Letter 27: A similar decree concerning two serfs of Maxima, an illustrious and magnificent lady, who have been ordained as...

Pope Gelasius I to Bishops Rufinus and April (494). A similar decree concerning two serfs of Maxima, an illustrious and magnificent lady, who have been ordained as deacons in violation of the laws of princes and the rules of the fathers. The agents of Maxima have complained to Rome that Silvester and Candidus, her serfs, were ordained against established provisions. Gelasius rules that the canons and civil law must both be respected and instructs the bishops to remedy the situation.

Gelasii papae ad Buflnum et Aprilem episcopos. (a.494 I.S5. Simile decretum de duobus originariis Maximae iUuslris et magnificae feminae diaconis ordinatis. Gelasius papa Rufino et Aprili episeopis. Quis enim aut leges principum aut patrum regulas aut admo- nitiones modemas dicat debere contemni, iiisi qui impunitum sibi tantum aestimet transire commissima? Actores siquidem filiae nostrae illustris et magnificae feminae Maximae jietitorii nobis insinuatione conquesti sunt, Silvestrupi atque Candidum originarios ^) suos contra conBtitutiones^ quae supra dictae sunt, et contradictione praeeunte a Ijucerino^) pontifice diaconos ordinatos. Ideo, fratres carissimi, tantae praeyaricationis excessus noveritis sagacius inquirendos-, et si constiterit querelam veritate fulciri, continuo, qui contradictione praeeunte non legitime sunt creati, a sacris officiis repellantur'*).