Ordination of a Deacon
This ceremony is the first of a number of Sacred Rites in E.G.C. known as Ordinations. The Latin word Ordinare means to “order, arrange, or appoint.” The Sacrament of Ordination is attributed to Sol and Tiphareth, and refers to entry into the Path of Service. It is symbolic of the Second True Grade of the Order of Thelemites, that of the Lover, Tiphareth, the mediator between Kether and Malkuth, who serves both.
(The Temple is prepared for Gnostic Mass. The Candidate, clothed in his or her white robe of confirmation, is standing at the opening of the Tomb. The ordination is performed by a bishop of E.G.C. The Officiant admits the Congregation, then goes to the foot of the three steps and addresses the Candidate.)
BISHOP: Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. [Name], is it your will to pledge yourself to the Path of Service in Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica?
CANDIDATE: It is.
BISHOP: As a Deacon, do you promise that you will abide by the policies of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica, and that you will faithfully fulfill the functions of a Deacon, ever in service to your congregation, and under the direction of your Bishop?
CANDIDATE: I do.
BISHOP: (Directs Candidate to advance to the Altar of Incense.) [Name], is it your will to be ordained Deacon of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica?
CANDIDATE: It is.
BISHOP: (Imposes hands on Candidate’s head in silence; then opens the front of Candidate’s robe and anoints with the right thumb the center of Candidate’s breast with Oil of Abramelin, in the form of a circled cross. If this is not possible, the Officiant anoints Candidate’s forehead.)
“The Sun, Strength & Sight, Light; these are for the servants of the Star & the Snake.” (Pause)
By the power and authority in me vested, I hereby ordain you a DEACON of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica.
(Vests new Deacon with yellow mantle, and presents him/her with a copy of the Book of the Law.)
Receive the Threefold Book of Law; “to each man and woman that thou meetest, were it but to dine or to drink at them, it is the Law to give.”
(Raising hands in blessing.)
Gloria Patri et Matri et Filio et Filiae et Spiritui Sancto Externo et Spiritui Sancto Interno, ut erat est erit in saecula Saeculorum sex in uno per nomen Septem in uno ARARITA.
(They both turn to face the Congregation. The Officiant addresses the Congregation.)
Sisters and Brothers, I present to you your Deacon.
I beseech you to follow his direction and render unto him the same respect and devotion you show to your Priest and Priestess.
(The front of the new Deacon’s robe is refastened, if necessary. All officers take their places and celebrate the Gnostic Mass, the new Deacon assuming his/her role throughout the ceremony.)
Original Publication Date: 1997
Draft Version: 8/4/18 e.v.