Chapter 9

1Just as the Son is the good pleasure of the Father, so the deacon is the messenger and prophet of the bishop. Therefore, it is not right for him to do anything without the counsel of the bishop. If he secretly gives to a destitute person without the bishop’s knowledge, he brings reproach and imputes neglect and sloth to the bishop concerning the poor, the needy, and the afflicted. Whoever speaks evil against the bishop or does wrong has sinned against God, failing to understand what is said: “You shall not speak evil against the ruler of your people.” This law was not ordained concerning the stones and trees worshiped by the Gentiles, but concerning priests and wise men.

2Understand, then, O deacon: if you see a destitute person who is ashamed to beg, speak to the bishop about him. Do not reveal his poverty to anyone else or speak about it, lest he be ashamed and murmur. If you reveal his secrets, you will bring sorrow upon your brother, and for his sake the Lord will be angry with you. He said to them, “Why were you not afraid to speak evil against my servant Moses?” And the anger of the Lord’s wrath came upon them. Moses said to those who murmured against him, “And we—what are we? This murmuring of yours is not against me, but against the Creator.”

3If anyone says to a layperson, “You fool,” he shall be condemned, for he has blasphemed against the name of Christ. If this is so, how much more shall those be condemned who blaspheme against the bishop? When he stretches out his hands, the Holy Spirit descends. Through him you are taught the spiritual commandment, know God, and have believed in Christ, through whom you are saved by the oil of gladness and the holy chrism and are made sons of light. When the bishop lays his hand upon you in holy baptism, the Lord sends his holy Word upon you, saying, “You are my sons, and today I have begotten you.”

4Understand, then, O man, that through the bishop’s prayer you are called a son of God. Know also what has been granted to you, and love the one who has loved you and called you to this glory and honor. Revere the bishop, who under God is a father to you. You have heard the word concerning those who begot you according to the flesh: “Honor your father and your mother, and for this you shall find good”; and, “Whoever speaks an evil word against his father or his mother, let him die the death.” If this is so, how can you fail to magnify and honor those who have begotten you anew through water and the Holy Spirit, fed you with spiritual milk, nurtured you with the word of admonition, strengthened you through the Eucharist, and made you fit to receive the holy Body and precious Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? These are the ones who have freed you from the bond of sin and made you partakers of the holy Eucharist and of the love of God, so that you may share in the inheritance and be joint heirs with his Son. Fear and honor them in everything, for they have been granted life from God so that they may pronounce judgment against those who have sinned, save them from the fire of Gehenna, and pardon those who turn away from their sins.

5You ought, then, to fear them as chiefs and rulers, obey them as kings, and receive them into your houses. Just as Samuel the prophet instructed the people concerning the king in the First Book of Kings, and as Moses instructed them concerning the priests, so we instruct you concerning the bishops: give them what is due to them, as appointed. In former times Moses, Elijah, and Samuel instructed the people to honor kings and priests who serve in matters of this world. If this is so, it is even more fitting that you give their due and their maintenance to bishops and priests who watch and serve on your behalf and guide you toward the Kingdom of heaven. In former times kings raised armies to fight and wage war so that they might guard and save people’s bodies. How much more worthy of honor are those who have received from God the office of the priesthood and preserve both soul and body from condemnation? The soul is of greater account than the body, and the priestly office is of greater account than the kingly office, for it binds those who deserve condemnation and looses those who seek healing. Therefore, it is right for you to honor and love the bishop as a father, fear him as a king, and trust in him as in God.

6Bring him your gifts: the fruits of your ground, the labor of your hands, your firstfruits, your presents, and your vows, including the firstfruits of your wheat, wine, oil, and wool. For this he shall pronounce a blessing upon you, so that your offering may be acceptable and pleasing as incense, a sweet fragrance before the Lord your God, and so that the Lord may bless the work of your hands and multiply the good fruits of your land. For the Lord’s blessing rests upon the heads of the righteous who show mercy.

7Behold, know now that the Lord has freed us from the curse of the Law and brought us back to life when we were scattered and lost like sheep without a shepherd and like beasts that cannot speak. He has turned us away from our sins, cleansed us from our iniquities, and commanded us to bring our sacrifices to the priests and give alms to the poor who have nothing. Our Lord says in the Gospel, “Unless you abound more than the scribes and Pharisees in doing righteousness, you cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven.” You will do this if you take care to give to the priests, widows, and orphans, as it is written: “He has dispersed abroad and has given to the poor, and his righteousness remains forever”; and, “By righteousness, uprightness, and mercy, sin is pardoned.” For a pure and blessed soul pleases God.

8Practice righteousness, then, as the Lord has commanded. Give the priests, as is fitting, the firstfruits of your winepress and threshing floor, for they have authority to give to all the destitute and power over every matter of the Church. Do not contend with the bishops over anything they do, saying, “When did he do it?” or, “To whom did he give?” or, “When did he spend it?” or, “Where did he send it?” Nor discuss whether he has done good or evil or acted justly or unjustly, for the Lord God will require an account from them. He gave them the office of the priesthood and granted them the higher degree.

9Set the fear of God before your eyes, and remember at all times the word that says, “Love the one Lord your God with all your heart and with all your strength.” Do not follow the way that leads to false gods, anything like them that has no life, the doctrine of devils, or other creatures that Christ has not commanded. Seek to read the Scriptures, which are the law of the Lord your God, and never cease reading his Scriptures. Remove from yourself every opposing evil that is not commanded in the law, including mockery and anger. Honor your father and your mother, who begot you according to the flesh; love your neighbor as yourself; show mercy to the poor; and keep far from false swearing, in which there is no profit. But do not stay away from the Church of Christ. Go there early at all times and worship humbly with the lowly, who do not sleep night or day but give thanks to God for the life he has bestowed upon them. Live by your labor, the work of your hands, and offer to the Lord from what you have according to your ability. Be a friend of the poor, and gain the Kingdom of heaven, where there is neither moth nor rust and where the thief does not find it.

10If you desire to save yourself, do not contend wrongfully in judgment with the bishop, with a layperson who is your brother, or with your fellow. If you contend wrongfully with him in judgment, you have brought transgression and sin upon yourself, though no one compelled you. Judgment has been given to the priests, not to the layperson. The Lord says to them, “Judge in righteousness and uprightness”; and, “Be understanding and judge the great ones of the people, each one of them.” But you are not permitted to judge anyone. For it is said to those who do not hold the office of the priesthood, “Do not judge, for your judgment shall not be acceptable.” Let the bishop judge uprightly, as it is written: “Judge the poor and the orphan; do justice to the oppressed and the needy; and save the desolate and destitute.” Moreover, it is said, “Why do you not judge uprightly among yourselves?”