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Building a Gnostic Community |
The correct evolution of a spiritual Essene
Community entails certain appointments of key people who help create and
maintain the unique atmosphere of a Gnostic community. In addition to this
small handful of key people, lay members are needed who can do some
the following:
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BAPTIZED: These are members of the community and
Order who periodically renew their covenant with Miryai, Mani, Maryam and Yeshu through
mystical immersion, These also use the sacred waters of Miryai to garden
and tend orchards and fields to bring forth fresh fruit and vegetables
from the holy earth to offer on the Altars of the Order.
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CHRISMED: These are members of the Order
who are anointed with sacred oil and filled with bhakti devotion for Yeshu
or Miryai. They devote much energy into the four daily prostration prayers.
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EUCHARISTS: These are Miryai-ji members
who fast and feast each week, physically purifying Ziwane Light
out of vegan food offerings and mentally purifying darkness by Thogel practice.
In addition to the lay community, four pairs of
Enshroudment Officers are needed to function under the auspice of the Ginzaya
(Bishop). These are:
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ASHGANDAYA - A pair of presiding Deacon and Deaconess
in charge of altars and offerings.
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YALUFAYA - A pair of presiding Readers in
charge of publicly reading the sacred scrolls.
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PAISAQAYYA - A presiding Priest and Priestess
pair in charge of performing the first 3 Gate rituals for the community.
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TARMIDAYYA - A pair of presiding Priesthood officers,
an
Elder and Elderess who preside at Nazorean meetings.
Serious students may apply for these Enshroudment
positions. An Ashganda needs great carefulness and care and must see to
daily purification of the Altars - placing flowers there, adding and removing
food offerings before Yeshu and Miryai, etc. A Yulafa must have a pleasing
and audible voice. A Paisaq must be able to memorize the first three Gates
and perform an elaborate ritual from them. The Tarmidas must be able to
stand before a group of people, welcome them, announce business, and coordinate
the spiritual flow of meetings. All these officers must be able to work
under the guidance of the resident Ginzaya, or Nazorean Bishop.
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