Didesqelya
Chapter 16
Overview
This chapter reserves priestly functions and baptism to those holding the proper ecclesiastical offices. It also assigns ordination to bishops and lists faults that must be absent from those who are ordained.
1We command you, then, that no layman exercise the priestly office. He must neither offer incense, baptize, lay on hands, bless, nor give the bread of blessing. No one can receive this grace unless it is given to him by God. They must receive this grace and honor from the bishop. Anyone to whom the dignity of the priesthood has not been given will find condemnation if he transgresses, as King Uzziah did.
2Moreover, we do not command everyone in the Church to baptize—not readers, singers, or doorkeepers, but only bishops and presbyters, with deacons ministering alongside them. Those who transgress and act otherwise will receive the condemnation that befell the sons of Korah.
3Behold, we command that presbyters must not ordain deacons, deaconesses, readers, singers, or doorkeepers. Bishops alone are to ordain according to the order of the Church, and they are to ordain those in whom there is no vindictiveness, envy, slander, hatred, or malice.
4Behold, we have told you before that those who do such things are strangers to the fellowship of Christians—and above all, widows.