Nomocanon

A Nomocanon is a collection of ecclesiastical law, combining both church law (canons) and secular (imperial) law (nomoi) relating to the church. The word derives from the Greek nomos (νόμος) meaning law, and canon (κανών) meaning rule or decree. Nomocanons were important in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, providing a comprehensive legal framework for the governance of the church and its relationship with the state.

The purpose of a nomocanon was to harmonize the spiritual authority of the Church with the temporal authority of the state, showing how the imperial law supported and protected the Church's interests and how the Church acknowledged the legitimate authority of the emperor. These collections offered guidance on various aspects of church life, including the appointment of clergy, the administration of sacraments, and the resolution of disputes.

Several important Nomocanons exist in the history of Eastern Christian law. The most influential is the Nomocanon in XIV Titles, compiled in the 6th century, and attributed to various authors, including Patriarch John III Scholasticus of Constantinople. Another significant one is the Nomocanon of Photius, compiled in the 9th century by Patriarch Photius I of Constantinople, which remains a foundational legal text in the Orthodox Church.

The use and influence of Nomocanons varied across different Eastern churches and time periods. They served as practical guides for ecclesiastical courts and administrators, clarifying legal principles and establishing precedents. Over time, specific canons and laws within the collections might be modified or interpreted in new ways, reflecting changes in societal norms or the evolving relationship between church and state.