Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Antioch - Canon 8

Let not country presbyters give letters canonical, or let them send such letters only to the neighboring bishops.  But the chorepiscopi of good report may give letters pacifical.

As a safeguard of communicating canonical decisions, authoritative letters required a person of proper position.  At Nicaea the council proceedings were marked with Π. Υ. A. Π. (i.e. Father, Son, Holy Spirit) attesting to their authenticity similar to a royal seal from a monarch.  Letters of commendation, however, did not require the same level of authority, but the sender needed to be in a position of responsibility.

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