Tho Ma Sine Can on Law

8/6/2019 Tho Ma Sine Can on Law

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TThhee CCaannoonn LLaaww ooff

TThhee TThhoommaassiinnee CChhuurrcchh

COGNOSCE VERITATE - ECCE LIBERTASKnow the Truth - It is Freedom


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Puritanical entities still seek to control speech, education, social mores and morals.

They absolutely resent the Wisdom Teachings of old. Only behind locked doors and

in a whispered hush could one learn of the Wisdom which has been known by

various names.

I dedicate this first edition of the Canon Law for the reconstituted Thomasine

Church. May the teachings of +Mar Thoma never be suppressed again. May these

sacred teachings Illuminate all of mankind.

Given under my hand and seal, at the Patriarchal Basilica of Didymos Judas

Thomas, this March 21st, the Feast Day of the Spring Equinox, in the year of the

Thomasine Calendar, two thousand and five, in the second year of my Patriarchate.

In Light and Truth

Mar Didymos

TTaabbllee ooffCCoonntteennttss


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ARTICLE THE FIRST INSTITUTION ...................................................................................... 4

ARTICLE THE SECOND GOVERNMENT............................................................................... 5

ARTICLE THE THIRD THE AREOPAGUS.............................................................................. 5

ARTICLE THE FOURTH MEETINGS OF THE AREOPAGUS............................................... 7

ARTICLE THE FIFTH THE SYNOD OF THE SANCTUARY OF LIGHT.............................. 7

ARTICLE THE SIXTH THE CONSTITUTION......................................................................... 9

ARTICLE THE SEVENTH PATRIARCH.................................................................................. 9ARTICLE THE EIGHTH EPARCHS........................................................................................ 11

ARTICLE THE NINTH CONGREGATIONS, COMMUNITIES, & SEMINARY................. 13

ARTICLE THE TENTH CHIVALRIC & RELIGIOUS ORDERS.......................................... 13

ARTICLE THE ELEVENTH CODE OF CANONS ................................................................. 14

Canon 1 Name of the Ecclesiastical Organization................................................................. 15

Canon 2 Membership............................................................................................................. 15

Canon 3 Doctrine ................................................................................................................... 15

Canon 4 Senority..................................................................................................................... 15

Canon 5 Patriarch................................................................................................................... 15

Canon 6 Aposkrisarios and Primatial Igumen........................................................................ 15

Canon 7 Chancellor................................................................................................................ 15

Canon 8 Eparchs .................................................................................................................... 16Canon 9 Eparchs Emeriti ....................................................................................................... 16

Canon 10 Chorebishop........................................................................................................... 16

Canon 11 Presbyters............................................................................................................... 16

Canon 12 Deacons ................................................................................................................. 16

Canon 13 Ages of Candidates................................................................................................ 16

Canon 14 Qualifications for the Episcopate........................................................................... 17

Canon 15 Qualifications of Clergy ........................................................................................ 17

Canon 16 Incardination of Clergy.......................................................................................... 17

Canon 17 Canonical Obedience............................................................................................. 18

Canon 18 Active List ............................................................................................................. 18

Canon 19 Transfer to the Inactive List................................................................................... 18

Canon 20 Good Standing ....................................................................................................... 18Canon 21 Marital Status of Clergy......................................................................................... 18

Canon 22 Removal of Clergy................................................................................................. 18

Canon 23 Membership in Cogregations & Communities -.................................................... 19

Canon 24 Definition of Active Members - ............................................................................ 19

Canon 25 Removal of Members ......................................................................................... 19

Canon 26 Participation in Other Organizations .................................................................. 19

Canon 27 Correspondence .................................................................................................. 19

Canon 28 Changing Congregations or Communities .......................................................... 19

Canon 29 Ownership of Property ........................................................................................ 20

Canon 30 Sanctuaries .......................................................................................................... 20

Canon 31 Consecration of Sanctuaries ............................................................................... 20

Canon 32 Use of Consecrated Sanctuaries .......................................................................... 20Canon 33 Mystagogical Rites ............................................................................................. 20

Canon 34 Greater Mysterion ............................................................................................... 20

Canon 35 Mystery of Liberation ......................................................................................... 21

Canon 36 Mystery of the Seal - Sphragis.............................................................................. 21

Canon 37 Mystery of the Leitourgia Liturgy ...................................................................... 21

Canon 38 Mystery of Nymphn Bridal Chamber ............................................................... 21

Canon 39 Mystery of the Priesthood - ................................................................................... 21

Canon 40 Lesser Mysterion ................................................................................................ 22


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Canon 41 Liturgical Rite -..................................................................................................... 22

Canon 42 Altar, Antimension and the Holy Place .............................................................. 22

Canon 43 Vestments - ............................................................................................................ 22

Canon 44 Sacred Vessels .................................................................................................... 22

Canon 45 Episcopal Regalia ............................................................................................... 22

Canon 46 Marriage of Divorced Persons ............................................................................ 23

Canon 47 Tribunals ............................................................................................................. 23Canon 48 Committees ........................................................................................................ 23

Canon 49 Administration Fund ........................................................................................... 23

Canon 50 Fraternal Relationships ....................................................................................... 23

Canon 51 Mediation of Disputes ......................................................................................... 24

Canon 52 Real Property ...................................................................................................... 24

Canon 53 Free Nature of the Sacraments ............................................................................ 24

Canon 54 Guidelines for Discernment of Candidates to Holy Orders ................................ 24

Canon 55 Schism ................................................................................................................ 26

Canon 56 Confidentiality -..................................................................................................... 26

Canon 57 Donations ............................................................................................................ 26

All masculine terms shall hence forth be assumed to include and apply equally to the

feminine. This Thomasine Church prohibits sexual discrimination of any kind. The use of

masculine terms is done so only for clarity and brevitys sake.

ARTICLE THE FIRST INSTITUTION

A. Name. The corporate name of this ecclesiastical organization shall be The Thomasine

Church, referred to hereinafter as the Church, which is inherently a part of the

MYSTICAL BODY OF CHRIST, and shall be incorporated under the laws of theDominion of Canada as a Non Profit Religious Corporation.


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A. Definition of the Areopagus. There shall be a Board of Trustees, hereinafter referredto as the Areopagus, which shall consist of the Patriarch, ex officio, and no more than

two (2) appointed officers from the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light.

i. Term of Office The appointed members of the Areopagus shall have a set term

serving the Patriarch until the end of his term or abdication.

ii. Removal from Office The Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light may, with the

concurrence of the Patriarch, by majority vote remove from office a member of the

Areopagus who shall have persistently neglected to perform his duties of office or to

reply to official communications, or who fails to conform to applicable Canon Law afteradmonition by the Patriarch, or whose official and personal conduct the Patriarch and/or

the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light shall consider to have been such as to bring

discredit upon The Thomasine Church or to have been harmful to the good order therein.

iii. Vacancies Vacancies in the Areopagus shall be filled by appointment by a majority

vote of the remaining Areopagus members.

B. Authority. The Areopagus shall have authority in all matters temporal and material

affecting The Thomasine Church within the Code of Canon Law of the Thomasine

Church, in so far as those directives are compatible with the laws of the State; also todesignate the location for the transaction of business of the Thomasine Church, and to

admit Congregations and Communities as integral units of The Thomasine Church as a

corporation.

C. Officers.

i. Patriarch The Patriarch shall be ex officio President and the head of the Areopagus,

and chief executive office of the corporation; he shall preside at all meetings of thecorporation, shall have general and active management of the business of the corporation,

and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Areopagus are carried into effect. He

shall also execute in the name of the corporation, all authorized deeds, mortgages, bonds,contracts, or other instruments requiring a seal, under the seal of the corporation, except

in cases in which the signing or execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the

Areopagus to some other officer or agent of the corporation.

ii. Apokrisarios The Apokrisarios shall be the Vice-President. He shall, in the absence

or disability of the President, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President,

and perform such other duties as the Areopagus shall prescribe. He shall be the master ofritual and the guardian of the Church. The Apokrisarios shall appoint a priest as an

assistant who will act as press-secretary of the Areopagus.

iii. Archemandrite This officer, appointed by the Patriarch or elected by the Areopagus,

shall attend all sessions of the Areopagus, and record all votes and the minutes of all

proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose. He shall give or cause to be given,notice of all meetings, whether regular or special, of the Areopagus and shall perform


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those duties as may be prescribed by the Areopagus or the President. The Chancellorshall be the usual Secretary. The Chancellor is the guardian of the Teachings and the ex

officio of the Patriarchal Chancery.

iv. Treasurer - This officer, appointed by the Patriarch or elected by the Areopagus, shall

have custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurateaccounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the corporation and shalldeposit all monies and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the

corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Areopagus. He/she shall

disburse the funds of the corporation as may be ordered by the Areopagus, taking proper

vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the Areopagus, at the annualmeeting of the Areopagus, or whenever they might require it, an account of all

transactions and of the financial condition of the corporation.

ARTICLE THE FOURTH MEETINGS OF THE AREOPAGUS

A. Time and Place. The annual meeting of the Areopagus shall be held on the 21st of

March each year, and notice of the exact time and place of such meetings shall be given

at least five months in advance by the Secretary, at which time the Areopagus shalltransact any business within the provisions of the corporation. Any business of the

corporation may be transacted at the annual meeting without being specifically

designated in the notice, except such business as is specifically required by provisionsotherwise contained herein or provided for specifically in the Constitution or in the Code

of Canon Law.

B. Statement of Affairs. The Treasurer shall prepare or cause to be prepared, a full and

correct statement of the corporation, including a balance sheet and a financial statementof operations for the preceding fiscal year, which shall be filed at that time.

C. Special Meetings. At any time between Annual Meetings, the President of the

corporation may call Special Meetings of the Areopagus. No business shall be transacted

at a Special Meeting of the Areopagus, except that specifically designated on the notice.

D. Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice of the time, place, or purpose of any meeting

of the Areopagus, or other official or canonical meeting is required to be given under theprovisions of the Constitution of this corporation, a waiver thereof, in writing, signed by

the person or persons entitled to make such a notice, and filed with the records of the

meeting, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice to such persons.

ARTICLE THE FIFTH THE SYNOD OF THE SANCTUARY OF

LIGHT

A. Definition of the Sanctuary. There shall be a Council consisting of all the clergy

known as the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light which shall counsel the Areopagus,


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discuss the ecclesiastical matters and affairs of the Thomasine Church, aid in amendingthe Constitution and Code of Canon laws.

i. The Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light shall be composed of all active clergy of theThomasine Church, under the presidency of the Patriarch, and with the concurrence and

under the seal of the Patriarch; it may suggest amendments to the Constitution and Codeof Canon Laws. It shall, in concurrence with the Patriarch, decide matters pertaining tothe regulation of Exarchs and Eparchs (per the Code of Canon Laws) and shall ratify the

election of Exarch and Eparchs by their respective diocese or communities and shall

ratify and install (enthrone) all succeeding Patriarchs. It shall also consider those issues

pertaining to the welfare of The Thomasine Church at the level of the Exarchy, eparchyand community, and shall act in an advisory capacity to the Areopagus.

ii. All business of The Thomasine Church collectively, beyond the daily maintenance ofcommunication within the Church, or continuance of matters already approved by the

Areopagus, shall be conducted in Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light meetings.

iii. The Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light shall be called into session at least every

twelve months to discuss issues of the Thomasine Church. Special meetings may be

called when a majority agrees that an issue warrants such, or at the edict of the Patriarch,

whose office shall be responsible for notifying the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Lightand Areopagus. Due to the expense of travel, special meetings may be held by other

means if a majority of the Sanctuary agrees.

iv. Electronic meetings may not exceed a period of one week, during which time all

correspondence containing decisions shall be returned. After this time all business mustbe tabled until the next meeting.

v. The Secretary shall provide a synopsis of all business and decisions to all Eparchs fordisbursal to their respective Congregations and Communities.

vi. Expenses of meetings shall be met in a fair and equitable manner discussed andapproved in advance by the Areopagus.

vii. Voting decisions, unless otherwise determined, shall be by a simple majority.

viii. Any member of the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light may designate another

member to act as their proxy in any meeting and to cast an additional vote on their behalf;

but no member shall serve as proxy for more than three members at the same time.

ix. Not less than half of the entire membership of the Synod of the Sanctuary of the

Light present, either in person or by proxy, shall constitute a Quorum.

x. In any voting by the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light, abstention from casting a

ballot shall constitute a waiver of right to vote in such voting, and shall operate to reduce


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by the number of such abstentions the total number of votes, but not by less than thesimple majority which is required.

xi. Failure to reply within a specified time to a call for vote by electroniccorrespondence shall constitute abstention. However, the closing date for a vote by

electronic correspondence may be extended if the Patriarch has reason to believe that saidcorrespondence has been excessively delayed.

ARTICLE THE SIXTH THE CONSTITUTION

A. Adoption. This Constitution shall become provisionally effective upon adoption byresolution of the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light and shall become finally effective

upon approval by the Patriarch on behalf of the Areopagus and the Sanctuary of the Light

of the Thomasine Church.

B. Amendment. An Amendment to this Constitution may be proposed by resolution

regularly presented to the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light, if approved and modified

by a majority vote of the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light. Upon their acceptance bya majority vote, such Amendment shall be submitted to the Patriarch for approval. Such

Amendment shall take effect upon approval by the Patriarch.

C. Amendment by Interim Proposal. Whenever a regular annual or Special Meeting of

the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light or Areopagus is not to be held within one year, a

proposal to amend this Constitution may be originated by the Areopagus on its own

unanimous motion; or after having been submitted to the Areopagus by a majority of the

Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light, and when so originated, or submitted, the Areopagusshall submit such proposed Amendment to the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light for

vote under procedure B. above. If so accepted, then the proposed Amendment goes to thePatriarch for approval.

ARTICLE THE SEVENTH PATRIARCH

A. Title and Rights. There shall be one Eparch who shall hold the title of Patriarch. He

shall be the executive leader of, and preside over the meetings of the Synod of the

Sanctuary of the Light. He shall be ex officio, a member of the Areopagus and shall be


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President thereof. He shall have the right to conduct all consecrations of Eparchs-Elect,after their ratification by the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light and also, without

abrogating the jurisdiction of the local eparch, to take precedence in all diocese and

communities. He shall also be the sole Fons Honorum of any Chivalric Order which shallhave its origin or revival from The Thomasine Church, unless he delegates said authority

to another by way of a Bull signed and sealed under his hand.

B. Authorities and Duties. i.) Although he has the duty to seek the counsel and advice of

the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light prior to issuing any proclamation affecting the

Thomasine Church, the authority of the Patriarch shall be absolute in all ecclesiastical

and spiritual matters. ii.) He may veto any decision of the Synod of the Sanctuary of theLight, such veto being absolute and having no right of appeal. iii.) The Patriarch shall

act as President of the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light and shall appoint committees,

or officers which may or may not be otherwise elected, and members for tribunals. Heshall act as spokesperson of The Thomasine Church in matters dealing with those outside

the Thomasine Church, and shall have the right to delegate this task to another. iv.) The

Patriarch shall call to order and chair the meetings of the Synod of the Sanctuary of theLight. v.) Only the Patriarch may officially assign and authorize an Eparch to a eparchy

and community as may have requested his consecration. He may, without the consent of

a congregation or community to which an Eparch has not been assigned as authorized and

for any congregation or community in which the aforementioned office, by reason ofremoval, death, resignation or incapacitation is currently vacant.

C. Ratification and Tenure. i.) The Patriarch shall have the right to name his successor,who shall be ratified by the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light by a two-thirds majority

vote from the membership of that body. The decision of the Synod of the Sanctuary ofthe Light shall then be presented to all Congregations and Communities. ii.) The tenure

of the Patriarch is for nine (9) years; he may resign by giving at least ninety (90) days

notice to the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light.

D. Removal from Office (Deposing). The Patriarch may be removed from office by

reason of repeated infractions of Canon Law, or the provisions of this Constitution,conviction of a felony, or any repeated acts or behavior that the Synod of the Sanctuary

of the Light and/or Areopagus shall consider to have brought discredit upon The

Thomasine Church or to have been harmful to the good order therein. Removal from

office is by vote of the Areopagus and the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light in thesame manner described in C. above.

E. Vacancy of Office. Should the vacancy occur due to removal from office, resignation,or death of the Patriarch, the Apokrisarios shall temporarily hold the office until Election

and ratification occurs as described in C. above.

F. Apokrisarios. i.) The Patriarch shall have the right to designate an Eparch within theAreopagus as the Apokrisarios of the Thomasine Church. The Apokrisarios may be

deputed by the Patriarch to exercise any specified powers of the Office of the Patriarch

for any specified period of time, occasion or location in which the ecclesiastical powersof the Patriarch are required, and to exercise such of his powers as may be delegated in


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such an appointment, including the consecration of a Eparch. ii.) The Apokrisarios shallact as Ambassador of the Thomasine Church, and shall be Vice-President of the

Areopagus.

G. Chancellor. The Patriarch may appoint any member of the Areopagus to act as his

Chancellor for a specified time, occasion, or location in which the ecclesiastical powersof an Eparch are required, and to exercise such of his powers as may be delegated in suchan appointment, including the consecration of a Eparch. When visiting a congregation or

community in his official capacity at the behest of the Patriarch, he may take precedence

over the Eparch.

H. Financial Maintenance. i.) The financial maintenance of the Patriarch shall be the

responsibility of the Thomasine Church. ii.) Any Episcopal Regalia he shall be provided

with by The Thomasine Church shall remain the property of the Thomasine Church. iii.)A small petty cash fund shall be available for his use at his discretion, the amounts of

which shall be set in advance the beginning of each fiscal year, and may not be increased

and/or replenished except by approval of the Areopagus.

ARTICLE THE EIGHTH EXARCHS & EPARCHS

A. Election and Ratification. i.) A Congregation or Community may, by election or

acclamation, select from among its resident presbyters, one to be presented to the Synodof the Sanctuary of the Light and to the Patriarch for ratification, provided said presbyter

fulfills the qualifications of the Episcopacy as required by the Canon. ii.) A petition for

ratification shall be presented to a regular or special meeting of the Synod of the

Sanctuary of the Light, where, by vote, or acclamation, the decision of the congregation

or community is either ratified or rejected. iii.) If ratified, a petition for consecration ispresented to the Patriarch. Should the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light reject the

candidate, the congregation or community may appeal to the Patriarch, whose judgmentshall be absolute. iv.) Should the Patriarch approve, a Bull of Election, given under the

seal of the Patriarch, is delivered to the candidate, who assumes the title of Eparch-

Elect until the time of his consecration.

B. Consecration and Assignment. i.) Eparchs may be consecrated only by the Patriarch,

or, at his discretion, a Eparch deputized to perform that function, and shall be carried outin strict adherence to the Canon of the Thomasine Church. ii.) The new Eparch can only

be assigned as Eparch to the diocese or community that elected him by the Patriarch.

C.Exarch.Definition of a Exarch - (Gr. "representative with full authority"). The Exarchis head of an ecclesiastical jurisdiction representing the head of the Church (i.e.,

Patriarch) in the administration of a national Church. i.) An Exarch shall have sole

authority over the exarchy or community to which he is assigned, and neither the Synodof the Sanctuary of the Light, Areopagus nor individual Eparchs shall be able to interfere

in the functions of the Exarch, diocese or community, excepting the Patriarch, and thenonly where violations of the Canon or Constitution, of secular law, or of Thomasine


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Church position is suspected. ii.) A Exarch, in agreement with his exarchy orcommunity, shall alone determine who is qualified for Holy Orders up to and including

the Office of Presbyter, (in accordance with Canon Law) and who shall act as clergy in

said diocese or community. iii.) Where practical, the Office of the Exarch shall befinancially maintained by the exarchy or community to whom he is assigned; this

maintenance may be total or partial as per a written agreement between the Exarch andthe Magistery of his exarchy or community.

D. Regulation of Exarchs. The Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light, by a two-thirds

majority vote or the Patriarch, may suspend or depose from office any Exarch, who

disregards his obligation to the Canon or who illicitly exercises his authority to ordain orconsecrate, or whose conduct is considered to be such as to bring the Office of Eparch

into disrepute or to bring discredit upon the Thomasine Church, or to have been harmful

to the good order therein. Should the suspension or deposition result from any action ofthe Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light, the Exarch may appeal to the Patriarch, whose

judgment is absolute.

E. Eparchs. Definition of a Eparch - The title of an ecclesiastical dignitary who

possesses the fullness of the priesthood to rule an eparchy as its chief administrator. i.)

An Eparch shall have sole authority over the eparchy or community to which he is

assigned, and neither the The Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light, Areopagus norindividual Eparchs shall be able to interfere in the functions of the Eparch, eparchy or

community, excepting the Patriarch, and then only where violations of the Canon or

Constitution, of secular law, or of Thomasine Church position is suspected. ii.) AEparch, in agreement with his diocese or community, shall alone determine who is

qualified for Holy Orders up to and including the Office of Presbyter, (in accordance withCanon Law) and who shall act as clergy in said eparchy or community. iii.) Where

practical, the office of the Eparch shall be financially maintained by the eparchy or

community to whom he is assigned; this maintenance may be total or partial as per awritten agreement between the Eparch and the Magistery of his eparchy or community.

F. Regulation of Eparchs. The Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light, by a two-thirdsmajority vote or the Patriarch, may suspend or depose from Office any Eparch, who

disregards his obligation to the Canon or who illicitly exercises his authority to ordain or

consecrate, or whose conduct is considered to be such as to bring the Office of Eparch

into disrepute or to bring discredit upon the Thomasine Church, or to have been harmfulto the good order therein. Should the suspension or deposition result from any action of

the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light, the Eparch may appeal to the Patriarch, whose

judgment is absolute.

G. Chorbishop (Chorepiscopi) Definition - A name originally given in the Eastern

Church to Eparchs whose jurisdiction was confined to rural districts. In the beginning thechorepiscopi exercised all episcopal functions in their rural districts. The Thomasine

Church continues this ancient tradition.


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i) The Patriarch shall have the right to designate a Chorbishop as his representative. ii.)The Chorbishop may be deputed by the Patriarch to exercise any specified authorities of

the Office of Eparch, for any specified period of time, occasion or location. iii.) Should

the Office of Eparch be vacant for any reason, the Chorbishop shall assume said officewith the consent of the eparchy or community until such time as a new Eparch may be

elected, ratified, and consecrated. iv.) The Chorbishop of any eparchy or communityshall be automatically nominated as successor to the Eparch of that congregation orcommunity, pending other nominations.

ARTICLE THE NINTH CONGREGATIONS, COMMUNITIES, &

SEMINARY

A. Definition of Congregation. The term congregation shall designate a group of

members living apart, yet regularly meeting together for instruction served by a residentEparch, Presbyter, or Deacon. The Patriarch shall act as Eparch for all diocese without a

resident Eparch; he may grant episcopal faculty to an Eparch of another diocese orcommunity, should the need arise. No distinction in name shall be made whether of

number or size. The term Temple shall be used rather than the term Church to

designate the physical structure in which a congregation conducts its rituals and

instruction.

B. Definition of Communities. The term community shall designate any congregation

as defined in A. above, but living together rather than apart, in a permanent communalrelationship, holding a schedule of daily meditation and study in common. No distinction

in name shall be made whether of number or size. As appropriate, the terms friary,monastery, convent and/or community may designate a group of residencessituated on a single site. These terms may be applied irrespective of size, physical design,

or number of residents.

C. Eddesa Seminary. The Seminary of The Thomasine Church shall be dedicated to the

religious education and spiritual formation of its ordained clergy, and of those persons

studying for any office of Holy Orders. Eddesa Seminary shall be located at the basilica

of the Patriarch, who is ex officio its administrator.

D. Finances. All financial matters of congregations and communities shall be the

responsibility of a duly elected board of trustees or Magistery thereof. Finances of theSeminary shall be the responsibility of the Areopagus, or the joint responsibility of the

Magistery of any resident congregation of any branch thereof and the Areopagus.

ARTICLE THE TENTH

CHIVALRIC & RELIGIOUS ORDERS


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All Chivalric authority, that is, the right and virtue of Fons Honorum, shall proceed solelyfrom the Patriarch who shall issue the Charter of Foundation for any Chivalric Order

which has its origin or revival from the Thomasine Church. The Patriarch may delegate

said authority to another by virtue of a Tomos signed and sealed by his hand.

A. Order of Frairs Marcionite This is the first authorized order within ThomasineChurch. Its main focus is the devotion of the aspirant toward an inward Alchemicaltransformation. The body of practice is that of meditations, chants, and the assumption of

body postures which in combination highten the devotees abilities of awareness. Friars

shall bear the initials O.F.M. after their name. The Patriarchshall appoint a Master of theOrder.

C. Other Orders. The Thomasine Church shall authorize the formation of other orders,

whether Chivalric or Spiritual as may be needed to serve the spiritual needs of theirmembers. Petitions to form such Orders, as well as petitions for Charters of Foundation

to form Orders shall be filed with the Office of the Patriarch, who, with the advisement of

the Areopagus and Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light shall accept or reject the petition.

ARTICLE THE ELEVENTH CODE OF CANONS

A. Definition of Canons. The Code of Canons hereinafter referred to as the Canon,consists of the administrative rules for implementing, interpreting in detail, and

establishing methods for carrying out the provisions of this Constitution, and shall have


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the same authority and effect as the provisions of this Constitution. The Canon, togetherwith the Constitution is the law under which The Thomasine Church is operated.

B. Adoption of Canons. Canons may be adopted, altered, amended or repealed in thesame manner as the Constitution as described in Article the Seventh, B. above.

C. Canons.

Canon 1 Name of the Ecclesiastical Organization The name of thisecclesiastical organization shall be The Thomasine Church and shall be translatedaccordingly in all places. Use of the name is reserved by those authorized by the

Patriarch and/or the Areopagus.

Canon 2 Membership The members of The Thomasine Church are those whowho have Apolytrosis and who have not resigned there from, nor have they been deposed

or excommunicated.

Canon 3 Doctrine The Teachings of The Thomasine Church are set forth in theGospel of Thomas, The Book of Thomas the Contender, and the Hymn of the Pearl,

which together shall form the philosophical foundation of The Thomasine Church andshall have the same force as the Constitution and the Canons in establishing the spiritual

orientation of this ecclesiastical organization and defining her tenets. Members of the

clergy, while being accorded the same freedoms of personal interpretation of thesedocuments, as is the laity, shall nevertheless be bound to accept them as the official basis

of teaching and ritual.

Canon 4 Senority For the purposes of Canon Law (as distinguished from

precedence) Seniority shall be detrimined by rank first, then second, as within the samerank, according to priority of consecration or ordination.

Canon 5 Patriarch The rights, powers and authority of the Patriarch shall bedelineated in Article the Seventh, A. and B. of the Constitution. In all matters bothecclesiastical and spiritual, after counsultation with the Sactuary of the Light and the

Areopagus, his decision shall be absolute. His tenure is for nine (9) years and he may be

removed from office only as authorized by Article the Seventh, D. of the Constitution.He shall bear the titles of Most Illuminated Master His Beatitude and Patriarch.

Canon 6 Aposkrisarios and Primatial Igumen - The rights and powers of theAposkrisarios and the Exarchial Igumen shall be as delineated by Article the Seventh, F.

and G., respectively. Both shall bear the title of Most Reverend Master and His

Eminance.

Canon 7 Chancellor - The duties of the Chancellor are as follows: The Chancelloris the Primatial Secretary, engages in Ecclesiastical Research, and Communications, andserves as a Exarchial Counselor.


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Canon 9 Exarchs The rights and powers of Exarchs shall be as delineated byArticle the Eighth, C. of the Constitution. Following the most ancient of ecclesiasticaltraditions, the congregation or community in which they serve shall elect the Exarch.

They shall have served as a Presbyter in good standing for a minimum of five (5) years or

upon an edict (Tomos) by the Patriarch. Their tenure is for life, and they may be deposedonly as stipulated in Article the Eighth, D. of the Constitution. They shall bear the title ofIlluminated Master and His Eminence.

Canon 8 Eparchs The rights and powers of Eparchs (Bishops) shall be asdelineated by Article the Eighth, D. of the Constitution. Following the most ancient of

ecclesiastical traditions, the congregation or community in which they serve shall elect

the Eparch. They shall have served as a Presbyter in good standing for a minimum of five

(5) years or upon an edict (Tomos) by the Patriarch. Their tenure is for life, and they maybe deposed only as stipulated in Article the Eighth, E. of the Constitution. They shall bear

the title of Most Reverend Master and His Excellency.

Canon 9 Eparchs Emeriti Eparchs Emeriti are those Eparchs in good standingwho have ceased to function as such by virtue of resignation/retirement and maybe listedas either active or inactive. They have no inate ecclesiastical authority, but are accorded

all reverence and honor due an Eparch. They shall bear the title of Most Reverend

Master and His Excellency.

Canon 10 Chorebishop Chorepiscopi posess rights and authorities as granted inArticle the Eighth, G of the Constitution, and as may be delegated by their Eparchs.They shall be allowed to wear purple (amaranth) cleric shirt with white collar, pectoral

tau, and bear the title of Right Reverend in congregations or communities.

Canon 11 Presbyters - The members of the congregation or community they serveshall elect presbyters from among the Diaconate. They shall have served in the

Diaconate in good standing for a period of not less than one year. They are authorized tocelebrate the Mysterion of the Thomasine Church, excepting those reserved for the

episcopate. They shall wear a black cleric shirt with collar and bear the title of

Illuminated Father or Illuminated Mother.

Canon 12 Deacons - Any man or woman, in good standing for a period of at leastsix months may be elected by a presbyter for elevation to the order of deacon, and said

presbyter may petition thier Eparch for his ordination. Deacons may assist at any of theMysterion, may bless, and perform the Mysterion of Anointing or the Mysterion ofApolytrosis. Deacons are to wear grey cleric shirt with roman tab, and shall bear the title

Reverend Brother or Reverend Sister.

Canon 13 Ages of Candidates The minimum ages of candidates for ordinationshall be as follows; Deacon 18, Presbyter 24, Eparch 33. These ages may be modified

slightly by the Eparch, with the approval of the Patriarch. In addition, all candidates must


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have served the requisite time in the preceding Orders, as noted in the Canons appropriateto the order, above, before progressing to the next order. Following the injunction of St.

Paul to Impose not hands lighly upon any man, [1 Timothy 5:22] The Thomasine

Church stresses that it is the maturity and suitability of the candidate for the order towhich he is called which is of the utmost importance, and it should not be construed that,

by virtue of previous service and/or arrival at the prescribed age for ordination to aspecific order, one is ipso facto, entitled to receive that order. The Patriarch may be ofany age, so long as he has received Episcopal consecration prior to his appointment as

Patriarch.

Canon 14 Qualifications for the Episcopate A candidate for Eparch shall bevalidly ordained Presbyter, educated in the Tradition of The Thomasine Church and in

agreement with her Teaching, the Constitution and the Code of Canons. He shall beelected by the congregation or community, which he shall serve. He shall be of

undisputed character; have demonstrated abilities of leadership; have the ability to teach

and to judge wisely, and have the confidence and respect of the congregation or

community over which he shall serve as Eparch. Under normal circumstances, all activeEparchs members of Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light shall ratify the elevation of the

chosen Eparch-Elect. The Patriarch alone has the right of consecration, but may delegate

this right to another and shall appoint the co-consecrators. Under normal circumstances,there must be at least two consecrators for the consecration to be considered canonical.

Canon 15 Qualifications of Clergy All clergy of The Thomasine Church shallhave had the proper ordination and documentation to all Holy Orders preceding the Order

to which they are to be ordained. Candidates to the Presbyterate shall have appropriate

education in areas of doctrine, Thomasine Church history, liturgy, sacramental theologyand all other studies necessary to the Presbyter as a teacher, counselor, representative of

The Thomasine Church and celebrant of the Mysterion. A program of study andapprenticeship shall be established in the congregation or community, under thesupervision of the Eparch. In all congregations and communities, a systematic program

of correspondence study shall be given the candidate. Before his ordination, the

candidate must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Eparch, his ability to adequatelyperform the Rites and Rituals of The Thomasine Church as well as his knowledge of the

Teachings of the Thomasine Church.

Canon 16 Incardination of Clergy Clergy incardinating from otherjurisdictions must meet the same qualifications as the resident clergy of Thomasine

Church. Before being accepted and assigned, they must be thoroughly conversant with

the Constitution and Canons of the Thomasine Church, as well as her rites, rituals andhistory. They shall then be re-ordained sub conditione, preceded by Apolytrosis and

Sphragis. All incardinating clergy must agree to either serve an existing congregation or

community (after first meeting that entitys approval), or already have a congregation oftheir own, whereas all of the members of that body would become members of the

Thomasine Church. Incardinating Eparchs must be approved by a majority vote of the

Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light, in addition to the approval by majority vote from theCommunity or Congregation where they would serve.


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Canon 17 Canonical Obedience A loving respectful relationship among clergybeing the only credible way of assuring the Thomasine Churchs cohesion, and assumingthat obedience to the wishes of an Eparch will be voluntary because of the respect for

his/her office, and out of love for the omophor (auspices/jurisdiction), and not from

coercion, clergy will take no canonical vows of obedience to the person of the Eparch,but shall make a statement promising adherence to the Constitution and the Code ofCanon Laws of the Thomasine Church. All clergy shall make an oath of obedience to the

Patriarch.

Canon 18 Active List An Eparch who has been regularly assigned to acongregation or community, a Presbyter or Deacon who is currently authorized to

conduct public services, and a retired Eparch, Presbyter or Deacon who has not beenplaced on the Inactive list shall be regarded, for the purposes of Canon Law, as being on

the active list.

Canon 19 Transfer to the Inactive List Any member of the clergy may betransferred voluntarily or with his consent to the Inactive List, without prejudice to his

future reinstatement. The House of Eparchs shall have the authority to transfer Eparchs

to the Inactive list for manifest and prolonged inactivity or other reasons, and is subject toright of appeal to the Patriarch.

Canon 20 Good Standing A member of the clergy, whether on the Active listor Inactive list, shall be considered to be in good standing for the purposes of Canon Law

when he shall not be under suspension from office or under inhibition from the exercise

of clergical functions. Any member of the clergy who has been notified that his condct isunder investigation shall not be entitled to vote in any matter concerning any action in his

own case arising form such investigation or to serve during such investigation on anybody concered therewith.

Canon 21 Marital Status of Clergy - Clergy, except those living communally,may be married or single as each desires. Marriage may take place either before or afterentry into the Royal Priesthood. The Thomasine Church expects moral integrity from

both married and single clergy, and marital fidelity from her married clergy. The

Thomasine Church does recognize, however, that her clergy have human failings andmay err. Moral indiscretion of single clergy that has become public knowledge and

separation or divorce of married clergy (provided that such was not due to marital

infidelity on the clerics part) does not necessarily bar one from the exercise of clergical

function, such exercise being at the discretion of the Eparch, or the Patriarch.

Canon 22 Removal of Clergy It is the right of a congregation or community topass a resolution temporarily or permanently seeking the removal of any of her clergy,

including the Eparch, whose conduct has proven to be scandalous to the congregation or

community, who has been found guilty of criminal action or malfeasance, or any otherconflict sufficent to hamper proper function and good order, such resolution being by a


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two-thirds vote of the membership. The Patriarch shall be informed of the action andshall appoint a Tribunal to investigate the matter; after discussion with all parties, the

Tribunal shall issue a decision to ratify or reject the resolution of the members. Both the

members and the cleric in question have the right of appeal to the Synod of the Sanctuaryof the Light, and then to the Patriarch, whose judgement is absolute.

Canon 23 Membership in Cogregations & Communities - Apolytosis,Sphragis and Admission to a congregation or community will qualify for membership.

Such local membership will be in accordance with the terms specified by the local rules

and may be terminated.

Canon 24 Definition of Active Members - The designation of Active Membershall be determined either according to the rules of a local congregation or community, orotherwise by membership in said congregation or community together with regular

attendance at services and functions during the preceding three months.

Canon 25 Removal of Members A congregation shall have the right to removea member whose conduct has proven to be scandalous to the congregation or community,

who has been found guilty of criminal action or malfeasance, or any other conflict

sufficent to hamper proper function and good order. This decision shall be made by thecongregation or community members according to their own regulations, or otherwise by

a two-thirds vote of Active Members, which designation shall be detrimined by Canon

Twenty-Fifth, with the right of appeal to the Eparch, whose judgement shall be absolute.

Canon 26 Participation in Other Organizations Members of TheThomasine Church shall be free to participate in or be members of other spiritual ormystical activities or organizations, which may increase their spiritual awareness and

knowledge. Members shall be free to be active in political or social movements, whichare for the betterment of human and/or animal life, but The Thomasine Church shall notbe identified with any particular movement or party.

Canon 27 Correspondence All Exarchs, Eparchs, Presbyters, or Deaconsleading congregations or communities shall, in concert with their Magisteries, make

regular quarterly reports to the Office of the Patriarch, as to the status and condition of

the congregation or community. Said reports shall include membership statistics, theaverage number in attendance at services, special programs or activities such as

community service, et cetera, and a general financial statement for the preceding quarter.

Forms will be made available by the Office of the Patriarch to facilitate the reports.

Canon 28 Changing Congregations or Communities Members of acongregations or community shall be free to transfer from one to another providing theyfulfill the membership requirements of the congregation or community to which they

wish to transfer. No congregation or community shall be obliged to accept an individual

for membership solely on the basis of membership in The Thomasine Church or previousmembership in a congregation or community.


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Canon 29 Ownership of Property Each congregation or community may ownreal property provided that it is legally incorporated in its State of residence and that theproperty is owned in the name of the corporation and not by any private party or other

organization of any type.

Canon 30 Sanctuaries The terms Sanctuary or Temple shall be used todesignate the physical structure, or area within a physical structure, in which acongregation or community conducts her worship and ritual. Sanctuaries or Templesmay be dedicated to a beatitude, gnostic or illuminist personage. Before a Sanctuary or

Temple can be publicly dedicated, the Patriarch must be informed of the chosen name; he

will then issue a Tomos establishing the Sanctuary or Temple and naming her priest.

Canon 31 Consecration of Sanctuaries Sanctuaries or Temples which, as faras can be forseen, will be used for many years to come for the Services of The Thomasine

Church and for no other purposes, may be consecrated and dedicated, such ceremonies

being performed by the Eparch. Where such use is for a shorter term, the Sanctuary maybe blessed and dedicated, but not consecrated, said ceremonies being performed by the

Eparch. If the Sanctuary is also used for other purposes, such as a conference room

rented for a secular or religious organization, it may not be consecrated, dedicated orblessed.

Canon 32 Use of Consecrated Sanctuaries A duly consecrated and dedicatedSanctuary or Temple shall not be used for any service or meeting other than for the

celebration of the Greater and Lesser Mysteries of The Thomasine Church or for privateor group prayer and meditation. Before disposing of consecrated property, a service of

deconsecration must be held.

Canon 33 Mystagogical Rites The Thomasine Church, in adherence to theearliest Illuminist traditions, administers the Mystical Teachings and Rites in their most

ancient forms. These Rites are not merely symbolic actions. Rather, they are effectualchannels of the Divine energy which when received with the proper intension, are

instrumental in progressive connectivity from the Light of Truth to the human

consciousness. Therefore The Thomasine Church seeks to assure the validity of the

Mysterion by requiring of the minister strict adherence to the words and rubrics of everyrite. In addition, ministers of the Mysteries shall unfailingly assure that the basic

elements of each Mystery are as set forth in the Canons which follow. Only those

mystagogical rites which have been approved by the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Lightunder the Seal of the Patriarch may be used in the congregations and communities of the

Thomasine Church, unless written permission is granted by the Patriarch to, out of

necessity, temporarily use the rites of another jurisdiction possessing ApostolicSuccession.

Canon 34 Greater Mysterion The Thomasine Church holds the GreaterMysteries to be five in number, namely: Apolytrosis, Sphragis, the Lietourgia, the


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Nymphn, and Holy Order of the Royal Priesthood. The essential elements necessary forthe validity of each Mystery are enumerated below.

Canon 35 Mystery of Liberation Apolytrosis The essential elements are theintention of the minister to administer the Apolytrosis ablution of the Catechumen with

water while pronouncing the acceptable Thomasine formula. In addition to the essentialelements, The Thomasine Church requires for canonical licitly the administration ofblessed salt, consecration of the water. The usual minister of Baptism is a Eparch,

Presbyter, or a Deacon. The Apolytrosis may be administered conditionally in cases of

doubt.

Canon 36 Mystery of the Seal - Sphragis - The essential elements are theintention of the minister to administer the Sphragis, the imposition of hands, the speakingof words indicating the sealing of the Candidate, and anointing with Holy Myron. The

ordinary minister of the Sphragis is a Eparch , but the performance of this Mystery may

be delegated to a Presbyter by the Patriarch, when no Eparch is available within a

reasonable amount of time. The Sphragis may be administered conditionally in cases ofdoubt.

Canon 37 Mystery of the Leitourgia Liturgy Leitourgia means the workof the people. The work of the Thomasine Initiate is to become enlightened.

This is the mystery of the Light of Truth present within us and the rememberance of thehistorical Jesus and his Teachings by a simple symbolic meal. Bread and wine is offered.

We can fully discern and experience the fullness of this Mystery by what the Living Jesus

said Lift the stone and you will find me; split a piece of wood and I am there (77th

Logion Gosp. of Thom.)

Canon 38 Mystery of Nymphn Bridal Chamber the essential elements arethe intention of the minister, that the initiate is absolved of their past sins, be resolved of

all dichotomies, and pronouncing a suitable formula of reintegration by the minister.

Only a Eparch may administer the Nymphn. As The Thomasine Church considers this

Seal to be eternal and inviolable, ministers of the Mystery shall not divulge to anyone, inwhole or in part, the content, substance, context or subject matter of any information

revealed during its administration.

Canon 39 Mystery of the Priesthood - The Thomasine Church recognizes 3traditional Orders. The Orders consist of Deacons, Presbyters, and Eparchs. The

Thomasine Church also utilizes a special office of Exorcist, which is an office attached tothe Diaconate. All Orders are viewed as confirming and conferring authority of varying

degrees, yet only those of Diaconate, Presbyterate and Episcopate are considered to

confer ecclesiastical authority to be irrevocably set apart for the service of Christ, andtherefore should not be entered into lightly.

The essential elements of this Mystery consist of a purposeful desire of the minister toadmit the candidate to a specific Order in the Thomasine Church, use an accepted


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formula for praying over the candidate, including the statement of intention to admit tothe particular Order and office and the imposition of hands. For the Orders of the

Diaconate, Presbyterate and Episcopate is required an invocation of the Holy Spirit and

with the imposition of hands, a statement by the minister that the candidate is receivingthe Holy Spirit for the execution of the duties of the Order to which he is being ordained.

In addition, for the Orders of Presbyter and Eparch, anointing with the Oil ofCatechumens and with Holy Myron respectively, is done.

Canon 40 Lesser Mysterion For the purpose of Canon Law, the LesserMysterion are defined as those rites of the Thomasine Church, which, although not thefive traditional Thomasine Greater Mysterion enumerated above, require a Presbyter or

Eparch to administer. These may included, but are not limited to: blessings and

consecrations of objects, people or places; the foundation of chivalric orders, rituals ofexorcism and rituals of admission to a community. Only those Lesser Mysterion

authorized by the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light under the Seal of the Patriarch may

be used.

Canon 41 Liturgical Rite - The Thomasine Church authorizes the use of only theThomasine Rite for the celebration of the Leitourgia, and only those rites which havebeen approved by the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light under the Seal of the Patriarch

may be used.

Canon 42 Altar, Antimension and the Holy Place Only square (cubic)altars may be used. Altars are blessed, but not consecrated. Antimensions (altar cloth)

which are consecrated, signed and sealed by the Patriarch shall be used, each Presbyter

and Eparch possessing his own. Tapers, oil lamps, flowers and a Thomasine cross mayadorn the altar. Altars shall be covered with at least one linen cloth, extending the length

and breath of the Mensa (altar). Appropriate frontals are approved and may be seasonallychanged or remain static throughout the year. Ikons shall adorn the walls of the HolyPlace. In Sanctuaries, which are consecrated, there shall be an opaque curtain and a sheer

veil separating the Holy Place from the prothesis. It must be possible to clearly see the

altar through the veil.

Canon 43 Vestments - Vestments shall be patterned after traditional designs,samples of which may be obtained from the Office of the Patriarch. Vestments may be

purchased by individuals, or preferably, by the congregation or community and remainthe property of the purchaser. Vestments must be blessed prior to their first use.

Canon 44 Sacred Vessels Sacred Vessels must be consecrated by the Eparchbefore use. They must be gold, gild, silver, ceramic or natural crystal, and should follow

traditional designs. Any questions as to the appropriateness of a vessel should be

directed to the Eparch or the Office of the Patriarch.

Canon 45 Episcopal Regalia For the purpose of Canon Law, Episcopal Regaliarefers to those items which are consecrated during the consecration ceremony, namely the


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pastoral staff, mitre, pectoral cross, ring, and blessing cross. Regalia shall be purchasedor received in donation by the congregation or community, which shall retain ownership,

for use by their Eparch. It is highly desirable that this regalia be passed from an Eparch

to his successor.

Canon 46 Marriage of Divorced Persons The Thomasine Church does notsee any sufficent reason for refusing to marry divorced persons unless overriding moralimplications make this outside of the purpose of Thomasine marriage, or if the marriage

would be held as illegal or illicit according to prevailing secular laws. Cases in question

may be decided by each Eparch.

Canon 47 Tribunals In questions of discipline, censure, suspension andexpulsion, the Patriarch shall appoint a Tribunal of at least three clerics to hear chargesagainst a member of the clergy. The tribunal detrimine a verdict, then be dissolved.

There is right of appeal to the House of Eparchs and to the Patriarch. In the matter of

Tribunals, the House of Eparchs shall hold precedence in detrimining remedy. A).

Tribunals shall be commisioned by the Office of the Patriarch to hear all cases regardingthe behavior of any member or group of members of The Thomasine Church for any

length of time, for any reason, by any means. B). A Tribunal, when presented withserious concerns for the health and welfare of a member of The Thomasine Church or of

a member of the public may choose under the authority and with the consent of the

Patriarch, in harmony with the Areopagus to publish any about any crime that it

encounters in the course of investigation, both to the secular authority, the police or themedia, or any combination of the three. C). Appeal to the House of Eparchs or to the

Office of the Patriarch shall be in writing, and shall incluye any defense presented in

correlation to the facts of the case. D). Tribunals may try any case, as often as there isnew evidence available on which to try the case. There shall be no limit set to how many

Tribunals may be appointed to investigate and try any particular case. E). A cleric ormonastic, who is a defendant in any action of a Tribunal of The Thomasine Church shallbe suspended from ministerial duty until such time as a Tribunal may find them innocent

of wrongdoing.

Canon 48 Committees Committees, for any purpose, may be appointed by thePatriarch, the Areopagus, or elected by the Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light, , or by

House of Eparchs as deemed appropriate. Committees shall consist of at least threepersons.

Canon 49 Administration Fund All congregations and communities shall

contribute a tithe (10%) of their monthly income to the Administration Fund of theThomasine Church. This fund supports the work of the Office of the Patriarch, which

incluyes publishing, advertisment and teaching. If compliance with this Canon should be

the cause of serious financial deprivation of any congregation or community, such shouldbe brought to the attention of the Patriarch, who may grant a partial dispensation.

Canon 50 Fraternal Relationships The Thomasine Church may from time totime enter into fraternal relationships, whereas we may formally agree on the language of


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a particular frasorital agreement as deemed prudent by a majority vote of the Areopagus;and only if through such an agreement, the clergy and laity are welcomed to share

completly the Holy Sacraments, concelebrating in full with the clergy of the other

jursdiction or organization in question.

Canon 51 Mediation of Disputes All disputes that exist between clergy, laity,congregations, communities or any other body of the Thomasine Church, shall first bebrought before the courts of the Exarch, all parties must agree not to pursue the matter or

make appeal to any secular judicary organization, or other body, whether before or after

remedy is recieved.

Canon 52 Real Property Should any real property, for any cause be donated,given to, or bequeathed to the ownership of the Thomasine Church, whether by membersor no, such property shall be placed in the name of the Thomasine Church, and held in a

Living Trust, for the common good of all members to share and share alike, to the end

that the mission of the Thomasine Church the mission of the Master Jesus, might be

bettered served. The Mission Statement of the Master Jesus: The process of theadvancement of humanity first and foremost beginning with the self, while concurrently

assisting others as able. The Vision Statement of the Master Jesus: Daily application ofthe principles of personal growth for the individual as revealed and exemplified by the

Wise.

Canon 53 Free Nature of the Sacraments No charge may be applied to orassociated with the administration of any Sacrament performed by any member of the

Thomasine Church. The Mysteries are a gift, and it is not for anyone to put a price on or

ask money for the performance of Illuminating Gifts. A minister of the ThomasineChurch may request that his or her travel costs to and from the place where the Sacrament

is to be performed be reimbursed, or that the Administration Fund cover costs notspecifically related to the administration of the Sacrament.

Canon 54 Guidelines for Discernment of Candidates to Holy Orders

Deacons

a) Practice and show complete competence in assisting the Priest at the Leitourgia, and in

conducting public study groups and meditation.

b) Capable of sensibly rendering into words the philosophy of the Church, and the role of

the clergy, and be able to give an explanation of the authority of those clergy.

c) Be able to teach basic Thomasine doctrines to others.


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d) Show knowledge of beneficial healing techniques, specifically the ability to teach such

techniques to others.

e) Demonstrate a comfort and willingness in wearing clerical garb, both in public and

private, and know the name and purpose of each garment.

f) Show attendance and participation at events sponsored by the Thomasine Church.

g) Show reasonable care and proficiency to those who are in need.

h) Demonstrate a reasonable ability to conduct ones own affairs and household in a

respectable, thoughtful, kind, and beneficial manner, and to care for oneself without

depending on others for help.

i) Have signed and completed an Application to Holy Orders, and an Affidavit on Abuse.

j) Succesfully demonstrate the ability to attend any scheduled meetings with mentors or

other members.

Presbyters

a) First having been ordained as a Deacon no less than one year before said application to

the Royal Priesthood by an Eparch in Apostolic ministry.

b) Possess a strong knowledge of theology and the philosophy of other spiritualtraditions as well as those of the Thomasine Church. He must be knowledgeable of the

role of her clergy and be able to give an explanation of what the authority of those clergy

is.

c) Be capable of teaching Illuminist doctrines and history to others.

d) Demonstrate a comfort and willingness in wearing clerical garb, both in public and

private and know the name and purpose of each garment.

e) Demonstrate knowledge of beneficial prayer and healing techniques, specifically theability to teach such techniques to others.

f) Show attendance and participation at events sponsored by The Thomasine Church towhich he or she is assigned as Priest.

g) Show reasonable care and proficiency in counseling those who are in need.

h) Demonstrate a reasonable ability to conduct ones own affairs and household in a

respectable, thoughtful, kind and beneficial manner and to care for oneself withoutdepending on others for help.


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i) Show a tolerance for all people, view and values, and conduct oneself with great

measure, kindness, and forethought in all things.

j) Have signed and completed the Application to Holy Orders, and the Affidavit on abuse.

k) Already be assigned to the service of a Community or Congregation within TheThomasine Church for a time of no less than six months.

l) Succesfully demonstrate the ability to attend any scheduled meetings with mentors or

other members.

Episcopal

a) Guidelines for episcopal discernment shall encompass all of the guidelines laid out for

the other two orders of Presbyter and Deacon, but shall also include others which shall be

determined by the Patriarch on a case by case basis.

b) The Synod of the Sanctuary of the Light, may, if it should so choose, establish a

protocol for discernment of episcopal candidates, which shall function in harmony with

those established by the Patriarch.

Canon 55 Schism An order, community, or congregation shall be declared to bein a state of schism from The Thomasine Church when one or more members of the

order, congregation or community has violated any rule set forth in the Constitution

and/or the Canons of the Thomasine Church, and has been found to have violated such by

a Tribunal assigned to make such detrimination by the Patriarch.

At the time of appointing the Tribunal, the Patriarch shall have already notified a member

of the Clergy or any well known and active member of the order, community orcongregation that the Curia shall be appointed to make discovery as to the condition of

that order, community, or congregation in relation to the rules set forth in the Constitution

and Canon Law and have provided said order, congregation, or community withreasonable time and ability to correct the violations.

Wherever a schism of an order, community or congregation from The Thomasine Church

shall occur; the real property of the said order, community or congregation shall revert,without delay, to the use and ownership of the Office of the Patriarch, or Areopagus.

Canon 56 Confidentiality - The confidentiality of members as well as other peopleseeking the wisdom and the services of The Thomasine Church shall be respected at alltimes.

Canon 57 Donations Donations of personal property to communities andcongregations shall remain the property of the community or congregation to which theywere donated, and shall become the proerty of The Thomasine Church should the

community or congregation to which they were donated fall into Schism or be dissolved.


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When donations of personal property are made to the Thomasine Church, they are theproperty of The Thomasine Church as a whole, and may be conditionally delegated to

one or the other of the various communities, or may remain in possession of the

jurisdiction of the Thomasine Church. All communities of The Thomasine Church areunder obligation to re-donate all household and utilitarian items, to those who can most

benefit by them, the poor and the oppressed, whose lives would be actively improvedfrom them, those who benefit from such gifts need not be members of the ThomasineChurch, or of any affiliate the only requirement is that they must have need of the items

donated. Personal property is considered to have specific value. A receipt shall be

generated in triplicate for all donations made to the Thomasine Church, or to any

community or congregation of the Thomasine Church, and shall be given to the personmaking the donation, from the community or congregation in which they are generated,

and to the office of the Treasurer of the Thomasine Church. The Office of the Treasurer,

and by each community and congregation shall keep a record of all receipts of donations.The receipts themselves may be destroyed after 10 (ten) years. The Treasurer of The

Thomasine Church shall publish annually, at a time to coincide with a scheduled meeting

of the Areopagus, a report of the gross worth of donations received throughout thepreceding year, and to what use said donations were given. Cash donations made to The

Thomasine Church shall include all those donations made in legal tender and shall be

placed in the Administration Fund, unless otherwise directed by need. Anonymous cash

donations are to be marked as offering in the catalogue of receipts.

Tho Ma Sine Can on Law

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