Novatian’s Oath, as recorded in Eusebius, Historia Ecclesiastica, 6.43.18

Novatian’s Oath, as recorded in Eusebius, Historia Ecclesiastica, 6.43.18

Eusebius of Caesarea records a letter from Cornelius, the Bishop of Rome, to Fabian, the Bishop of Antioch, written c. 251- 253 CE, which details the supposed oath which Novatian of Rome required of his followers:

Source: Eusebius Pamphili of Caesarea. 1955. Ecclesiastical History, Books 6–10 (The Fathers of the Church, Volume 29), p.85. Translated by Roy J. Deferrari. Reprint (2005). CUA Press.

Then he [Cornelius] adds something else to this, the worst of all the man's [Novation] offences, saying thus:

'When he had made the offerings, and as he distributes to each his part and gives it, he forces the wretched men to swear instead of giving a blessing, holding in both of his hands those of the one who had received, and not releasing them until they say under oath (for I shall use the man's words):

"Swear to me by the Blood and Body of our Lord Jesus Christ never to desert me and turn to Cornelius."

And the miserable person does not taste until he first has called down a curse upon himself, and as he receives that bread, instead of saying Amen, he says, "I will not return to Cornelius."