Folia Theologica et Canonica 7. 29/21 (2018)

Ius canonicum

IDONEITY FOR PRIESTHOOD IN THE EARLY CANONICAL DISCIPLINE... 313

with bishops.67 21 of 52 contain together all of the three degrees of priesthood (bishop, presbyter, deacon);68 19 of 52 regulate only bishops;6'’ 10 of 52 speak about bishops and presbyters without deacons;70 and only 3 of 52 contain rules concerning presbyters and deacons without mentioning bishops.71 Therefore, the texts of the Canones apostolid particularly stress the importance of the episcopal office. The best summary of the bishop’s superiority in the Canones apostolid is c. 35.72 Furthermore, c. 40 declares the bishop’s superintendent power over deacons and presbyters.73 But, in fact, most of the above fisted canons deal with the three higher clerical degrees without any distinction.

Conclusion

Reading the Canones Apostolid from the fourth century is quite clear that for idoneity for Holy Orders is indispensable to know the true faith from doctrinal and disciplinary aspects and have a profound Biblical knowledge. These made the basis which did must be acquired during the early formation for sacred services of those who were selected for that. Without these the clergy could not fulfill the obligation celebrating the Holy Mass, administering sacraments, giving catechesis, take care the sick, and the presiding at funerals, prayers, and blessings. The function of archpresbyter is also defined in the selection and formation for worthy receiving any degree of the Holy Order. It must be noted that most of early sources speak also of similar attributes that are necessary for any degree - even episcopal - of Holy Orders. We can see the gradual distinguish-67 Cann. 1-3, 5, 7-9, 14-18, 21, 25, 28-30, 32-42, 44^17, 49-53, 55-56, 58-59, 63, 68-70, 74-78, 83.

68 Cann. 7-9,17-18, 25, 28-30, 33-34,42,44-45, 51,53, 63, 68-70, 83.

69 Cann. 1-2,14, 16,21,31-32,35-39,41,55,74-78.

70 Cann. 3,5-6,46-47,49-50, 52, 58-59.

71 Cann. 15, 40, 56.

72 Can. 35: Episcopos gentium singularum scire convenit, quis inter eos primus habeatur, quem velut caput existiment, et nihil amplius praeter eius conscientiam gerant, quam illa sola singuli, quae parochiae, et villis quae sub ea sunt, competunt, sed nec ille praeter omnium conscientiam faciat aliquid, sic enim unanimitas erit, et glorificabitur Deus per Christum in Spiritu sancto. PL LXVII. 145.

73 Can. 40: Presbyteri et diaconi praeter episcopum nihil agere pertentent. Nam Domini populus ipsi commissus est, et pro animabus eorum hic redditurus est rationem. Sint autem manifestae res propriae episcopi (si tamen habet proprias), et manifestae Dominicae, ut potestatem habeat, de propriis moriens episcopus, sicut voluerit, et quibus voluerit derelinquere. Nec sub occasione ecclesiasticarum rerum, quae episcopi esse probantur, intercidant; fortassis enim aut uxorem habet, aut filios, aut propinquos, aut servos. Et iustum est hoc apud Deum et homines, ut nec Ecclesia detrimentum patiatur, ignoratione rerum pontificis, nec episcopus, vel eius propinqui sub obtentu Ecclesiae proscribantur, et in causas incidant, qui ad eum pertinent, morsque eius iniuriis et malae famae subiaceat. PL LXVII. 146.