The Epistle Of Ignatius To Hero A Deacon Of Antioch

By Ignatius of Antioch

Chapter III.--Exhortations as to ecclesiastical duties.

"Honour widows that are widows indeed." [1278] Be the friend of orphans; for God is "the Father of the fatherless, and the Judge of the widows." [1279] Do nothing without the bishops; for they are priests, and thou a servant of the priests. They baptize, offer sacrifice, [1280] ordain, and lay on hands; but thou ministerest to them, as the holy Stephen did at Jerusalem to James and the presbyters. Do not neglect the sacred meetings [1281] [of the saints]; inquire after every one by name. "Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example to the believers, both in word and conduct." [1282]