Epistles

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.

Wherever the bishop appears let the congregation be present; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. It is not lawful either to baptise or to hold an agape[*](Agapé means love: the name was given to some kind of religious meal. The context here suggests that it is a synonym for the Eucharist, but the point is doubted by some scholars. In the A.V. of Jud. 12 it is translated Love feasts.) without the bishop; but whatever he approve, this is also pleasing to God, that everything which you do may be secure and valid.