Section 531
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COUNCIL OF NICE. 49 But if any of those who are in the Church should be removed by death, the office of the deceased is to be conferred on such as have recently been admitted to orders ; provided, however, that they appear to be worthy of the promotion, and be elected by the peo ple ; whose choice, nevertheless, must be approved and confirmed by the bishop of Alexandria.* And this privilege was conceded to all the others. But with respect to Meletius, on account of his former irregular conduct, and the rashness and precipitancy of his temper, it was otherwise decreed ; that no power or authority should be given to a man, who might be able to renew the same troubles, which had existed before. These are the transactions relating more particularly to Egypt and the most holy church of the Alexandrians. And if any thing further was resolved or determined, in the presence of.our Lord, and most honored associate and brother, Alexander, he will him self the more accurately relate it to you, from having been a prominent actor and sharer in what was performed. We moreover inform you of our unanimous agreement with regard to the most holy season of Easter, which was happily ef fected by the assistance of your prayers ; so that all our brethren in the East, who formerly celebrated the passover simultaneously with the Jews, will in future keep that festival in accordance with the Romans, with ourselves, and with all those, who from the earliest times have observed that solemnity with us. Rejoicing, therefore, on account of these happy regulations, and the peace and harmony which prevail, and also that every heresy is cut off, receive with the greater honor and warmer affection, our col league, and your bishop, Alexander ; who by his presence has * This passage, says Valesius, evidently refers to the bishops who were ordain, ed by Meletius, as well as to the presbyters and deacons. For if it only contem plates the promotion of one presbyter to the vacant place of another, why did tho Nicene Fathers use so much caution ? Why did they make so many and such important preliminary requisitions ? Why so much solicitude in regard to tho advancement of a presbyter merely ? Unquestionably, the words of tho council have a more immediate view to bishops ; in the election of whom, the suffrages of the people were necessary, and also a confirmation of their choice by the bishop of Alexandria, as the metropolitan of all Egypt. 4