ordained, however – if he is still single, he must remain
so; and should his wife die, he cannot get re-married.
This principle of marriage before ordination was
taken from Apostolic practice. For when the Apostles
were called by Christ and made "fishers of men", those
who were already married before the Call, remained with
their families; those who were unmarried, kept their
chaste celibacy.
- It seems befitting to quote here the letter that was
written by the Nicean Council and given to Abba
Alexandros and his delegation to carry back to their
Church. It is a historic document of great interest and
value, and this is how it reads:-
"Unto the Church of Alexandria, saintly and great
by the Grace of God; and unto our beloved brothers who
inhabit Egypt, Libya and the Pentapolis: - the Bishops
assembled at Nicea and composing a great and saintly
Council, salute you in the Lord.
"By the Grace of God, and at the convocation of
Constantine, the prince cherished by God: assembled
from diverse provinces and cities, and forming at Nicea a
great and saintly Council; we deemed it necessary to send
you this letter from the Council that you may know what
was proposed, examined, decreed, and established by the
Council.
"To begin with, and under the eyes of our
Emperor, Constantine, cherished by God, we discussed
the impious and perverse doctrine of Arius, and
unanimously decided to ban them with anathema ...”
"We also announce to you with joy that we are
agreed on the celebration of Easter and that thanks to
your prayers, Unity is achieved.