A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

404 A Source Book for Ancient Church Historythe various general councils, directed their discussions andconfirmed the results. In this way their findings were giventhe force of laws and authority throughout the Church. V.infra, §§ 90, 91.To the most religious Emperor Theodosius, the holy synod ofbishops assembled in Constantinople out of different provinces.We begin our letter to your Piety with thanks to God, whohas established the Empire of your Piety for the common peaceof the churches and for the support of the true faith. And, afterrendering due thanks unto God, as in duty bound, we lay beforeyour Piety the things which have been done in the holy synod.When, then, we had assembled in Constantinople, according tothe letter of your Piety, we first of all renewed our unity ofheart each with the other, and then we pronounced some concisedefinitions, ratifying the faith of the Nicene Fathers, and anathematizingthe heresies which have sprung up contrary thereto.Besides these things, we also framed certain canons for the betterordering of the churches, all which we have subjoined to thisour letter. We therefore beseech your Piety that the decree ofthe synod may be ratified, to the end that as you have honoredthe Church by your letter of citation, so you should set yourseal to the conclusion of what has been decreed. May the Lordestablish your Empire in peace and righteousness, and prolong itfrom generation to generation; and may He add unto your earthlypowers the fruition of the heavenly kingdom also. May God, bythe prayers of the saints, show favor to the world, that you maybe strong and eminent in all good things as an Emperor mosttruly pious and beloved of God.(h) Synod of Antioch, A. D. 341, Canons, Bruns, I, 80.The following canons passed at Antioch are the first touchinga habit which they did little to correct. The so-called sixth