt. Debet ergo episcopus civitatis ipsius admonere eum et instruere, ut ex eo loco diaconum suum mittat; admonitus ipse tamen redeat in paroeciam suam.
Bishop Osius said: But moderation too is needed, dearly beloved brothers, lest some who still do not know what has been decreed in the synod should come suddenly to those cities that are on the highway. The bishop of that city ought therefore to admonish him and instruct him to send his deacon from that place; and, having been admonished, he himself is to return to his own district.
Notes and citation
Summary: A bishop who travels toward court unaware of the new rule is to be told to send his deacon instead and go home.
- This canon has no counterpart in the Greek.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 12 (Lauchert, 62; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-12). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 13
13Lauchert, 62–63
Osius episcopus dixit: Et hoc necessarium arbitror, ut diligentissime tractetis, si forte aut dives aut Scholasticus de foro aut ex administratore episcopus fuerit postulatus, ut non prius ordinetur, nisi ante et lectoris munere et officio diaconi aut presbyteri fuerit perfunctus, et ita per singulos gradus, si dignus fuerit, ascendat ad culmen episcopatus. Potest enim per has promotiones, quae habebant utique prolixum tempus, probari qua fide sit, quave modestia, gravitate et verecundia. Et si dignus fuerit probatus, divino sacerdotio illustretur, quia conveniens non est nec ratio vel disciplina patitur, ut temere et leviter ordinetur aut episcopus aut presbyter aut diaconus, qui neophytus est, maxime cum et magister gentium beatus apostolus, ne hoc fieret, denuntiasse et prohibuisse videatur; sed hi, quorum per longum tempus examinata sit vita, et merita fuerint comprobata. Universi dixerunt placere sibi haec.
Bishop Osius said: This too I think necessary, that you consider most carefully that, if perhaps a rich man, or a lawyer from the forum, or a former administrator has been requested as bishop, he is not to be ordained before he has first discharged the office of reader and the duty of deacon or presbyter, and so, if he is worthy, ascends by the several grades to the summit of the episcopate. For through these promotions, which will certainly take a long time, it can be proved of what faith he is, and of what modesty, gravity, and reserve. And if he is proved worthy, let him be honored with the divine priesthood; because it is not fitting, nor do reason or discipline allow, that one who is a neophyte be ordained rashly and lightly either bishop or presbyter or deacon, especially since the blessed apostle, the teacher of the gentiles, is seen to have declared and forbidden that this be done; but those whose life has been examined over a long time and whose merits have been approved. All said that these things pleased them.
1 Tim 3:6 (allusion, high confidence) · 1 Tim 5:22 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: A rich man, lawyer or official chosen as bishop must first pass over time through the grades of reader, deacon and presbyter, since Paul forbids ordaining a neophyte.
- Paul's rule: 1 Tim 3:6. The Latin adds “a former administrator” (ex administratore), a retired civil official.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): traclelis → tractetis.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 13 (Lauchert, 62–63; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-13). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 14
14Lauchert, 64–65
Osius episcopus dixit: Et hoc quoque statuere debetis, ut episcopus, si ex alia civitate convenerit ad aliam civitatem vel ex provincia sua ad aliam provinciam, et ambitioni magis quam devotioni serviens voluerit in aliena civitate multo tempore residere: forte enim evenit episcopum loci non esse tam instructum, neque tam doctum; is vero, qui advenit, incipiat contemnere eum et frequenter facere sermonem, ut dehonestet et infirmet illius personam, ita ut ex hac occasione non dubitet relinquere assignatam sibi ecclesiam et transeat ad alienam. Definite ergo tempus, quia et non recipi episcopum inhumanum est, et si diutius resideat perniciosum est. Hoc ne fiat, providendum est. Memini autem superiore concilio fratres nostros constituisse, ut si quis laicus in ea in qua commoratur civitate tres dominicos dies, id est per tres septimanas non celebrasset conventum, communione privaretur. Si ergo haec circa laicos constituta sunt, multo magis episcopum nec licet nec decet, si nulla sit tam gravis necessitas quae detineat, ut amplius a supra scripto tempore absens sit ab ecclesia sua. Universi dixerunt placere sibi.
Bishop Osius said: And you ought to decree this too: if a bishop comes from one city to another city, or from his own province to another province, and, serving ambition rather than devotion, wishes to reside a long time in another's city (for it happens perhaps that the bishop of the place is not so well instructed nor so learned, and he who has arrived begins to despise him and to preach frequently, in order to dishonor and weaken his standing, so that on this occasion he does not hesitate to leave the church assigned to him and go over to another's), then fix a time, because it is inhumane not to receive a bishop, and pernicious if he stays too long. Provision must be made that this does not happen. I remember that at an earlier council our brothers decreed that if any layman did not attend the assembly for three Sundays, that is, for three weeks, in the city in which he was staying, he should be deprived of communion. If, then, these things have been decreed concerning the laity, much more is it neither lawful nor fitting for a bishop, if there is no grave necessity to detain him, to be absent from his church longer than the time written above. All said that it pleased them.
Notes and citation
Summary: A visiting bishop must not stay long and undermine the local bishop by frequent preaching, and no bishop may be absent from his church more than three weeks without grave cause.
- The earlier rule on three Sundays' absence is found in the canons of Elvira (canon 21).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips): Et hoe quoque → Et hoc quoque; devolioni → devotioni; fraires nostros → fratres nostros; dominieos → dominicos; haee cirea laicos → haec circa laicos; episcopum mee licet → episcopum nec licet.
Extrabiblical texts: Conc. Elv. 21 (Canons of the Council of Elvira; allusion)
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 14 (Lauchert, 64–65; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-14). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 15
15Lauchert, 65–66
Osius episcopus dixit: Quia nihil praetermitti oportet, sunt quidam fratres et coepiscopi nostri qui non in ea civitate resident, in qua videntur episcopi esse constituti, vel quod parvam rem illic habeant, alibi autem idonea praedia habere cognoscuntur, vel certe affectione proximorum, quibus indulgeant; hactenus permitti eis oportet, ut accedant ad possessiones suas et disponant vel ordinent fructum laboris sui, ut post tres dominicas, id est post tres hebdomadas, si morari necesse est, in suis potius fundis morentur: aut si est proxima civitas, in qua est presbyter, ne sine ecclesia videatur facere diem dominicum, illuc accedat, ut neque res domesticae per absentiam eius detrimentum sustineant, et non frequenter veniendo ad civitatem, in qua episcopus moratur, suspicionem iactantiae et ambitionis evadat. Universi dixerunt placere sibi.
Bishop Osius said: Since nothing ought to be passed over: there are some of our brothers and fellow bishops who do not reside in the city in which they appear to have been appointed bishops, either because they have little property there but are known to have suitable estates elsewhere, or certainly out of affection for their relatives, whom they indulge. To this extent it ought to be permitted them, that they go to their possessions and arrange or order the fruit of their labor, so that after three Sundays, that is, after three weeks, if it is necessary to stay, they stay rather on their own farms; or, if there is a nearby city in which there is a presbyter, let him go there, so that he may not seem to keep the Lord's day without a church; so that neither will his household affairs suffer loss through his absence, nor, by coming frequently to the city in which a bishop lives, will he incur the suspicion of boasting and ambition. All said that it pleased them.
Notes and citation
Summary: Bishops with estates elsewhere may visit them to manage the harvest for up to three weeks, attending church in a nearby town on Sundays.
- The Latin differs from the Greek (canon 12): it adds bishops who live away out of affection for relatives, and its time clause (“after three Sundays … if it is necessary to stay”) is obscure.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): coéápiscopi → coepiscopi; ilie habeant → illic habeant; cognosecuntur → cognoscuntur.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 15 (Lauchert, 65–66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-15). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 16
16Lauchert, 66–67
Osius episcopus dixit: Hoc quoque omnibus placeat, ut sive diaconus sive presbyter sive quis clericorum ab episcopo suo communione fuerit privatus, et ad alterum perrexerit episcopum, et scierit ille ad quem confugit, eum ab episcopo suo fuisse abiectum, non oportet ut ei communionem indulgeat. Quod si fecerit, sciat se convocatis episcopis causas esse dicturum. Universi dixerunt: Hoc statutum et pacem servabit, et concordiam custodiet.
Bishop Osius said: Let this too please all: if a deacon, or presbyter, or any of the clergy has been deprived of communion by his bishop and has gone to another bishop, and the one to whom he has fled knows that he has been cast off by his own bishop, he ought not to grant him communion. And if he does, let him know that he will have to give account when the bishops are convened. All said: This decree will both preserve peace and safeguard concord.
Notes and citation
Summary: A bishop must not admit to communion a cleric whom he knows his own bishop has excommunicated.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 16 (Lauchert, 66–67; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-16). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 17
17Lauchert, 67–68
Osius episcopus dixit: Quod me adhuc movet, reticere non debeo. Si episcopus quis forte iracundus, quod esse non debet, cito et aspere commoveatur adversus presbyterum sive diaconum suum et exterminare eum de ecclesia voluerit, providendum est, ne innocens damnetur aut perdat communionem. Et ideo habeat potestatem is, qui abiectus est, ut episcopos finitimos interpellet et causa eius audiatur ac diligentius tractetur, quia non oportet ei negari audientiam roganti. Et ille episcopus, qui aut iuste aut iniuste eum abiecit, patienter accipiat, ut negotium discutiatur, ut vel probetur sententia eius a plurimis vel emendetur. Tamen priusquam omnia diligenter et fideliter examinentur, eum, qui fuerit a communione separatus, ante cognitionem nullus alius debet praesumere, ut communioni societ. Hi vero qui conveniunt ad audiendum, si viderint clericorum esse fastidium et superbiam, quia iam non decet, ut episcopus iniuriam vel contumeliam patiatur, severioribus eos verbis castigent, ut obediant honesta praecipienti episcopo; quia sicut ille clericis sincerum exhibere debet amorem caritatis, ita quoque vicissim ministri infucata debent episcopo suo exhibere obsequia.
Bishop Osius said: What still moves me I ought not to keep silent. If some bishop is perhaps irascible, which he ought not to be, and is quickly and harshly roused against his presbyter or deacon and wishes to drive him out of the church, provision must be made that an innocent man is not condemned or deprived of communion. And therefore let him who has been cast out have the power to appeal to the neighboring bishops, and let his case be heard and handled more carefully, because a hearing ought not to be denied to one who asks. And let that bishop who cast him out, justly or unjustly, accept patiently that the matter be discussed, so that his sentence may be either approved by the majority or corrected. Yet before everything is examined diligently and faithfully, no other ought to presume to admit to communion, before the hearing, the one who has been separated from communion. But those who come together to hear the case, if they see disdain and pride on the part of the clergy, since it is not fitting that a bishop should suffer injury or insult, are to rebuke them with severer words, so that they obey a bishop who commands what is honorable; because just as he ought to show his clergy the sincere love of charity, so in turn the ministers ought to show unfeigned obedience to their bishop.
Notes and citation
Summary: A presbyter or deacon expelled by an angry bishop may appeal to neighboring bishops, but no one may admit him to communion before the hearing.
- The Latin sends the appeal to the neighboring bishops, where the Greek (canon 14) names the metropolitan, and it makes clear that the pride rebuked is that of the clergy.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): finilimos → finitimos; vicissem → vicissim.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 17 (Lauchert, 67–68; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-17). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 18
18Lauchert, 68–69
Ianuarius episcopus dixit: Illud quoque statuat sanctitas vestra, ut nulli episcopo liceat alterius episcopi civitatis ministrum ecclesiasticum sollicitare et in suis parochiis ordinare. Universi dixerunt: Placet, quia ex his contentionibus solet nasci discordia, et ideo prohibet omnium sententia, ne quis hoc facere audeat.
Bishop Januarius said: Let your holiness also decree that no bishop be permitted to entice the church minister of the bishop of another city and ordain him in his own districts. All said: It pleases, because discord usually arises from such contentions; and therefore the judgment of all forbids anyone to dare to do this.
Notes and citation
Summary: No bishop may entice another bishop's cleric away and ordain him in his own diocese.
- This proposal of Januarius has no separate counterpart in the Greek.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): eontentionibus → contentionibus.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 18 (Lauchert, 68–69; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-18). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 19
19Lauchert, 69
Osius episcopus dixit: Et hoc universi constituimus, ut quicumque ex alia parochia voluerit alienum ministrum sine consensu episcopi ipsius et sine voluntate ordinare, non sit rata ordinatio eius. Quicumque autem hoc usurpaverit, a fratribus et coepiscopis nostris et admoneri debet et corrigi.
Bishop Osius said: And this we all decree, that whoever from another district wishes to ordain another's minister without the consent and will of his bishop, his ordination is not to be valid. And whoever usurps this ought to be admonished and corrected by our brothers and fellow bishops.
Notes and citation
Summary: Ordaining another bishop's cleric without his consent is invalid.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): Quicumque autem hoe → Quicumque autem hoc; coápiscopis → coepiscopis.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 19 (Lauchert, 69; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-19). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 20
20Lauchert, 69–70
Aétius episcopus dixit: Non ignoratis, quanta et qualis sit Thessalonicensium civitas; saepe ad eam veniunt ex aliis regionibus presbyteri et diaconi et non sunt contenti brevi tempore morari, sed aut resident ibi aut certe vix post longa spatia ad sua redire coguntur. Universi dixerunt: Ea tempora, quae constituta sunt circa episcopos et circa has personas observari debent.
Bishop Aetius said: You are not unaware how great and of what kind is the city of the Thessalonians; presbyters and deacons often come to it from other regions and are not content to stay a short time, but either reside there or are with difficulty compelled to return to their own places after long intervals. All said: The time limits that have been decreed concerning bishops ought to be observed concerning these persons also.
Notes and citation
Summary: The limits on bishops' absence apply also to presbyters and deacons who linger in Thessalonica.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): cirea has personas → circa has personas.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 20 (Lauchert, 69–70; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-20). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).
Chapter 21
21Lauchert, 70–71
Osius episcopus dixit: Suggerente fratre et coépiscopo nostro Olympio etiam hoc placuit, ut si aliquis vim perpessus est et inique expulsus pro disciplina et catholica confessione vel pro defensione veritatis, effugiens pericula, innocens et devotus ad aliam venerit civitatem, non prohibeatur immorari, quamdiu aut redire possit aut iniuria eius remedium acceperit: quia durum est, eum qui persecutionem patitur non recipi; etiam et larga benevolentia et humanitas ei est exhibenda. Omnis synodus dixit: Universa, quae constituta sunt, catholica ecclesia in universo orbe diffusa custodiet.
Bishop Osius said: At the suggestion of our brother and fellow bishop Olympius this too has pleased: that if someone has suffered violence and been unjustly expelled for his discipline and catholic confession or for the defense of the truth, and, fleeing dangers, innocent and devout, has come to another city, he is not to be prevented from staying there until he can return or his injury has received a remedy; because it is harsh that one who suffers persecution should not be received; rather, generous kindness and humanity are to be shown him. The whole synod said: The catholic church spread throughout the whole world will keep all that has been decreed.
Notes and citation
Summary: A bishop unjustly expelled for his faith may stay in another city until he can return; the synod closes by committing its decrees to the whole church.
- The Greek canons 18–19 (on Musaeus and Eutychianus at Thessalonica) have no counterpart in this Latin version.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): elus remedium → eius remedium; eliam et larga → etiam et larga.
Topics: Church office, Persecution
Cite (SBL): Conc. Sard. (Lat.) 21 (Lauchert, 70–71; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-sardica-latin/1/#p-21). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from Dionysius Exiguus's Latin version as printed by Lauchert (1896), OCR slips corrected by logged corrections; compared afterwards with NPNF² 14 (from the Greek).