It is by all means proper that a bishop should be appointed by
all the bishops in the province; but should this be difficult,
either on account of urgent necessity or because of distance,
three at least should meet together, and the suffrages of the
absent [bishops] also being given and communicated in writing,
then the ordination should take place. But in every province the
ratification of what is done should be left to the Metropolitan.
Ancient Epitome of Canon IV. A bishop is to be chosen by all the
bishops of the province, or at least by three, the rest giving
by letter their assent; but this choice must be confirmed by the
Metropolitan. The present Canon might seem to be opposed to the
first canon of the Holy Apostles, for the latter enjoins that a
bishop ordained by two or three bishops, but this by p. 12
three, the absent also agreeing and testifying their assent by
writing. But they are not contradictory; for the Apostolical
canon by ordination (χειροτονίαν) means consecration and
imposition of hands,