Chapter 19

1I tell you, therefore, how the sanctuary ought to be. Then I will make known the holy rule for the priests of the Church.

2Let the church be as follows. Let it have three entrances as a symbol of the Trinity. Let the diaconicum be on the right of the right-hand entrance, so that the eucharists, or offerings being offered, may be seen. Let there be a forecourt with a portico running around to the diaconicum.

3Within the forecourt let there be a place serving as a baptistery, twenty-one cubits long as a general symbol of the prophets and twelve cubits wide as a symbol of those appointed to preach the Gospel, with one entrance and three exits.

4Let the church have a house for the catechumens, which shall also be the house of the exorcists. It shall not be detached from the church, so that those who enter and remain in it may hear the readings, spiritual hymns of praise, and psalms.

5Let there be a throne beside the altar, with places for the presbyters on its right and left. On the right shall sit those who are more exalted and honored and who labor in the word, while those of middle age shall sit on the left. Let the place where the throne stands be raised by three steps, for the altar ought to be there.

6Let that house have two porches, on the right and the left, for men and women. Let every place be lighted, both as a symbol and for reading. Let the altar have a veil of pure linen, for it is without spot. Likewise, let the baptistery be under a veil.

7Let a place be built for commemoration, where the priest and chief deacon may sit with the readers and write the names of those who offer the oblations, or of those for whom they have offered them. Thus, when the holy things are offered by the bishop, the reader or chief deacon may name them in commemoration, for whom the priests and people make offerings with supplication. For this pattern also exists in heaven.

8Let the place of the presbyters be within the veil, beside the place of commemoration. Let the house of the offering and the treasury be beside the diaconicum. Let the place of reading be a little outside the altar.

9Let the bishop’s house be beside the place called the forecourt. Let the house of the widows called “those who sit in front” also be there. Let the house of the presbyters and deacons be behind the baptistery. Let the deaconesses remain beside the door of the Lord’s house. Let the church have a nearby guesthouse where the chief deacon shall receive strangers.