Tizaz
Statute 41
Overview
This statute prescribes the offering and blessing of first fruits, lists fruits that may and may not be blessed, and directs believers to receive food with thanksgiving.
1Statute 41 — Concerning the fruits that are fitting to offer.
2Everyone shall give and shall take care to offer the first fruits of the crops to the bishop. He shall offer them, blessing and naming the person who offers them, and saying: “We thank you, God, and we present to you the first fruit of what you have given us as good things. You were pleased, and by your word you commanded the earth to bear its various fruits as satisfying food for human beings and all animals, so that we might glorify you, O God, for every benefit that you bring to all creation through various fruits, through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom, together with him and the Holy Spirit, glory be to you forever and ever. Amen.”
3Concerning the fruits: the priest shall bless these fruits—grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, apples, plums, quinces, peaches, tamarinds, and almonds.
4They shall not bless Egyptian figs, garlic, onions, any kind of gourds, or any vegetables. Nor shall they offer any other fruits except rose blossoms.
5Whatever they eat, they shall eat with thanksgiving to God, to whom be glory. Give thanks to him as you take the fruits.