The
Definition of the Holy and Ecumenical Synod of Ephesus Against the
Impious Messalians Who are Also Called Euchetæ and
Enthusiasts.
(
Found in Latin only
. Labbe and Cossart,
Concilia
, Tom. III., col. 809.)
When the most pious and religious bishops, Valerian and
Amphilochius had come to us, they proposed that we should consider in
common the case of the Messalians, that is the Euchetes or Enthusiasts,
who were flourishing in Pamphylia, or by what other name this most
contaminating heresy is called. And when we were considering the
question, the most pious and religious bishop Valerian, presented to us
a synodical schedule which had been drawn up concerning them in the
great city of Constantinople, under Sisinnius of blessed memory:
What we read therein was approved by all, as well composed and as a due
presentation of the case. And it seemed good to us all, and to
the most pious bishops Valerian and Amphilochius and to all the most
pious bishops of the provinces of Pamphylia and Lycaonia, that all
things contained in that Synodical chart should be confirmed and in no
way rescinded; also that the action taken at Alexandria might also be
made firm, so that all those who throughout the whole province are of
the Messalian or Enthusiastic heresy, or suspected of being tainted
with that heresy, whether clerics or laymen, may come together; and if
they shall anathematize in writing, according to the decrees pronounced
in the aforesaid synod [their errors], if they are clergymen they may
remain such; and if laymen they may be admitted to communion. But
if they refuse to anathematize, if they were presbyters or deacons or
in any other ecclesiastical grade, let them be cast out of the clergy
and from their grade, and also from communion; if they be lay-men let
them be anathematized.
Furthermore those convicted of this heresy are no more
to be permitted to have the rule of our monasteries, lest tares be sown
and increase. And we give command that the most pious bishops
Valerian and Amphilochius, and the rest of the most reverend bishops of
the whole province shall pay attention that this decree be carried into
effect. In addition to this it seemed good that the filthy book
of this heresy, which is called the “Asceticon,” should be
anathematized, as composed by heretics, a copy of which the most
religious and pious Valerian brought with him. Likewise anything
savouring of their impiety which may be found among the people, let it
be anathema.
Moreover when they come together, let there be commended
by them in writing such things as are useful and necessary for concord,
and communion, and arrangement (
dispositionem vel
dispensationem
). But should any question arise in connexion
with the present business, and if it should prove to be difficult and
ambiguous, what is not approved by the most pious bishops Valerian and
Amphilochius, and the other bishops throughout the province, they ought
to discuss all things by reference to what is written. And if the
most pious bishops of the Lycians or of the Lycaonians shall have been
passed over; nevertheless let not a Metropolitan be left out of
whatever province he may be. And let these things be inserted in
the Acts so that if any have need of them they would find how also to
expound these things more diligently to others.