Temple's Official Weekly Rite and Ceremony (Usually Performed Each Sunday)
1- Bell rings to call attention.
2- Temple blade encircles and altar to drive away pollution, then white sage is burned temporarily to purify the altar space, offerings and sacrifices; barley and sea salt water can also be used. Then the lighting of the altar flame.
3- 12 beats of the drum.
4- Lighting of the incense
5- Ode Invocations
All of the Gods, Spirits, Heroes, and Ascended Mortals of Hellas we love, revere and worship, and burn sweet fragrance to (light the incense offering), and we begin with Hestia, our beautiful Homely One, Goddess of our own hearths and home of the blessed Gods, She is the eternal fire of the family who lifts us into the presence of The Dodekatheon. She is refuge, safeguard, and comfort; Alpha and Omega in our daily rites. Eternal Virgin who takes Her place by the fireside of Zeus, and shares an undying love for mortal homes.
Zeus, King of all Gods, Father to Immortals and men, God of the thunderbolt – the immortal lance of heaven, before whom all tremble, for none can withstand; even the ground of Gaia does it make sacred, a place where no mortal can then tread, but only venerate in holiness. Loud and rumbling Lord who glows the skies, gathers the clouds, and quenches the thirst of Mother Earth and all who live upon Her. He is the Supreme Ruler whom none can disobey. Conqueror of the Titans of old and Keeper of the keys to their prison far below in Tartaros, where enemies of the Gods are locked away from the universe. Eternal Father of all, even to those who are not His children, for His is the Kingship of the cosmos, who brings justice to injustice, order to chaos, and liberation to the chained and enslaved; a God so kind even to strangers and suppliants, noble upon the highest peak. He who keeps the universe in good order, He who balances that destines of humankind, and even takes the unique among humans to Olympos itself to be servants of the Gods in eternal bliss. May the most prayer and offering go to you during this rite.
Hera, Queen of all Gods, Mother to Immortals and men, glorious White-Armed Goddess of heaven, Mother of the galaxy, highest of all Goddesses and wife of the King; the women of Earth are Her beloved, and the peacock, in its astounding beauty does She delight. The human soul She wraps in nourishment, into the very bodies of men and women She puts breath, and Her Spirit into all things that live and thrive. She is Mother to us all.
Aphrodite, Goddess of love, beauty and sexuality, Heavenly One, all that comes from Her is blissful, for She is a Giver of life, and the physical and mental salvation of mortals, for sexual pleasure is our health, but repressed it becomes our misery and destruction. The wholeness of Her Divinity we worship and adore, the Foam-Born of Cyprus, for in Her are all good things.
Poseidon, Trident-Bearing God, Lord of the oceans, a world all their own, holy Earth-Shaker who is Savior of ships and the blessing of beautiful voyages. The freshness in a sea breeze, the wind in the sails, and the cool rush beneath mortal feet as they sink into Gaia whom He holds so dear; He is peace, wonder and intrigue, Father of the ancestral.
Demeter, Goddess of the fertile Earth, She is the lovely Great Mother of the fields who endows the crops with life flourishing. Men work the land in Her name, that they may reap a harvest fit for feasts and the nourishment of the human body. Ruler of the seasons who graces the Earth with life thriving in the spring and summer, and in the autumn when She withdraws, a world of colors still graces the lands of mortals, for even death is beautiful when touched by Her hands. The cold winter is when She is farthest away, but always She remains the Bringer of Law, Goddess of cultivation and domestication, which finally gave humanity rest from endless movement and peace from an uncertain future.
Artemis, Goddess of the hunt, blessed arrow-showering daughter of Zeus and Leto, who we know even from childhood. Whether the green-covered forests, the leaf-cloaked autumn ground, or the frosted hills and plains of the countryside, She reigns in domain. Even from the lunar heavens, She fills the night with light and mystery, and a silent serenity. The mountains shiver as She fires Her bow of gold, and the ground quakes, not even the sea can remain still, nor Her target escape.
Apollon, Far-Shooting Archer of the glorious East, whose light comes forth each day, O' son of Zeus and Leto, a heavenly Healer, who brings life to Earth and brightness to mortal faces. All Gods rise in respect as He passes to the throne of Zeus, gracing Olympos and enlightening mankind. Noble red-robed God of the silver bow, in His hands is the central celestial, and thus He is the light of the world.
Athena, blessed Aegis-Bearing daughter of the King of all Gods, She is the bedrock of civilization and the justice of cities, who gives humans strength and armor to be an Akropolis against the enemy, whose shield can never be breached nor spear broken. Victory is always Hers, She is crowned at every battle, for She destroys the foe who challenges Her and wishes evil against the universe. Hers is the wisdom of all Ages, the intellect of the cosmos, a Goddess who sets us free.
Hephaistos, God of fire, magnificent Creator, Engineer of the universe. As He slams His Divine hammer upon the anvil of the cosmos, the most beautiful creations are born and crafted, among them armor for Gods and men, and even of stars and moons is He a part. The sacredness and grandeur of His Godhood is marvel to behold, and adoration to be had, as men labor day-by-day to build the best of human achievement.
Ares, God of war, Golden-Helmeted Champion of Themis, with a mighty heart and strong hand, stands as a shield of Olympos, home of the Gods. Wondrous and ancient War God, upon His Aeropagus do mortal nobles and courts sit. O' Bringer of the sword, His is Divine wrath that charges forth on chariots of gold and obliterates the foe, to save the just and direct the course of nations and states.
Hermes, Caduceus-Holding God of Cyllene and Arkadia, Heaven's Messenger, Herald of the Highest God, flying about the world day-by-day, winged feet as fast as the wind, on holy and sacred missions for Olympos. Wonderful and pleasant God, who brings good fortune and wealth wherever He goes, who uplifts the human spirit to the flight of human potential, Master of the roads before us, who makes mortal feet steadfast and hearts faithful for life's travels.
Dionysos, blessed Ivy-Wrapped son of Zeus and Semele, child of woman, Twice-Born, triumphant over death. He is the God of life, whose own blood flows from the vines of Earth and fills the cups of mankind with ecstasy, freeing them from all that hinders the enjoyment of life. Into mortals He shines the spirit of happiness, and into all of nature He puts life and beauty. Blooming God and youngest of Olympos who roars among the haunts of the forests, whose throne is among the highest, and mortals below who reach ascension through His rites of secret.
May the burned offering please you all.
6- Wine libation
Our love, devotion and piety is forever poured out to you all.
7- The Dionysian (chocolate and wine)
Humbly we ask, come hither, Dionysos, to this holy temple, come with the Graces, rushing thy foot, goodly One. Descend your blessings upon the food of joy and the drink of the vine, to bless our minds, bodies and souls with your wonderful life. Spirit of Dionysos dwell within us, blood of Dionysos flow through us.
8- Prayer to Ajax and Solon
Mighty Ajax, our temple's Patron Hero, and noble among mortal Heroes of Hellas, bless this prayer, that your strength empower us, and your shield and spear defend us, as you clothe our bodies in the armor of heaven. And wise Solon, Lawmaker of sacred Athens, a Savior of cities, who show us how to live the good and virtuous ways.
9- Divination (Bibliomancy)
Blessed Apollon, Lord of Prophecy, through the sacred pages before us, give our temple and its people your gracious and wise counsel.
10- As we bring our holy and sacred rite to a close, we give our thanks to the Gods, Spirits, Heroes and Ascended Mortals, and pray once more to Hestia for She is First and Last. Home of the Blessed Gods, be with us forever, and to the past Ages of mortal men, we call on those good Spirits who still inhabit the Earth, to be with us in all things good as we go on our way from this temple.
11- 12 beats of the drum.
12- Extinguishing of the altar flame.
