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The Apostolic Canons

Section 50

Canon LI. Concerning the bishop whom they have accused [of a crime]. When believing, truthful and good men have accused a bishop, it is necessary that he be called before the bishops. And if he comes and confesses his sins, they shall again take him and pass over him a judgment which is just. And if they call him and he does not come, they shall call him a second time, and two bishops shall go as messengers to him; and if he again does not obey, they shall call him a third time and shall again send two bishops to him as messengers. And if he does not obey, and is rebellious and does not come, those shall pass judgment over him who have been assembled according to what is right, that he shall be as one whom they have convicted, because he has fled from judgment.

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Text. George H. Schodde, Journal of the Society of Biblical Literature and Exegesis, 1885. Public domain by age. Schodde's English of the Ge'ez Apostolic Canons, recovered from the scan by the word coordinates. His roman numbering is the one printed; two of his headings did not survive the scan and their canons read on inside the canon before them. Not audited.