Tizaz
Statute 14
Overview
This statute sets out qualifications and procedures for ordaining a bishop and appointing presbyters, together with the presbyters’ liturgical and disciplinary duties.
1Concerning the ordination of a bishop.
2If a district has few of the faithful, and there are not enough people to form an assembly around the bishop—not even twelve—they shall send a message to the churches neighboring their district where there are many believers, so that they may bring three believers, holy and chosen men of that district.
3They shall examine them carefully concerning what befits them for the good work: whether he is a man of good character among the people, without sin and without anger, a lover of the poor and kind, not a drunkard, an adulterer, a lover of the greater share for himself, a reviler, unjust, or anything similar.
4It is also good for him to be without a wife. Yet if he has married one wife before he is ordained bishop, he shall live with her. He should share in good doctrine and be able to expound the Scriptures. If he is unable to expound the Scriptures, he should be humble and abound in love toward all people, so that the bishop may be condemned in nothing whatever or reproved in anything.
5John said: If the bishop who is to be ordained knows how to keep himself and has the love of God, two presbyters who have been approved shall be appointed to be with him.
6They all said: Not two, but three, because they are twenty-four presbyters, twelve on the right and twelve on the left.
7John said: It is good that you have reminded me, O brethren. Behold, those on the right receive the cups from the archangels and offer them to the Lord, while those on the left have authority over all the angels.
8The presbyters should be like old men who have passed beyond the time of intercourse with wives. They shall partake of the Mystery with the bishop, assist him in everything whatever, and gather around him in love for their shepherd.
9The presbyters on the right shall take care to assist at the altar. Let them be worthy of the honor, and let them reject the one who is worthy of rejection.
10The presbyters on the left shall attend to all the people, so that they may be quiet and not in commotion, may be kept under complete discipline, and may obey with complete obedience.