Canon XVIII. (Gk.
xviii.
The Latin caption is the canon of the
Greek
.)
If any cleric is ordained he ought to be admonished to
observe the constitutions.
And that neither the Eucharist nor Baptism should be
given to the bodies of the dead.
And that every year in every province the Metropolitans
come together in synod.
(Gk. Canon xix.)
It
seemed good that before
bishops, or clerics were ordained, the provisions of the canons should
be brought to their notice, lest, they might afterwards repent of
having through ignorance acted contrary to law.
Ancient Epitome of Greek Canon XIX.
The things which have been adopted by the synods should
be made known to him who is to be ordained.
(Gk. Canon xx.)
It also seemed good that the Eucharist should not be
given to the bodies of the dead. For it is written:
“Take, Eat,” but the bodies of the dead can neither
“take” nor “eat.” Nor let the ignorance
of the presbyters baptize those who are dead.
Ancient Epitome of Greek Canon
XX
The Eucharist is not to be given to the body of one dead
for it neither eats nor drinks.
The ignorance of a presbyter shall not baptize a dead
man.
(Gk. Canon xxi.)
And therefore in this holy synod should be confirmed in
accordance with the Nicene decrees, on account of Ecclesiastical
causes, which often are delayed to the injury of the people, that every
year there should be a synod, to which all, who are primates of the
provinces, should send bishops as legates, from their own synods, two
or as many as they choose; so that when the synod meets it may have
full power to act.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Greek Canon
XXI.
According to the decrees of the Nicene Fathers a yearly
synod shall be assembled, and two legates or as many as they shall
choose, shall be sent by the primates of every province.
This is composed of Canons II., IV., and V. of the
second series of enactments of Hippo,
a.d.
393.
Johnson.
The 18th canon in the Edition of Tilius and Bishop
Beveridge runs thus; viz. [If any clergyman be ordained he ought to be
reminded to keep the canons; and that the Eucharist or Baptism be not
given to dead corpses; and that the Metropolitans in every province
meet in synod yearly.] They speak their own language, and call
him a Metropolitan, whom the Africans called a Primate; but then they
have also the entire 18th canon, as it here stands according to the
Latin, which they divide into three, and number them 19, 20, 21.
See Can. Nic. 5. It seems very odd that they
should allege the authority of the Nicene Synod upon this occasion; for
that orders a synod twice a year, this but once; that intends a
provincial synod, this a diocesan or national one.