Epistles

Th ey abstain from Eucharist and prayer, because[*](Heretics and the Eucharist) they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Saviour Jesus Christ who suffered for our sins, which the Father raised up by his goodness. They then who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes; but it were better for them to have love, that they also may attain to the Resurrection.

It is right to refrain from such men and not even to speak about them in private or in public, but to give heed to the prophets and especially to the

See that you all follow the bishop, as Jesus[*](Submission to the Bishop and the Presbyters) Christ follows the Father, and the presbytery as if it were the Apostles. And reverence the deacons as the command of God. Let no one do any of the things appertaining to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop, or by one whom he appoints.