Ethiopic Sinodos

Ethiopic Sinodos — Horner 1904 English translation of the Statutes — sourcepage 193

146 STATUTBS OF THE APOSTLES the confessor has been in the place of punishment, in chains for the name of Christ, they shall not lay hand on him for a ministering, for that is the honour of a deacon : but (as for) the honour of the presbyterate, though he S hath the honour of the presbyterate by that which he confessed, (yet) the bishop shall ordain him, having laid his hand upon him.* And if the confessor was one who came not before the judges, and if he was not punished with chains, nor was shut up in prison, nor suffered any 10 affliction, but withal was only derided for the name of his Lord, and was not condemned to the least punishment, yet he professed all the work of the priesthood which is meet for him, they shall lay hand on him and make him a deacon. And the bishop shall give thanks as we have 15 already said. And it is necessary that he should mention the things which we have already said, that he should recite clearly and carefully, and give thanks to God according as it is proper for each to pray. And if there was one who could pray with devotion or use (make) a ao grrand and elevated prayer, and he himself being good ; and if he prayed and speaks praise with moderation, no one shall be prevented from praying, who is truly right (in his faith). 2$ Statute 26. Concerning the ordination of Widows. If a widow is ordained she shall not be sealed, but be made by the name. And if it was one whose husband died a long time, she shall be ordained. And if it was one whose husband had lately died, she shall not be trusted. ^ The passage is probably comipt ; a, ^, and c read ' holiness ' for 'presb3rterate,' but in a the word is marked.