Ethiopic Sinodos

Ethiopic Sinodos — Horner 1904 English translation of the Statutes — sourcepage 208

TRANSLATION OF THE ETHIOPIC TEXT l6l completed, he shall give thanks over the cup, and shall give of the fragments to all the Faithful. And as they are eating their supper the believers shall take a little bread from the hand of the bishop before they partake of their own bread, for it is Eulogia and not Eucharist 5 as of our Lord. Statute 38. And when the bishop speaks let every one be silent And if the bishop is not present they shall receive the bread of blessing from the presbyter or 10 from the deacon. And when the bishop speaks let all be silent, nor shall one answer another a word, for the bishop shall ask them. And if (not) the bishop but only the Faithful are present at the meal, they shall take the Eulogia from the hand of the presbyter if he 15 is there, and if the presbyter is not there, they shall take from the hand of the deacon ; and the catechumens also shall take their portion of the mystic bread. And if there are laymen only they shall eat quietly : and for the laymen it is not proper that they should make the 10 Eulogia. Statute 39. Concerning the meal of the widows. And if there is anyone who desires at any time to invite the widows and those who are aged, he shall satisfy them 25 (with food) and send them away before it shall be evening. And if it is not possible because of the clergy who have been invited, he shall give to them food and wine, and having given then send them away immediately, and each of them shall do as they wish 30 (with it) in their houses.