Pamphlet On Ruskan Orthodoxy, 1452.

[John Ivory 4547]

The Ruskan Orthodoxy

as authored by Wilfriche Buron, The First Seed 1452.

 

The Ruskan Orthodoxy is a sect of the True Faith cultivated under St. Bogdan the Mystic; harkening various elements of the True Faith practiced by classical Raevirs mixed with elements of the Modern Oren states. Officially indoctrinated as a righteous sect in the year 1421, Ruskan Orthodoxy currently is predominant in the Orenian West; notable strongholds of the sect include the Kaedrini swamps, Kralta, Visegrad, and Cavan. The Decterum along with King Heinrik have taken to this sect along with other prominent members of the Orenian aristocracy and peasant classes. The Ruskan Orthodoxy is a faith which is not confined to the Raevirs or those born in the regions of Ruska; rather, it is a sect for those whom wish to walk in the purest path to the almighty Creator, Godanistan.

 

The distinctive tenets of the faith are as follows;

 

Holy Tongue: Followers of Ruskan Orthodoxy have mandated that the Holy Tongue to be Raevan, not Flexio; not only has the classical Raevir tongue been apart of the Creator’s Church in Aegan Raev since its inception, but many have taken to the tongue due to Iblees’s corruption of Flexio, the language dubbed holy in the Traditionalism and Lucienist sects. Those well-versed in the doctrine acknowledge the Creator’s name in Raevan; Godanistan, which later became shortened to “God” in many common circles. Furthermore, various phrases and hymns are conducted in classical Raevan over Flexio. For example, the Raevan battle cry is Jest Wielk! or Godani Jest Wielk!, the exclamation of Godanistan’s supremacy.

 

Priestly duties: Laymen are expected to remain celibate in order to remain steadfast to Godanistan almighty; however, they are permitted to bear arms which do not draw blood such as maces and blunt weaponry in order to defend the meek and vanquish the wicked. Due to their roles in classical Raevir society as the educators, scientists, and inventors, all Ruskan Orthodoxy must undertake secular studies as well as clerical studies; they act as teachers in mathematics, anthropology, economics, history, and warfare based on their chosen studies. Often times, Orthodox clergy are expected to teach the youth and take them in as wards to educate them in various fields. The clergy are expected to patronize the sciences and the arts to better understand and progress to a greater society.

 

They are four oaths which a Orthodox laymen is expected to take

 

Clemency - To temper the bloodlust which the son’s of Krug bear, all laymen are forbidden to draw blood and must only fight to defend the meek and vanquish the wicked.

Celibacy - To temper the carnal desires which plague the sons of Horen in their desire to prolong their bleak livelihood, all laymen are forbidden to conduct in sexual activity.

Poverty - To temper the greed which the son’s of Urguan bear, all laymen are forbidden to pursue vast tracts of wealth in their own name.

Humility - To temper the arrogance the son’s of Malin bear due to their sterility and burden of immorality, all laymen must act humble in the eye of Godani and his peers alike.

 

Stance on Divinity and Head of Faith: Ruskan Orthodoxy possess a similar stance to divinity as Lucienism. It disvows the concept of divinity; no mortal can assume divinity, as all will commit some sin eventually within their life. However, the Ruskan Orthodoxy has firm belief in the Trinity of Primal Saints: Horen the First, Godfrey the First, and Siegmund the First; Horen, whom fostered humanity, Godfrey whom united humanity, and Siegmund whom preserved humanity. They are dubbed higher saints due to the fact that each assumed power in a time of trial and reigned as both Head of Faith and Head of Humanity. Each of these primal saints are interpreted to be the closest to Godanistan, and through the efforts of the Trinity, humanity has assumed greatness. The death of the last primal saint and prophet, Siegmund, marks the end of the era of primal saints and in contemporary society this relegates the role of Head of Faith to the Pontiff, over the secular soverign. Furthermore it particularly condemns the assumpation that Horen V is divine as to mark a man whom committed matricide and abandoned humanity is to sully the divinity of the Creator.

 

Baptism: The first of the Holy Customs of Godanistan is the entrance of one’s soul and body into the Church of Godanistan.  The process is the joining of one’s soul with Godanistan’s and takes a considerable amount of time praying and contacting Godanistan before the ceremony.  When one decides to join the Church of Godanistan, the Priest is aid in prayers towards to Godanistan so that the contendant is able to reach the ears of Godanistan.  As young are pure of heart, they require not to pray to Godanistan and are able to be accepted with simple ritual.

 

After time in solace, praying and repenting to Godanistan for their false acts, the candidate is considered ‘ready’ for acceptance into the mother church and will proceed with the ceremony to join the church.  Ceremonies may take place in in solitude, in a group, or with an audience watching the ceremony.

 

The ceremony itself is a basic ceremony of stating vows before the Good Godanistan and if the candidate is unable to say vows for reasons of age or mental disorders, another will say them for him, and acknowledge his acceptance for the church.  In order to be closer to the eyes and ears of Godansitan, each candidate is given a small bird to hold, whether it be a pigeon, crow, raven, or any other is not important.  The bird signifies the presence of Godansitan, as it is known that Godanistan works through Aenguls and Aenguls most of time take the shape of bird.  The candidate is asked to kneel, tucking the bird to his chest and the priest begins to state vows and the candidate replies with “Yes” or “I do.” 

 

Life After Death: Ruskans believe in two alternative fates for those whom perish; the Seven Skies, and the Oblivion. Those whom act in the name and way of Godanistan and the True Faith shall be able to explore the Seven Skies; seven rings of bliss of which eternal ambition is fulfilled and the world knows no bounds for the eager minded. While only man was blessed with the right to enter the seventh sky, Godanistan’s own domain, Orthodoxy believes that righteous other mortal races will still receive some form of eternal satisfaction in other rungs of the Skies, more aptly suited to their racial features.

 

On the other hand, those whom act with wanton cruelty and disregard to the True Faith shall be condemned to Oblivion; where for eternity one is trapped in a vortex of blackness. Many clergyman explain this as being eternally blind, deaf, and lame; an ultimate harrowing which will push the mind into perpetual insanity. This oblivion was the world until the Creator blessed the universe with the breath of life and the Seven Skies.

 

There is also a limbo state, for those whom have acted good of soul yet failed to heed the call of Godanistan. Some may be elevated to the First Sky, or may find themselves trapped in Oblivion depending on how they act in this enigmatic plane. Few, if anyone, truly understands this realm and some argue it is mere fiction. However, I argue that limbo does exist. From my theological interpretations, it is a desolute land of ash, where huddled amorphous souls wander. There is food; but it is grainy and ashen, water, yet polluted berefit of Godan's life. The only entertainment is to observe the mortal world below you. To ascend, one must realize through the observance of the mortal world the true faith, and accept it. However, to some non-believers, when arising in this limbo state, they believe that this is some other realm of their heretical belief and sit content for eternity, failing to accept the grace and mercy of Godanistan.

 

Spreading the Truth of Godanistan: The cynical and traditionalist views of classical Raevirs had lead them to convert to the True Faith not by the sword, but by the silver-tongue which proved that logically Godanistan is the supreme Architect of our universe. Through this, Raevirs have learned that the easiest way to spread the truth of Godanistan is through logic and proving his existence. The following list common rhetoric which Orthodox clergymen use against infidels, heathens, and non-believers.

 

How can Godanistan be real if I have never seen him?!

Godanistan resides in the seventh skies as told in the account of the Wandering Wizard. We are unable to grasp his form in our current form as he is the ultimate being undecipherable and almighty; if he was simple enough that we could understand him and his ways as mere mortals, he would not be the ultimate being. He has sent Aenguls and Daemons, his messengers and tools, to aid the mortal races in conflict against those who stand to defy him.

 

I chose to worship the Aenguls/Aspects/Spirits over Godanistan!

To worship the Aengul over its Creator, Godanistan, is folly. As the High Pontiff Radomir I once said, it is to go to the baker and, whilst enjoying his delicious bread, praise the hearth which cooked the bread rather than the baker whom utilized his talent. Godanistan is almighty, it is he whom commands and utilizes Aenguls and Daemons and guides the saints and divines; to worship them over his righteous way is idoltry and heathenry and a crime against the one who granted us life. In this vein, while our Mali, Uruk, or Dwarf brothers claim that perhaps the spirits or aspects guide their way, they merely refer to the Aenguels and Daemons in their tongue (as Aenguels and Daemons are the same beings which some refer to as Aspects or Spirits), and the same principle applies.

 

Why do you call him Godanistan?

In sum, Godanistan roughly translates to an equivalent to “the Holy Creator” or “the Holy Maker” in Raevan. However, there is some proof in its righteousness even from those beyond Raevir circles; throughout history all mortals have used the word “God” to refer to Godanistan until Imperial Traditionalism proclaimed his name to be “The Creator”. “God” is a diminutive form of Godanistan, and from an anthropological standpoint it seems closer to what the first mortals may have heard.

 

The Ruskan Orthodox may explore further distinctions as time progresses and theological texts are deciphered. In the mean time, members may choose to speak to the author of this pamphlet to understand the Faith further, or even engage in theological discourse if their faith in the Orthodox sect is not secure.

[Haribo 385]

breveslav approved

[Lark 2227]

Lark gets to work on a holy hammer of Godanistan.

[Charles_Grimlie 1072]

Holy Ser Rosencrantz is certain the Lucienism Sect is the right way to go.

[Samson Option 9652]

 

An old cross is worn around Sertorius al-Hallaj's neck, a remnant from his partaking in church services in good Kralta's Krelmstad Church.

[Lark 2227]

Holy Ser Rosencrantz is certain the Lucienism Sect is the right way to go.

 

Lark notes the Ruskan sect made holy remove of many offensives in Oren.

[bungo 3965]

Vladislav reads the pandaphlet, grumbling that his stew has been taken away.

[Komodo 140]

The sound of 'beeeeeeh'ing can be heard on the distant outskirts of Kralta. Far off, in the removed hamlet of Augustine, a herder brings his goats into pasture.

 

"BEEEEHHHHHH!" say his goats.

 

The goatherd makes no noise in response though. He only beats the drove with his long staff, driving them into their enclosure. He is calm, he is patient. But most importantly, he knows when to hit and when to speak. After throwing various items into their pen to provide sustenance to the animals he stands before the gate, removes the Orthodox Cross that hangs about his neck, holds it above his head, makes a sign before it, and prays to God for the safety of his herd. Slowly, he makes his way before the house of the Krawfyods and enters.

 

"Ej my borsa, seven blessings upon you and your household,"

 

The strelts stand up and greet the goatherd, calling him by name.

 

"Eja Father Pyotr! What brings you?"

 

"I am come to give blessing for Roderick,"

 

The strelts bow their heads in respect. It has been many a day and many an eve since the disappearance of their brother Roderick Krawfyod. His absence had taken a toll on the Krawfyods and their prayers went out to him. The goatherd leads his flock outside, before the setting sun. The glow falls over the Cathedral of Kralta, bathing it in holy light of Godanistan. The goatherd once more raises his cross, so it hangs above the cathedral in the distance. He raises his other hand to the sky, beseeching God to hear their prayers.

 

"Holy Godanistan Above, hear our prayer,"

 

The strelts echo his call in unison.

 

"Godanistan, Creator of Seven Skies, Ruler of All Things Material and Immaterial, you give us gift of life and release of death. You en kindle Flame of Creation and guide us from our Imminent Fall. You shepherd those who are lost and deliver due justice to those who are passed. It is for those who are lost and those who are passed that we humbly beseech you for blessing. Guide Borsa Roderick home, whether it be here or in your domain. We pray for repose of his soul and its allotment in world beyond, whatever your judgement be. May he find rest from weariness and light from darkness. It is for this we pray."

 

The strelts echo, "For this we pray," and make the sign of the Orthodox Cross. The goatherder signs with the tin cross in his hand and turns toward the sunset, watching it with the strelts, reminded that we are only allotted so much time in this world, and that we must above all make use of it.

 

 

As this short story would suggest, I would like to play a Raevir Ruskan Orthodox priest. I will start in Augustine-Flotsam region it's one of the most culturally Raevan areas in Anthos. I will however be travelling about and likely performing masses for Kralta in the cathedral. Anyone with an accurate Raevir skin for a priest would make me happy if they could provide it. Pyotr wears simple clothes of greys, blacks, maroons, and some yellow and is fairly young. Cheers to the Ruskans!

[Major Dom 1297]

Archbishop Iosif Ruthern of Raev browses the pamphlet for a few minutes before writing an official note of Church Approval in regards to the information contained.

 

((OOC: This pamphlet is accurate and coincides with official church teaching of the Ruskan Orthodoxy.))

[Birdwhisperer 1174]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.