Frequently Asked Questions
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A Gnostic is a person who acknowledges that salvation is gained by an intuitive acquaintance with divine knowledge (gnosis),
through direct insight and interior experience, rather than by belief. Generally, Gnostics begin as people who have religious questions
that have not been adequately answered by mainstream religion. Gnostics are those who intuit and long for something more and of deeper meaning
than what mainstream religion has been able to provide them.
See What Is a Gnostic? by Dr. Stephan A. Hoeller
See What Is a Gnostic? by Dr. Stephan A. Hoeller
We hold beliefs to be fallible and temporal in nature; therefore, we differ from mainstream churches in that we have no
formal set of beliefs. Gnostics do have a particular world-view derived from inner experience and insight into the essential nature of the material
world and the worlds transcending it.
See A Gnostic World-view by Dr. Stephan A. Hoeller
See A Gnostic World-view by Dr. Stephan A. Hoeller
Our public use of scripture has the intent of facilitating inner insight into spiritual realities through the writings of
those who have had such transcendent experiences. We do not adhere to scripture as fact or dogma of belief. Our Gnostic Lectionary includes
English translations of scripture and readings from a wide range of literature, primarily from the Nag Hammadi collection and other Gnostic
and Hermetic writings from the 1st through 4th centuries CE. In addition, we include occasional reference to the Canonical Gospels of John,
Matthew and Luke, as well as writings from the Manichaeans of the 6thcentury CE, the Cathars of the 12th century CE and the Mandaeans who
constitute the one surviving, unbroken tradition of Gnostic religion. We encourage the private reading of all literature that assists individuals
in our community on their journey toward Gnosis.
See Gnostic Scriptures and the Gnostic Church by Dr. Stephan A. Hoeller
See Gnostic Scriptures and the Gnostic Church by Dr. Stephan A. Hoeller
All are welcome. No formal membership is required. Unlike many esoteric organizations, there are
no special requirements for participation in the Church. The community is composed of those who attend any of the rituals, services
and events of the Church, whether religious, social or educational.
For our regular services, the Holy Gnostic Eucharist is celebrated every Sunday morning.
It is reminiscent of the pre-Vatican II Roman Catholic rite. This sacrament is modeled on the Holy Eucharist of the esoteric
Christian, Liberal Catholic Church, with language providing a Gnostic context for the ritual and prayers derived from ancient
Gnostic texts. This produces an uplifting and transcendent atmosphere for elevating consciousness and cultivating Gnostic insight.
Our communion is open; all are welcome to come forward for communion who desire to receive it. Following the mass, the celebrant
delivers a short homily explicating the intent for that Sunday.
Another regular service is the Devotion to our Lady Sophia, a worship service dedicated to the Divine Feminine.
Another regular service is the Devotion to our Lady Sophia, a worship service dedicated to the Divine Feminine.
Our services are conducted by ordained clergy in Holy Orders. We accept all individuals who
qualify for candidacy regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity or other worldly characteristics. Our church
is one of the first to ordain women to the priesthood and elevate women to the episcopate. Ordination to the priesthood
requires a minimum of five years of supervised study and training at one of our designated parishes, as well as psychological
and spiritual readiness, based on the recommendation of the leader of the parish and the consent of the regionary bishop.
Children who can sit quietly for an hour and a half are welcome to attend our worship services.
At present, we do not have facilities or staff for tending infants or small children.
No particular dress standard is prescribed.