THE SEVENTH ECUMENICAL SYNOD

Seventh Ecumenical Synod was convened at Nicaea, in 787, called by Empress Irene, with 350 bishops present. It supported the use of images (Icons) of Christ and the Saints, to which the people should render honor but not worship, for "the honor which is given to the icon passes over to the prototype." This Synod issued 22 canons of administrative content.

EPITOME of CANON 1 

We gladly embrace the Divine Canons, viz.: those of the Holy Apostles, of the Six Ecumenical Synods, also of the local synods and of our Holy Fathers, as inspired by one and the same Holy Spirit. Whom they anathematize we also anathematize; whom they depose, we depose, whom they cut off; we cut off; and whom they subject to penalties, we also so subject.

Cf. 4.1; 6,2 

EPITOME of CANON 2 

Whoever is to be a bishop must know the Psalter by heart; he must thoroughly understand what he reads, and not merely superficially, but with diligent care, that is to say the Sacred Canons, the Holy Gospel, the book of the Apostle, and the whole of the Divine Scripture. And should he not have such knowledge, he is not to be ordained.

Cf. 19,24 

EPITOME of CANON 3 

Every election made by a secular magistrate is null.

Cf. 8,1,2,30,61; 1,4; 16,5,13; 19,59; 28,7 

EPITOME of CANON 4 

We decree that no bishop shall extort gold or silver, or anything else from bishops, clerics, or monks subject to his jurisdiction. And if anyone through the power of gold or of any other thing or through his own whims, shall be found to have prevented any one of the clergy who are subject to him, from the celebration of the holy offices, or shall have shut up a venerable temple so that the sacred worship of God could not be performed in it, he shall be subject to the lex talionis. For Peter the Apostle says: Feed the flock of God, not of necessity but willingly, and according to God; not for filthy lucre's sake, but with a prompt mind; not exercising lordship over the clergy, but being an example to the flock.

EPITOME of CANON 5 

It seems that such a glory in the fact that they owe their position to their liberality in gold to the Church, and who condemn those who were chosen because of their virtue and were appointed without any largess, should receive the lowest place in their order. And should they continue in their ways, let them be punished. But those who made such gifts so as to get ordinations, let such be cast forth from communion, as Simon Magus was by Peter.

Cf. 8,29; 4,2

EPITOME of CANON 6 

Whenever it is not possible for a synod to meet according to the decree formulated long ago, twice in each year, at least let it be held once, as seemed good to the Sixth Synod. Should any magistrate forbid such meeting, let him be cast out: and a bishop who shall take no pains to assemble it, shall be subject to punishment. And when the synod is held, should it appear that the Metropolitan has taken anything away from any bishop, let him restore four-fold.

Cf. 9,37; 1,5; 4,19; 6,8 

EPITOME of CANON 7 

Let reliques of the Holy Martyrs be placed in such churches as have been consecrated without them, and this with the accustomed prayers. But whoever shall consecrate a church without these shall be deposed as a transgressor of the traditions of the Church.

Cf. 19,91; 28,5,24 

EPITOME of CANON 8 

Hebrews must not be received unless they are manifestly converted with sincerity of heart.

EPITOME of CANON 9 

If any one is found to have concealed a book written against the venerable images, if he is on the clergy list let him be deposed; if a layman or monk let him be cut off.

Cf. 8,60; 6,2,63; 16,51

This is the last of the Seven Ecumenical Councils.  The Continuation which consists of the Canons of the Holy Apostles, Canons of the Regional Synods and Canons of the Holy Fathers will be forthcoming as they are completed. It is suggested, in the alternative, that you do a SEARCH at www.google.com for "Ancient Canons" or something similar as search engines vary with input terms.

Go to: Sacred Ancient Canons Main Page

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