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ON THE JORENIC RITE OF SIGMUNDIC CANONISM Issued by His Eminence, Patriarch Josef of Jorenus CONTENT Introduction Exalted Sigismund The Seven Skies, the Archaenguls, and Jorenic Astrology Yna, the First Sky Byzenbor, the Second Sky Akerlaniya, the Third Sky Gyambor, the Fourth Sky Vizima, the Fifth Sky Oryniya, the Sixth Sky Godanistiya, the Seventh Sky The Name ‘Godan’ Jorenic Beliefs and Traditions On the Shedding of Blood On Crows On Total Submersion in Water On Pilgrimages On the Color Black On Archaengul Tetel On Bells The Sacraments Ablution Matrimony Consecration Ordination Confession The Blessings and Gifts of Godan The Cross of Husariya The Five Golden Days (Holidays) Hierarchy within the Rite INTRODUCTION The Jorenic Rite is the set of rituals, liturgy, dogma, and Canonist doctrines and traditions developed in Haense following its ascension to a kingdom in 131 E.S.. Its name is derived from Saint Joren, son of Horen the first man and father of all Highlanders, who formed the northern highlander Kingdom of Edel found in the Scroll of Gospel. The rite itself was blessed by High Pontiffs Sixtus V and Sixtus VI and developed by Patriarch Josef of Jorenus in 502 E.S., with the assistance of Bishop Stanislaw of Westerwald and Bishop Amleth van der Grendok of Andrikev. The first sect of Canonism practiced primarily by the Raevir people was the Ruskan Orthodoxy. It was cultivated by Saint Bogdan the Pigeon (Exalted Sigismund’s famous travelling companion on his pilgrimage to find the Godani Scrolls) and was indoctrinated as a righteous sect in 26 A.E.S., soon expanding beyond the Raevirs to the Orenian West and becoming prominent among much of the Orenian nobility of the time. Within Ruskan Orthodoxy itself grew the Lendian Rite. Created by and named after Bionn Lendus, a famous holyman and knight during the Northern Crusades of the 700s A.E.S., the rite grew slowly in popularity among followers of Ruskan Orthodoxy before achieving its peak followership at the time of the Franciscan Massacre of 9 E.S. In the years following the massacre, the rite was diminished in favor of the more common Danielian Rite and was later labeled a heresy by Saint High Pontiff James II for its belief in the Ioranija, the Fifth Prophet. The Jorenic Rite as written today is an amalgamation of both of these past sects, combining Ruskan Orthodox doctrines and accepted Lendian beliefs with Haeseni traditions cultivated over the near 400 years of the highlander kingdom’s existence. Much like how the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska stands as the kingdom of all highlanders, the Jorenic Rite serves as a Canonist rite for all highlanders, capturing those core beliefs and values held in high esteem by all highlander peoples and pairing them with the rich history and traditions of their ancestors. Exalted Sigismund Sigismund, Prophet and Emperor Sigismund, the fourth and final prophet of Canonism, was born into minor nobility as the son of Duke Boris Carrion. His early childhood was spent as a ward to Count August Blackmont, whose armies would assist Sigismund in retaking his homeland of Raev after his family’s massacre at the hands of Nzech knights. Now a baron within the Holy Orenian Empire, Sigismund remained a loyal vassal to the Blackmonts and played a vital role in the Blackmont victory of their war against the Teutonic Order. Soon after the war’s conclusion, Sigismund and Saint Bogdan ‘the Pigeon’ traveled to the far north of Anthos, seeking out the Ivalyos in order to retrieve the ‘Godani Scrolls’ (a copy of the Holy Scrolls translated to Classical Raev) and bring them to Kralta. It was on this trek that Sigismund washed himself in the holy waters of Gamesh upon a glacier and was called to prophecy by Godan. After his ablution, Sigismund and Bogdan sought out and returned the Godani Scrolls as they had set out. Upon the completion of their trek, Sigismund returned to a broken world of dwarven hegemony and humanity fractured across many kingdoms. One by one, and with the help of his loyal retainers, Sigismund was able to unite the human kingdoms under his Imperial crown, thereby breaking the overlordship of the dwarves and returning humanity to its premier place in the world. At the end of his reign, as he lay on his deathbed, Sigismund received the Scroll of Auspice which foretold the end of times and his soul ascended to the Sixth Sky as he became Exalted. Many Jorenic practices take inspiration from Sigismund’s life, such as pilgrimages and ablution in springs of water. Jorenic believers are also reverent to crows, which were the animal of Sigismund’s House Carrion and considered the eyes of Godan in Old Raev. It is believed that having a crow’s favor is symbolic of having Sigismund’s favor, with the Exalted acting as a personal interceder for one’s prayers and requests. The Seven Skies As in mainstream Canonist theology, followers of the Jorenic Rite believe in the existence of Seven Skies, with each being the holy realm of a set demographic of descendants. It is very common for souls to move from sky to sky as their status changes. A member of the laity dwelling in the Second Sky could soon find themselves in the Fourth Sky if they are beatified by the Church following their death. However, this migration is rare and does not happen to most souls. Each of the Seven Skies are protected by an aengulic guardian class known as the Seven Archaenguls. These aenguls command a host of aengudaemons which safeguard entry into the celestial planes. The temperaments of each aengul correlates to one of the seven elements of the known world. Furthermore, each of the Seven Skies is said to be viewable from the earth in the form of ethereal constellations, of which there are seven in total. Being born during a month where the constellation is at its height in the night sky is of great importance to the Jorenic Rite. The names of these constellations are maintained in the traditional astrological practices of the Highlander peoples. Seal of the First Sky The First Sky | Yna Guardian of the Sky - Archaengul Aerial Element - Air Constellation - The Queen (Morrighein) The First Sky, known as Yna, is the Holy Realm of the Virtuous. Yna is home to non-believers, both human and non-human, that lived virtuous lives and obeyed the commandments from the Scroll of Virtue without accepting Godan as their Lord. This sky is also home to those who never received the chance to convert to Canonism, but still obeyed the Virtue and acted morally throughout their lives. Seal of the Second Sky The Second Sky | Byzenbor Guardian of the Sky - Archaengul Tesion Element - Earth Constellation - The Wyrm (Garundorech) The Second Sky, known as Byzenbor, is the Holy Realm of the Virtuous. Housed in this realm are those Canonists who accepted the word of Godan and were baptized into the Church, but did not spread the word. This includes most members of the laity, from poor farmer to rich king. Laypeople who did not join the clergy but still spread the word of Godan and shared the Virtue do not rest here, but instead belong in the Third Sky. Seal of the Third Sky The Third Sky | Akerlaniya Guardian of the Sky - Razael Element - Water Constellation - The Wopperklaw (Koltain) The Third Sky, known as Akerlaniya, is the Holy Realm of the Priesthood. This sky is home to all members of the clergy, including priests, monks, nuns, and deacons. Also housed in this sky are those laypeople who did not join the clergy but spread the word of Godan. This includes crusaders or holy warriors, charitable noblemen, pious believers, and missionaries, all of whom contributed to the spread of Canonism and conversion of non-believers in their own way. Seal of the Fourth Sky The Fourth Sky | Gyambor Guardian of the Sky - Artifai Element - Fire Constellation - The Giant (Osbjor) The Fourth Sky, known as Gyambor, is the Holy Realm of the Blessed. This sky is reserved exclusively for those men and women who obeyed the Virtue to a notable degree and were rewarded with beatification for their deeds. There are none who die and are immediately brought to this sky. Instead, they are moved from the lower skies following their deaths if they are beatified and made Blessed by the Church. Seal of the Fifth Sky The Fifth Sky | Vizima Guardian of the Sky - Eshtael Element - Metal Constellation - The Drake (Frysklund) The Fifth Sky, known as Vizima, is the Holy Realm of the Saints. This sky is reserved only to those who have been canonized by the Church and are regarded as Saints by Canonists. Again, much like the Fourth Sky, there are none who die and are immediately placed within this sky. Instead, all who dwell in Vizima must first pass through Gyambor, the Fourth Sky, and later ascend to this one. Seal of the Sixth Sky The Sixth Sky | Oryniya Guardian of the Sky - Tetel Element - Levin Constellation - The Crow (Gorm) The Sixth Sky, known as Oryniya, is the Holy Realm of the Prophets. This sky, along with the Seventh, is one that has already been closed and holds those it was meant to host for eternity. Reserved solely for the four Exalted: Horen, Owyn, Godfrey, and Sigismund, as well as their wives, this realm is home to those blessed few who were honored by Godan and received one of the four Holy Scrolls of Canonism. Seal of the Seventh Sky The Seventh Sky | Godanistiya Guardian of the Sky - Malchadiel Element - Arcane Constellation - The Moon The Seventh Sky, known as Godanistiya, is the Holy Realm of Godan. The Holiest of Holies, this sky serves as the throne of Godan from which He rules over all His creation. Only the Exalted Horen was blessed to enter this sky, to witness Godan’s plan at the beginning of time. Never again shall any descendent break the seal of Godanistiya and look upon the throne of the Creator. The Name ‘Godan’ Throughout the history of mankind, many terms have been used for the Creator. Men of the heartlands often refer to Him as ‘God’ and ‘Lord’, while the ancient Raevir called Him ‘Godanistan’. Followers of the Jorenic Rite call him ‘Godan’, with the term originating from the original Raevir term for the Creator, which itself originated from the name for the Seventh Sky ‘Godanistiya’. The use of the term ‘Godan’ allows believers to feel connected to the God of their highlander ancestors and to the Raevir heritage of Exalted Sigismund, further enshrining the Jorenic Rite as the Rite for all Highlanders. Jorenic Beliefs and Traditions There are many beliefs and traditions held by Jorenic followers and clergy that set them apart from the main Canonist body and followers of the Danielian Rite. They are as follows: On the Shedding of Blood Jorenic Canonists believe that the Great Silence was caused by the shedding of Harren’s blood (Scroll of Gospel 4:41-62). For this reason, Jorenic clergy are not permitted to carry sharp-edged weaponry on their persons, and may only use blunt weapons for the purposes of self-defense and the defense of their flock. Acceptable weapons include maces, bulavas, warhammers, morningstars, etc. On Crows Since the time of the Carrion hegemony, the crow has come to be a symbol of all Raevir people, and now of all Haeseni people. With the importance of the crow in Raevir and Haeseni culture, and with the golden crow being the sigil of the Haeseni royal house of Barbanov, Jorenic Canonists hold these animals in high reverence. It is not uncommon to see Jorenic Canonists place offerings out before battle or after a confession. Should a crow come and accept the offering, it is viewed as a sign of Sigismund’s favor and personal intercession on your behalf to Godan. On Total Submersion in Water In the common Danielian Rite, baptisms and other ceremonies involving water usually only involve a quick wash of the head. In the Jorenic Rite, believers totally submerge themselves within a pool of water including during baptismal services. This serves to emulate the Exalted Sigismund’s bath in the waters of Gamesh upon a glacier while on his winter trek. For this purpose, Jorenic nobles and landowners will construct springs and grottos to be blessed and serve as pseudo-waters of Gamesh. On Pilgrimages It was on his winter trek that the Exalted Sigismund was bathed in the waters of Gamesh and received his call to prophethood. In order to feel closer to the Exalted and to emulate his closeness to Godan, Jorenic Canonists will often embark on pilgrimages to various holy sites around the Patriarchate. A common destination of these pilgrimages are the various grottos and holy springs scattered around Jorenus, as well as nearby mountain ranges. On the Color Black Through the events of his life, the Exalted Sigismund proved himself to be the prince in black prophesied in the Scroll of Gospel (Gospel 7:42). For this reason, Jorenic clergy put special importance on the color black, switching out colorful robes and vestments for simple black clothes, or having their beads and crosses painted black. The Hussariyan cross which hangs in the seat of the Patriarchate shall also be constructed of blackstone. On Archaengul Tetel The Archaengul Tetel, guardian of the Sixth Sky, was the aengul which granted the laurels of prophethood to Exalted Sigismund during his pilgrimage. Great importance is placed on this aengul specifically within the Jorenic Rite, and the divine agent is commonly featured in the symbols and iconography of the north. Specifically, the famous symbol of ‘Lady Haense’ is said to be a personification of this aengudaemon as protector of the Realm of All Highlanders. Tetel is also considered the defender and custodian of the Jorenic Rite itself, given the apt title: ‘Guardian of the Jorenic Rite and All of Edel.’ On Bells Bells were a rare thing in the days of Old Ruska. Though bronze was a common metal in those days, the tin needed to craft bell metal was difficult to acquire, which made it expensive. As most strelts lived in poor farming villages, the only churches with bells were often found inside large rich towns, such as Dules or Lahy. Given how rarely these bells would’ve been heard, and only during royal coronations or weddings, many poor Ruskan Orthodox believers often equated the ringing bells with the voice of Godan granting His blessing. Though bells are more commonplace this custom has survived in the Jorenic Rite, with bells rung during particularly special ceremonies and still used to symbolize the voice of Godan. The Sacraments Followers of the Jorenic Rite receive the same sacraments as followers of the common Danielian Rite, though there are differences within the specific ceremonies themselves. These sacraments are, Ablution Ablution within the Jorenic Rite is how new believers are inducted into the Church and join in the covenant of Horen and Godan. Unlike the Danielian Rite, which typically performs baptisms within a baptismal font, Jorenic baptisms make use of springs or pools of water, whether man-made or natural. This is to emulate Sigismund’s ablution within the waters of Gamesh while on his pilgrimage to seek out the Godani scrolls, which granted him the horn and laurel (Scroll of Gospel 7:46). Matrimony Matrimony unites a man and a woman together in a lifelong partnership. No longer are they two independent persons, but rather united by Godan into one. One significant break from matrimony in the common rite is the importance of the marital cloak and blade. The union of man and woman is shown by the exchange of rings in mainstream Canonism, but followers of the Jorenic Rite show their commitment to their spouse through the exchange of the marital cloak and the marital blade. One of the spouses (typically the husband, though this can also be the wife in matrilineal marriages) wraps their partner in a red cloak, symbolizing their promise to protect their spouse. The other spouse then presents their partner with a blade, symbolizing that they shall be partners for life and will face life’s challenges together. The opulence of these offerings varies depending on the couple’s social status. Those who are higher in status will typically give richer cloaks and longer, more ornate blades and swords, while those in lower classes will give thinner plain cloaks and small daggers and knives. Consecration Consecration dedicates a place, relic, or person to Godan’s name. This includes newly constructed water springs to be blessed for use in ablution as well as new churches and chapels. Relics may also be consecrated, especially when they are found to be related to a saintly miracle. The consecration of men occurs when one decides to live a monastic life as a monk. Their lives become totally consecrated to Godan, though they are not ordained and cannot perform sacraments. Ordination Ordination welcomes a person into the ranks of the Church and grants them the ability to perform Godan’s sacraments. Any who wish to be a priest must be ordained first. Within the Jorenic Rite, acolytes must first complete a pilgrimage in which they transport a copy of the Godani Scrolls to and from the tallest mountain within the borders of the Patriarchate. This is to emulate Sigismund’s pilgrimage to return the Godani Scrolls from the Ivalyos and the transformation of his destiny from mortal ruler to prophet of Godan. Confession Confession offers Godan’s mercy to a person who admits their sins to an ordained clergyman. In taking responsibility for their actions before Godan, the penitent recognizes the harm they have done and seeks to play some role in its repair. The sacrament is performed in private as in the common Danielian Rite, though its prayers and assigned penances are usually more reverent to the experiences of the Exalted Sigismund. Followers of the Jorenic Rite will also lay out offerings of bird seed and other foods to crows after their confession. If a crow accepts the offering and eats, it is taken to mean Sigismund has interceded to Godan for one’s forgiveness The Blessings and Gifts of Godan By establishing a covenant with Horen and Man, Godan granted His chosen people a collection of freely given blessings, ones that were withheld from their lesser descendants. These blessings include the following: Eldazoge | Self-Determination, or Blessing of the Freedom of Mind Eldkanyos | Self-Reliance, or Blessing of the Courage of Mind Eldraastey | Self-Assurance, or Blessing of the Endurance of Mind Borsaski | Fraternity, or Blessing of the Community of Mind Wielka | Faith, or Blessing of the Hope of Mind The Four Virtues lead to the five Gifts of Godan, which are, Laska | Clemency, or the Denial of Krug’s Wroth Mylokeo | Chastity, or the Denial of Malin’s Lust Povteji | Poverty, or the Denial of Urguan’s Greed Vulkyus | Humility, or the Denial of Harren’s Pride Mauley | Loyalty, or the Denial of Iblees’ Ambition The Cross of Hussariya The Cross of Hussariya with the initials of the Four Exalted in old Ruskan script The Cross of Hussariya, frequently employed as a symbol of traditional Ruskan Orthodoxy, bears three bars rather than the conventional two of the Lotharingen cross. The uppermost bar represents the Seven Skies, deliberately rendered smaller to emphasize the purity and exclusivity of those admitted to this realm. The central bar, the largest of the three, symbolizes the mortal plane, while the concluding bar, smaller and slanted, serves to signify the desolate Oblivion. This cross is used primarily as a symbol of faith, although the Lotharingen double-barred cross remains prominently displayed in most churches. The history of this cross can be traced back to the early years of the Northern Crusades in the 800s AES (approximately the 600s in the common calendar). It was introduced by Vekarimir Husariya and became a symbol utilized by the initial converts to creatorism, following the gradual transition of the highlander people from paganism. The Five Golden Days (Holidays) Of all liturgical celebrations and feasts within the rite, none are as important as the Five Golden Days. These five form the basis for all other Jorenic religious holidays and festivals and are days of obligation for all Jorenic believers. They are, JULIYEAFEST, the Feast Day of St. Julia and the Fifty Virgins or Day of Holy Love Juliyeafest is traditionally observed as a Canonist fertility festival, or the ‘festival of love’ in more recent years. Marriages and proposals are a frequent occurrence throughout the holiday and the days adjacent. It is customary for a male to bestow upon a female companion a crown of lilies, or the Liliekongis, as a symbol of his romantic devotion. Others may anticipate the gift of the Verevka Belt, a sash woven of ivy and twine that has been consecrated by a priest to seek the hand of their beloved in holy matrimony. RORTDEY, the Feast day of St. Amyas, Red Day, or Day of the Red Sticks Rortdey is the celebration of the coming of spring, and rejoices in the honor of Saint Amyas, the Patron Saint of medicine, healing, botany, and wild herbs. This festival is steeped in the belief that the arrival of spring serves as a divine metaphor for Godan’s healing touch of the winter’s blight, akin to the healing that St. Amyas performed in life. It is traditional to light five candles as the night comes, of which four belong to each prophet, and the fifth to Godan. JROTHIK, the Feast day of St. Joren and St. Tara Jrothik is the commemoration of the tragic fall of Hanseh, the capital of Saint Joren’s realm, in which Saint Tara fled with her court to the banks of an icy river whereupon she settled and named Jroth. Saint Tara and her courtiers then sought the bounties of the earth to hold a feast in honor of the fallen. It is this feast of mirth during the Age of Silence that many still continue to celebrate on Jrothik. JAKKO, the Feast Day of St. Tobias the Pure or St Tuv’s Day Jakko is the celebration of the winter solstice, where many gather in the heart of their village square for a feast and a theatrical performance by the youth. Traditionally, the holiday was a solemn affair, though it has since been imbued with traditions from the heartlander Saint Tobias’ Day, which includes the practices of gift-giving and selfless acts. WIELKEY SIGMUNDI, the Day of Accession or Sigismund’s Day Wiekley Sigmundi is dedicated to the ascent of Exalted Sigismund, one of the revered patrons of Haense, and many spend the eve with their kin or most cherished. On this day, it is traditional for those of the Karovic lineage to feast in the halls of the current Karovic Patriarch. Common foods observed during this feast include veal, iskov, and restineol. Hierarchy within the Rite As with other legitimate rites within the Canonist Church, the Jorenic Rite recognizes the High Pontiff as the Vicar of God and leader of the Canonist faith. That said, followers of the Jorenic Rite also recognize the Patriarch of Jorenus as the leader of their rite and their direct spiritual head. The Patriarchs themselves are chosen by the Pontiff and are answerable to the High Pontiff. Beneath the Patriarch are the body of priests, acolytes, and bishops collectively known as the Kleur, whose structure is as following: Akolyta | The Acolytes of the Faith The lowest rank within the Church, Akolyta are those unconsecrated young men and women who have made the decision to devote their lives to Godan. While in this phase, they shall learn about the faith and the Church itself, understanding its dogmas and principles as well as the responsibilities of ordained clergy. When their studies come to a close, they shall have the opportunity to test their knowledge with the Prelate of the Priesthood of the Church. Should they pass their test, they will be ordained and fully welcomed as a Kaplan. Kaplan | The Priests of the Faith The first consecrated rank in the Church, Kaplans make up the majority of the Kleur. Similar to priests in the Danielian Rite, kaplans are responsible for providing services and sacraments to those under their care. Typically, a kaplan is assigned to a specific parish within a diocese to administer to the people there. That said, these assignments are not restrictive, and kaplans may travel and work freely throughout the Patriarchate. Unlike priests in the Danielian Rite, Jorenic kaplans are required at all times to carry with them a blunt weapon to use in defense of themselves and their parishioners. Jorenic priests believe that the offensive shedding of blood is a great sin, as Owyn’s shedding of Harren’s blood led to a thousand years of Godan’s Silence (Scroll of Gospel 4:41-62), and so are not permitted to carry or use sharp weapons. Episkopas | The Bishops of the Faith Ranking above the kaplans and below the Patriarch, Episkopas are those clergy recommended by the Patriarch and appointed by the Pontiff to serve as the bishop of a diocese within Jorenus. They serve as advisors to the Patriarch, assisting them in the administration of the Patriarchate and managing the affairs of their assigned dioceses. Their responsibilities as such include the recruitment and maintenance of the kaplans under their authority and the promotion of the faith through sacraments and service. Patriyark | The Patriarch of the Faith The highest position attainable in Jorenus, the Patriarch serves as head of the Jorenic Rite and representative of the Pontiff to Jorenic believers. They are responsible for the maintenance and promotion of the Jorenic Rite throughout the Patriarchate, and often collaborate with local nobles and royal officials to achieve this. Though appointed by the Pontiff and therefore answerable only to him, the Patriarch is almost always a former bishop who has served in Jorenus. This is done so the Patriarch may better manage the unique blend of highlander traditions encapsulated within the Jorenic Rite, though this is dependent on the views of the reigning Pontiff.