# Canons of the Council of Ancyra

- Author: Anonymous
- Latin title: *Concilium Ancyranum*
- Date: 314 (probable)
- 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-ancyra/
- Passages: 25

## Canon 1

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

Summary: Presbyters who sacrificed under persecution but then genuinely resumed the struggle keep their rank but may not exercise their ministry.

### Greek text

Πρεσβυτέρους τοὺς ἐπιθύσαντας, εἶτα ἀναπαλαίσαντας, μήτε ἐκ μεθόδου τινός, ἀλλ᾽ ἐξ ἀληθείας, μήτε προκατασκευάσαντας, καὶ ἐπιτηδεύσαντας, καὶ πείσαντας, ἵνα δόξωσι μὲν βασάνοις ὑποβάλλεσθαι, ταύτας δὲ τῷ δοκεῖν καὶ τῷ σχήματι προσαχθῆναι· τούτους ἔδοξε, τῆς μὲν τιμῆς τῆς κατὰ τὴν καθέδραν μετέχειν· προσφέρειν δὲ αὐτούς, ἢ ὁμιλεῖν, ἢ ὅλως λειτουργεῖν τι τῶν ἱερατικῶν λειτουργιῶν, μὴ ἐξεῖναι.

### English translation (Claude)

Presbyters who sacrificed and then took up the contest again, not by some trick but in truth, and who did not arrange, contrive, and persuade beforehand so as to seem to be put to tortures while these were applied only in appearance and for show: it is decided that these share the honor belonging to their seat, but that it not be permitted to them to offer, or to preach, or in any way to perform any of the priestly ministries.

### Translation notes

- “Took up the contest again” (ἀναπαλαίσαντας): returned to the struggle, i.e. confessed Christ after having sacrificed. “Offer”: celebrate the eucharistic offering; “preach” renders ὁμιλεῖν (“address”).

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-2
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Deacons who sacrificed but then confessed keep their honor without serving, though bishops may relax or tighten this.

### Greek text

Διακόνους ὁμοίως θύσαντας, μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα ἀναπαλαίσαντας, τὴν μὲν ἄλλην τιμὴν ἔχειν, πεπαῦσθαι δὲ αὐτοὺς πάσης τῆς ἱερᾶς λειτουργίας, τῆς τε τοῦ ἄρτον ἢ ποτήριον ἀναφέρειν, ἢ κηρύσσειν. Εἰ μέντοι τινές τῶν ἐπισκόπων τούτοις συνίδοιεν κάματόν τινα, ἢ ταπείνωσιν πρᾳότητος, καὶ ἐθέλοιεν πλέον τι διδόναι, ἢ ἀφαιρεῖν, ἐπ᾽ αὐτοῖς εἶναι τὴν ἐξουσίαν.

### English translation (Claude)

Deacons who likewise sacrificed and afterward took up the contest again shall have their other honor, but shall cease from every sacred ministry, both from bringing up the bread or the cup and from proclaiming. If, however, some of the bishops see in them toil or humility of meekness, and wish to give them something more, or to take something away, the authority shall rest with them.

### Translation notes

- “Bringing up the bread or the cup”: presenting the eucharistic gifts. “Proclaiming” (κηρύσσειν): the deacon's public announcements and biddings in the liturgy.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-3
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Christians who were forced against their will to touch or eat sacrifices while confessing Christ have not sinned, keep communion, and may even be ordained.

### Greek text

Τοὺς φεύγοντας καὶ συλληφθέντας, ἢ ὑπὸ οἰκείων παραδοθέντας, ἢ ἄλλως τὰ ὑπάρχοντα ἀφαιρεθέντας, ἢ ὑπομείναντας βασάνους, ἢ εἰς δεσμωτήριον ἐμβληθέντας, βοῶντάς τε, ὅτι εἰσὶ Χριστιανοί, καὶ περισχισθέντας, ἢ τι εἰς τὰς χεῖρας πρὸς βίαν ἐμβαλλόντων τῶν βιαζομένων, ἢ βρῶμά τι πρὸς ἀνάγκην δεξαμένους, ὁμολογοῦντας δὲ διόλου ὅτι εἰσὶ Χριστιανοί, καὶ τὸ πένθος τοῦ συμβάντος ἀεὶ ἐπιδεικνυμένους τῇ πάσῃ καταστολῇ καὶ τῷ σχήματι, καὶ τῇ τοῦ βίου ταπεινότητί, τούτους, ὡς ἔξω ἁμαρτήματος ὄντας, τῆς κοινωνίας μὴ κωλύεσθαι· εἰ δὲ καὶ ἐκωλύθησαν ὑπό τινος, περισσοτέρας ἀκριβείας ἕνεκεν, ἢ καί τινων ἀγνοίᾳ, εὐθὺς προσδεχθῆναι. Τοῦτο δὲ ὁμοίως ἐπί τε τῶν ἐκ τοῦ κλήρου καὶ τῶν ἄλλων λαϊκῶν. Προσεξητάσθη δὲ κἀκεῖνο, εἰ δύνανται καὶ λαϊκοί, τῇ αὐτῇ ἀνάγκῃ ὑποπεσόντες, προάγεσθαι εἰς τάξιν· ἔδοξεν οὖν καὶ τούτους, ὡς μηδὲν ἡμαρτηκότας, εἰ καὶ ἡ προλαβοῦσα εὑρίσκοιτο ὀρθὴ τοῦ βίου πολιτεία, προχειρίζεσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

Those who fled and were caught, or were handed over by members of their own household, or were otherwise deprived of their property, or endured tortures, or were thrown into prison, crying out that they are Christians, and were dragged about, or had something forced into their hands by those using violence, or received some food under compulsion, yet confessed throughout that they are Christians, and continually show grief for what happened by their whole bearing and appearance and humility of life: these, as being free from sin, are not to be barred from communion; and if they have been barred by anyone, out of excessive strictness or through the ignorance of some, they are to be received at once. This holds equally for those of the clergy and for the other laity. It was further examined whether laymen too who fell under the same compulsion may be advanced to orders; it was decided, then, that these too, as having committed no sin, be appointed, if their previous conduct of life is found to be upright.

### Translation notes

- “Dragged about” renders περισχισθέντας, literally “torn round about”, perhaps of clothes torn from them; the exact sense is uncertain.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 4

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-4
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Those forced to sacrifice who nevertheless feasted cheerfully at the idol banquet do six years of graded penance.

### Greek text

Περὶ τῶν πρὸς βίαν θυσάντων, ἐπὶ δὲ τούτοις καὶ τῶν δειπνησάντων εἰς τὰ εἴδωλα, ὅσοι μὲν ἀπαγόμενοι, καὶ σχήματι φαιδροτέρῳ ἀνῆλθον, καὶ ἐσθῆτι ἐχρήσαντο πολυτελεστέρα, καὶ μετέσχον τοῦ παρασκευασθέντος δείπνου ἀδιαφόρως, ἔδοξεν, ἐνιαυτὸν ἀκροᾶσθαι, ὑποπεσεῖν δὲ τρία ἔτη, εὐχῆς δὲ μόνης κοινωνῆσαι ἔτη δύο, καὶ τότε ἐλθεῖν ἐπὶ τὸ τέλειον.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning those who sacrificed under compulsion, and in addition to this also dined at the idols: as many as, when led away, went up with a more cheerful appearance, and wore more costly clothing, and shared in the prepared banquet without concern, it is decided that they be hearers for a year, prostrators for three years, and share in prayer only for two years, and then come to the full communion.

### Translation notes

- The council uses the grades of public penance: “hearers” (ἀκρόασις) stood at the church door and heard the readings and sermon; “prostrators” or “kneelers” (ὑπόπτωσις) knelt inside and received the laying on of hands for penitents; those who “share in prayer only” stood with the faithful (the “co-standers”) but did not offer or receive; “the full communion” (τὸ τέλειον) is full participation in the eucharist.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 5

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

Summary: Those who attended the idol banquet in grief receive lighter penance, and bishops may lessen or lengthen it after examining their lives.

### Greek text

Ὅσοι δὲ ἀνῆλθον μετὰ ἐσθῆτος πενθικῆς, καὶ ἀναπεσόντες ἔφαγον, μεταξύ δι᾽ ὅλης τῆς ἀνακλίσεως δακρύοντες, εἰ ἐπλήρωσαν τὸν τῆς ὑποπτώσεως τριετῆ χρόνον, χωρὶς προσφορᾶς δεχθήτωσαν· εἰ δὲ μὴ ἔφαγον, δύο ὑποπεσόντες ἔτη, τῷ τρίτῳ κοινωνησάτωσαν ἔτει χωρὶς προσφορᾶς, ἵνα τὸ τέλειον τῇ τετραετίᾳ λάβωσι. Τοὺς δὲ ἐπισκόπους ἐξουσίαν ἔχειν τὸν τρόπον τῆς ἐπιστροφῆς δοκιμάσαντας, φιλανθρωπεύεσθαι, ἢ πλείονα προστιθέναι χρόνον. Πρὸ πάντων δέ, καὶ ὁ προάγων βίος, καὶ ὁ μετὰ ταῦτα, ἐξεταζέσθω, καὶ οὕτως ἡ φιλανθρωπία ἐπιμετρείσθω.

### English translation (Claude)

But as many as went up in mourning clothes and, reclining, ate, weeping the whole time they reclined: if they have fulfilled the three-year period of prostration, let them be received without the offering; but if they did not eat, after being prostrators for two years, let them communicate in the third year without the offering, so that they may receive the full communion in the fourth year. And the bishops are to have authority, having examined the manner of their conversion, to deal more kindly with them or to add more time. But above all, let both the preceding life and that which follows be examined, and so let the kindness be measured out.

### Translation notes

- “Without the offering”: sharing in the prayers but not in the eucharistic offering (see canon 4).

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 6

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-6
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Those who sacrificed merely at the threat of punishment and are only now repenting do six years of penance, with allowance in danger of death.

### Greek text

Περὶ τῶν ἀπειλῇ μόνον εἰξάντων κολάσεων, καὶ ἀφαιρέσεως ὑπαρχόντων, ἢ μετοικίας, καὶ θυσάντων, καὶ μέχρι τοῦ παρόντος καιροῦ μὴ μετανοησάντων, μηδὲ ἐπιστρεψάντων, νῦν δὲ παρὰ τὸν καιρὸν τῆς συνόδου προσελθόντων, καὶ εἰς διάνοιαν τῆς ἐπιστροφῆς γενομένων, ἔδοξε μέχρι τῆς μεγάλης ἡμέρας εἰς ἀκρόασιν δεχθῆναι, καὶ μετὰ τὴν μεγάλην ἡμέραν ὑποπεσεῖν τρία ἔτη, καὶ μετὰ ἄλλα δύο ἔτη κοινωνῆσαι, χωρὶς προσφορᾶς, καὶ οὕτως ἐλθεῖν ἐπὶ τὸ τέλειον, ὥστε τὴν πᾶσαν ἑξαετίαν πληρῶσαι. Εἰ δέ τινες πρὸ τῆς συνόδου ταύτης ἐδέχθησαν εἰς μετάνοιαν, ἀπ᾽ ἐκείνου τοῦ χρόνου λελογίσθαι αὐτοῖς τὴν ἀρχὴν τῆς ἑξαετίας. Εἰ μέν τοι κίνδυνος καὶ θανάτου προσδοκία ἐκ νόσου, ἢ ἄλλης τινὸς προφάσεως συμβαίη, τούτους ἐπὶ ὅρῳ δεχθῆναι.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning those who yielded only to the threat of punishments and of the confiscation of their property, or of exile, and sacrificed, and up to the present time have not repented nor turned back, but now, at the time of the synod, have come forward and have come to a mind to turn back: it is decided that they be received among the hearers until the Great Day, and after the Great Day be prostrators for three years, and after another two years communicate without the offering, and so come to the full communion, so as to complete the whole six years. But if some were received to repentance before this synod, the beginning of the six years is to be reckoned to them from that time. If, however, danger and expectation of death occur from illness or some other cause, these are to be received on condition.

### Translation notes

- “The Great Day”: Easter. “On condition” (ἐπὶ ὅρῳ): on condition that, if they recover, they complete the penance.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 7

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-7
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Christians who ate their own food at a pagan feast do two years' penance, at the bishops' discretion.

### Greek text

Περὶ τῶν συνεστιαθέντων ἐν ἐθνικῇ ἑορτῇ, ἐν τόπῳ ἀφωρισμένῳ τοῖς ἐθνικοῖς, ἴδια βρώματα ἐπικομισαμένων, καὶ φαγόντων, ἔδοξε διετίαν ὑποπεσόντας δεχθῆναι· τὸ δέ, εἰ χρὴ μετὰ τῆς προσφορᾶς ἕκαστον, τῶν ἐπισκόπων ἐστὶ δοκιμάσαι, καὶ τὸν ἄλλον βίον ἐφ᾽ ἑκάστου ἐξετάσαι.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning those who feasted together at a pagan festival, in a place set apart for the pagans, but brought their own food and ate it: it is decided that they be received after being prostrators for two years; but whether each ought to be received with the offering is for the bishops to judge, and to examine the rest of each one's life.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 8

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-8
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Those forced to sacrifice two or three times do penance for six years and are fully restored in the seventh.

### Greek text

Οἱ δὲ δεύτερον καὶ τρίτον θύσαντες μετὰ βίας, τετραετίαν ὑποπεσέτωσαν, δύο δὲ ἔτη χωρὶς προσφορᾶς κοινωνησάτωσαν, καὶ τῷ ἑβδόμῳ τελείως δεχθήτωσαν.

### English translation (Claude)

Those who sacrificed a second and a third time under compulsion shall be prostrators for four years, shall communicate without the offering for two years, and in the seventh year shall be fully received.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 9

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-9
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Those who not only lapsed but forced fellow Christians to sacrifice do ten years of penance.

### Greek text

Ὅσοι δὲ μὴ μόνον ἀπέστησαν, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐπανέστησαν, καὶ ἠνάγκασαν ἀδελφούς, καὶ αἴτιοι ἐγένοντο τοῦ ἀναγκασθῆναι, οὗτοι ἔτη μὲν τρία, τὸν τῆς ἀκροάσεως δεξάσθωσαν τόπον, ἐν δὲ ἄλλῃ ἑξαετίᾳ τὸν τῆς ὑποπτώσεως· ἄλλον δὲ ἐνιαυτὸν κοινωνησάτωσαν χωρὶς προσφορᾶς, ἵνα τὴν δεκαετίαν πληρώσαντες, τοῦ τελείου μετάσχωσιν· ἐν μέν τοι τούτῳ τῷ χρόνῳ, καὶ τὸν ἄλλον αὐτῶν ἐπιτηρεῖσθαι βίον.

### English translation (Claude)

But as many as not only fell away but also rose up against others and compelled brothers, and became the cause of their being compelled: these shall take the place of hearers for three years, and that of prostrators for another six years, and shall communicate without the offering for another year, so that, having completed the ten years, they may share in the full communion; yet during this time the rest of their life is also to be watched.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 10

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

Summary: Deacons who declared at ordination that they intended to marry may do so; those who accepted celibacy at ordination and later marry lose their office.

### Greek text

Διάκονοι, ὅσοι καθίστανται, παρ᾽ αὐτὴν τὴν κατάστασιν εἰ ἐμαρτύραντο καὶ ἔφασαν χρῆναι γαμῆσαι, μὴ δυνάμενοι οὕτω μένειν, οὗτοι μετὰ ταῦτα γαμήσαντες, ἔστωσαν ἐν τῇ ὑπηρεσίᾳ, διὰ τὸ ἐπιτραπῆναι αὐτοῖς ὑπὸ τοῦ ἐπισκόπου. Τοῦτο δέ, εἴ τινες σιωπήσαντες, καὶ καταδεξάμενοι ἐν τῇ χειροτονίᾳ μένειν οὕτω, μετὰ ταῦτα ἦλθον ἐπὶ γάμον, πεπαῦσθαι αὐτοὺς τῆς διακονίας.

### English translation (Claude)

Deacons, as many as are appointed, if at their very appointment they declared and said that they must marry, being unable to remain so: these, if they marry afterward, are to remain in their ministry, because it was permitted them by the bishop. But if any kept silent and accepted at their ordination to remain so, and afterward came to marriage, they are to cease from the diaconate.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 11

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-11
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: A betrothed girl abducted by another man is to be returned to her betrothed, even if she was violated.

### Greek text

Τὰς μνηστευθείσας κόρας, καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα ὑπὸ ἄλλων ἁρπαγείσας, ἔδοξεν ἀποδίδοσθαι τοῖς προμνηστευσαμένοις, εἰ καὶ βίαν ὑπ᾽ αὐτῶν πάθοιεν.

### English translation (Claude)

Girls who have been betrothed and afterward carried off by others: it is decided that they be given back to those to whom they were first betrothed, even if they have suffered violence from them.

### Translation notes

- “From them”: from the abductors.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 12

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-12
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Those who sacrificed before their baptism may be ordained, since baptism washed them clean.

### Greek text

Τοὺς πρὸ τοῦ βαπτίσματος τεθυκότας, καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα βαπτισθέντας, ἔδοξεν εἰς τάξιν προάγεσθαι, ὡς ἀπολουσαμένους.

### English translation (Claude)

Those who sacrificed before baptism and were afterward baptized: it is decided that they be advanced to orders, as having been washed clean.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 13

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-13
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Country bishops may not ordain presbyters or deacons, nor may city presbyters act in another district without the bishop's written permission.

### Greek text

Χωρεπισκόποις μὴ ἐξεῖναι πρεσβυτέρους ἢ διακόνους χειροτονεῖν, ἀλλὰ μὴν μηδὲ πρεσβυτέρους πόλεως, χωρὶς τοῦ ἐπιτραπῆναι ὑπὸ τοῦ ἐπισκόπου μετὰ γραμμάτων, ἐν ἑτέρᾳ παροικίᾳ.

### English translation (Claude)

It is not permitted to country bishops to ordain presbyters or deacons; nor indeed to presbyters of the city, without the bishop's permission given with letters, in another district.

### Translation notes

- “Country bishops” (χωρεπίσκοποι): bishops serving rural areas under the city bishop. The text of this canon is disputed; as printed (Pedalion) it is translated literally. “District” renders παροικία (later “diocese” or “parish”).

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 14

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-14
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Clergy who abstain from meat must at least taste it; if they refuse even vegetables cooked with meat, they are deposed.

### Greek text

Τοὺς ἐν κλήρῳ πρεσβυτέρους ἢ διακόνους ὄντας, ἀπεχομένους κρεῶν, ἔδοξεν ἐφάπτεσθαι, καὶ οὕτως, εἰ βούλοιντο, κρατεῖν ἑαυτῶν· εἰ δὲ μὴ βούλοιντο, ὡς μηδὲ τὰ μετὰ κρεῶν βαλλόμενα λάχανα ἐσθίειν, καὶ εἰ μὴ ὑπείκοιεν τῷ κανόνι, πεπαῦσθαι αὐτοὺς τῆς τάξεως.

### English translation (Claude)

Those in the clergy who are presbyters or deacons and abstain from meat: it is decided that they taste it, and then, if they wish, refrain; but if they do not wish to, so that they will not even eat vegetables cooked with meat, and if they do not submit to the canon, they are to cease from their order.

### Translation notes

- The canon is aimed at abstinence that treats meat as unclean (as some ascetic and dualist groups did), not at abstinence as self-discipline.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 15

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

Summary: Church property sold by presbyters during a vacancy is to be reclaimed, the bishop deciding whether to refund the buyers.

### Greek text

Περὶ τῶν διαφερόντων τῷ Κυριακῷ, ὅσα ἐπισκόπου μὴ ὄντος πρεσβύτεροι ἐπώλησαν, ἀνακαλεῖσθαι τὸ Κυριακόν. Ἐν δὲ τῇ κρίσει τοῦ ἐπισκόπου εἶναι, εἴπερ προσήκει ἀπολαβεῖν τὴν τιμήν, εἴτε καὶ μή, διὰ τὸ πολλάκις τὴν πρόσοδον τῶν πεπραγμένων ἀποδεδωκέναι αὐτοῖς τούτοις πλείονα τὴν τιμήν.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning things belonging to the church which presbyters sold when there was no bishop: the church is to reclaim them. And it is to be at the bishop's judgment whether it is proper to receive back the price, or not, because often the income from the things sold has paid back to these very persons more than the price.

### Translation notes

- “The church” renders τὸ Κυριακόν, the Lord's (house or property).

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 16

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-16
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Penances for unnatural sexual sin are graded by age and marital state, from twenty years to communion only at death.

### Greek text

Περὶ τῶν ἀλογευσαμένων, ἢ καὶ ἀλογευομένων, ὅσοι πρὶν εἰκοσαετεῖς γενέσθαι, ἥμαρτον, πέντε καὶ δέκα ἔτεσιν ὑποπεσόντες, κοινωνίας τυγχανέτωσαν τῆς εἰς τὰς προσευχάς· εἶτα ἐν τῇ κοινωνίᾳ διατελέσαντες ἔτη πέντε, τότε καὶ τῆς προσφορᾶς ἐφαπτέσθωσαν. Ἐξεταζέσθω δὲ αὐτῶν καὶ ὁ ἐν τῇ ὑποπτώσει βίος, καὶ οὕτω τυγχανέτωσαν τῆς φιλανθρωπίας. Εἰ δέ τινες κατακόρως ἐν τοῖς ἁμαρτήμασι γεγόνασι, τὴν μακρὰν ἐχέτωσαν ὑπόπτωσιν. Ὅσοι δὲ ὑπερβάντες τὴν ἡλικίαν ταύτην, καὶ γυναίκας ἔχοντες περιπεπτώκασι τῷ ἁμαρτήματι, πέντε καὶ εἴκοσιν ἔτεσιν ὑποπεσόντες, κοινωνίας τυγχανέτωσαν τῆς εἰς τὰς προσευχάς· εἶτα ἐκτελέσαντες πέντε ἔτη ἐν τῇ κοινωνίᾳ τῶν εὐχῶν, τυγχανέτωσαν τῆς προσφορᾶς. Εἰ δέ τινες καὶ γυναῖκας ἔχοντες, καὶ ὑπερβάντες τὸν πεντηκονταετῆ χρόνον ἥμαρτον, ἐπὶ τῇ ἐξόδῳ τοῦ βίου τυγχανέτωσαν τῆς κοινωνίας.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning those who have acted irrationally, or are acting irrationally: as many as sinned before they were twenty years old, after being prostrators for fifteen years, are to obtain the communion of the prayers; then, after continuing in that communion for five years, they may then also touch the offering. But let their life during the prostration also be examined, and so let them obtain the kindness. But if any have been insatiable in these sins, let them have the long prostration. And as many as, having passed this age and having wives, have fallen into the sin, after being prostrators for twenty-five years, are to obtain the communion of the prayers; then, having completed five years in the communion of the prayers, let them obtain the offering. And if any who have wives and are over fifty years old have sinned, let them obtain communion at the departure from life.

### Translation notes

- “Acted irrationally” (ἀλογευσάμενοι, literally “behaved like irrational beasts”) is generally understood of bestiality; some interpreters include other unnatural sexual sins. The translation keeps the Greek's indirect term.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 17

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-17
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Those guilty of the same sin who have defiled others must pray among the most severely disciplined penitents.

### Greek text

Τοὺς ἀλογευσαμένους καὶ λεπροὺς ὄντας, ἤτοι λεπρώσαντας, τούτους προσέταξεν ἡ ἁγία σύνοδος, εἰς τοὺς χειμαζομένους εὔχεσθαι.

### English translation (Claude)

Those who have acted irrationally and are lepers, that is, have infected others with leprosy: the holy synod has ordered that they pray among those who are storm-tossed.

### Translation notes

- “Lepers … infected others with leprosy” is usually taken figuratively: those who spread the sin to others. “Those who are storm-tossed” (χειμαζόμενοι): the possessed, or penitents who stood outside the church in the weather; the exact sense is uncertain.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 18

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-18
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Bishops rejected by their own see who intrude elsewhere are excommunicated, but may resume their former rank as presbyters if they keep the peace.

### Greek text

Εἴ τινες ἐπίσκοποι κατασταθέντες, καὶ μὴ δεχθέντες ὑπὸ τῆς παροικίας ἐκείνης, εἰς ἣν ὠνομάσθησαν, ἑτέραις βούλοιντο παροικίαις ἐπιέναι, καὶ βιάζεσθαι τοὺς καθεστῶτας, καὶ στάσεις κινεῖν κατ᾽ αὐτῶν, τούτους ἀφορίζεσθαι. Ἐὰν μέν τοι βούλοιντο εἰς τὸ πρεσβυτέριον καθέζεσθαι, ἔνθα ἦσαν πρότερον πρεσβύτεροι, μὴ ἀποβάλλεσθαι αὐτοὺς τῆς τιμῆς· ἐὰν δὲ διαστασιάζωσι πρὸς τοὺς καθεστῶτας ἐκεῖ ἐπισκόπους, ἀφαιρεῖσθαι αὐτοὺς καὶ τὴν τιμὴν τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου, καὶ γίνεσθαι αὐτοὺς ἐκκηρύκτους.

### English translation (Claude)

If any who were appointed bishops, and were not received by that district to which they were named, wish to go into other districts and to do violence to those already established and to stir up factions against them, these are to be excommunicated. If, however, they wish to sit in the presbytery where they were formerly presbyters, they are not to be deprived of that honor; but if they stir up strife against the bishops established there, the honor of the presbytery also is to be taken from them, and they are to become outcasts.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 19

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-19
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Those who break a vow of virginity do the penance of the twice-married, and virgins may not live with men as “sisters”.

### Greek text

Ὅσοι παρθενίαν ἐπαγγελλόμενοι, ἀθετοῦσι τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, τὸν τῶν διγάμων ὅρον ἐκπληρούτωσαν. Τὰς μέντοι συνερχομένας παρθένους τισὶν ὡς ἀδελφὰς ἐκωλύσαμεν.

### English translation (Claude)

As many as profess virginity and break their profession are to fulfill the term of the twice-married. But we have forbidden virgins to live with any men as sisters.

### Translation notes

- “The term of the twice-married” (τὸν τῶν διγάμων ὅρον): the penance laid on those who married a second time, apparently one or two years.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 20

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-20
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Adultery is punished by seven years of graded penance.

### Greek text

Ἐάν τινος γυνὴ μοιχευθῇ, ἢ μοιχεύσῃ τις, ἐν ἑπτὰ ἔτεσι δεῖ αὐτὸν τοῦ τελείου τυχεῖν, κατὰ τοὺς βαθμοὺς τοὺς προάγοντας.

### English translation (Claude)

If anyone's wife has committed adultery, or anyone commits adultery, he must obtain the full communion in seven years, according to the established grades.

### Translation notes

- The first clause is commonly understood of a wife's adultery that her husband connives at; as printed, the canon names both.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 21

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-21
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Women who commit sexual immorality and procure abortion, previously refused communion until death, are now given ten years' penance.

### Greek text

Περὶ τῶν γυναικῶν τῶν ἐκπορνευουσῶν καὶ ἀναιρουσῶν τὰ γεννώμενα, καὶ σπουδαζουσῶν φθόρια ποιεῖν, ὁ μὲν πρότερος ὅρος μέχρις ἐξόδου ἐκώλυσε, καὶ τούτῳ συντίθενται. Φιλανθρωπότερον δέ τι εὑρόντες, ὡρίσαμεν δεκαετῆ χρόνον, κατὰ τοὺς βαθμοὺς τοὺς ὡρισμένους πληρῶσαι.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning women who commit sexual immorality and destroy what is conceived, and who take pains to make abortifacients: the former decree barred them until their departure from life, and some agree with this. But having found something more kindly, we have decreed that they fulfill a period of ten years, according to the established grades.

### Extrabiblical texts

- Conc. Elv. 63 (Canons of the Council of Elvira): echo, low confidence

### Translation notes

- “The former decree” is often taken to be Elvira, canon 63, though that is uncertain.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 22

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-22
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Willful murderers do penance until death and receive communion only then.

### Greek text

Περὶ ἑκουσίων φόνων, ὑποπιπτέτωσαν μέν, τοῦ δὲ τελείου ἐν τῷ τέλει τοῦ βίου καταξιούσθωσαν.

### English translation (Claude)

Concerning voluntary murders: let them be prostrators, but let them be deemed worthy of the full communion at the end of life.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 23

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-23
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Involuntary killing carries a penance of seven years under the earlier rule, five under the later.

### Greek text

Ἐπὶ ἀκουσίων φόνων, ὁ μὲν πρότερος ὅρος ἐν ἑπταετίᾳ κελεύει τοῦ τελείου μετασχεῖν κατὰ τοὺς ὡρισμένους βαθμούς· ὁ δὲ δεύτερος, τὸν πενταετῆ χρόνον πληρῶσαι.

### English translation (Claude)

In the case of involuntary murders, the former decree orders them to share in the full communion after seven years, according to the established grades; the second, to complete a period of five years.

### Translation notes

- “The second” is usually read as the council's own milder ruling.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 24

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-24
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: Those who practice divination, sorcery, or pagan purifications do five years' penance.

### Greek text

Οἱ καταμαντευόμενοι, καὶ ταῖς συνηθείαις τῶν ἐθνῶν ἐξακολουθοῦντες, ἢ εἰσάγοντές τινας εἰς τοὺς ἑαυτῶν οἴκους ἐπὶ ἀνευρέσει φαρμακειῶν, ἢ καὶ καθάρσει, ὑπὸ τὸν κανόνα πιπτέτωσαν τῆς πενταετίας, κατὰ τοὺς βαθμοὺς τοὺς ὡρισμένους, τρία ἔτη ὑποπτώσεως, καὶ δυὸ ἔτη εὐχῆς, χωρὶς προσφορᾶς.

### English translation (Claude)

Those who practice divination and follow the customs of the pagans, or bring persons into their own houses for the discovery of sorceries, or also for purification, are to fall under the canon of five years, according to the established grades: three years of prostration and two years of prayer without the offering.

### Citation (SBL)

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

## Canon 25

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-ancyra/1/#p-25
- Source: Pedalion
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-15

Summary: A case of a man who seduced his fiancée's sister, who then killed herself: those involved do ten years' penance.

### Greek text

Μνηστευσάμενός τις κόρην, προσεφθάρη τῇ ἀδελφῇ αὐτῆς, ὡς καὶ ἐπιφορέσαι αὐτὴν· ἔγημε δὲ τὴν μνηστὴν μετὰ ταῦτα, ἡ δὲ φθαρεῖσα ἀπήγξατο· οἱ συνειδότες ἐκελεύσθησαν ἐν δεκαετίᾳ δεχθῆναι εἰς τοὺς συνεστῶτας κατὰ τοὺς ὡρισμένους βαθμούς.

### English translation (Claude)

A certain man, having betrothed a girl, defiled her sister beforehand, so that he even made her pregnant; and he afterward married the betrothed, and the one who had been defiled hanged herself. Those who were privy to it were ordered to be received among the co-standers after ten years, according to the established grades.

### Translation notes

- “Co-standers” (συνεστῶτες): penitents who stand with the faithful in prayer but do not receive communion (see canon 4). “Those who were privy” (οἱ συνειδότες) includes the man himself and any accomplices.

### Citation (SBL)

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