Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series II/Volume XIV/Additional Canons 2/Canons/Canon LVIII

Canon LVIII.

of those who are in the order of laymen may distribute the Divine Mysteries to himself if a bishop, presbyter, or deacon be present.&#160; But whoso shall dare to do such a thing, as acting contrary to what has been determined shall be cut off for a week and thenceforth let him learn not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think.

Notes.

A layman shall not communicate himself.&#160; Should he do so, let him be cut off for a week.

It is well known that in the first centuries it was customary that the Holy Eucharist should be taken back by the faithful to their houses; and that at home they received it at their own hands.&#160; It is evident that this was what was done by the Anchorites and monks who lived in the deserts, as may be seen proved by Cardinal Bona.&#160; (De Rebus Liturg., Lib. II., cap. xvij.).&#160; From this domestic communion it is easily seen how the abuse arose which is condemned in this canon.