Gitsew
Canon 42
Overview
This canon prescribes penalties for an ordained person who denies Christ or denies the priesthood out of fear, while allowing a penitent person to return as a layperson.
1Commandment 42. Concerning denial of Christ and denial of the priesthood. If one of the ordained denies because of fear of people—whether Jews, pagans, or heretics—then, if it is the name of Christ that he denies, he shall be expelled; and if it is the name of the priesthood, he shall be deposed. If he repents, they shall receive him, and he shall enter as a layperson.