Canon LXXXI.
Whereas
we have heard that in
some places in the hymn Trisagion there is added after “Holy and
Immortal,” “Who was crucified for us, have mercy upon
us,” and since this as being alien to piety was by the ancient
and holy Fathers cast out of the hymn, as also the violent heretics who
inserted these new words were cast out of the Church; we also,
confirming the things which were formerly piously established by our
holy Fathers, anathematize those who after this present decree allow in
church this or any other addition to the most sacred hymn; but if
indeed he who has transgressed is of the sacerdotal order, we command
that he be deprived of his priestly dignity, but if he be a layman or
monk let him be cut off.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon
LXXXI.
Whoever adds to the hymn Trisagion these words
“Who wast crucified” shall be deemed heterodox.
The addition of the phrase condemned by this canon was
probably made first by Peter Fullo, and although indeed it was capable
of a good meaning, if the whole hymn was understood as being addressed
to Christ, and although this was admitted by very many of the orthodox,
yet as it was chiefly used by the Monophysites and with an undoubtedly
heretical intention, it was finally ousted from this
position and its adherents were styled
Theopaschites. From all this it came about that by 518 it was a
source of disagreement among the Catholics, some affirming the
expression, as looked at by itself, to be a touchstone of
orthodoxy. The Emperor Justinian tried to have it approved by
Pope Hormisdas, but unsuccessfully, the pontiff only declaring that it
was unnecessary, and even dangerous. Fulgentius of Ruspe and
Dionysius Exiguus had declared it orthodox. Pope John II. almost
came to the point of approving the phrase “one of the Trinity
suffered,” nor did his successor Agapetus I. speak any more
definitely on the point, but the Fifth Ecumenical Council directly
approved the formula.
But this, of course, did not touch the point of its
introduction into the Trisagion or, more accurately, of the
introduction of the words “who was crucified for us.”
It should have been noted that at a Home Synod in 478,
Peter Fullo had been deposed for the insertion of this clause, because
he intended to imply that the true God had suffered death upon the
cross. This sentence was a confirmation of one already pronounced
against him by a synod held at Antioch which had raised a man, Stephen
by name, to its episcopal throne.
Such is the history of a matter which, while it seemed
at first as of little moment, yet for many years was a source of
trouble in the Church. (
Vide
Hefele,
History of the
Councils
, Vol. III., pp. 454, 457; Vol. IV., p. 26.)