65. How I resisted my ordination, and
lastly, when I was compelled, endeavoured that it might at least be
deferred, but the prescribed rule did not prevail against the popular
eagerness. Yet the Western Bishops approved of my ordination by
their decision, the Eastern by an example of the same kind. Nectarius,
unbaptized and holding a civil office, was appointed to the see of
Constantinople, on the resignation of St. Gregory of Nazianzus, during
the sitting of the second œcumenical council at
Constantinople. And yet the ordination of a
neophyte is forbidden, lest he should be lifted up by pride. 1 Tim. iii. 6. If the ordination was not
postponed it was because of constraint, and if humility suitable to the
priestly office be not wanting, where there is no reason blame will not
be imputed to him.