The Church of the Twelve and One

The dominant religious institution of Meropis, Western Thule, Hispania, Atlantis, Kogaionon (technically), northern Mezzoramia, portions of Šamû, and major colonies in Vinland, Zarahemla, Aztlan, Paititi, Mu, and Altjira, the Church of the Twelve and One is one of the most far-reaching and powerful religious organizations in all of Gaea. The faith has had schisms and possesses a large number of denominations, many of which are officially declared heresies or blasphemies, and others which are considered orthodox or heterodox and accepted. However, the vast majority of followers still recognize the authority of its leadership and texts and adhere to the most basic principles of its doctrines. The Church is primarily devoted to the worship of the Twelve Olympians and Hades, but also venerates a wide range of other Divinities, including many that are not traditionally considered part of the Olympian Pantheon or are otherwise minor figures within it. The religion was originally devoted to the Reman Pantheon, though these deities are themselves ascended Aspects of their Olympian counterparts and was and is structured in a manner resembling the Catholic Church of medieval Earth. This was done initially as a means of earning the favor of a notable Wayfarer and persisted due to its efficacy in enacting the will of the deities it served.
The Church of the Twelve and One is one of the most easily recognizable institutions in the world, with at least a minor presence on every continent and subcontinent. It can literally be found everywhere, to some degree or fashion (however distorted), even within the Abyss itself. Adherents of the faith are known as Twelvists.
== Main Deities of the Church ==
The Church on the whole places an emphasis on the family and community and the values and responsibilities thereof. These are manifested in the Olympian Pantheon, who are each taken to reflect different roles in society as well as their more traditional positions as understood by classical Greek mythology. In fact, these societal roles are more prominent than their portfolios, to a degree, with the deities regularly called by their titles rather than their names.
=== The Holy Family ===
The core figures of the Church's theological structure, the Holy Family represents the "ruling class" of the gods within the faith. Shown as a family, the central unit of Twelvist society, the Holy Family are depicted as supporting one another in harmony within the faith.
==== The Father - Zeus ====
The head of the pantheon and the Holy Family in particular, this deity represents the head of household, leadership, and maturity, and is usually depicted as a fit but aging man who can be both stern and caring.
==== The Mother - Rhea ====
The primary support for the Father, the Mother is depicted as a loving figure and teacher who offers wisdom and discipline, and is usually depicted as a middle-aged woman in good health.
==== The Daughter - Athena ====
The Daughter symbolizes purity, mercy, kindness, and wise decisions and is usually depicted either as a young girl or young woman.
==== The Son - Ares ====
The Son is shown as a bit of a prodigal child, rambunctious and active, and is often juxtaposed with the well-behaved Daughter.
=== The Blessed Providers ===
==== The Grower - Demeter ====
==== The Huntress - Artemis ====
==== The Mariner - Poseidon ====
==== The Merchant - Hermes ====
=== The Sacred Masters ===
==== The Chamberlain - Hestia ====
==== The Smith - Hephaestus ====
==== The Sage - Apollo ====
==== The Lover - Aphrodite ====
=== The Keeper - Hades ===
== Lesser Deities of the Church ==
=== Olympians ===
=== Gaeans ===
=== Cthonians ===
==== The Reaper - Thanatos ====
==== The Ferryman - Charon ====
==== The Night - Nyx ====
==== The Adventurer - Zagreus ====
==== The Seeker - Melinoë ====
==== The Guide - Persephone ====
== Saints of the Church ==
==== Herakles, Saint of Heroes ====
==== Achilles ====
== The Heavens in Disorder ==
Category:Gaea
Category:Canon
Category:Institution
Category:Religion
Category:Church of Twelve and One