Valencianism

Although the official theology of the Empire is controlled by the Holy Church of Valencia, there is a fair amount of variance among the people in their own private beliefs. This includes traditional forms, progressive branches, breakaway sects, cults, and a myriad of personally held beliefs.

## Perpetuus Valencianism

   The official branch of the Empire. According to the sacred texts of the *Heilige Worte*, Valencia was a young human woman who lived before the Awakening on an island somewhere in the ocean. She was chosen by the **Father** (see below) to bear his **Son** (see below). Since the **Son**, a divine being, grew within her, she was then given the title of **Holy Mother.** After birthing the **Son** (she never married a mortal and betrothed herself to the **Father**), she was transcended to the **Left Hand of God** to rule with him and the **Son**, becoming divine herself. The Church worships all three of the **Holy Triad**, but there is significantly more time, worship, and thought given to Valencia herself.

### The Triad

Although the Church does not teach there are no other gods but the **Triad**, it does state that there are no other gods *greater* than the Triad, therefore, "*We owe our allegiance, our worship, and our devotion to no other gods but the Triad.*"

#### **The Father**

He represents the order of the universe, its foundation and enduring power. All things flow from the Father, to the Father, and for the Father. He is recognized as stern, but caring for his creations. He is often symbolized in triangular shapes as seen at the top of the **Valencian Sun** (*pictured to the right*).

#### **The Mother**

**Valencia**, **The Mother,** represents the ideal of all human endeavor: to become divine. While the Church does not teach that anyone can become divine, the fact that Valencia was made divine by the Father provides an aspirational goal for many in the Church. She represents nurturing, kindness, love, and security. She is greatly loved by the people, and even those who dislike the Church may have a soft spot for the Holy Mother. It is believed that Valencia is the one who enables Priests to use "Holy Power" or "Miraculous Power." When the First Valencians neared the shore of Pamant, an eagle appeared to guide them to land. Many believed it was Valencia herself so Eagles became a great symbol of the Holy Mother.

#### **The Son**

He represents enforcement of the order which the Father gives. He is the Divine Enforcer, the Sword of the Father. When the Son was born his mother gave him a name. The Father disapproved, for "The Divine shall neither take names nor shall they give names." The Church teaches that Valencia and the Son both agreed with the Father. The Son now executes his role as Divine Enforcer: bringing judgements upon those who break fellowship with the church. He is often symbolized by swords or hammers. It is believed that one day, he shall choose his own Bride like the Father chose Valencia

### Religious Practice

The religion of the Valencian Church has several rites, devotions & oaths.

#### Rites

1. **Baptism**: After a child is born, a priest must ritually wash the newborn
2. **First Recitation**: At age 12, all Valencians must recite the first and last passages of the *Heilige*.
3. **Marriage**: A union consecrated before the Father for procreation and pious elevation of husband and wife.
4. **Sterberitus**: Upon death, several prayers, ceremonies, and vestiges are given on behalf of the dead by both the family and the church.

#### Devotions

1. **Worship**: Valencians are required to attend worship services thrice a week (Monday mornings., Thursday nights, and Sunday nights). Worship includes: songs, readings, homilies given by the priests, ritual meals, and other rites.
2. **Common Recitation**: Valencians are required to know how to recite prayers and certain scriptures by heart.
3. **Piety**: Valencians are required to live pious lives that reflect the orderliness of the Father, the justice of the Son, and the love of the Mother.
4. **Zehnt**: a portion of one’s financial or other valuable means (normally around 3% and 6% during war). There is a portion due for monthly income, a portion for yearly excess (whatever you don’t use of your income you earned), and 10-year estate portion. Individuals are also required to pay their imperial taxes (determined by the Nomarche) as a part of religious duty.

#### Oaths

1. **Oath of Betrothal**: Taken by all Nuns and considered the highest Oath to take. Women who take this oath renounce all possessions, all romantic relationships (including marriage), and all natural procreation.
2. **Oath of Intercession**: Taken by Priests and similar to the nuns oath by renouncing all possession and normal ties to the world. The only differences being that they vow to interced for mankind with the Father and they are not barred from marriage or procreation within marriage.
3. **Beschützer**: Taken by Paladins. They are bound to a martial life in service to the church.

### Feast Days & Celebrations

1. **Feast Days**
	1. **St Freida's Day** (February 17): Remembering St. Freida's healing of Kardinal Jung by throwing large neighborhood gathering, greeting each other with the Frieda's words after she healed the Kardinal, "Your story is not over!"
	2. **St. Gregory'd Day** (May 9): Jokes and well-intentioned pranks are given throughout the day to induce laughter and joy. Participants usually remark, "May St. Gregory's smile never fade!"
2. **Seasonal Celebrations**
3. **Week Long Celebrations**
	1. **Adpulsus** (1st week April): Celebration of the first landing of the Valencian ships upon Pamant.
	2. **Hightower's Week** (2nd week of June): Commemorating the death of Roland Hightower after a week long battler with 30 werewolves by himself.

### Common Prayers

"Glory to Valencia, Mother of us all, the Father  has glorified thee. Blessed art thou among all women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, the Son. Holy Valencia, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen."

“Exalt, Divine Queen, mother of our faith, our life, our peace and our only hope. To thee do we cry out, poor banished children of the earth. To thee do we send up our breath, mourning and weeping in this valley of death. Turn then, most magnificent Mother, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our life, bring us into the divine life for eternal days. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be transformed into divine vessels for your glory! Amen”