Canons of the Council of Laodicea (complete)

Greek text: Pedalion (1800) (Greek text: the Pedalion (Nikodemos the Hagiorite and Agapios, 1800), transcription on Greek Wikisource, CC BY-SA).English: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), public domain (CC0).

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Chapter 1

1Pedalion

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

Peri tou dein kata ton ekklēsiastikon kanona, tous eleutherōs kai nomimōs synaphthentas deuterois gamois, mē lathrogamian poiēsantas, oligou chronou parelthontos, kai scholasantas, tais proseuchais kai nēsteiais, kata syngnōmēn apodidosthai autois tēn koinōnian hōrisamen.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Topics: Remarriage, Marriage, Divorce and remarriage

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 1 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 2

2Pedalion

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

Peri tou tous examartanontas en diaphorois ptaismati, kai proskarterountas tę̄ proseuchę̄ tēs exomologēseōs kai metanoias, kai tēn apostrophēn tōn kakōn teleian poioumenous, kata tēn analogian tou ptaismatos, kairou metanoias dothentos tois toioutois, dia tous oiktirmous kai tēn agathotēta tou Theou prosagesthai tę̄ koinōnią.

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

Notes and citation

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

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (misplaced accent in the digital text; misprint in the digital text): ἀποοτροφὴν → ἀποστροφὴν; ποιούμενους → ποιουμένους.

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 2 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 3

3Pedalion

Περὶ τοῦ μὴ δεῖν προσφάτως φωτισθέντα προσάγεσθαι ἐν τάγματι ἱερατικῷ.

Peri tou mē dein prosphatōs phōtisthenta prosagesthai en tagmati hieratikǭ.

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

1 Tim 3:6 (echo, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: The newly baptized are not to be ordained.

  • “Enlightened” (φωτισθείς): baptized.

Topics: Church office, Baptism

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 3 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 4

4Pedalion

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

Peri tou mē dein hieratikous daneizein, kai tokous, kai tas legomenas hēmiolias lambanein.

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

Notes and citation

Summary: Clergy may not lend at interest.

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

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (wrong ending in the digital text): λεγόμενος → λεγομένας.

Topics: Church office, Ethics

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 4 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 5

5Pedalion

Περὶ τοῦ μὴ δεῖν τὰς χειροτονίας ἐπὶ παρουσίᾳ ἀκροωμένων γίνεσθαι.

Peri tou mē dein tas cheirotonias epi parousią akroōmenōn ginesthai.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 5 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 6

6Pedalion

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

Peri tou mē synchōrein tois hairetikois eisienai eis ton oikon tou Theou, epimenontas tę̄ hairesei.

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

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Heresy

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 6 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-6). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 7

7Pedalion

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

Peri tou tous ek tōn haireseōn, toutesti Nauatianōn, ētoi Phōteinianōn, ē Tessareskaidekatitōn, epistrephomenous, eite katēchoumenous, eite pistous tous par᾽ ekeinois, mē prosdechesthai, prin anathematisōsi pasan hairesin, exairetōs de en hę̄ kateichonto; kai tote loipon tous legomenous par᾽ autois pistous, ekmathanontas ta tēs pisteōs symbola, christhentas te tǭ hagiǭ chrismati, houtō koinōnein tōn mystēriōn tōn hagiōn.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (misplaced accent in the digital text): ἐπιστρεφόμενους → ἐπιστρεφομένους.

Topics: Heresy, Baptism

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 7 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-7). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 8

8Pedalion

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

Peri tou tous apo tēs haireseōs tōn legomenōn Phrygōn epistrephontas, ei kai en klērǭ nomizomenǭ par᾽ autois tynchanoien, ei kai megistoi legointo, tous toioutous meta pasēs epimeleias katēcheisthai te kai baptizesthai hypo tōn tēs ekklēsias episkopōn te kai presbyterōn.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Topics: Heresy, Baptism

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 8 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-8). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 9

9Pedalion

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

Peri tou mē synchōrein eis ta koimētēria, ē eis ta legomena martyria pantōn tōn hairetikōn apienai tous tēs ekklēsias, euchēs ē therapeias heneka; alla tous toioutous, ean ōsi pistoi, akoinōnētous ginesthai mechri tinos. Metanoountas de, kai exomologoumenous, esphalthai, paradechesthai.

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

Notes and citation

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

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (missing syllable in the digital text): ἐξομολουμένους → ἐξομολογουμένους.

Topics: Heresy

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 9 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-9). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 10

10Pedalion

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

Peri tou mē dein tous tēs ekklēsias adiaphorōs pros gamou koinōnian synaptein ta heautōn paidia hairetikois.

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

Notes and citation

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

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (grave for acute in the digital text): παιδὶα → παιδία.

Topics: Marriage, Heresy

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 10 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-10). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 11

11Pedalion

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

Peri tou mē dein tas legomenas presbytidas, ētoi prokathēmenas, en tę̄ ekklēsią kathistasthai.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 11 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-11). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 12

12Pedalion

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

Peri tou tous episkopous krisei tōn mētropolitōn kai tōn perix episkopōn kathistasthai eis tēn ekklēsiastikēn archēn, ontas ek pollou dedokimasmenous en te tǭ logǭ tēs pisteōs, kai tę̄ tou eutheos biou politeią.

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

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 12 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-12). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 13

13Pedalion

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

Peri tou mē tois ochlois epitrepein tas eklogas poieisthai tōn mellontōn kathistasthai eis hierateion.

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

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 13 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-13). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 14

14Pedalion

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

Peri tou mē ta hagia, eis logon eulogiōn, kata tēn heortēn tou Pascha, eis heteras paroikias diapempesthai.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Topics: Eucharist

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 14 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-14). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 15

15Pedalion

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

Peri tou mē dein plēn tōn kanonikōn psaltōn, tōn epi ton ambōna anabainontōn, kai apo diphtheras psallontōn, heterous tinas psallein en ekklēsią.

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

Notes and citation

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

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 15 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-15). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 16

16Pedalion

Περὶ τοῦ ἐν σαββάτῳ εὐαγγέλια μετὰ ἑτέρων Γραφῶν ἀναγινώσκεσθαι.

Peri tou en sabbatǭ euangelia meta heterōn Graphōn anaginōskesthai.

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

Notes and citation

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

  • “Sabbath”: Saturday.

Topics: Scripture and canon

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 16 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-16). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 17

17Pedalion

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

Peri tou mē dein episynaptein en tais synaxesi tous psalmous, alla dia mesou kath᾽ hekaston psalmon ginesthai anagnōsin.

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

Notes and citation

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

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (misprint in the digital text): ἕκαοτον → ἕκαστον.

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 17 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-17). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 18

18Pedalion

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

Peri tou tēn autēn leitourgian tōn euchōn pantote kai en tais ennatais, kai en tais esperais opheilein ginesthai.

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

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Prayer

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 18 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-18). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 19

19Pedalion

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

Peri tou dein idią prōton, meta tas homilias tōn episkopōn, kai tōn katēchoumenōn euchēn epiteleisthai; kai meta to exelthein tous katēchoumenous, tōn en metanoią tēn euchēn ginesthai; kai toutōn proselthontōn hypo cheira kai hypochōrēsantōn, houtō tōn pistōn tas euchas ginesthai treis, mian men tēn prōtēn dia siōpēs, tēn de deuteran kai tritēn dia prosphōnēseōs plērousthai; eith᾽ houtō tēn eirēnēn didosthai; kai meta to tous presbyterous dounai tǭ episkopǭ tēn eirēnēn, tote tous laïkous tēn eirēnēn didonai, kai houtō tēn hagian prosphoran epiteleisthai; kai monois exon einai tois hieratikois eisienai eis to thysiastērion, kai koinōnein.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (grave for acute in the digital text; misplaced accent in the digital text; wrong accent in the digital text): ἰδὶᾳ → ἰδίᾳ; μετάνοιᾳ → μετανοίᾳ; τοὶς ἱερατικοῖς → τοῖς ἱερατικοῖς.

Topics: Eucharist, Prayer

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 19 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-19). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 20

20Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei diakonon emprosthen presbyterou kathezesthai, alla meta keleuseōs tou presbyterou kathezesthai. Homoiōs de echein timēn kai tous diakonous hypo tōn hypēretōn kai pantōn tōn klērikōn.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 20 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-20). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 21

21Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei hypēretas echein en tǭ diakonikǭ, kai aptesthai tōn hierōn skeuōn.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 21 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-21). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 22

22Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei hypēretēn ōrarion phorein, oude tas thyras enkatalimpanein.

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

Notes and citation

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

  • “Orarion”: the deacon's stole.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 22 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-22). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 23

23Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei anagnōstas, ē psaltas hōrarion phorein, kai houtōs anaginōskein, ē psallein.

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

Notes and citation

Summary: Readers and singers may not wear the orarion.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 23 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-23). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 24

24Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei hieratikous apo presbyterōn heōs diakonōn, kai hexēs tēs ekklēsiastikēs taxeōs heōs hypēretōn, ē anagnōstōn, ē psaltōn, ē ephorkistōn, ē thyrōrōn, ē tou tagmatos tōn askētōn, eis kapēleion eisienai.

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

Notes and citation

Summary: No clergy or ascetics may enter a tavern.

Topics: Church office, Ethics

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 24 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-24). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 25

25Pedalion

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ὑπηρέτην ἄρτον διδόναι, οὐδὲ ποτήριον εὐλογεῖν.

Hoti ou dei hypēretēn arton didonai, oude potērion eulogein.

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

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Eucharist, Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 25 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-25). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 26

26Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei ephorkizein tous mē proachthentas hypo episkopōn, mēte en tais ekklēsiais, mēte en tais oikiais.

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

Notes and citation

Summary: Only those appointed by bishops may perform exorcisms.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 26 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-26). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 27

27Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei hieratikous, ē klērikous, ē laïkous, kaloumenous eis agapēn, merē hairein, dia to tēn hybrin tę̄ taxei prostribesthai tę̄ ekklēsiastikę̄.

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

Notes and citation

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

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 27 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-27). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 28

28Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei en tois Kyriakois, ē en tais ekklēsiais, tas legomenas agapas poiein, en tǭ oikǭ tou Theou esthiein, kai akoubita strōnnyein.

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

1 Cor 11:22 (echo, low confidence)

Notes and citation

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

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

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 28 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-28). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 29

29Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei Christianous ioudaïzein kai en tǭ sabbatǭ scholazein, all᾽ ergazesthai autous kai en tę̄ autę̄ hēmerą; tēn de Kyriakēn protimōntas, eige dynainto, scholazein hōs Christianoi. Ei de heuretheien Ioudaïstai, estōsan anathema para Christǭ.

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

Rom 9:3 (echo, low confidence)

Notes and citation

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

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

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (wrong breathing in the digital text): εὐρεθεῖεν → εὑρεθεῖεν.

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 29 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-29). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 30

30Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei hieratikous, ē klērikous, ē askētas, en balaneiǭ meta gynaikōn apolouesthai, mēde panta Christianon, ē laïkon; hautē gar prōtē katagnōsis para tois ethnesin.

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

Notes and citation

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

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (wrong accent in the digital text): τοὶς ἔθνεσιν → τοῖς ἔθνεσιν.

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 30 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-30). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 31

31Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei pros pantas hairetikous epigamias poiein, ē didonai huious, ē thygateras, alla mallon lambanein, eige epangelointo Christianoi ginesthai.

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

Notes and citation

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

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (acute for grave in the digital text): ἤ διδόναι → ἢ διδόναι.

Topics: Marriage, Heresy

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 31 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-31). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 32

32Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei hairetikōn eulogias lambanein, haitines eisin alogiai mallon, ē eulogiai.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Topics: Heresy

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 32 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-32). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 33

33Pedalion

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ αἱρετικοῖς, ἢ σχισματικοῖς συνεύχεσθαι.

Hoti ou dei hairetikois, ē schismatikois syneuchesthai.

That one ought not to pray with heretics or schismatics.

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Heresy, Prayer

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 33 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-33). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 34

34Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei panta Christianon enkataleipein martyras Christou, kai apienai pros tous pseudomartyras, toutestin hairetikōn, ē autous pros tous proeirēmenous hairetikous genomenous; houtoi gar allotrioi tou Theou tynchanousin. Estōsan oun anathema hoi aperchomenoi pros autous.

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

Notes and citation

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

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (misprint in the digital text): Χριοτιανὸν → Χριστιανὸν.

Topics: Martyrdom, Heresy

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 34 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-34). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 35

35Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei Christianous enkataleipein tēn ekklēsian tou Theou, kai apienai, kai angelous onomazein, kai synaxeis poiein, haper apēgoreutai. Ei tis oun heurethę̄ tautę̄ kekrymmenę̄ eidōlolatreią scholazōn, estō anathema, hoti enkatelipe ton Kyrion hēmōn Iēsoun Christon, ton Huion tou Theou, kai eidōlolatreią prosēlthen.

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

Col 2:18 (echo, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

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

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

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (wrong breathing in the digital text): εὐρεθῇ → εὑρεθῇ.

Topics: Heresy

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 35 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-35). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Chapter 36

36Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei hieratikous ē klērikous, magous ē epaoidous einai, ē mathēmatikous, ē astrologous, ē poiein ta legomena phylaktēria, hatina esti desmōtēria tōn psychōn autōn. Tous de phorountas, rhiptesthai ek tēs ekklēsias ekeleusamen.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Topics: Church office, Ethics

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 36 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-36). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 37

37Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei para tōn Ioudaiōn, ē hairetikōn, ta pempomena heortastika lambanein, mēde syneortazein autois.

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

Notes and citation

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

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 37 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-37). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 38

38Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei para tōn Ioudaiōn azyma lambanein, ē koinōnein tais asebeiais autōn.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 38 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-38). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 39

39Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei tois ethnesi syneortazein, kai koinōnein tę̄ atheotēti autōn.

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

Notes and citation

Summary: Christians are not to join pagan festivals.

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 39 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-39). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 40

40Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei episkopous kaloumenous eis synodon kataphronein, all᾽ apienai, kai didaskein, ē didaskesthai, eis katorthōsin tēs ekklēsias kai tōn loipōn. Ei de kataphronēseien ho toioutos, heauton aitiasetai, parektos ei mē di᾽ anōmalian apolimpanoito.

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

Notes and citation

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

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (missing rough breathing in the digital text): ἐαυτὸν → ἑαυτὸν.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 40 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-40). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 41

41Pedalion

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἱερατικὸν ἢ κληρικὸν ἄνευ κελεύσεως ἐπισκόπου ὁδεύειν.

Hoti ou dei hieratikon ē klērikon aneu keleuseōs episkopou hodeuein.

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

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 41 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-41). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 42

42Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei hieratikous, ē klērikous aneu kanonikōn grammatōn hodeuein.

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

Notes and citation

Summary: Clergy may not travel without canonical letters.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 42 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-42). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 43

43Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei hypēretas, kan brachy, tas thyras enkataleipein, kai tę̄ euchę̄ scholazein.

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

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 43 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-43). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 44

44Pedalion

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ γυναῖκας ἐν τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ εἰσέρχεσθαι.

Hoti ou dei gynaikas en tǭ thysiastēriǭ eiserchesthai.

That women ought not to enter the altar area.

Notes and citation

Summary: Women may not enter the sanctuary.

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

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 44 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-44). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 45

45Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei meta dyo hebdomadas tēs Tessarakostēs dechesthai eis to phōtisma.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Topics: Baptism

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 45 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-45). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 46

46Pedalion

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

Hoti dei tous phōtizomenous tēn pistin ekmanthanein, kai tę̄ pemptę̄ tēs hebdomados apangelein tǭ episkopǭ ē tois presbyterois.

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

Notes and citation

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

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (missing accent in the digital text): τῇ πέμπτῃ της → τῇ πέμπτῃ τῆς.

Topics: Baptism

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 46 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-46). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 47

47Pedalion

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

Hoti dei tous en nosǭ paralambanontas to phōtisma, kai eita anastantas, ekmanthanein tēn pistin, kai ginōskein, hoti theias dōreas katēxiōthēsan.

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

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Baptism

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 47 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-47). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 48

48Pedalion

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

Hoti dei tous phōtizomenous meta to baptisma chriesthai chrismati epouraniǭ, kai metochous einai tēs basileias tou Christou.

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

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Baptism

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 48 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-48). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 49

49Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei en tę̄ Tessarakostę̄ arton prospherein, ei mē en Sabbatǭ kai Kyriakę̄ monon.

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

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Eucharist, Fasting

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 49 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-49). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 50

50Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei en tę̄ Tessarakostę̄ tę̄ hysterą hebdomadi tēn pemptēn lyein, kai holēn tēn Tessarakostēn atimazein; alla dei pasan tēn Tessarakostēn nēsteuein xērophagountas.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Topics: Fasting

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 50 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-50). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 51

51Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei en tę̄ Tessarakostę̄ martyrōn genethlia epitelein, alla tōn hagiōn martyrōn mnēmas poiein en tois sabbatois kai tais Kyriakais.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Topics: Martyrdom, Fasting

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 51 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-51). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Chapter 52

52Pedalion

Ὅτι οὐ δεῖ ἐν τῇ Τεσσαρακοστῇ γάμους ἢ γενέθλια ἐπιτελεῖν.

Hoti ou dei en tę̄ Tessarakostę̄ gamous ē genethlia epitelein.

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

Notes and citation

Summary: No weddings or birthday celebrations in Lent.

Topics: Fasting

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 52 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-52). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 53

53Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei Christianous eis gamous aperchomenous, ballizein, ē orcheisthai, alla semnōs deipnein ē aristąn, hōs prepei Christianois.

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

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 53 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-53). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Chapter 54

54Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei hieratikous ē klērikous tinas theōrias theōrein en gamois, ē deipnois, alla, pro tou eiserchesthai tous thymelikous, egeiresthai autous kai anachōrein.

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

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Church office, Ethics

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 54 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-54). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 55

55Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei hieratikous ē klērikous ek symbolēs symposia epitelein, all᾽ oude laïkous.

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

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Ethics

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 55 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-55). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 56

56Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei presbyterous pro tēs eisodou tou episkopou eisienai kai kathezesthai en tǭ bēmati, alla meta tou episkopou eisienai; plēn ei mē anōmaloiē ē apodēmoi ho episkopos.

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

Notes and citation

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

  • “Bema”: the raised sanctuary.

Notes on the original text

  • Digital text corrected (misplaced accent in the digital text): βημάτι → βήματι.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 56 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-56). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Chapter 57

57Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei en tais kōmais kai en tais chōrais kathistasthai episkopous, alla periodeutas; tous men toi ēdē prokatastathentas, mēden prattein aneu gnōmēs tou episkopou tou en tę̄ polei; hōsautōs de kai tous presbyterous mēden prattein aneu tēs gnōmēs tou episkopou.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 57 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-57). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 58

58Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei en tois oikois prosphoran ginesthai para episkopōn ē presbyterōn.

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

Notes and citation

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

Topics: Eucharist

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 58 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-58). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 59

59Pedalion

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

Hoti ou dei idiōtikous psalmous legesthai en tę̄ ekklēsią, oude akanonista biblia, alla mona ta kanonika tēs Palaias kai Kainēs Diathēkēs.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Topics: Scripture and canon

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 59 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-59). (abbreviation not yet checked)

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.

Chapter 60

60Pedalion

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

Hosa dei biblia anaginōskesthai tēs Palaias Diathēkēs; a' Genesis kosmou; b' Exodos ex Aigyptou; g' Leuïtikon; d' Arithmoi; e' Deuteronomion; s' Iēsous tou Nauē; z' Kritai, Rhouth; ē' Esthēr; th' Basileiōn prōtē kai deutera; i' Basileiōn tritē kai tetartē; ia' Paraleipomenōn prōton kai deuteron; ib' Esdras prōton kai deuteron; ig' Biblos Psalmōn rn'; id' Paroimiai Solomōntos; ie' Ekklēsiastēs; is' Asma ąsmatōn; iz' Iōb; iē' Dōdekaprophēton; ith' Hēsaïas; k' Hieremias kai Barouch, Thrēnoi kai epistolai; ka' Iezekiēl; kb' Daniēl. Ta de tēs Kainēs Diathēkēs tauta; Euangelia tessara, kata Matthaion, kata Markon, kata Loukan, kata Iōannēn; Praxeis Apostolōn; Epistolai katholikai hepta, Iakōbou mia, Petrou dyo, Iōannou treis, Iouda mia; Epistolai Paulou dekatessares; pros Rōmaious mia, pros Korinthious dyo, pros Galatas mia, pros Ephesious mia, pros Philippēsious mia, pros Kolossaeis mia, pros Thessalonikeis dyo, pros Hebraious mia, pros Timotheon dyo, pros Titon mia, kai pros Philēmona mia.

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

Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.

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

Notes and citation

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

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

Extrabiblical texts: Bar (Baruch [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; allusion); Ep Jer (Letter of Jeremiah [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; allusion); 1 Esd (1 Esdras [in EO, ETH canons]; allusion)

Topics: Scripture and canon

Cite (SBL): Conc. Laod. 60 (Pedalion; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/council-laodicea/1/#p-60). (abbreviation not yet checked)

BibTeX · RIS (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-council-laodicea-60) · Report an error

Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek of the Pedalion (via Greek Wikisource; the Pedalion's commentary not used); compared afterwards with NPNF² 14.