Stanisław Adamiak: Chrism, Virgins, and Penance: Different Prerogatives of Bishops and Presbyters

The presbyters were equal to the bishops in the sacerdotal office of celebrating the Eucharist. However, there were others ritual activities, which were often performed by the presbyters, despite the bishops‘ efforts to keep them reserved for themselves. Among them, the particular importance seemed to be attached to blessing and using the holy oils (and particularly the chrism), blessing the virgins, and administering penance. Our sources, especially the canons of the councils and the papal letters show how uneasy balance was achieved in all those issues between the fourth and the seventh century.