St. Justinian the Emperor ca. 483-565
Preamble: Though we stand always in need of the
kindness and goodness of God, yet is this specially the case at this
time, when in various ways we have provoked him to anger on account of
the multitude of our sins. And although he has warned us, and has shown
us clearly what we deserve because of our offenses, yet he has acted
mercifully towards us, and, awaiting our penitence has reserved his
wrath for other times — for he “has no pleasure in the death of wicked;
but that the wicked turn from his way an live”. Wherefore it is not
right that we should all despise God’s abundant goodness, forbearance,
and long-suffering kindness and, hardening our hearts and turning away
from penitence, should heap upon ourselves wrath in the day of wrath.
Rather, we ought to abstain from all base concerns and acts — and
especially does this apply to such as have gone to decay through that
abominable and impious conduct deservedly hated by God. We speak of the
defilement of males (de stupro masculorum) which some men sacrilegiously and impiously dare to attempt, perpetrating vile acts with other men.
#1: For, instructed by the Holy Scriptures, we know
that God brought a just judgment upon those who lived in Sodom, on
account of this very madness of intercourse, so that to this very day
that lands burns with inextinguishable fire. By this God teaches us, in
order that by means of legislation we may avert such an untoward fate.
Again, we know what the blessed Apostle says about such things, and what
laws our state enacts. Wherefore it behoves all who desire to fear God
to abstain from conduct so base and criminal that we do not find it
committed even by brute beasts. Let those who have not taken part in
such doings continue to refrain in the future. But as for those who have
been consumed by this kind of disease, let them not only cease to sin
in the future, but let them alos duly do penance, and fall down before
God and renounce their plague [in confession] to the blessed Patriarch;
let them understand the reason for this charge, and, as it is written,
bring forth the fruits of repentance. So may God the merciful, in
abundance of pity, deem us worthy of his blessing, that we may all give
thanks to him for the salvation of the penitents, who we have now bidden
[to submit themselves] in order that the magistrates too may follow up
our action, [thus] reconciling to themselves God who is justly angry
with us. And we also, wisely and prudently having in reverence the
sacred season, entreat God the merciful that those who have been
contaminated by the filth of this impious conduct may strive for
penitence. Next, we proclaim to all who are conscious that they have
committed any such sin, that unless they desist and, renouncing it [in
confession] before the blessed Patriarch, take care for their salvation,
placating God during the holy season for such impious acts, they will
bring upon themselves severer penalties, even though on other counts
they are held guilty of no fault. For there will be no relaxation of
enquiry and correction so far as this matter is concerned, nor will they
be dealt with carelessly who do not submit themselves during the time
of the holy season, or who persist in such impious conduct. Lest if we
are negligent we arouse God’s anger against us. If, with eyes as it were
blinded, we overlook such impious and forbidden conduct, we may provoke
the good God to anger and bring ruin upon all – a fate which would be
deserved.
(Novel 141)
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