THE COUNCIL OF LEMONS

[Nooblius 7965]

 

 

 

APOSTOLIC LETTER OF THE SEE AT IDUNIA

PENNED BY THE HIGH PRIEST CARANDIR I

FOR RECONCILIATION OF THE TRUE FAITH

TO PRESERVE THE DOGMA FOR CENTURIES

 

 

I call to you, o’ great and holy empire; all who subject themselves to the True King of Flame, the Lord GOD; Listen! Hear the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven, of the Holy Empire of all Man.

 

The foundation of this empire, unique to all empires, is a genuine profession of True Faith and submission to the Lord GOD as ultimate sovereign. The imperial conquest was done not in wanton ambition, but a rebuke of a princely enterprise to usurp and make demands of the priesthood. The empire exists not only of a political unification of man as succession to Godfrey, but a fulfillment of penance for the sin of Godfrey, which was tolerance to the veneration of Man in the place of GOD. This makes this empire uniquely holy, and a turning point within the history of the world; marking not only a new triumphant political era, but a new age of Man with renewed faith and mission.

 

Therefore it is with great jubilation that the Temple of True Faith declares the first Council of Lemon Hill, to be held over the course of years for the reconciliation of the True Faith across many subjects. 

 

Each Doctrinal Subject shall consist as a Synod, containing within it topics for deliberation and study. The discussion of these topics shall be presided over by the High Priesthood or another priest granted an explicit dispensation to do so. The Synods shall conclude together at the final summit of the Ecumenical Council, whereupon final debates and decisions shall occur.

[OOC: Final Summit on August 9th, 3 PM EST. For scheduling purposes, each Synod need not necessarily meet on live server, but shall nonetheless be a series of documented discussions and studies IRP. There may be events where discussions are held in character on live, or discussions may be on the forums, to be hashed out in finality at the final summit.]

 

 

DOCTRINAL SUBJECTS 

OF THE COUNCIL OF LEMONS

 

1. PROVIDENCE
   1. History of the Realms
   2. Doctrinal Development Study
2. DOGMA
   1. Parameters of Holy Law
   2. An Ecumenical Creed
3. HIERARCHY
   1. Priesthood and Episcopate
   2. Diaconate and Laity
   3. Magisterium and High Priesthood
4. SACRIFICE
   1. Examination of Ritual
   2. Sacramental Orders

 

Those wishing to contribute to the Synods are advised to communicate interest to the High Priesthood, by letter or otherwise, or to the doctrinal officers Bishop Alexios or Father Avartagh. It is encouraged to write lengthy, verbose dissertations on the subjects, and as well for subjects with enough interest for sessions to be hosted within the dioceses (presided by the High Priesthood or any priest explicitly charged by them to preside). 

 

 

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I. PROVIDENCE

 

A theological study of the history of Mankind as the Providence of the Creator, and reconciliation of the Holy Scrolls as interpreted and translated throughout the ages. That the Lord GOD is held first before all principles, and that He is the architect of history demands that we subject ourselves to true history, rather than suppress or hide from it ‘less we condemn ourselves as a false faith.

 

COUNCIL RESOLUTION Composition of New Chronicles

The goal of this synod is to lay the groundwork for the composition of new chronicles so that there may be more education of history and the promotion of Wisdom which is the fruit of Horen’s tribe. These Chronicles can stand then as a testament to the eternal designs of the Creator for history, and a source from which future generations may more easily connect with this mark of GOD.

 

SESSION I.I History of the Realms

The identification of Oren and its greater tribes as they march throughout history is a key object of study, for by both the scrolls and natural theology we know the significance that moves with the temporal majesty which commands mortal men, that the Lord GOD does not raise up leaders wicked nor goodly without greater reason. So we are compelled to understand Oren, the tribes which have composed it across history, and also the movement of brother tribes of elves, dwarves and orcs.

 

SESSION I.II Study of Doctrinal History

The ancient history in which the Scrolls came about is required to fully understand their nature, as well as the view of the scrolls and other doctrinal subjects across history. This is specifically important for the later books of Gospel and the visions of Auspice, which have elements that have been a source of contention for centuries. As well, we must study the history of their translation and interpretation, for since High Pontiff James II there has not been debate of their translation, despite James himself calling for more interpretation. Only the criminally corrupt benefit from a lack of education on the development of the faith over the centuries.

 

 

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II. DOGMA

 

The term Dogma herein refers to the second most conceivably narrow term for the holy truth of GOD (only ever more narrow would be that He is Singular, Almighty, Most-Merciful and the Creator Lord GOD). Whilst wider is doctrine, which may be discussed and debated, and wider yet is teaching, which perhaps must be obeyed even if privately disagreed with, there is the narrow and precise Dogma which serves as foundation for all serious thought. Dogma, which unites the faith even in its various views as the indisputable, plain and holy truths revealed directly by the Lord GOD or obviously discerned from His hand. 

 

COUNCIL RESOLUTION Promulgation of the Foundation of Holy Law

The goal of this synod is to draft up and publish the new foundations of Holy Law, so that future synods may build upon and flesh out their every intimate detail with precision and confidence.

SESSION II.I Parameters of Holy Law

In recognition of the universal admission that the “Canon Law” was greatly flawed, by all sects and circles within the clergy, it is required that the entirety of the Temple come together for a deliberate discussion on both the fruits and venoms of the law. The role of Holy Law must be precisely understood, its relation to the broader authority of the Temple, its relation to civil law, and the scope of its prescriptions. Though we profess a unity of faith, we do not fall into err to think all Mankind uniform, and recognize that vocations are varied, not just on the individual but the community, and we the temple must rightly fear for tyrannizing the unique vocation of a tribe, and how they may constitute their own law within the Holy Law. 

 

SESSION II.II An Ecumenical Creed

As the foremost foundation of the Holy Law and Dogma, a creed must be established which states all dogmatic matters of the faith. This does not replace the scrolls, so cannot contain all Wisdom of the scrolls or wider apostolic traditions and teachings; but we must have a simple source to serve as the cornerstone for all teachings, that which cannot be compromised, so that the faith may be kept unified even in its diverse tribes and vocations.

 

 

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III. HIERARCHY

 

Those with any degree of critical eye for the typical standing of the clergy throughout history would observe a consistent concern of apathy and lack of action for an institution so central to Horen’s Covenant. In this era of the reformation of mankind, the clergy shall endeavor to renew its mission for the ministering of the tribes.

 

COUNCIL RESOLUTION Reformation of the Ecclesiastical Offices

The goal of this synod is to create a new standard for the hierarchy of the temple which integrates it into the Holy Empire, organizes efforts and stands against the whims of time. 

 

SESSION III.I Priesthood and Episcopate

For too long have the clergy been content to allow their fellows to remain mere celebrants of the occasional ceremony and vague ministers of spiritual hierarchy. The Priesthood is no minor vocation, and it has become evident that the typical structure of clergy has made it so the priest who actively ministers to his flock, who aids the Temple in its directives, and performs actual worship to the Creator is an exception rather than the rule. Central to adapting the priesthood to an active duty rather than a passive retirement is a reformation of the Episcopate to organize duties and tasks. 

 

SESSION III.II Diaconate and Laity

In the time of a Holy Empire and resurgence of the faith, Wisdom must extend beyond the Priesthood. The Temple must become intimately integrated with the Empire. We take our lesson from the Owynists, who none would dispute kept their faith vigorously and with zeal to the point of becoming a model for their detractors to copy; all as a primarily laity organization. The Synod must discern the role of the laity in the Temple, and as well contemplate a renewed diaconate to best integrate into the mission of the Holy Empire.

 

SESSION III.III Magisterium and High Priesthood

The Magisterium has replaced the Curia and College of Cardinals as the highest doctrinal authoritative body. This is not just for defining doctrine but discerning its implementation, and providing counsel and officers to Temple leadership for decisions with spiritual aspects. What specific criteria must exist for this body? How should they elect the successors of the High Priesthood? The High Priesthood itself is the succession of Clement and Evaristus, headed by the elected Supreme Pontiff (not dissimilar to the Chancellor of the old Curia). Must both members be elected? Should the High Priesthood consist of other major archbishops and seats of ecclesiastical authority? The Synod must answer these questions whilst avoiding the temptations of political footholes.

 

 

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IV. SACRIFICE

 

In ages past, it was not uncommon to offer up sacrifices to the Lord our GOD. Verily, our righteous ancestor Horen is said to have offered up burnt sacrifices as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. 

 

The purpose of sacrifice is to offer oneself up, be it through a symbol or through the works of our own hands. Often these sacrifices are burned at an altar, things that are valued by the concelebrant, such as livestock, food, or treasure.  Sometimes these sacrifices are experienced, taking on a burdensome task for the goodness of another, or perhaps for no obvious external good save for the offering up to GOD.

 

For the Lord surely looks upon the willing sacrifices of the work of his hands and pours out his mercy and love accordingly. It is therefore, in this continued age of sin and without a mechanism for the outpouring of divine mercy and grace, necessary and reasonable that this ancient tradition be revived and understood so that we may become closer to the Lord our GOD. 

 

COUNCIL RESOLUTION Rejuvenation of Sacrament

The goal of this synod is to both study the importance of sacrifice, of rituals, and of the sacraments and also to find within the revelations of GOD the foundations by which we may order priests again to do sacrifice and ritual, fulfilling their truest duty towards spiritual matters, towards GOD rather than ministers of worldly affairs.

 

SESSION IV.I Examination of Ritual

The first task is understanding this often overlooked aspect of the faith is a rigorous study of all historical rituals, habits of sacrifice, and sacraments, as well as a theological examination of the substantive role of sacrifice within the faith. The Owynist line of thought may prove of great importance, not only for it was Owyn who was the mortal founder of the Priesthood, but because the Owynists in reverence to this significance placed a heavy emphasis on sacrifice. It must be properly understood the role of a priest within enacting sacrifice to the Lord our GOD.

 

SESSION IV.II Sacramental Orders

Imperative for a new age of renewed True Faith is the actionable testimony of devotion, the substantive worship that yields legitimate fruits beyond the mere profession. Horen was not ordained by GOD for his ability to speak well of Him, but for piety. A priest is more than a spiritual therapist, and it is important not only that we begin to take seriously the vocation but renew a mission of liturgy and ritual which has genuine effect for the uplifting of souls to the Skies and proper adoration for the eternal glory of GOD.

 

 

D E V S ✠ M A G N V S

 

 

[Fleeperpriest 1484]

"May we at last, by the grace of Almighty God, make good now on what we had ought to have done the very moment we first claimed victory over the Enemy, and preserve what has been for so many years stifled by the malignant heresies of antiquity." wrote the Supreme Pontiff in one of a set of later publicly released personal letters to Rebbe Elim, among others. 

[Chimeraof1999 1187]

"I aint reading all that."
Said the Kha, preparing for the Mountain's Attack on Garenbrig.

[OBJCTION 43]

the Clayman upon reading the missive would begin to salute to nobody in particular
"WE ARE SO BACK!!" 

[sam33497 7356]

"This shall reveal who are truly concerned with the well-being of the Church, and who are heretical militants." Thus declared Maximilian Horen, whose Imperial identity had been endowed by the Supreme Pontiff not long ago.

[Lortime 1153]

The Old Patriarch scanned the document, with the occasional nod, or mumbled 'Ah', in agreement. "Finally. We can get to work." He stood forth, and ambled toward Lemon Hill with a degree of cautiously optimistic, renewed Vigor. 

[Mescaffier 6197]

"HEH! I ain't reading all of that! I toss this missive into the flames ... pah! Pah!" spake Acolyte John in a nasaly voice, reading through the paragraphs with a roll of his eyes. " ... is what some people would say. The unemployed, I think."

[Mister_Gavin 567]

Bishop Alexios looked up from his labors to the window outside, and stared at a Lemon.