Councils of Saragossa

The (first) Synod of Saragossa was a church meeting, the Iberian Zaragoza (then Colonia Augusta Caesar ) in October 380 took place.

The main topic was the use of the Priscillianists, the followers of Priscillian of Ávila, who represented an ascetic mysticism. Hydatius of Emeritia Priscillian appealed against charges of heresy, witchcraft and Manichaeism. Priscillian had in the Iberian clergy some notes, so that the debate about its alleged misdeeds very controversially designed. Hydatius, supported by Bishop Ithacius of Ossonoba, still sat in Canon 1 of the Synod excommunication condemnation of Priscillian and the Spanish bishops Istantius and Salvianus as his followers as heretics by after the defendants had not appeared at the Synod. The three turned to in the wake of Emperor Gratian as a court, without any rehabilitation to achieve, even Priscillianus Liber ad Damasum episcopum in which he justified I. Before the Roman Pontiff Damasus, had no effect. Priscillian was executed in 385 in Trier.

Since Priscillian in his entourage had also women who participated actively in the preaching work, presented the Synod at the same time according to the New Testament commandment that the woman had to remain silent in the church, realized that women should not give in to the desire to teach "or to learn ". Among the liturgical decisions of the Synod also heard that the Christmas festival in Spain was to celebrate on December 25th and the faithful was even recommended in Canon 4, to go between December 17th and January 6th daily to the church.