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Constitutions of the Holy Apostles - Book VII. Concerning the Christian Life, and the Eucharist, and the Initiation into Christ
General Notice
General Notice
Comparing the Teaching with chapters xxv. and xxvi. of these Constitutions, it seems to me that the nature of the eucharistic (thanksgiving) prayers becomes apparent. They presuppose the formulas to be found in the eighth book of the Constitutions, [3550] and are such instructions as were imparted only to catechumens; the part peculiar to presbyters being withheld, of course, as esoteric mysteries, until further knowledge was canonically appropriate. See Elucidation IV. vol. vi. [287]p. 236; and in this volume, Elucidation I. [288]p. 382. The Bryennios ms. is cleared from nearly all difficulties by Dr. Riddle's lucid notes, when compared with corresponding passages in the Constitutions, or illustrated by such as are supplementary.