Statute 34

1Statute 34. Concerning the one who is to be baptized.

2When people have been chosen or are ready for baptism, their lives shall be examined: whether they lived in the fear of God before being baptized, whether they honored widows, whether they visited the sick, whether they did every good work, and whether those who bring them bear favorable witness concerning them.

3If they have done these things, they shall hear the Gospel from the time when they were set apart. A hand shall be laid upon them, and they shall be instructed every day.

4When the day on which they are to be baptized draws near, the bishop shall bind each of them by oath, so that he may know whether they are pure. If anyone is found not to be pure, that person shall be set apart alone, for he has not listened in faith to the word of instruction. It is not proper to baptize—that is, to administer baptism to—one who is entirely an alien.

5Those who are to be baptized shall be instructed to wash and undergo exorcism on the fifth day of the week, called the Sabbath. If there is a menstruating woman among them, she shall be set apart so that she may be baptized on another day.

6Those who desire to be baptized shall fast on Friday. On Saturday the bishop shall assemble in one place all those who are to be baptized and command them all to pray and prostrate themselves. When he has laid his hand upon them, he shall exorcise the unclean spirit so that it may flee from them and not enter them again.

7When he has finished the exorcism, he shall breathe upon them. The Scriptures shall be read to them, and they shall be exhorted.

8Those who are to be baptized shall not bring with them any ornament of gold, ring, or gem of any kind. Each of them shall give thanks, and those for whom it is fitting should also bring their offerings at that time.