Ecclesia

#### Pre-Doggerlands

Ecclesia was founded in 2717 in the former Russian territory of Arkhangelsk by a Siberian monk now known as Pontifex St. Konstantin I. Konstantin is renowned for rediscovering the *Lux Orbis*, the charter left by the last Pope, Julius X, for continuing the Church.

Upon discovery of the charter, Konstantin and his monastery founded the Diocese of Arkhangelsk, the first institutional church in over five centuries. After holding office as Bishop, Konstantin inherited the rule of the city-state. Konstantin renamed the city to Ecclesia in 2717, and this is marked as the official founding date of the country.

Years following Konstantin's ascension as the first Pontifex were plagued with famine, starvation, and intemperate weather. Without better choice, Konstantin used the best information of the time to set a migration for the Doggerlands. Despite not wanting to leave the motherland, the first Pontifex would bravely lead his Church to a new home before passing away.

#### Rokossovsky-Era Universalism

Elected in 3016, Pontifex Rokossovsky brought with his Pontificate the most drastic changes to the Church and State seen in centuries. Hailing from the Universalist school of thought, Rokossovsky strived to spread the Church to as many new nations as possible during his reign. His efforts would see major success, effectively ending over 200 years of Church isolationism. The spread of the faith continues to this day.

#### NCR-Ecclesian Conflict

In the summer of 3020, Pontifex Rokossovsky ordered an attack on the Neu Corporate Republik harbour of Zaandam. The attack came as retaliation for the Republik's cruel war against the EFR and the ongoing refugee crisis in which Ecclesia took in some 5,000 refugees. The conflict ended after a few short days, and saw a major aerial battle with Oscdean allies over the city. The Republik captured the Eastern side of the city, and Pontifex Rokossovsky ordered a ceasefire. Peace talks went on for several more days under the delegtion of then Secretary of State, Vychaslav Reshevsky, and ultimately Ecclesia was forced to scuttle its navy, and pay reparations. Since the Conflict Ecclesia has been undergoing a vast reconstruction phase.

#### Republik Prefecture

On June 29 3020, Ecclesia officially entered into the Neu Corporate Republik as the Thirteenth Prefecture. This is the first association with a major country or alliance since its founding with Arkhangelsk. The terms of peace dictated the country would hold onto its own military for six months before fully incorporating into the NCR, let the domestic government remain in charge of domestic affairs, granted clemency for both sides for the Conflict, and dropped all future reparations. This relaxed treatment turned many citizens viewpoints around to favoring good ties with the NCR, and would be the catalyst for a rebound between the nations relationship.

Not long after the Conflict had ended would trade resume, and Republik prefectures began to see a skyrocket of Pontifical followers. The NCR's freedom of religion and ties with Ecclesia were a launchpad for the previously dormant religion, and the effects of this Republik-era growth are still seen today.

It is worth noting that because of the domestic government and peace terms, Ecclesia was one of the few safe if not only safe location for Taurans within the Republik.

#### Post-Republik

Since the collapse of the Republik and death of Pontifex Rokossovsky, newly elected traditionalist Pontifex Konstantin IX has declared The Pontifical States independence, and the country did not join with the NCR's successor, Paxem. Since the split, the country has remained silent on international affairs.

Konstantin IX briefly visited Rockfield to reinstate the Balancin King, Charles VI.

### Government

Ecclesia is the sole Theocratic Absolute Elective Monarchy in the world. The Monarch and Head of State is the Pontifex. The Pontifex is also the leader of the Pontifical Church, and the Office of the Pontificate governs both state and church in tandem. The Pontifex holds absolute power in both institutions. Because of this situation, whenever referencing the Church, the State of Ecclesia, or the Pontifex himself, one is in practice referring to the same institution. When the reigning Pontifex dies, the Conclave, made up of Ecclesian bishops, meets to elect a new Pontifex.

Laws and regulations within the country can often change drastically at the election of a new Pontifex who may hold different views from the previous Pontifex. Traditionally however, Ecclesia has always mandated The Church as the state religion, restricts many forms of speech and media (specifically anti-patriotic & anti-Church speech and pornography), and requires all non-essential businesses to be closed on Sundays. There is notably no minimum drinking age in Ecclesia. Restrictions on other drugs are also light throughout the state.

Another notable figure is the Vicar General, who can temporarily take the Pontifex's position in the event of absence or death. Following the Pontifex and Vicar-General are the department secretaries, each responsible for a specific area of national affairs.

Pontifex: His Holiness Konstantin IX

Vicar General: His Eminence Don Jordovsky

Secretary of State: (Vacant)

Secretary of Justice: Monsignor Levi Martin

Secretary of War: (Vacant)

Archbishop of The Xel-Palmas: H.E. Don Jordovsky

### Modern Day

Today the primary focus of the country is set on reconstruction and cooperation with diplomatic and economic allies following the NCR-Ecclesia conflict. Much of the city has been revitalized in a neo-classical and orthodox style in the areas decimated by the conflict. The shining star of this phase has been the construction of the new Pontifical Palace, the largest private estate and simultaneously government capitol on the Doggerlands. The palace was built over the site of the previous national mall by Pontifex Rokossovsky.

Ecclesia is known for its hazardous driving conditions, without any significant presence of traffic enforcement or guidance. The states income heavily relies on the Pontifical Church, the maritime industry, and more recently in tourism. The main tourist attractions are the Pontifical Palace, Archbasilica of Christ the Saviour, and the country's two islands: St. George and Clement Isle.

### Geography

Ecclesia sits in between two tributaries of the North Sea, with a majority of its historic district being waterfront property on the seaside enfilade. The city overlooks two large islands to the south, St. George and Clement Isle, both of Ecclesia. The city like most of the doggerlands is flat, with small hills encasing the city to the north. The only overland connections to neighboring cities exists at the Lancastrian Skyway Bridge, and through the railway bridge.

### Demographics

Ecclesia's population consists mainly of immigrants from Arkhangelsk and other former Russian territories. This gives Ecclesia a majority Slavic ethnicity. Other regional ethnicities of the Doggerlands have also contributed to the population significantly due to work, business, or the Church.

Over 99% of Ecclesians belong to the Pontifical Church given that it is the state mandated religion. However, there is a very small minority of Hindus living and practicing legally in Ecclesia.

### The Pontifical Church

The Pontifical Church is lead by the Pontifex. The Church is the true successor of the Catholic Church, and the Pontificate is the successor office of the old Papacy. The Church serves as one of Ecclesia's main forms of income and influence, and directly governs the lives of the Ecclesian people and many across the world.