As many as were called by grace, and displayed the first zeal, having cast aside their military girdles, but afterwards returned, like dogs, to their own vomit, (so that some spent money and by means of gifts regained their military stations); let these, after they have passed the space of three years as hearers, be for ten years prostrators. But in all these cases it is necessary to examine well into their purpose and what their repentance appears to be like. For as many as give evidence of their conversions by deeds, and not pretense, with fear, and tears, and perseverance, and good works, when they have fulfilled their appointed time as hearers, may properly communicate in prayers; and after that the bishop may determine yet more favorably concerning them. But those who take with indifference, and who think the form of entering the Church is sufficient for their conversion, must fulfill the whole time.
This canon appears to be a continuation of the preceding1 and is directed to those men who had formerly served in the military but now had enlisted in the army of Licinius who faced Constantine for control of the empire. From the commentary with the canon, Licinius was known for his heathenism and requirement that all soldiers engage in idolatrous worship. Any such soldiers desiring to return to the church were required a 13-year penance for full fellowship occurred. As an aside, military service was not deemed sinful in itself though it had that potential except for mention by Tertullian as in On Idolatry, chapter 19.2
Concerning any person serving the time of penance, if the local elder determined after the completion of the "hearing" phase, that the repentance is both genuine and pronounced, the remaining stage(s) may be shortened as seems fitting.3
1 "The Prisca and the Isidorian version stands as part of canon 11" in The Seven Ecumenical Councils, Canon 12 (NPNF2 14:28).
2 ANF 3:73.
3 I.e. time off for good behavior.
This canon appears to be a continuation of the preceding1 and is directed to those men who had formerly served in the military but now had enlisted in the army of Licinius who faced Constantine for control of the empire. From the commentary with the canon, Licinius was known for his heathenism and requirement that all soldiers engage in idolatrous worship. Any such soldiers desiring to return to the church were required a 13-year penance for full fellowship occurred. As an aside, military service was not deemed sinful in itself though it had that potential except for mention by Tertullian as in On Idolatry, chapter 19.2
Concerning any person serving the time of penance, if the local elder determined after the completion of the "hearing" phase, that the repentance is both genuine and pronounced, the remaining stage(s) may be shortened as seems fitting.3
1 "The Prisca and the Isidorian version stands as part of canon 11" in The Seven Ecumenical Councils, Canon 12 (NPNF2 14:28).
2 ANF 3:73.
3 I.e. time off for good behavior.
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