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Council of Chalcedon (451)

Ecumenical councils, NPNF II.14

26. Canon 26

Forasmuch as we have heard that in certain churches the bishops managed the church-business without stewards, it has seemed good that every church having a bishop shall have also a steward from among its own clergy, who shall manage the church business under the sanction of his own bishop; that so the administration of the church may not be without a witness; and that thus the goods of the church may not be squandered, nor reproach be brought upon the priesthood; and if he [i.e., the Bishop] will not do this, he shall be subjected to the divine canons.

Notes · Ancient Epitome of Canon XXVI

The Œconomus in all churches must be chosen from the clergy. And the bishop who neglects to do this is not without blame.

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