From 2000 to 2008, I was an ordained member of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica, or the Gnostic Catholic Church, the ecclesiastical body of Ordo Templi Orientis. The EGC provides a Thelemic religious environment wherein we openly celebrate OTO mysteries. The central ritual is the Gnostic Mass, the celebration of which is perhaps the single most common activity within the Order.
The Gnostic Mass is a beautiful ritual that celebrates the mysteries of Thelema and OTO. It is a magical rite that exemplifies the union of the individual soul with the Absolute, culminating in a eucharistic sacrament embodying Life and Joy. Since Thelema rejects the notion of original sin, instead stating that every person is a divine being, the Mass is not designed to extol “salvation” but to celebrate one’s inherent sacredness and identification with God.
EGC also offers lay affiliation through the ceremonies of Baptism and Confirmation, while clergy membership occurs with the rites of Ordination, which are offered for the diaconate (deacons), the priesthood (priests and priestesses), and the episcopate (bishops). The church also provides other rites, both formal and informal, including marriage, infant benediction, last rites, and administration of the Eucharist to the sick.
Liber XV, The Gnostic Mass
The central ritual of Ordo Templi Orientis.
Introduction to the Gnostic Mass
A brief introduction for those unfamiliar with our central rite.
Missal for the Gnostic Mass
A PDF (1.9Mb) version of a generic missal for the Mass, giving the Creed, Anthem, instructions for Communication, and a visual guide to the various Steps and Signs.
The Gnostic Mass: Learning the Office of Priest
A practical guide to learning how to perform in the Office of The Priest within Liber XV.
A Guide to the Office of Deacon
A practical guide to serving as Deacon in Liber XV (a more robust replacement of the older Deacon Notes).
On Authority in EGC
A brief rundown of how authority works within Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica.
An EGC Development Model
A simple model of developing a local EGC sanctuary.
Liber XV Performance Notes
Addressing performance issues within the Gnostic Mass
An Ideal Temple
A temple layout for the Gnostic Mass based on the Tree of Life
My Fantasy Temple
A blueprint of a Thelemic temple
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