Abtilis
Canon 8
Overview
This canon establishes the requirement for all clergy and church members to participate in the Eucharist during the liturgy, permitting absence only for illness or urgent necessity, and prescribes deposition and excommunication for those who neglect this duty, as they become a bad example and undermine the sanctity of the priesthood.
1Abṭelis, 8. If a bishop, presbyter, deacon, or any member of the church does not offer and partake of the Eucharist with the people at the time when the liturgy is being celebrated, let there be a reason of illness or necessity; but if there is no such reason, let them be removed from their office. If they do otherwise, let them be punished and expelled from the people, for they have become a stumbling block and a cause of offense to many, and they cause the priests who do not sanctify the Eucharist to be regarded as those who do not sanctify with a pure conscience and right faith, as it is written in the tradition.