The Presbyters Project

Canon 1

I. In primis, quia multi, de ultimis orientis partibus uenientis, presbyteros et diaconos se esse confingunt, ignotarum suscriptione apostholia ignorantibus ingerentes, quidam spem infidelium sumptum stepemque captantur, sanctorum communioni speciae simulatae religionis inpraemunt: placuit nobis, si qui fuerint eiusmodi, si tamen communes ecclesiae causa non fuerit, ad ministerium altarii non admittantur.

(ed. Munier 1963: 50)

Canon 1

I. Firstly, because many [men] who came from the farthest parts of the East pretend to be presbyters and deacons, carrying to unaware people episcopal letters of recommendation [apostholia] signed by unknown [bishops], reaching to the faithful in hope of the offering and [covering] of the expenses [?; text gravely corrupted]. They pretend to be in communion with saints by simulating religious acts. We decided that if there is anybody of that sort, if it is not the matter of the well-being of the church, those people should not be admitted to the service of the altar.

(trans. J. Szafranowski)

Discussion:

Perhaps the phrase "People from the East" refers to the Priscillianists, who were often called Manicheans, thus being described as coming from the East.

Particularly interesting is the ending of this canon where the synodal fathers forbid the false presbyters and deacons to serve at the altar, if "it is not the matter of the well-being of the Church" (sic!). One may wonder how big were the pastoral needs in 4th-century Gaul, that in order to remedy the apparent shortage of clergy, bishops were willing to accept heretics performing church service.

Place of event:

Region

Gaul

City

Nîmes

About the source:

Title: Council of Nîmes 394/396, Concilium Nemausense anno 394/396
Origin: Nîmes (Gaul)
Denomination: Catholic/Nicene/Chalcedonian

The Council of Nîmes was held during the consulship of Arcadius and Honorius. They were consuls in 394, 396, and 402. Since Sulpicius Severus notes in his Dialogues (II.13.8) that Martin of Tours did not attend this synod but was interested in its aftermath, and Martin died in 397, the third date should be dismissed. Hence, the Council of Nîmes gathered either in 394 or 396.

Edition:

Ch. Munier ed., Concilia Galliae a. 314-a. 506, Corpus Christianorum. Series Latina 148, Turnhoult 1963.

Translation:

J. Gaudemet, Conciles gaulois du IVe siècle, Sources chrétiennes 241, Paris 1977

Categories:

Non-Latin Origin - Near Eastern

Travel and change of residence

Religious grouping (other than Catholic/Nicene/Chalcedonian) - Priscillianist

Ecclesiastical transfer

Described by a title - Presbyter/πρεσβύτερος

Usurping presbyterial power

Ritual activity - Eucharist

Religious grouping (other than Catholic/Nicene/Chalcedonian) - Manichaean

Shortage of clergy

Please quote this record referring to its author, database name, number, and, if possible, stable URL: J. Szafranowski, Presbyters in the Late Antique West, ER367, http://presbytersproject.ihuw.pl/index.php?id=6&SourceID=367