Lineage of the Pontifexes

## **The Office of the Pontifex**

The Pontifex is the elected absolute monarch of Ecclesia, and jointly the absolute ruler of the Pontifical Church. There have been 18 Pontifexes since the founding of Ecclesia in 2717. Some biographical information of the more well-known ones are listed here. (Many still to be added).

### **Pontifex St. Konstantin I (2716-2745)**

Pontifex St. Konstantin I, sometimes referred to as Konstantin the Great or simply St. Konstantin, is the founder of Ecclesia. He was born in the lower class in Arkhangelsk, an agricultural city in Siberia. When he was 17, Konstantin visited the former Georgian territories. There, he recovered in a ruined and decaying church a buried computer server from the 24th century. Within it, was the Lux Orbis, or “Light of the World.” This document was written by the last official Pope of the Catholic Church, Julien X. The document was a charter for instructions on how to maintain the Church after the catastrophic events on Terra were over. Having newfound faith, Konstantin returned to Arkangelesk and founded a monastery. Finding a large success, he became the first bishop of the city. Eventually he would take the rule of the city-state. This moment marks the turning point in Arkhangelsk from a small community of farmers into the center for the new Church. Konstantin would draft drastic reforms for the power structure of the government, including the establishment of the elected absolute monarchy by a group of bishops known as the Conclave. He also would write the Foundational Documents, and rename the city to Ecclesia, meaning “Nation of the Church.” Konstantin then famously led the city’s people in a large-scale migration to the doggerlands, abandoning the city due to intemperate weather and lack of fertile ground. He is the first Pontifex and first saint of the Pontifical Church.

### **Pontifex St. Vasiliev I (2745-2765)**

Vasiliev I is another canonized Pontifex who is not often mentioned due to the greatness of Konstantin I. Vasiliev was the last Pontifex who was born in Arkhangelsk. Having a steady 20 year long reign, Vasiliev established the infrastructure and living space for nearly all of the Ecclesians after migrating from Arkhangelsk.

### **Pontifex Konstantin II     (2765-2780)**

Konstantin II was renowned for exercising Pontifical authority to an extreme degree. Nearly all political and economic freedoms were withheld during his long 25 year reign. During this time, much of Ecclesia fell into economic despair due to personal spending and this drain on government reserves would have effects lasting over the next century. In private audiences, he is called Konstantin the Terrible. Ecclesia saw a population decrease of nearly 15 percent in these years. Critics of the monarchy, when allowed, will use Konstantin II as an example for reforming the government. A common legend is that the Devil himself appeared in the Conclave to cast the deciding vote for Konstantin II to take the throne.

### **Pontifex Konstantin III     (2780-2803)**

Konstantin III was one of the only Pontifexes in Ecclesia’s history to allow total freedom of press and speech. Many of the first historical archives for Ecclesia are from this period. Konstantin III is described as a well-liked Pontifex, trailing only behind Konstantin I and Ibragimov. He helped correct several departments and projects which had been derailed by Konstantin II.

### **Pontifex St. Ibragimov     (2904-2924)**

Father Ibragimov, as he is most well known, is described as the most liked Pontifex in the history of the country. During his long 20 year reign, he allowed free speech, press, and assembly. He was known to constantly give personal donations to medical research, and always visited churches and hospitals throughout the nation. Often he would give away gifts and serve beer from the Pontifical Palace. He would appear on television answering questions and giving interviews. In total, he made more public appearances than any other Pontifex. Despite most Pontifexes being known for lavish tastes, Ibragimov always wore plain white cloth and without jewelry. It is believed no other Pontifex will use the name Ibragimov for fear of not ever being able to live up to the people's expectations.

### **Pontifex Rokossovsky (3016-3020)**

See Pontifex Rokossovsky
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