Chapter 8

¹ All of you, follow the bishop as Jesus Christ follows the Father, and follow the presbytery as you would the apostles. Respect the deacons as the commandment of God. Let no one do anything that pertains to the Church apart from the bishop. Let that Eucharist be considered valid which is celebrated by the bishop or by one whom he authorises.

² Wherever the bishop appears, there let the congregation be, just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the catholic Church. It is not permitted either to baptize or to hold an agape-meal without the bishop; but whatever he approves is also pleasing to God, so that everything you do may be secure and valid.