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Code of Canons of the African Church (Carthage, 419)

Local councils, NPNF II.14

25. Canon 25

Canon XXV. (Greek xxviii.)

Concerning bishops and the lower orders who wait upon the most holy mysteries. It has seemed good that these abstain from their wives.

Aurelius, the bishop, said: We add, most dear brethren, moreover, since we have heard of the incontinency of certain clerics, even of readers, towards their wives, it seemed good that what had been enacted in divers councils should be confirmed, to wit, that subdeacons who wait upon the holy mysteries, and deacons, and presbyters, as well as bishops according to former statutes,¹ should contain from their wives, so that they should be as though they had them not and unless they so act, let them be removed from office. But the rest of the clergy are not to be compelled to this, unless they be of mature age. And by the whole council it was said: What your holiness has said is just, holy, and pleasing to God, and we confirm it.

Notes · Ancient Epitome of Canon XXV

Those who handle holy things should abstain even from their own wives at the times of their ministration.

Notes

The Greek reads “κατὰ τοὺς ἰδίους ὅρους,” and so it was understood at the Council of Trullo, as is evident from Canon XIII, of that synod. The Latin is “secundum propria statuta,” but Bruns reads “priora.”