Canon XI.
those who have fallen
without compulsion, without the spoiling of their property, without
danger or the like, as happened during the tyranny of Licinius, the
Synod declares that, though they have deserved no clemency, they shall
be dealt with mercifully. As many as were communicants, if they
heartily repent, shall pass three years among the hearers; for seven
years they shall be prostrators; and for two years they shall
communicate with the people in prayers, but without oblation.
Notes.
As many as fell without necessity, even if therefore
undeserving of indulgence, yet some indulgence shall be shown them and
they shall be prostrators for twelve years.
On the expression “without oblation” (χωρις προσφορᾶς) see the notes to Ancyra, Canon V. where the matter is treated at some length.
The usual position of the hearers was just inside the
church door. But Zonaras (and Balsamon agrees with him), in his
comment on this canon, says, “they are ordered for three years to
be hearers, or to stand without the church in the narthex.”
I have read “as many as were communicants” (οἱ πιστοὶ) thus following Dr. Routh. Vide his Opuscula. Caranza translates in his Summary of the Councils “if they were faithful” and seems to have read εἰ πιστοὶ, which is much simpler and makes better sense.
The prostrators stood within the body of the church
behind the ambo [i.e. the reading desk] and went out with the
catechumens.