Hierarchy of the Church
Mar 4, 2013 17:29:31 GMT -5
Post by Grandmaster on Mar 4, 2013 17:29:31 GMT -5
Hierarchy of the Church:
With its background in pastoral faith, the hierarchy of the Church strives to maintain its simplicity. The Holy Orders serve as the foundation of service to the Church and the Triad, fostering the works of the Church to the people regardless of economic or social rank. From monks to chaplains, these good men and women are the faces best known to the people as the Church's representatives.
Each Order's Chapter House rests under the leadership of a Priest, selected to train, guide and fulfill the expectations of the Church for that Order. The Priest must be ordained by the Church Hierarchy before accepting the role of House Mother/Father. This role is for life, though many House Mother/Fathers will retire with advancing age or illness. A successor is typically named from within that House's ranks by the outgoing House Mother/Father.
Each Order is headed by a Preceptor, who administrates, directs and oversees the various Chapter Houses. The Preceptor is selected from a list of candidates drawn from experienced House Mothers/Fathers and reviewed by a panel of Preceptors and Clergy. This role is subject to renewal every ten years, though it is rare that a Preceptor is removed from office or fails to renew his or her role.
Priests are overseen by a Conclave of Bishops, of which there are eighteen. Each major city has its cathedral in which the Bishop tends to the spiritual needs of the faithful and serves to advise the Lord or Lady of that city. It falls to the Bishops to assign parishes to priests when one falls ill or dies, to investigate unusual matters or crises of faith and to coordinate the works of the various Chapter Houses within that city to best efficacy.
Over the Bishops sit the seven Patriarchs of Demeria, one from each Duchy, plus one from Triadon. These Patriarchs are considered the most learned and well-versed men and women in Church canon, doctrine and functionality. They preside over Church courts of justice, debate and write Church law, consult on matters of State law when invited and aid the Archbishop in his or her duties. It is from amongst the Patriarchs - a role served for life - that a new Archbishop is typically chosen.
The Archbishop is the head of the Church in Demeria; all laws, doctrinal additions or changes and church mandates come from him. The spiritual advisor to the King or Queen and the Royal Chaplain, the Archbishop sits on the Crown Council as the Voice of the Church. All rites involving the Royal Family are performed by the Archbishop. He or she serves at the Crown's pleasure or until death.
With its background in pastoral faith, the hierarchy of the Church strives to maintain its simplicity. The Holy Orders serve as the foundation of service to the Church and the Triad, fostering the works of the Church to the people regardless of economic or social rank. From monks to chaplains, these good men and women are the faces best known to the people as the Church's representatives.
Each Order's Chapter House rests under the leadership of a Priest, selected to train, guide and fulfill the expectations of the Church for that Order. The Priest must be ordained by the Church Hierarchy before accepting the role of House Mother/Father. This role is for life, though many House Mother/Fathers will retire with advancing age or illness. A successor is typically named from within that House's ranks by the outgoing House Mother/Father.
Each Order is headed by a Preceptor, who administrates, directs and oversees the various Chapter Houses. The Preceptor is selected from a list of candidates drawn from experienced House Mothers/Fathers and reviewed by a panel of Preceptors and Clergy. This role is subject to renewal every ten years, though it is rare that a Preceptor is removed from office or fails to renew his or her role.
Priests are overseen by a Conclave of Bishops, of which there are eighteen. Each major city has its cathedral in which the Bishop tends to the spiritual needs of the faithful and serves to advise the Lord or Lady of that city. It falls to the Bishops to assign parishes to priests when one falls ill or dies, to investigate unusual matters or crises of faith and to coordinate the works of the various Chapter Houses within that city to best efficacy.
Over the Bishops sit the seven Patriarchs of Demeria, one from each Duchy, plus one from Triadon. These Patriarchs are considered the most learned and well-versed men and women in Church canon, doctrine and functionality. They preside over Church courts of justice, debate and write Church law, consult on matters of State law when invited and aid the Archbishop in his or her duties. It is from amongst the Patriarchs - a role served for life - that a new Archbishop is typically chosen.
The Archbishop is the head of the Church in Demeria; all laws, doctrinal additions or changes and church mandates come from him. The spiritual advisor to the King or Queen and the Royal Chaplain, the Archbishop sits on the Crown Council as the Voice of the Church. All rites involving the Royal Family are performed by the Archbishop. He or she serves at the Crown's pleasure or until death.