Synod of Laodicea · c. 363 AD
5 of 64
Section 5
Ordinations are not to be held in the presence of hearers.
Ancient Epitome of Canon V.
Ordinations are not to be performed in the presence of hearers.
This canon calls elections “laying on of hands,” and says that since in elections unworthy things are often said with regard to those who are elected, therefore they should not take place in the presence of any that might happen to come to hear.
Zonaras also agrees that election is here intended, but Aristenus dissents and makes the reference to ordinations properly so-called, as follows:
The prayers of ordination are not to be said out loud so that they may be heard by the people.