Canon XX. (Greek
xxiii.)
Of accused presbyters or clerks.
But
if presbyters or deacons
shall have been accused, there shall be joined together from the
neighbouring places with the bishop of the diocese, the legitimate
number of colleagues, whom the accused shall seek from the same; that
is together with himself six in the case against a presbyter, in that
against a deacon three. They shall discuss the causes, and the
same form shall be kept with regard to days and postponements and
removals from communion, and in the discussion of persons between the
accusers and the accused.
But the causes of the rest of the clergy, the bishop of
the place shall take cognizance of and determine alone.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon XX.
When a presbyter is accused, six of the neighbouring
bishops together with the bishop of that region shall judge the
matter. But for a deacon, three. What things concern the
other clerics even one bishop shall examine.
This is Canon viii. of Hippo, 393.
Johnson.
See Canon 12.