[BipolarBob]

The patristic evidence prior to the 7th century all points i

Yeah well, I go by Gods Word instead of patristic evidence. I concede conjugal relations were interrupted for short periods of time as priests performed at certain designated holidays or a period of fasting and soul cleansing. But the choice of being married or not was on the priest not some manmade council/denomination.

[Hieronymus]

But the choice of being married or not was on the priest not some manmade council/denomination.

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Are you adopting the late 7th century Greek position, conceding (incorrectly) that the sporadic interruption of conjugal relations was the Latin practice, and wanting in too?

Given that the Aaronic priesthood was passed on hereditarily, one needed a very good justification to not be married. Be fruitful and multiply is a general command, but one needs a good reason not to do his share—and this would go doubly for a member of a hereditary priesthood. As Christ points out in Matthew 18:12, it is something that is received, (not something chosen).