2950

RRR: 
2950
YEAR: 
1254
text: 
. January 9. Nicosia. The following text concerning the greed of clerics was entered into the books and read aloud in the archbishop's palace in Nicosia by Archbishop Hugo (Ugo da Fagiano), in the presence of Archdeacon Guillelmus, Cantor Robertus, and the entire clergy of the city. First, clerics have become so shameless even in and around hallowed ground that, during funeral rites, instead of receiving the offerings from the layfolk who carry them to the altar, they grab them quickly and without shame, not fearing to commit open sacrilege. During a procession with a cross to the house of the dead, everyone carries a cross in order to get candles, with loud cries, even causing the crosses to collide, greatly annoying the layfolk, who cannot stop this. Second, when they are executors for the dead, alone or with associates, some priests do not distribute the bequests faithfully, make inquiries with negligence, or keep it all for themselves. The archbishop declares that anyone who commits any of the above shall be suspended from office and benefice for three months and shall have to repay double what he had taken. Laymen are forbidden from handing anything to clerics who carry crosses, except to two priests assized in the church of Nicosia, to whom what is customary shall be given, specifying for how many crosses and on whose behalf they are giving. Nothing shall be given for a cross that is not accompanied by a cleric and a priest. Once the rites are completed, the two assized clerics shall hand over what they have received. Once the body is in the grave, priests or clerics of the diocese are forbidden from acting as executors without the archbishop's or his successors' knowledge. The archbishop does not want anything from the above, except to prevent misdeeds and to carry out the wills faithfully and quickly.
Sources: 
Schabel, Synodicum Nicosiense, pp. 110-13, text A.XXX

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