55 (198). To Paregorius, a Presbyter
SAINT BASIL
indeed, the deserving, but do not enroll them before you have reported to us; or else, realize that he who has been admitted to the subdiaconate without our consent will still be a layman.
55. To Paregoriu5, a Presbyter 1 I read your letter with all patience, and I am amazed that, although you could have defended yourself before us briefly and easily by your actions, you prefer to persist in the situation causing the charges against you, and attempt to cure the incurable by long speeches. Weare neither the first nor the only ones, Pare gorius, who decreed that women should not live with men. Why, read the canon published by our holy Fathers in the Synod of Nicaea which clearly forbids the introduction of women into the household. 2 The honor of celibacy lies in this-namely, in the separation from companionship with women. But, if anyone professing celibacy in name conducts himself as those who are married, he is evidently seeking the honor of virginity in name but is not abstaining from unbecoming indulgence.
Therefore, you ought, in proportion as you say that you are free from all carnal passion, so much the more readily to yield to our demand. For, neither do I believe that a 1 This letter, like the two preceding, is assigned to the early period of St. Basil's episcopate, and, like them, its authenticity has been called into question by Schafer, op. cit. However, it, too, is supported by the manuscript tradition.
2 Syneisaktoe-women admitted to the homes of priests to look after the household duties. Scandals naturally arose therefrom, and prohibitive measures were passed at various councils, the earliest at the Council of Elvira in 305. The Canon (III) of Nicaea, to which St. Basil refers, only allowed the introduction of a mother, a sister, or an aunt, if their character was above suspicion.