To the Issue on the Problems of Interpretation of the Canonical Rules of the Orthodox Church (on the example of Apostolic Canons № 55 and Apostolic Canons № 6)

In the article, on the example of an attempt of the philological interpretation of Apostolic Canons № 55 (fairly widely used in modern practice) and Apostolic Canons № 6 (practically not used), examined are the problems with which a modern researcher may encounter when interpreting canons. The conclusions are drawn: 1) when interpreting canons, only an integrated approach can be applied; 2) the historical interpretation method has the particular importance; 3) there is a problem with the quality of the translation of the original canons and the perception of the translated text; 4) the question of the official and unofficial interpretations of canons is unresolved; 5) it is necessary to take into account the tradition of interpreting canons. Also, noted is the urgency of the formation of the modern tradition of complex, systemic interpretation of canons.