Canon 165

1. All bishops lawfully called to the council of hierarchs are

bound by the serious obligation to be present at the council, except those who have already resigned from office. 2. If a certain bishop considers himself to be detained by a legitimate impediment, he is to submit his reasons in writing to the council

of hierarchs; the bishops who have a deliberative vote and who

are present in the designated location at the opening session of

the council are to decide on the legitimacy of the impediment.

3. No one of the members from the council of hierarchs can send

a proxy, nor can anyone have several votes. 4. After the opening of the council of hierarchs, none of those who must be present can leave unless for a just reason approved by the president

of the council.