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WHEREAS it has come to our ears that in the provinces the Canonical
Synods of Bishops are not held, and that on this account many ecclesiastical
matters which need reformation are neglected; therefore, according to the
canons of the holy Fathers, the holy Synod decrees that the bishops of every
province shall twice in the year assemble together where the bishop of the
Metropolis shall approve, and shall then settle whatever matters may have
arisen. And bishops, who do not attend, but remain in their own cities, though
they are in good health and free from any unavoidable and necessary business,
shall receive a brotherly admonition.
NOTES.
ANCIENT EPITOME OR CANON XIX.
Twice each year the Synod shall be
held where-ever the bishop of the Metropolis shall designate, and all matters
of pressing interest shall be determined.
See notes on Canon V. of Nice, and
on Canon XX. of Antioch, and compare canon VIII. of the council in Trullo.
BRIGHT.
Hilary of Arles and his suffragans,
assembled at Riez, had already, in 439 qualified the provision for two by
adding significantly "if the times are quiet" (Mansi, v., 1194). The
words were written at the close of ten years' war, during which the Visigoths
of Septimania "were endeavouring to take Arles and Narbonne"
(Hodgkin, Italy and her Invaders, ii., 121).
This canon is found in the Corpus
Juris Canonici, Gratian's Decretum, Pars I., Dist. XVIII., canon vj.
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