The holy council decreed that it should be generally renovated and observed that following the admonitions of the ancient consitutions of the canons and letters of synodal fathers, no layman from now is allowed to aspire or to be exalted to the high priesthood (summum sacerdotium) having ignored the periods of time fixed by the canons, either by the royal appointment (per sacra regalia) or by the consent of the clergy and people, or by the election and assent of pontiffs. But only having sweated in the spiritual effort for the time fixed in the canons in a regular ascent through the ecclesiastical grades can one be elevated by the will of God to the high priesthood, if his life conforms with the dignity. Two or three who are selected by the clergy and people shall be presented to the judgement of the metropolitan bishop and his fellow-bishops. Then, after the bishops have fasted, the lots shall be cast on the candidates and one will be indicated by the decision of Christ the Lord. He [who was indicated by lot] shall gain the blessing of consecration. If an election is performed in a different manner (which shall not happen), those who ordained and those who were ordained shall be demoted from their honour.

 

(trans. M. Szada)