Canons of the Council of Elvira (complete)
Latin text: PL 84 (Latin text: Migne, PL 84 (1862), digitized by Open Greek and Latin (patrologia_latina-dev), University of Leipzig, CC BY-SA 4.0. Misprints corrected from F. Lauchert, Die Kanones der wichtigsten altkirchlichen Concilien (1896); each change is logged.).English: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), public domain (CC0).
Preamble
0PL 84:301–302
Cum consedissent sancti et religiosi episcopi in ecclesia Eliberitana, hoc est; Felix episcopus Accitanus, Osius episcopus Cordubensis, Sabinus episcopus Hispalensis, Camerimnus episcopus Tuccitanus, Sinagius episcopus Epagrensis, Secundinus episcopus Castulonensis, Pardus episcopus Mentesanus, Flavianus episcopus Eliberitanus, Cantonius episcopus Urcitanus, Liberius episcopus Emeritensis, Valerius episcopus Caesaraugustanus, Decentius episcopus Legionensis, Melantius episcopus Toletanus, Januarius episcopus de Fibularia, Vincentius episcopus Ossonobensis, Quintianus episcopus Elborensis, Succesus episcopus de Eliocroca, Eutychianus episcopus Bastitanus, Patricius episcopus Malacitanus: item presbyteri, Restitutus presbyter de Epora, Natalis presbyter Ursona, Maurus presbyter Iliturgi, Lamponianus de Carbula, Barbatus de Astigi, Felicissimus de Ateva, Leo Acinippo, Liberalis de Eliocroca, Januarius a Lauro, Januarianus Barbe, Victorinus Egabro, Titus Ajune, Eucharius Municipio, Silvanus Segalvinia, Victor Ulia, Januarius Urci, Leo Gemella, Turrinus Castelona, Luxurius de Drona, Emeritus Baria, Eumantius Solia, Clementianus Ossigi, Eutyches Carthaginensis, Julianus Corduba: die Iduum Maiarum apud Eliberim residentibus cunctis, astantibus diaconibus et omni plebe, episcopi universi dixerunt:
When the holy and devout bishops had taken their seats in the church of Eliberris, namely: Felix, bishop of Acci; Osius, bishop of Corduba; Sabinus, bishop of Hispalis; Camerimnus, bishop of Tucci; Sinagius, bishop of Epagro; Secundinus, bishop of Castulo; Pardus, bishop of Mentesa; Flavianus, bishop of Eliberris; Cantonius, bishop of Urci; Liberius, bishop of Emerita; Valerius, bishop of Caesaraugusta; Decentius, bishop of Legio; Melantius, bishop of Toletum; Januarius, bishop of Fibularia; Vincentius, bishop of Ossonoba; Quintianus, bishop of Elbora; Succesus, bishop of Eliocroca; Eutychianus, bishop of Basti; Patricius, bishop of Malaca; likewise the presbyters: Restitutus, presbyter of Epora; Natalis, presbyter of Ursona; Maurus, presbyter of Iliturgi; Lamponianus of Carbula; Barbatus of Astigi; Felicissimus of Ateva; Leo of Acinippo; Liberalis of Eliocroca; Januarius of Laurum; Januarianus of Barbe; Victorinus of Egabrum; Titus of Ajune; Eucharius of Municipium; Silvanus of Segalvinia; Victor of Ulia; Januarius of Urci; Leo of Gemella; Turrinus of Castelona; Luxurius of Drona; Emeritus of Baria; Eumantius of Solia; Clementianus of Ossigi; Eutyches of Carthago; Julianus of Corduba: on the day of the Ides of May, all being seated at Eliberris, with the deacons and all the people standing by, all the bishops said:
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: The opening of the council lists the nineteen bishops and the presbyters present at Elvira and the date, the Ides of May.
- Names and places are given as printed in Migne (PL 84), which follows the Hispana collection; several place names are corrupt in the manuscripts and are uncertain (Migne's note, removed from the text, says so). Osius of Corduba is the Ossius (Hosius) later prominent at Nicaea. The Ides of May is 15 May; the year is not given.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. pref. (PL 84:301–302; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-0). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 1
1PL 84:302
Placuit inter eos: Qui post fidem baptismi salutaris adulta aetate ad templum idoli idolaturus accesserit, et fecerit quod est crimen capitale, quia est summi sceleris, placuit nec in finem eum communionem accipere
It was decided among them: whoever, after the faith of saving baptism, being of adult age, has gone to the temple of an idol to commit idolatry, and has done what is a capital crime, since it is of the highest wickedness, it is decided that he shall not receive communion even at the end.
Notes and citation
Summary: A baptized adult who sacrifices at a pagan temple is refused communion even at death.
- “Not even at the end” (nec in finem): not even when dying. This is the council's severest penalty, repeated in many canons; it refuses reconciliation to the church's communion, and the canon does not say anything about the person's standing before God.
- The digital text reads “cum communionem”; Migne's print has “eum communionem” (“that he … receive communion”).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR c/e confusion: cum → eum): nec in finem cum communionem → nec in finem eum communionem.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 1 (PL 84:302; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 2
2PL 84:302
Flamines qui post fidem lavacri et regenerationis sacrificaverunt, eo quod geminaverint scelera, accedente homicidio vel triplicaverint facinus cohaerente moechia, placuit eos nec in finem accipere communionem.
Flamens who, after the faith of the washing and of regeneration, have sacrificed, because they have doubled their crimes, with murder added, or tripled the offense, with adultery joined to it, it is decided that they shall not receive communion even at the end.
Notes and citation
Summary: Baptized pagan priests (flamens) who have sacrificed, especially where killing or adultery was involved, are refused communion even at death.
- Flamens were priests of the civic and imperial cults, who also paid for the public games. The “murder” is usually understood of the deadly gladiatorial games they presented.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 2 (PL 84:302; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 3
3PL 84:302
Item flamines qui non immolaverint, sed munus tantum dederint, eo quod se a funestis abstinuerint sacrificiis, placuit in finem eis praestare communionem, acta tamen legitima poenitentia: item ipsi si post poenitentiam fuerint moechati, placuit ulterius his non esse dandam communionem, ne illusisse de dominica communione videantur.
Likewise, flamens who have not offered sacrifice but have only provided a public show, since they have abstained from the deadly sacrifices, it is decided that communion be granted to them at the end, after the lawful penance has been done. Likewise, if after penance they have committed adultery, it is decided that communion is not to be given to them any further, lest they seem to have made sport of the Lord's communion.
Notes and citation
Summary: Baptized flamens who only paid for games without sacrificing may receive communion at death after penance, but not if they later commit adultery.
- “Provided a public show” renders munus … dederint (munus: a gift, especially the games a magistrate or priest paid for).
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 3 (PL 84:302; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 4
4PL 84:302
Item flamines si fuerint catechumeni et se a sacrificiis abstinuerint, post triennii tempora placuit ad baptismum admitti debere.
Likewise, flamens who are catechumens and have abstained from sacrifices, it is decided that after a period of three years they ought to be admitted to baptism.
Notes and citation
Summary: Flamens who are catechumens and abstain from sacrifice may be baptized after three years.
Topics: Baptism
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 4 (PL 84:302; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 5
5PL 84:302
Si qua femina furore zeli accensa flagris verberaverit ancillam suam, ita ut intra tertium diem animam cum cruciatu effundat, eo quod incertum sit voluntate an casu occiderit; si voluntate, post septem annos, si casu, post quinquennii tempora, acta legitima poenitentia ad communionem placuit admitti; quod si infra tempora constituta fuerit infirmata, accipiat communionem.
If any woman, inflamed by the fury of jealousy, has beaten her slave woman with whips so that she pours out her life in agony within three days: since it is uncertain whether she killed her intentionally or by accident, if intentionally, it is decided that she be admitted to communion after seven years, if by accident, after a period of five years, the lawful penance having been done; but if she falls ill within the appointed periods, let her receive communion.
Notes and citation
Summary: A mistress who beats her slave woman to death does seven years' penance if it was intentional, five if accidental.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 5 (PL 84:302; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 6
6PL 84:302–303
Si quis vero maleficio interficiat alterum, eo quod sine Idololatria perficere scelus non potuit, nec in finem impertiendam esse illi communionem.
If anyone kills another by sorcery, since he could not accomplish the crime without idolatry, communion is not to be granted to him even at the end.
Notes and citation
Summary: Killing by sorcery is punished by refusal of communion even at death, because sorcery involves idolatry.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 6 (PL 84:302–303; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-6). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 7
7PL 84:303
Si quis forte fidelis post lapsum moechiae, post tempora constituta acta poenitentia, denuo fuerit fornicatus, placuit nec in finem habere eum communionem.
If by chance any of the faithful, after a lapse into adultery, and after doing penance for the appointed periods, has again committed sexual immorality, it is decided that he shall not have communion even at the end.
Notes and citation
Summary: A baptized person who falls again into sexual sin after penance for adultery is refused communion even at death.
- Moechia is rendered “adultery” and fornicatus “committed sexual immorality”, as the Latin distinguishes them.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 7 (PL 84:303; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-7). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 8
8PL 84:303
Item feminae, quae nulla praecedente causa reliquerint viros suos et alteris se copulaverint, nec in finem accipiant communionem.
Likewise, women who, with no cause preceding, have left their husbands and joined themselves to others shall not receive communion even at the end.
Notes and citation
Summary: Women who leave their husbands without cause and marry others are refused communion even at death.
- Canons 8–10 concern separation and second marriage; they are translated as printed.
Topics: Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 8 (PL 84:303; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-8). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 9
9PL 84:303
Item femina fidelis, quae adulterum maritum reliquerit fidelem et alterum ducit, prohibeatur ne ducat: si duxerit non prius accipiat communionem, nisi quem reliquit de saeculo exierit, nisi forsitan necessitas infirmitatis dare compulerit.
Likewise, a believing woman who has left a believing husband who is an adulterer and takes another is to be forbidden to take him; if she has taken him, let her not receive communion until the one she left has departed from this world, unless perhaps the necessity of illness compels it to be given.
Notes and citation
Summary: A Christian wife who leaves an adulterous Christian husband may not remarry; if she does, she is excluded from communion until the first husband dies, except in illness.
- The canon permits the wife to leave the adulterous husband but forbids her to marry again while he lives. The Latin uses ducere (“take”, normally of a man taking a wife) of the woman.
Topics: Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 9 (PL 84:303; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-9). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 10
10PL 84:303
Si ea quam catechumenus relinquit duxerit maritum, potest ad fontem lavacri admitti: hoc et circa feminas catechumenas erit observandum. Quod si fuerit fidelis quae ducitur ab eo qui uxorem inculpatam relinquit, et cum scierit illum habere uxorem, quam sine causa reliquit, placuit in finem hujusmodi dari communionem.
If the woman whom a catechumen leaves has taken a husband, she can be admitted to the font of washing. This is also to be observed with regard to women catechumens. But if the woman who is taken by a man who leaves a blameless wife is one of the faithful, and she knew that he had a wife whom he left without cause, it is decided that communion be given to such a woman at the end.
Notes and citation
Summary: A woman deserted by a catechumen husband who remarries may be baptized; a baptized woman who knowingly marries a man who left a blameless wife receives communion only at death.
Topics: Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage, Baptism, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 10 (PL 84:303; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-10). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 11
11PL 84:303
Intra quinquennii autem tempora catechumena si graviter fuerit infirmata, dandum ei baptismum placuit, non denegari.
Within the period of five years, however, if a woman catechumen has fallen gravely ill, it is decided that baptism is to be given to her, not refused.
Notes and citation
Summary: A woman catechumen under penance who falls gravely ill within the five years is to be baptized.
- The canon refers back to canon 10: the woman catechumen who has married a man who left a blameless wife; the five-year period is not otherwise stated in the canons as printed.
Topics: Baptism
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 11 (PL 84:303; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-11). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 12
12PL 84:303
Mater vel parens vel quaelibet fidelis, si lenocinium exercuerit, eo quod alienum vendiderit corpus vel potius suum, placuit eam nec in finem accipere communionem.
A mother or parent or any believing woman, if she has practiced procuring, since she has sold another's body, or rather her own, it is decided that she shall not receive communion even at the end.
Notes and citation
Summary: A Christian woman who acts as a procuress, even of her own daughter, is refused communion even at death.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 12 (PL 84:303; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-12). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 13
13PL 84:303
Virgines quae se Deo dicaverunt, si pactum perdiderint virginitatis, atque eidem libidini servierint non Intelligentes quid admiserint, placuit nec in finem eis dandam esse communionem. Quod si semel persuasae aut infirmi corporis lapsu vitiatae omni tempore vitae suae hujusmodi feminae egerint poenitentiam, ut abstineant se a coitu, eo quod lapsae potius videantur, placuit eas in finem communionem accipere debere.
Virgins who have dedicated themselves to God, if they have broken the covenant of virginity and served that same lust, not understanding what they have committed, it is decided that communion is not to be given to them even at the end. But if, having been persuaded once, or corrupted by the fall of a weak body, such women do penance for the whole time of their life, so as to abstain from intercourse, since they seem rather to have fallen, it is decided that they ought to receive communion at the end.
Notes and citation
Summary: Dedicated virgins who persist in sexual sin are refused communion; those who fell once and do lifelong penance receive it at death.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 13 (PL 84:303; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-13). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 14
14PL 84:303
Virgines quae virginitatem suam non custodierint, si eosdem qui eas violaverint duxerint et tenuerint maritos, eo quod solas nuptias violaverint, post annum sine poenitentia reconciliari debebunt; vel si alios cognoverint viros, eo quod moechatae sunt, placuit per quinquennii tempora acta legitima poenitentia admitti eas ad communionem oportere.
Virgins who have not guarded their virginity, if they marry and keep as husbands the same men who violated them, since they have violated only the marriage, shall be reconciled after a year without penance; or if they have known other men, since they have committed adultery, it is decided that they ought to be admitted to communion after a period of five years, the lawful penance having been done.
Notes and citation
Summary: Unmarried women who lose their virginity and marry the man are reconciled after a year; if they have had other men, after five years' penance.
- “They have violated only the marriage”: they anticipated the marriage they later contracted.
Topics: Marriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 14 (PL 84:303; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-14). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 15
15PL 84:303–304
Propter copiam puellarum gentilibus minime in matrimonium dandae sunt virgines Christianae, ne aetas in flore tumens in adulterium animae resolvatur.
Because of the great number of girls, Christian virgins are by no means to be given in marriage to pagans, lest youth, swelling in its bloom, dissolve into adultery of the soul.
Notes and citation
Summary: Christian girls are not to be married to pagans, since there are plenty of Christian girls.
- “Adultery of the soul”: unfaithfulness to God, i.e. apostasy, which marriage to a pagan was feared to bring.
Topics: Marriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 15 (PL 84:303–304; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-15). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 16
16PL 84:304
Haeretici si se transferre noluerint ad Ecclesiam catholicam, nec ipsis catholicas dandas esse puellas; sed neque Judaeis neque haereticis dare placuit, eo quod nulla possit esse societas fideli cum infidele: si contra interdictum fecerint parentes, abstineri per quinquennium placet.
Heretics, if they will not cross over to the catholic church, are not to be given catholic girls; and it is decided that they are not to be given either to Jews or to heretics, because there can be no fellowship of a believer with an unbeliever. If parents act against this prohibition, it is decided that they be excluded for five years.
2 Cor 6:14 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Catholic girls are not to be married to heretics or Jews; parents who do so are excluded from communion for five years.
- The canon is translated as written; it reflects the council's concern about mixed marriages.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 16 (PL 84:304; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-16). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 17
17PL 84:304
Si qui forte sacerdotibus idolorum filias suas junxerint, placuit nec in finem eis dandam esse communionem.
If any have joined their daughters to priests of idols, it is decided that communion is not to be given to them even at the end.
Notes and citation
Summary: Parents who marry their daughters to pagan priests are refused communion even at death.
Topics: Marriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 17 (PL 84:304; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-17). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 18
18PL 84:304
Episcopi, presbyteres et diacones si in ministerio positi detecti fuerint quod sint moechati, placuit propter scandalum et propter profanum crimen nec in finem eos communionem accipere debere.
Bishops, presbyters, and deacons, if, while placed in the ministry, they are found to have committed adultery, it is decided that because of the scandal and because of the profane crime they ought not to receive communion even at the end.
Notes and citation
Summary: Clergy who commit adultery while in office are refused communion even at death.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 18 (PL 84:304; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-18). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 19
19PL 84:304
Episcopi, presbyteres et diacones de locis suis negotiandi causa non discedant, nec circumeuntes provincias quaestuosas nundinas sectentur: sane ad victum sibi conquirendum aut filium aut libertum aut mercenarium aut amicum aut quemlibet mittant; et si voluerint negotiari, intra provinciam negotientur.
Bishops, presbyters, and deacons are not to leave their places for the sake of trade, nor go round the provinces chasing profitable markets. Certainly, to obtain their livelihood, let them send a son or a freedman or a hired man or a friend or anyone; and if they wish to trade, let them trade within the province.
Notes and citation
Summary: Clergy are not to travel for trade; they may trade through agents or within their own province.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 19 (PL 84:304; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-19). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 20
20PL 84:304
Si quis clericorum detectus fuerit usuras accipere, placuit eum degradari et abstineri. Si quis etiam laicus accepisse probatur usuras, et promiserit correptus jam se cessaturum nec ulterius exacturum, placuit ei veniam tribui: si vero in ea iniquitate duraverit, ab Ecclesia esse projiciendum.
If any of the clergy is found taking interest, it is decided that he be degraded and excluded. If also a layman is proved to have taken interest, and promises, when rebuked, that he will now stop and not exact it any further, it is decided that pardon be granted him; but if he persists in that wickedness, he is to be cast out of the church.
Notes and citation
Summary: Clergy who lend at interest are degraded; laymen are pardoned if they stop, but expelled if they persist.
Topics: Church office, Ethics
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 20 (PL 84:304; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-20). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 21
21PL 84:304
Si quis in civitate positus tres dominicas ad ecclesiam non accesserit, pauco tempore abstineatur, ut correptus esse videatur.
If anyone living in a city has not come to church for three Sundays, let him be excluded for a short time, so that he may be seen to have been rebuked.
Notes and citation
Summary: A city-dweller absent from church three Sundays running is briefly excluded from communion.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 21 (PL 84:304; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-21). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 22
22PL 84:304
Si quis de catholica Ecclesia ad haeresem transitum fecerit rursusque recurrerit, placuit huic poenitentiam non esse denegandam eo quod cognoverit peccatum suum; qui etiam decem annis agat poenitentiam, cui post decem annos praestari communio debet; si vero infantes fuerint transducti, quod non suo vitio peccaverint incunctanter recipi debent.
If anyone has gone over from the catholic church to a heresy and has come back again, it is decided that penance is not to be refused him, since he has recognized his sin; let him also do penance for ten years, and after ten years communion ought to be granted him. But if they were taken over as infants, since they did not sin by their own fault, they ought to be received without hesitation.
Notes and citation
Summary: Converts back from heresy do ten years' penance, but those taken into heresy as infants are received at once.
Topics: Heresy
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 22 (PL 84:304; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-22). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 23
23PL 84:304
Jejunii superpositiones per singulos menses placuit celebrari, exceptis diebus duorum mensium Julii et Augusti propter quorumdam infirmitatem.
It is decided that extended fasts be kept every month, except the days of the two months of July and August, because of the weakness of some.
Notes and citation
Summary: Extended fasts are to be kept monthly, except in July and August.
- “Extended fasts” renders superpositiones (Greek ὑπέρθεσις), a fast prolonged beyond the usual hour or into the next day.
Topics: Fasting
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 23 (PL 84:304; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-23). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 24
24PL 84:304–305
Omnes qui in peregre fuerint baptizati, eo quod eorum minime sit cognita vita, placuit ad clerum non esse promovendos in alienis provinciis.
All who have been baptized abroad, since their life is hardly known, it is decided, are not to be promoted to the clergy in foreign provinces.
Notes and citation
Summary: People baptized abroad, whose lives are unknown, are not to be ordained in other provinces.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 24 (PL 84:304–305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-24). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 25
25PL 84:305
Omnis qui attulerit litteras confessorias sublato nomine confessoris, eo quod omnes sub hac nominis gloria passim concutiant simplices, communicatoriae ei dandae sunt litterae.
Everyone who brings confessors' letters, the confessor's name being removed, is to be given letters of communion, because under the glory of this name everyone everywhere unsettles the simple.
Notes and citation
Summary: Travelers with letters from confessors receive ordinary letters of communion instead, because such letters were being misused.
- Confessors (Christians who had suffered for the faith) gave letters recommending people for reconciliation; the canon replaces them with the bishop's ordinary letters of communion. The precise sense of “sublato nomine confessoris” is uncertain.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 25 (PL 84:305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-25). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 26
26PL 84:305
Errorem placuit corrigi, ut omni sabbati die superpositiones celebremus.
It is decided that an error be corrected, so that we keep extended fasts on every Sabbath day.
Notes and citation
Summary: The council orders an extended fast on every Saturday.
- “Sabbath day” is Saturday. On “extended fasts” see canon 23.
Topics: Fasting
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 26 (PL 84:305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-26). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 27
27PL 84:305
Episcopus vel quilibet alius clericus aut sororem aut filiam virginem dicatam Deo tantum secum habeat: extraneam nequaquam habere placuit.
A bishop, or any other cleric, may have with him only a sister or a daughter who is a virgin dedicated to God; it is decided that he may by no means have a woman from outside the family.
Notes and citation
Summary: Clergy may live only with a sister or daughter who is a dedicated virgin, not with an unrelated woman.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 27 (PL 84:305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-27). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 28
28PL 84:305
Episcopum placuit ab eo, qui non communicat, munus accipere non debere.
It is decided that a bishop ought not to accept an offering from one who does not communicate.
Notes and citation
Summary: A bishop must not accept an offering from someone excluded from communion.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 28 (PL 84:305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-28). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 29
29PL 84:305
Energumenus qui ab erratico spiritu exagitatur, hujus nomen neque ad altare cum oblatione esse recitandum, nec permittendum ut sua manu in ecclesia ministret.
An energumen who is driven about by a wandering spirit: his name is not to be recited at the altar with the offering, nor is he to be allowed to minister with his own hand in the church.
Notes and citation
Summary: A person troubled by an evil spirit is not to be named at the offering or to serve in church.
- An energumen is one possessed or troubled by an evil spirit.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 29 (PL 84:305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-29). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 30
30PL 84:305
Subdiaconos eos ordinari non debere qui in adolescentia sua fuerint moechati, eo quod postmodum per subreptionem ad altiorem gradum promoveantur: vel si qui sunt in praeteritum ordinati, amoveantur.
Those who committed adultery in their youth ought not to be ordained subdeacons, since afterward they might be promoted by stealth to a higher rank; or if any have been ordained in the past, let them be removed.
Notes and citation
Summary: Men who committed adultery in their youth are not to be ordained subdeacons.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 30 (PL 84:305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-30). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 31
31PL 84:305
Adolescentes qui post fidem lavacri salutaris fuerint moechati, cum duxerint uxores, acta legitima poenitentia placuit ad communionem eos admitti.
Young men who after the faith of saving washing have committed adultery, when they have married wives, it is decided, after doing the lawful penance, are to be admitted to communion.
Notes and citation
Summary: Baptized young men who sinned sexually are readmitted to communion after penance once they marry.
Topics: Marriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 31 (PL 84:305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-31). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 32
32PL 84:305
Apud presbyterum, si quis gravi lapsu in ruinam mortis inciderit, placuit agere poenitentiam non debere, sed potius apud episcopum: cogente tamen infirmitate necesse est presbyterum communionem praestare debere, et diaconem si ei jusserit sacerdos.
If anyone has fallen through a grave lapse into the ruin of death, it is decided that he ought not to do penance before a presbyter but rather before the bishop; yet when illness compels it, the presbyter must grant communion, and the deacon too, if the priest has ordered him.
Notes and citation
Summary: Penance for grave sin belongs to the bishop, but in illness a presbyter, or a deacon on the bishop's order, may give communion.
- “The priest” (sacerdos) here means the bishop, as often in this period.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 32 (PL 84:305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-32). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 33
33PL 84:305
Placuit in totum prohibere episcopis, presbyteris et diaconibus vel omnibus clericis positis in ministerio abstinere se a conjugibus suis, et non generare filios: quicunque vero fecerit, ab honore clericatus exterminetur.
It is decided to forbid entirely bishops, presbyters, and deacons, and all clerics placed in the ministry, to abstain from their wives and not to beget children; whoever does so is to be banished from the honor of the clergy.
Notes and citation
Summary: The canon on clerical continence requires married clergy to abstain from their wives on pain of removal.
- The Latin literally forbids clergy “to abstain from their wives and not beget children”, which taken strictly says the opposite of what the canon is generally understood to mean. It is commonly read as requiring married clergy to abstain from relations with their wives and from begetting children. The wording is translated as printed.
Topics: Church office, Marriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 33 (PL 84:305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-33). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 34
34PL 84:305
Cereos per diem placuit in caemeterio non incendi, inquietandi enim sanctorum spiritus non sunt. Qui haec non observaverint arceantur ab Ecclesiae communione.
It is decided that candles are not to be lit by day in a cemetery, for the spirits of the saints are not to be disturbed. Those who do not observe this are to be kept from the communion of the church.
Notes and citation
Summary: Candles are not to be burned in cemeteries by day.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 34 (PL 84:305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-34). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 35
35PL 84:305–306
Placuit prohiberi ne feminae in coemeterio pervigilent, eo quod saepe sub obtentu orationis latenter scelera committunt.
It is decided that women be forbidden to keep night vigils in a cemetery, since often, under the pretext of prayer, they secretly commit wicked deeds.
Notes and citation
Summary: Women are forbidden to keep night vigils in cemeteries.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 35 (PL 84:305–306; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-35). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 36
36PL 84:306
Placuit picturas in ecclesia esse non debere, ne quod colitur et adoratur in parietibus depingatur
It is decided that there ought not to be pictures in the church, lest what is worshiped and adored be painted on the walls.
Notes and citation
Summary: No pictures are to be painted on church walls, so that what is worshiped is not depicted.
- Translated as printed; the canon's scope (all images, or images of God) has long been debated.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 36 (PL 84:306; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-36). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 37
37PL 84:306
Eos qui ab immundis spiritibus vexantur, si in fine mortis, fuerint constituti, baptizari placet; si fideles fuerint, dandam esse communionem. Prohibendum etiam ne lucernas hi publice accendant; si facere contra interdictum voluerint, abstineantur a communione.
Those who are troubled by unclean spirits, if they are at the point of death, it is decided are to be baptized; if they are believers, communion is to be given them. They are also to be forbidden to light lamps publicly; if they wish to act against the prohibition, let them be kept from communion.
Notes and citation
Summary: The possessed are baptized or given communion at death, but must not light lamps publicly.
Topics: Baptism
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 37 (PL 84:306; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-37). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 38
38PL 84:306
Loco peregre navigantes aut si ecclesia proximo non fuerit, posse fidelem, qui lavacrum suum integrum habet nec sit bigamus, baptizare in necessitate infirmitatis positum catechumenum, ita ut si supervixerit ad episcopum eum perducat, ut per manus impositionem perfici possit.
In a place abroad, when sailing, or if there is no church nearby, a believer who has kept his own washing intact and is not twice married may, in the necessity of illness, baptize a catechumen; on condition that, if he survives, he bring him to the bishop, so that he may be perfected through the laying on of hands.
Notes and citation
Summary: In emergencies a layman of good standing may baptize a sick catechumen, who must later be brought to the bishop for the laying on of hands.
- “Kept his own washing intact”: has not fallen into grave sin since his baptism. “Twice married” (bigamus): married a second time.
Topics: Baptism, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 38 (PL 84:306; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-38). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 39
39PL 84:306
Gentiles si in infirmitate desideraverint sibi manum imponi, si fuerit eorum ex aliqua parte honesta vita, placuit eis manum imponi et fieri Christianos.
Pagans, if in illness they desire hands to be laid on them, if their life has been in some measure honorable, it is decided that hands be laid on them and that they become Christians.
Notes and citation
Summary: Sick pagans of decent life who ask for it may receive the laying on of hands and become Christians.
- This laying on of hands is usually taken as admission to the catechumenate, not baptism.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 39 (PL 84:306; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-39). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 40
40PL 84:306
Prohiberi placuit, ut cum rationes suas accipiunt possessores, quidquid ad idolum datum fuerit accepto non ferant: si post interdictum fecerint, per quinquennii spatia temporum a communione esse arcendos.
It is decided to forbid that, when landowners receive their accounts, they credit as received anything that has been given to an idol; if they do so after the prohibition, they are to be kept from communion for a space of five years.
Notes and citation
Summary: Landowners may not accept as rent anything their tenants offered to idols.
- The sense is probably that a landowner may not count, as part of what is owed him, goods his tenants dedicated to an idol.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 40 (PL 84:306; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-40). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 41
41PL 84:306
Admoneri placuit fideles, ut in quantum possunt prohibeant ne idola in domibus suis habeant: si vero vim metuunt servorum, vel se ipsos puros conservent; si non fecerint, alieni ab Ecclesia habeantur.
It is decided that the faithful be admonished to forbid, as far as they can, that idols be kept in their houses; but if they fear violence from their slaves, let them at least keep themselves pure; if they do not do this, let them be considered strangers to the church.
Notes and citation
Summary: Christians must try to keep idols out of their houses, or at least keep themselves pure.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 41 (PL 84:306; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-41). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 42
42PL 84:306
Eos qui ad primam fidem credulitatis accedunt, si bonae fuerint conversationis, intra biennium temporum placuit ad baptismi gratiam admitti debere, nisi infirmitate compellente coegerit ratio velocius subvenire periclitanti vel gratiam postulanti.
Those who come to the first faith of belief, if they are of good conduct, it is decided ought to be admitted to the grace of baptism within a period of two years, unless, when illness compels it, reason requires help to be given more quickly to one in danger or asking for the grace.
Notes and citation
Summary: Catechumens of good life are baptized after two years, sooner in danger of death.
Topics: Baptism
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 42 (PL 84:306; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-42). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 43
43PL 84:306
Pravam institutionem emendari placuit juxta auctoritatem Scripturarum, ut cuncti diem Pentecostes celebremus, ne si quis non fecerit novam haeresem induxisse notetur.
It is decided that a wrong practice be corrected according to the authority of the Scriptures, so that we all celebrate the day of Pentecost, lest anyone who does not do so be marked as having introduced a new heresy.
Acts 2:1 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The council requires all to celebrate the day of Pentecost.
- The “wrong practice” is usually understood as keeping the fortieth day instead of the fiftieth.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 43 (PL 84:306; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-43). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 44
44PL 84:306
Meretrix quae aliquando fuerit et postea habuerit maritum, si postmodum ad credulitatem venerit, incunctanter placuit esse recipiendam.
A woman who was once a prostitute and afterward has had a husband, if she has later come to belief, it is decided is to be received without hesitation.
Notes and citation
Summary: A former prostitute who has married and comes to faith is received without delay.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 44 (PL 84:306; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-44). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 45
45PL 84:306–307
Qui aliquando fuerit catechumenus et per infinita tempora nunquam ad ecclesiam accesserit, si eum de clero quisque cognoverit esse Christianum, aut testes aliqui exstiterint fideles, placuit ei baptismum non negari, eo quod veterem hominem dereliquisse videatur.
One who was once a catechumen and for an endless time never came to church, if any of the clergy knows him to be a Christian, or some believing witnesses have appeared, it is decided that baptism is not to be denied him, since he seems to have left the old man behind.
Eph 4:22 (allusion, medium confidence) · Col 3:9 (allusion, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: A long-absent catechumen known to be living as a Christian is not to be refused baptism.
- “The old man”: Paul's image for the former self.
Topics: Baptism
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 45 (PL 84:306–307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-45). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 46
46PL 84:307
Si quis fidelis apostata per infinita tempora ad ecclesiam non accesserit, si tamen aliquando fuerit reversus nec fuerit idolator, post decem annos placuit communionem accipere.
If any believer, an apostate, has not come to church for an endless time, yet if he has at some time returned and has not been an idolater, it is decided that he receive communion after ten years.
Notes and citation
Summary: A lapsed believer who returns and did not commit idolatry receives communion after ten years.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 46 (PL 84:307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-46). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 47
47PL 84:307
Si quis fidelis habens uxorem non semel sed saepe fuerit moechatus, In fine mortis est conveniendus; quod si se promiserit cessaturum, detur ei communio: si resuscitatus rursus fuerit moechatus, placuit ulterius non ludere eum de communione pacis.
If any believer who has a wife has committed adultery not once but often, he is to be approached at the end of life; if he promises that he will stop, let communion be given him; if, having recovered, he again commits adultery, it is decided that he may not make sport of the communion of peace any further.
Notes and citation
Summary: A habitual adulterer may receive communion at death if he promises to stop, but not again if he recovers and relapses.
Topics: Marriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 47 (PL 84:307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-47). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 48
48PL 84:307
Emendari placuit, Ut hi qui baptizantur, Ut fieri solebat, nummos in concha non mittant, ne Sacerdos quod gratis accepit pretio distrahere Videatur: neque pedes eorum lavandi sunt a sacerdotibus vel clericis.
It is decided to correct this, that those who are baptized do not, as used to be done, put coins in the shell, lest the priest seem to sell for a price what he received freely; nor are their feet to be washed by priests or clergy.
Matt 10:8 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Candidates for baptism are no longer to give money in the basin, and their feet are not to be washed by the clergy.
- “The shell” (concha): a basin or vessel used at baptism. The foot-washing of the newly baptized was practiced elsewhere (e.g. at Milan) and is here forbidden.
Topics: Baptism
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 48 (PL 84:307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-48). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 49
49PL 84:307
Admoneri placuit possessores, ut non patiantur fructus suos, quos a Deo percipiunt cum gratiarum actione, a Judaeis benedici, ne nostram irritam et infirmam faciant benedictionem: si quis post interdictum facere usurpaverit, penitus ab Ecclesia abjiciatur.
It is decided that landowners be admonished not to allow their crops, which they receive from God with thanksgiving, to be blessed by Jews, lest they make our blessing void and weak. If anyone presumes to do so after the prohibition, let him be wholly cast out of the church.
1 Tim 4:4 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christian landowners must not have their crops blessed by Jews.
- Canons 49, 50, and 78 concern relations with Jews; they are translated as written.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 49 (PL 84:307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-49). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 50
50PL 84:307
Si vero quis clericus vel fidelis cum Judaeis cibum sumpserit, placuit eum a communione abstineri ut debeat emendari.
But if any cleric or believer has taken food with Jews, it is decided that he be kept from communion, so that he may be corrected.
Notes and citation
Summary: Clergy or faithful who eat with Jews are excluded from communion until corrected.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 50 (PL 84:307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-50). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 51
51PL 84:307
Ex omni haerese fidelis si venerit, minime est ad clerum promovendus: vel si qui sunt in praeteritum ordinati, sine dubio deponantur.
If a believer has come from any heresy, he is by no means to be promoted to the clergy; or if any have been ordained in the past, let them without doubt be deposed.
Notes and citation
Summary: Converts from heresy may not be ordained, and any already ordained are to be deposed.
Topics: Church office, Heresy
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 51 (PL 84:307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-51). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 52
52PL 84:307
Hi qui inventi fuerint famosos in ecclesia ponere anathematizentur.
Those who are found to have put up libels in the church are to be anathematized.
Notes and citation
Summary: Those who post defamatory writings in church are anathematized.
- “Libels” (famosos, i.e. famosos libellos): anonymous defamatory writings.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 52 (PL 84:307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-52). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 53
53PL 84:307
Placuit cunctis, ut ab eo episcopo quis recipiat communionem, a quo abstentus in crimine aliquo quis fuerit; quod si alius episcopus praesumpserit eum admitti, illo adhuc minime faciente vel consentiente a quo fuerit communione privatus, sciat se hujusmodi causas inter fratres esse cum status sui periculo praestaturum.
It is decided by all that a person receive communion from the bishop by whom he was excluded for some crime; but if another bishop has presumed to admit him, while the one by whom he was deprived of communion has not yet done so or consented, let him know that he will have to answer for such cases among the brothers at the risk of his own standing.
Notes and citation
Summary: Only the bishop who excluded someone may readmit him; another bishop who does so risks his own position.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 53 (PL 84:307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-53). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 54
54PL 84:307
Si qui parentes fidem fregerint sponsaliorum, triennii tempore abstineantur; si tamen idem sponsus vel sponsa in gravi crimine fuerint deprehensi, erunt excusati parentes: si in eisdem fuerit vitium et polluerint se, superior sententia servetur.
If any parents have broken the faith of a betrothal, let them be excluded for a period of three years; yet if that same bridegroom or bride has been caught in a grave crime, the parents will be excused; if the fault was in them and they have polluted themselves, let the former sentence be kept.
Notes and citation
Summary: Parents who break off a betrothal are excluded for three years, unless the other party was guilty of grave sin.
- The last clause is obscure: probably, if the couple themselves were at fault (had relations), the earlier penalty applies.
Topics: Marriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 54 (PL 84:307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-54). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 55
55PL 84:307–308
Sacerdotes qui tantum coronas portant nec sacrificant nec de suis sumptibus aliquid ad idola praestant, placuit post biennium accipere communionem.
Priests who only wear crowns, and neither sacrifice nor provide anything from their own means for the idols, it is decided are to receive communion after two years.
Notes and citation
Summary: Pagan priests who only wore the crown of office, without sacrificing or paying for cult, receive communion after two years.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 55 (PL 84:307–308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-55). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 56
56PL 84:308
Magistratus vero uno anno quo agit duumviratum, prohibendum placet ut se ab Ecclesia cohibeat.
A magistrate, during the one year in which he holds the duumvirate, it is decided should be forbidden, so that he keep himself away from the church.
Notes and citation
Summary: A magistrate is to stay away from the church during his year as duumvir.
- The duumvirs were the chief magistrates of a Roman town, whose office involved pagan rites.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 56 (PL 84:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-56). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Chapter 57
57PL 84:308
Matronae vel earum mariti vestimenta sua ad ornandam saeculariter pompam non dent; et si fecerint, triennio abstineantur.
Matrons or their husbands are not to give their garments to adorn a worldly procession; and if they do so, let them be excluded for three years.
Notes and citation
Summary: Christians are not to lend their clothes to decorate pagan processions.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 57 (PL 84:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-57). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 58
58PL 84:308
Placuit ubique et maxime in eo loco, in quo prima cathedra constituta est episcopatus, ut interrogentur hi qui communicatorias litteras tradunt, an omnia recte habeant suo testimonio comprobata.
It is decided that everywhere, and especially in the place where the first see of the episcopate is established, those who present letters of communion be questioned whether all is in order, confirmed by their testimony.
Notes and citation
Summary: Those bringing letters of communion are to be examined everywhere, especially at the chief see.
- “The first see” probably means the metropolitan or senior see of the province.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 58 (PL 84:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-58). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 59
59PL 84:308
Prohibendum ne quis Christianus, ut Gentilis, ad idolum Capitolii causa sacrificandi ascendat et videat; quod si fecerit, pari crimine teneatur: si fuerit fidelis, post decem annos acta poenitentia recipiatur.
It is to be forbidden that any Christian, like a pagan, go up to the idol of the Capitol for the sake of sacrificing and watch; if he does so, let him be held guilty of the same crime; if he is a believer, let him be received after ten years, the penance having been done.
Notes and citation
Summary: A Christian who goes up to the Capitol's idol to watch the sacrifice is guilty as a sacrificer and does ten years' penance.
- “The Capitol”: the temple of Jupiter that Roman towns built in imitation of the Capitol at Rome.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 59 (PL 84:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-59). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 60
60PL 84:308
Si quis idola fregerit et ibidem fuerit occisus, quatenus in Evangelio scriptum non est neque invenietur sub apostolis unquam factum, placuit in numerum eum non recipi martyrum.
If anyone has broken idols and been killed on the spot, since it is not written in the Gospel nor will it be found to have ever been done under the apostles, it is decided that he is not to be received into the number of the martyrs.
Notes and citation
Summary: Someone killed for smashing idols is not to be counted a martyr.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 60 (PL 84:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-60). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 61
61PL 84:308
Si quis post obitum uxoris suae sororem ejus duxerit, et ipsa fuerit fidelis, quinquennium a communione placuit abstineri, nisi forte velocius dari pacem necessitas coegerit infirmitatis.
If anyone after the death of his wife has married her sister, and she is a believer, it is decided that he be kept from communion for five years, unless perhaps the necessity of illness compels peace to be given sooner.
Notes and citation
Summary: A man who marries his deceased wife's sister is excluded from communion for five years.
- “Peace”: reconciliation to communion.
Topics: Marriage, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 61 (PL 84:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-61). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 62
62PL 84:308
Si auriga aut pantomimus credere voluerint, placuit, ut prius artibus suis renuntient et tunc demum suscipiantur, ita ut ulterius ad ea non revertantur: qui si facere contra interdictum tentaverint, projiciantur ab Ecclesia.
If a charioteer or a pantomime actor wishes to believe, it is decided that they first renounce their arts and only then be received, on condition that they not return to them afterward; if they try to act against the prohibition, let them be cast out of the church.
Notes and citation
Summary: Charioteers and actors must give up their trades before being received.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 62 (PL 84:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-62). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 63
63PL 84:308
Si qua per adulterium absente marito suo conceperit, idque post facinus occiderit, placuit nec in finem dandam esse communionem eo quod geminaverit scelus.
If any woman, in her husband's absence, has conceived through adultery and after the crime has killed the child, it is decided that communion is not to be given her even at the end, since she has doubled the crime.
Notes and citation
Summary: A woman who conceives in adultery and kills the child is refused communion even at death.
- The canon is usually understood of abortion or infanticide; occiderit (“has killed”) does not say which.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 63 (PL 84:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-63). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 64
64PL 84:308
Si qua usque in finem mortis suae cum alieno viro fuerit moechata, placuit nec in finem dandam ei esse communionem: si vero eum reliquerit, post decem annos accipiat communionem acta legitima poenitentia.
If any woman has continued in adultery with another woman's husband until the end of her life, it is decided that communion is not to be given her even at the end; but if she has left him, let her receive communion after ten years, the lawful penance having been done.
Notes and citation
Summary: A woman who persists in adultery until death is refused communion; if she leaves the man, she receives it after ten years.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 64 (PL 84:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-64). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 65
65PL 84:308
Si cujus clerici uxor fuerit moechata et scierit eam maritus suus moechari et non eam statim projecerit, nec in finem accipiat communionem, ne ab his qui exemplum bonae conversationis esse debent, ab eis videantur scelerum magisteria procedere.
If the wife of any cleric has committed adultery, and her husband knew that she was committing adultery and did not immediately cast her out, let him not receive communion even at the end, lest from those who ought to be an example of good conduct there seem to come instruction in wickedness.
Notes and citation
Summary: A cleric who knowingly keeps an adulterous wife is refused communion even at death.
Topics: Church office, Marriage, Divorce, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 65 (PL 84:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-65). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 66
66PL 84:309
Si quis privignam suam duxerit uxorem, eo quod sit incestus, placuit nec in finem dandam esse communionem.
If anyone has married his stepdaughter, since it is incest, it is decided that communion is not to be given him even at the end.
Notes and citation
Summary: Marrying one's stepdaughter is incest and is punished by refusal of communion even at death.
Topics: Marriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 66 (PL 84:309; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-66). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 67
67PL 84:309
Prohibendum ne qua fidelis aut comatos aut viros cinerarios habeant: quaecunque hoc fecerint a communione arceantur
It is to be forbidden that any believing woman have either long-haired men or hairdressers; whatever women do this are to be kept from communion.
Notes and citation
Summary: Christian women are not to keep long-haired men or hairdressers.
- The meaning of comatos (“long-haired men”) and viros cinerarios (“hairdressers”, men who curled hair with heated irons) is uncertain; some read the canon as forbidding Christian women to marry such men.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 67 (PL 84:309; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-67). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 68
68PL 84:309
Catechumena si per adulterium conceperit et praefocaverit, placuit eam in fine baptizari.
A woman catechumen, if she has conceived through adultery and has smothered the child, it is decided is to be baptized at the end.
Notes and citation
Summary: A catechumen who conceives in adultery and kills the child may be baptized only at death.
- Praefocaverit: “has smothered” (or “stifled”); whether the child was born or unborn is not said.
Topics: Baptism
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 68 (PL 84:309; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-68). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 69
69PL 84:309
Si quis forte habens uxorem semel fuerit lapsus, placuit eum quinquennium agere debere poenitentiam et sic reconciliari, nisi necessitas infirmitatis coegerit ante tempus dari communionem: hoc et circa feminas observandum.
If anyone who has a wife has by chance fallen once, it is decided that he ought to do penance for five years and so be reconciled, unless the necessity of illness compels communion to be given before the time. This is also to be observed with regard to women.
Notes and citation
Summary: A married person who commits adultery once does five years' penance.
Topics: Marriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 69 (PL 84:309; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-69). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 70
70PL 84:309
Si cum conscientia mariti uxor fuerit moechata, placuit nec in finem dandam ei esse communionem: si vero eam reliquerit, post decem annos accipiat communionem, si eam cum sciret adulteram aliquo tempore in domo sua retinuit.
If a wife has committed adultery with her husband's knowledge, it is decided that communion is not to be given to him even at the end; but if he has left her, let him receive communion after ten years, if, knowing her to be an adulteress, he kept her in his house for some time.
Notes and citation
Summary: A husband who knowingly tolerates his wife's adultery is refused communion; if he leaves her, he receives it after ten years.
- The Latin “dandam ei” does not show whether the wife or the husband is meant; the sequence (“if he has left her”) shows the canon concerns the husband who consents.
Topics: Marriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 70 (PL 84:309; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-70). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 71
71PL 84:309
Stupratoribus puerorum nec in finem dandam esse communionem.
To abusers of boys communion is not to be given even at the end.
Notes and citation
Summary: Men who sexually abuse boys are refused communion even at death.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 71 (PL 84:309; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-71). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 72
72PL 84:309
Si qua vidua fuerit moechata et eumdem postea habuerit maritum, post quinquennii tempus acta legitima poenitentia placuit eam communioni reconciliari: si alium duxerit relicto illo, nec in finem dandam esse communionem; vel si fuerit ille fidelis quem accepit, communionem non accipiet, nisi post decem annos acta legitima poenitentia, vel si infirmitas coegerit velocius dari communionem.
If any widow has committed adultery and afterward has had the same man as her husband, it is decided that she be reconciled to communion after a period of five years, the lawful penance having been done; if she has left him and married another, communion is not to be given her even at the end; or if the man whom she took is a believer, he shall not receive communion except after ten years, the lawful penance having been done, or if illness compels communion to be given sooner.
Notes and citation
Summary: A widow who sins sexually and marries the man does five years' penance; if she leaves him for another, she is refused communion even at death.
Topics: Marriage, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 72 (PL 84:309; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-72). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 73
73PL 84:309
Delator si quis exstiterit fidelis, et per delationem ejus aliquis fuerit proscriptus vel interfectus, placuit eum nec in finem accipere communionem; si levior causa fuerit, intra quinquennium accipere poterit communionem: si catechumenus fuerit, post quinquennii tempora admittetur ad baptismum.
If any believer has been an informer, and through his information someone has been proscribed or killed, it is decided that he shall not receive communion even at the end; if the case was lighter, he may receive communion within five years; if he was a catechumen, he shall be admitted to baptism after a period of five years.
Notes and citation
Summary: An informer whose accusation caused someone's proscription or death is refused communion even at death.
- The digital text reads “placuit cum”; Migne's print has “placuit eum”.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR c/e confusion: cum → eum): placuit cum nec → placuit eum nec.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 73 (PL 84:309; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-73). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 74
74PL 84:309–310
Falsus testis prout est crimen abstinebitur: si tamen non fuerit mortale quod objecit et probaverit quod non tacuerit, biennii tempore abstinebitur; si autem non probaverit, convento clero placuit per quinquennium abstineri.
A false witness shall be excluded according to the crime; yet if what he alleged was not deadly, and he has proved that he did not keep silent, he shall be excluded for a period of two years; but if he has not proved it, it is decided, when the clergy has been assembled, that he be excluded for five years.
Notes and citation
Summary: A false witness is excluded from communion for two or five years depending on the case.
- The middle clause (“proved that he did not keep silent”) is obscure in the Latin; translated literally.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 74 (PL 84:309–310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-74). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 75
75PL 84:310
Si quis autem episcopum vel presbyterum vel diaconum falsis criminibus appetierit et probare non potuerit; nec in finem dandam ei esse communionem.
If anyone has attacked a bishop or presbyter or deacon with false charges and has not been able to prove them, communion is not to be given him even at the end.
Notes and citation
Summary: Someone who falsely accuses a cleric is refused communion even at death.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 75 (PL 84:310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-75). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 76
76PL 84:310
Si quis diaconum se permiserit ordinari et postea fuerit detectus in crimine mortis quod aliquando commiserit, si sponte fuerit confessus, placuit eum acta legitima poenitentia post triennium accipere communionem: quod si alius eum detexerit, post quinquennium acta poenitentia accipere communionem laicam debere.
If anyone has allowed himself to be ordained deacon and afterward has been found out in a deadly crime that he once committed, if he has confessed of his own accord, it is decided that, after doing the lawful penance, he receive communion after three years; but if another has found him out, after five years, having done penance, he ought to receive lay communion.
Notes and citation
Summary: A deacon found guilty of an earlier grave sin does three or five years' penance and returns only as a layman.
- “Lay communion”: communion as a layman, i.e. without his clerical rank.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 76 (PL 84:310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-76). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 77
77PL 84:310
Si quis diaconus regens plebem sine episcopo vel presbytero aliquos baptizaverit, episcopus eos per benedictionem perficere debebit: quod si ante de saeculo recesserint, sub fide qua quis credidit poterit esse justus
If any deacon governing a congregation without a bishop or presbyter has baptized some, the bishop ought to perfect them through the blessing; but if they have departed this world beforehand, under the faith by which each believed, he can be righteous.
Rom 1:17 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Those baptized by a deacon in charge of a congregation are to be completed by the bishop's blessing, but if they die first they may be saved by their faith.
- “Perfect … through the blessing”: complete the baptism with the bishop's laying on of hands (compare canon 38).
Topics: Baptism, Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 77 (PL 84:310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-77). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 78
78PL 84:310
Si quis fidelis habens uxorem cum Judaea vel Gentili fuerit moechatus a communione arceatur: quod si alius eum detexerit, post quinquennium acta legitima poenitentia poterit dominicae sociari communioni.
If any believer who has a wife has committed adultery with a Jewish or pagan woman, let him be kept from communion; but if another has found him out, after five years, the lawful penance having been done, he may be joined to the Lord's communion.
Notes and citation
Summary: A married Christian who commits adultery with a Jewish or pagan woman is excluded; if exposed by another, for five years.
Topics: Marriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 78 (PL 84:310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-78). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 79
79PL 84:310
Si quis fidelis aleam, idest tabulam luserit nummis, placuit eum abstineri; et si emendatus cessaverit, post annum poterit communioni reconciliari.
If any believer has played at dice, that is, at the board, for money, it is decided that he be excluded; and if, having amended, he has stopped, he may be reconciled to communion after a year.
Notes and citation
Summary: A Christian who gambles at dice is excluded for a year after he stops.
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 79 (PL 84:310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-79). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 80
80PL 84:310
Prohibendum ut liberti, quorum patroni in saeculo fuerint, ad clerum non promoveantur.
It is to be forbidden that freedmen whose patrons are in the world be promoted to the clergy.
Notes and citation
Summary: Freedmen whose patrons are still in the world are not to be ordained.
- “In the world” (in saeculo): probably still pagans, or simply still living, to whom the freedman would remain bound.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 80 (PL 84:310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-80). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.
Chapter 81
81PL 84:310
Ne feminae suo potius absque maritorum nominibus laicis scribere audeant; quae fideles sunt vel litteras alicujus pacificas ad suum solum nomen scriptas accipiant.
Women are not to presume to write to lay persons in their own name rather than without their husbands' names; and those who are believers are not to receive anyone's letters of peace written to their name alone.
Notes and citation
Summary: Christian wives are not to write or receive letters of peace in their own name without their husbands'.
- The Latin is awkward (“suo potius absque maritorum nominibus”); the sense is that wives should not correspond in their own name alone. “Letters of peace”: letters of communion or recommendation.
Topics: Marriage
Cite (SBL): Conc. Elv. 81 (PL 84:310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-elvira/0/#p-81). (abbreviation not yet checked)
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin; no public-domain English was at hand, so it was re-read against the Latin.