Canon V.
If
a catechumen coming into the
Church have taken his place in the order of catechumens, and fall into
sin, let him, if a kneeler, become a hearer and sin no more. But
should he again sin while a hearer, let him be cast out.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon V.
If a catechumen falls into a fault and if while a
kneeler he sins no more, let him be among the hearers; but should he
sin while among the hearers, let him be cast out altogether.
Zonaras.
There are two sorts of catechumens. For some have
only just come in and these, as still imperfect, go out immediately
after the reading of the scriptures and of the Gospels. But there
are others who have been for some time in preparation and have attained
some perfection; these wait after the Gospel for the prayers for the
catechumens, and when they hear the words “Catechumens, bow down
your heads to the Lord,” they kneel down. These, as being
more perfect, having tasted the good words of God, if they fall, are
removed from their position; and are placed with the
“hearers”; but if any happen to sin while
“hearers” they are cast out of the Church
altogether.