Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series II/Volume II/Socrates/Book VI/Chapter 12
Chapter XII.—Epiphanius, in order to gratify Theophilus, performs Ordinations at Constantinople without John’s Permission.
Not long after this, at the suggestion of Theophilus, the bishop Epiphanius again came from Cyprus to Constantinople; he brought also with him a copy of the synodical decree in which they did not excommunicate Origen himself but condemned his books. On reaching St. John’s church, which is seven miles distant from the city, he disembarked, and there celebrated a service; then after having ordained a deacon,[1]
he again entered the city. In complaisance to Theophilus he declined
John’s courtesy, and engaged apartments in a private house. He
afterwards assembled those of the bishops who were then in the capital,
and producing his copy of the synodical decree condemnatory of
Origen’s works, recited it before them; not being able to assign
any reason for this judgment, than that it seemed fit to Theophilus and
himself to reject them. Some indeed from a reverential respect for
Epiphanius subscribed the decree; but many refused to do so among whom
was Theotimus bishop of Scythia, who thus addressed
Epiphanius:—‘I neither choose, Epiphanius,’ said he,
‘to insult the memory of one who ended his life piously long ago;
nor dare I be guilty of so impious an act, as that of condemning what
our predecessors did not reject: and especially when I know of no evil
doctrine contained in Origen’s books.’ Having said this, he
brought forward one of that author’s works, and reading a few
passages therefrom, showed that the sentiments propounded were in
perfect accordance with the orthodox faith. He then added, ‘Those
who speak evil of these writings are unconsciously casting dishonor
upon the sacred volume whence their principles are drawn.’ Such
was the reply which Theotimus, a bishop celebrated for his piety and
rectitude of life, made to Epiphanius.
Footnotes
[edit]- ↑ It was contrary to the canons of the church for a bishop to ordain a presbyter or a deacon in another’s diocese. Cf. Apostol. Can. 35. ‘Let not a bishop dare to ordain beyond his own limits in cities and places not subject to him. But if he be convicted of doing so without the consent of those persons who have authority over such cities and places, let him be deposed, and those also whom he has ordained.’ Also Can. 16 of the Council of Nicæa; ‘If any one should dare to steal, as it were, a person who belongs to another [bishop], and to ordain him for his own church, without permission of the bishop from whom he was withdrawn, the ordination shall be void.’