Canon LXI. (Greek
lxiv.)
Of spectacles, that they be not celebrated on
Lord’s days nor on the festivals of the Saints.
Furthermore
, it must be sought
that theatrical spectacles and the exhibition of other plays be removed
from the Lord’s day and the other most sacred days of the
Christian religion, especially because on the octave day of the holy
Easter [i.e., Low Sunday] the people assemble rather at the circus than
at church, and they should be transferred to some other day when they
happen to fall upon a day of devotion, nor shall any Christian be
compelled to witness these spectacles,
460
especially because in the performance of things contrary to the
precepts of God there should be no persecution made by anyone, but (as
is right) a man should exercise the free will given him by God.
Especially also should be considered the peril of the cooperators who,
contrary to the precepts of God, are forced by great fear to attend the
shews.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon
LXI.
There shall be no theatrical representations upon
Lord’s days or feast days.
This is Canon V. of the Synod of Carthage, June 15th
(16),
a.d.
401.
460
Here ends the Greek
text.