Chapter 39

1If someone is attested and confesses that he was in chains, imprisonment, and afflictions for the name of God, a hand is not therefore laid on him for the diaconate, nor likewise for the presbyterate. For he has the honor of the clergy, having been protected by the hand of God through being a confessor.

2But if he is appointed bishop, he is also counted worthy of the laying on of the hand. Even if he is a confessor who was not judged before the authorities and was not struck while in chains, but only confessed, he is counted worthy of the laying on of the hand, for he receives the prayer of the clergy.

3But let him not pray over him by repeating all these words; when the shepherd advances, he will receive the effect.