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A Brief Introduction to
This brief work is intended to serve as an orientation and introduction to the Ecclesia Gnostica in Salt Lake City, Utah and the Gnostic Holy Eucharist and other liturgical services. It is of necessity broad in scope and cursory. The majority of the information applies to all parishes of the Ecclesia Gnostica. Updated 1/2010 What is Gnosis? Gnosis is not esoteric, hidden, secret, or occult information: nor information of any kind. It is a very deep knowing, a knowledge that you are, rather than a knowledge that you have. The path of Gnosis is a transformative path in which you slowly grow and become more of who you truly are. It is a path of liberation, Gnosis is the means or method of the path, and the goal of the path is the ultimate divinity. More information is available at the Gnosis Institute. (See also Rev. Troy's blog the Path of Gnosis.)
The experience of a Gnostic coming to Gnosticism, is best described as recognizing/realizing that there is a term for what you are—a Gnostic. It is a deep recognition of an affinity. A home-coming. A “music heard so deeply that it is not heard at all. But you are the music—while the music lasts,” to quote T.S. Eliot. In a practical sense the term "Gnostic" applies to anyone following the path of Gnosis, using the means or method of Gnosis and the tools of ancient Gnosticism to seek to achieve liberation and reunion with the divine as our ancient forbears did. Not everyone who benefits from our tradition, or Gnosticism in general, is a Gnostic. Gnosticism accepts our experiences, it recognizes the presence of the Divine in everyone, it is poetic and symbolic while being practical. In a world that most often misuses our spiritual impulses, Gnosticism offers a means of following them to liberation. A key difference is that someone who is not a Gnostic, but uses material from Gnosticism, tends to get stuck on the ideas. They may use them for liberation, but only to a point. For example, the Divine experienced as feminine is a continuous part of the Gnostic tradition, but it is not the point of it. If contemporary women find this aspect of the tradition useful in overcoming the limitations of society, it has served well, but if the process of liberation stops there—it is not Gnosticism. More information is available at the Gnosis Institute. A Gnostic Church? There is no shortage of uninformed opinions about Gnosticism, and some have convinced themselves that the very idea of a Gnostic church is contradictory or even impossible. This would be a surprise to the historical Gnostics who were almost always associated with a church (ecclesia) or group functioning like a church. When we think of “church” today we think of a form of church organized around a large set of beliefs that individual members are expected to accept and follow. However, that form of church is an orthodoxy, literally “correct beliefs,” and it developed in opposition to Gnostic forms. A church of that form, even if the beliefs are based on Gnostic texts, is an orthodox church rather than a Gnostic one. In contrast, the Gnostic church is a support structure for the spiritual journeys of individuals who seek to follow the path of Gnosis. Spiritual practice, study, and mutual support bring us together. The Ecclesia Gnostica Instituted in Britain in 1953 and established in the US in 1959, the Ecclesia Gnostica (EG) is the oldest publicly practicing overtly Gnostic sacramental church in North America. Centered in Los Angeles, the EG is presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephan Hoeller, noted author, lecturer, professor of religion, and senior Gnostic Bishop in the Americas; and has parishes in Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Sedona, Arizona; Oslow, Norway; and here in Salt Lake City, Utah. More information is available at: the Ecclesia Gnostica Home Page. (See also the Wikipedia entry.) In addition to the Eucharist, we offer: other devotional services, the sacraments of Baptism and Chrism, and a process of formation as clergy through inner focus and outer service. (Plus the usual: sick calls, weddings, funerals, etc.) Although the formation process in the EG spans seven years or more and involves personal transformation in addition to more academic study, one should never trade one's own judgment for any kind of official “seal of approval.” Spiritual Practice & Gnosis The methods for progressing in Gnosis that are referred to in ancient scriptures, and that we use today in the EG, are richly poetic and symbolic forms of personal transformational experiences that are either focused upon an individual or are generally participated in by a group. They produce changes in consciousness, and have both initiatory (pivotal) transformative effects, and also gradual transformative effects from regular participation. They involve participating in the sacred stories (myths) of the tradition and applying them directly to yourself through having a form to experience them through and so may gain gnosis of them. In our practice, many aspects of these are revisited every year. There are also times in one's life when there is a more direct need/use of a deeper application/experience of some of them. And there are traditional methods for this as well. These methods are what we engage in as a church. They are richly symbolic liturgical services, that primarily consist of the mysteries, also called sacraments, that are listed in the Gospel of Philip (Baptism, Chrism, and Eucharist). The regular transformational method we use is the celebration of the Holy Gnostic Eucharist. The methods we employ as a church are the mysteries/sacraments and other liturgical rituals. We take care to follow the traditional forms and traditional requirements for conveying the mysteries. The services are real transformational methods—our services are public group spiritual practice. Baptism The Gnostic rite of Baptism is not intended to replace or rectify any prior baptism the candidate may have received. It is a sacrament and a Mystery to be entered into consciously and knowingly. Therefore it is not a rite intended for children, though there is a blessing service available for them. To become a candidate for baptism it is recommended that you attend services for a period of months, familiarize yourself with Gnosticism and the Ecclesia Gnostica, and read the Gnostic Catechism by Stephan Hoeller to see if it makes sense to you (gnosis.org/ecclesia/catechism.htm). When you feel that baptism is something that you wish to pursue, speak with a priest.
The Rev. Troy Pierce may be available for weddings and funerals, this is done on an individual basis. He may also be available for individual conversations: informational, social, or in the form of spiritual counseling (also called spiritual direction) and assistance in spiritual growth.
Members of the parish often meet after services to socialize and discuss. Stay after the service for information. Non-Ecclesiastical activities in the parish go in cycles, based on season and interest level. There have been discussion groups, movie nights, and social evenings. Any, all, or none of which may be occurring at any time.
Attending Services & Activities Visitors and Participation Visitors are welcome. Services are provided for all who may benefit from them. We ensure a safe environment for all. We have no provisions for child care. It is not recommended that you bring children to services who will be uncomfortable or distressed by sitting quietly. “All” are Welcome? No state or condition of life has any bearing on the Gnostic path, nor is it a barrier to any level of participation in the Ecclesia Gnostica. We don't care about your ethnicity, economic status, gender, sexual orientation, or membership or participation in any ethical spiritual or transformational organization or path. Whatever your circumstances, you have the divine spark within you, and we are all in this together. 'What' you are is of no importance next to who you are. However, in providing a safe environment conducive to spiritual growth, individuals may be barred from participation for acts contrary to this such as: violent or threatening behavior, verbal attacks, recruitment or proselytizing, hate speech, or otherwise interfering with the environment or purposes. Fear and Proselytizing The Ecclesia Gnostica provides liturgical services as a service to those who may benefit from them. You will not be solicited to join a church. There isn't mechanism for joining in the usual sense (membership is based on formation and participation). We know that you cannot give someone else Gnosis, and that this particular path isn't for everyone. However, if you wish to avoid introducing yourself, sneak out as the candles are put out, we won't mind. If you are interested: there is an email list for service announcements, a small group of people who socialize after many services, and other parish activities. Donations Though we do not actively solicit donations at our services and activities, they are vital to our continued operations. We do not receive outside support and must be self-sustaining in our activities. Clergy receive no compensation and all donations go to operating expenses and improvements. If you have the means to support this effort, please do so. Visitors and Participation Visitors are welcome. The Eucharist is celebrated for all who may benefit from it. The only two things we ask of those attending are:
The Eucharist service begins after the lighting of the candles, and ends after they have been extinguished and the chalice has been retired. A homily follows the service, and is followed by a recessional. Experience the Mystery The Eucharist is a mystery instituted by Christ and developed over a thousand years. It is not any one thing, nor any collection of things. A mystery cannot be defined, it can only be experienced. Our form of the Eucharist dates back to around the eleventh century as used in Western Christendom, while the contents are largely from ancient Gnostic scriptures. The Eucharist is timeless, touching upon the eternal, and each service has a particularity, both from the Sunday or Holy Day in the liturgical year, but also from the qualities of the participants. Its purpose is not to change from week to week so as to entertain, its purpose is to remain what it is, and to change us. Like a daily walk along the same route there are constant changes, and more importantly, you change. It is a long slow process—like anything real. But rewarding, as only something real can be. It is our hope that you experience the depth and richness we feel. It may be difficult to participate at first, it may be like learning a new language, or one that is so similar it may be confusing. It takes patience and listening: both to the service and the experience of it within you. Liturgy as Poetry In the Gnostic view liturgy is poetry, not theology. The same is true for scripture generally, including the scriptural passages that are read during the Eucharist service. The words are not statements of belief—they are not there as an end, but as a means. No belief is required to participate, and unexamined beliefs are actively discouraged in our tradition. Validity of the Sacrament The priests of the Ecclesia Gnostica are duly ordained in the traditional manner in the Apostolic Succession of universally recognized lineage (the Ecumenical Succession), after a seven year formation. The structure of the Gnostic Holy Eucharist is that of the Eucharist used throughout Western Christendom since the eleventh century. The Cannon of the Mass (the Consecration) remains unaltered from a much earlier time. Receiving Communion All who wish to receive Communion may do so. Receiving communion is an individual matter, and is solely the choice of the individual. The Ecclesia Gnostica does not require that one receiving communion posses any set of beliefs or attitudes, nor does receiving communion imply the possession or adoption of any beliefs or attitudes. Communion is usually given in both forms (wafer soaked in wine) and is placed by the priest on the communicant's tongue. Communion of one type (wafer only) may be requested. To receive Communion, open your mouth about half-way, and put your tongue forward onto your lower lip. Use your tongue to pull the Host into your mouth. Reading the Eucharist Book Not all of the words spoken will be found in the Eucharist book. So, don't feel lost when following along. There are both Pre-Eucharistic and Post-Eucharistic prayers that are found only in the Requiem Eucharist book. There are also readings that change depending on the week or Holy Day of the liturgical calendar: these are the Collect(s), Lesson, and Gospel. These readings, as well as, the liturgical calendar for the year may be found at www.gnosis.org. A brief Homily follows the body of the service, preceding the Post-Eucharistic prayer. Responsive reading is encouraged but not required. Sections of text that begin with a “C:” or an “A:” signify those to be read aloud. Liturgical Gestures Those who wish to participate more in the service, yet do not have a background with such things, may benefit from the following. They are not required. Crossing oneself in our tradition is done in the manner of Western Christendom. With fingers together touch brow, navel, left shoulder, right shoulder (and optionally your heart). A “+” in the service book indicates times when it is appropriate to do so. This is often done in receiving a blessing, either before or during the blessing. One also crosses oneself before receiving communion, and just afterward when receiving the “Peace be with Thee” blessing. It is traditional to kneel when receiving Communion, however we currently have no kneeler, so a standing posture is recommended. |
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