NationStates Jolt Archive

To: All Christian Religious leaders
From: Reverand Joseph Marco, Vicar of Carmel
Brethren,
The time has once again come for the third annual Ridgian Ecumenical Religious Liturgy and Council. The last two did not end well, and I hope this one will be a great, peaceful, experiance for all. I will be running this council, as the Cardinal Archbishop has fallen ill. The weekend shall beging with a social period, followed by a liturgy, then discussions. I urge all to at least consider attending. Guests shall have a private room in the Carmel Retreat House, run by the Archdiocese. I look forward to seeing all past participants, and some new ones as well.
In Christ's Love,
Father Joseph Marco, Vicar of Carmel

ooc: Just post arrival at the retreat house, and being brought to the John XXIII room, which is basically a lounge. Father Marco is waiting there. No violence in this RP either.

Two cloaked figures walked into the lounge, both wearing simple robes, with the hoods up, hiding their faces. The shorter one looked around a bit, and then glared at Marco, although you couldn't see his eyes.

"Where's my drinking partner?" The hood was tossed back to reveal the face of Veliky Knyaz John Rekjyavich grinning at the priest. He took the rest of his robes off to reveal his usual ungodly white dress uniform, flashy as always. He wore the Holy Sword of Mercury at his side. He walked up to Marco and extended his hand.

"I'm John Rekjyavich, Alexei's brother. I don't know if we've met." The other figure then approached and took his hood down, and then his robes off, revealing the ceremonial robes of the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, the Order officially restarted after the discoveries on Redemption Isle. He nodded and smiled at Father Marco.

"And this is Blazhei Voikinov, Grand Master of the Knights Templar." Blazhei extended his hand to Marco.

"It's been some time."

Father Marco stood up, and shook Prince John's hand. "I don't believe we've met either. The King is only going to come if warrior monls come, but they aren't. He says you can visit him after the conference, so you aren't too drunk to stand." He grinned, but when the other figure emerged, he had a shocked expression, but then hurried and embraced him. "Blazhei! It has been sometime! What have you been up to?" The priest, for now, only wore a clerical suit, with the regular tab collar.

Inquisitor Janus dressed in full regalia of the Knights of Jeruselem, white Robes with the Cross of Jerusalem. He carried a long sword, the Sword of Charlemagne - borrowed from his boss the Queen of Jerusalem. He decided against wearing the chain mail as this was supposed to be a conference, not a medieval dueling contest.

He was also the Grand Master of Davidian Order - 2nd to the High Priestess (Queen Mariah) herself. He was returning home as he was an ex-Ridgian. He didn't want to revisit his exploits as covert Pax Maria with the others delegates or his tragic past.

Technically, he was a monk but the less than subtle Queen Mariah never left him alone.

The Archbishops, Bishops, Priests and Cardinals of Jerusalem didn't want to attend due to the history of these conferences. So, guess who Queen Mariah dragged into the mess?

He greeted Father Marco "God bless you, so how are you Father Marco? I hope the good Cardinal is getting better, God willing." and had a closer look at one of the Dersconis.

He smiled at Prince John "So, Prince John. Hatching any more plans of yours with King John?". He didn't want to speak to Knight Templar.

The Honourable High Priest of the Holy See of Jesuites is not able to salute these people.
The Outrageous High Priest is VERY busy to re-write all the Scriptures.

You should postpone your meetings as the new Scriptures will change the way you understand christianism or judaism, even other religions more exotic.

Chutlu is definitively DEAD, that a fact. However the Grand Admirable High Priest found some spells in the Necronomicon working very fine, mainly with female attendants.

Be prepared for the new Scriptures, the Da Vinci code is bullshit... the Commander of the Faith the Great High Priest is doing well, thank you.


The High Priest
- A very busy Scriptures writer -

The letter from the "high priest" was burned.
---
"Inquisitor Janus," He said, shaking hands, "How are you? I trust that yu will enjoy your visit here to your homeland." He smirked at the last comment, but then got serious and said, "Keep the Cardinal in your prayers. To be honest, he is not doing well."

To: The Esteemed Third Christan Ecumencial Council
From: The Nation of Theodoraea

Greetings in the Holy Trinity. The nation of Theodoraea would like to send a representitive to this council from our Orthodox Church. We would be more than glad to open relations between ourselves and the other groups in this Council. If we are allowed to attend, we will send clergy from the Orthodox Church to represent us. We also hope that if your nation is of the Roman Catholic Church, that we do not come into arguements because of things like 1054 (The Great Schism) or 1204 (Fourth Crusade). May the Peace of God the Father, the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you always and may God help the Cardinal Archbishop get well from his illness.

In the love of God,
The nation of Theodoraea

To: All Christian Religious leaders
From: Reverand Joseph Marco, Vicar of Carmel
Brethren,
The time has once again come for the third annual Ridgian Ecumenical Religious Liturgy and Council. The last two did not end well, and I hope this one will be a great, peaceful, experiance for all. I will be running this council, as the Cardinal Archbishop has fallen ill. The weekend shall beging with a social period, followed by a liturgy, then discussions. I urge all to at least consider attending. Guests shall have a private room in the Carmel Retreat House, run by the Archdiocese. I look forward to seeing all past participants, and some new ones as well.
In Christ's Love,
Father Joseph Marco, Vicar of Carmel

ooc: Just post arrival at the retreat house, and being brought to the John XXIII room, which is basically a lounge. Father Marco is waiting there. No violence in this RP either.

OOC-I can just send them? I wrote a letter because I did not want to interrupt anything or what not.

Blazhei smiled as he embraced his Catholic counterpart. "Well, as you can see, I've been promoted." He motioned at his new robes and armour designating him as the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, given new power due to the discoveries on Redemption Isle. Blazhei knew one other thing that the others didn't, but a deal with Alexei was worked out that no one saw THAT particular letter yet. "And how have you been doing? It seems you've made a name for yourself over here." Grand Master Voikinov glanced at the Inquisitor briefly, and ignored his snub. Blazhei didn't want to talk with that whore of the faith, anyways.

John snickered at the Inquisitor's comment, though. "No, not this time. He's not around at the moment, anyways. I have to behave myself, this time."

OOC-I can just send them? I wrote a letter because I did not want to interrupt anything or what not.

OOC: Yeah, go ahead and come.

ooc: *points to Derscon's post*

ic:
Responce:
There may be a debate following the peaceful discussion, but we can ignore that subjet. keep in mind, the crusaders that sacked Constantinople were punished byt he Catholic Church. We will, however, avoid those two topics.
-----
Father Marco replide to Blazhei, "Tjere are rumours I am on the list to be a bishop. Don't let anyone know yet though." He smirked, "Besides, the curia might not accept me. Only God knows!" He threw up his hands. "Nice outfit. I submitted my application to become a chaplain of the Militia Templi, the Church's revised Templars. Traditionalists who follow the old mass. Interesting bunch. The discovery on Redemption inspired me." He rolled his eyes, then said, "I am also probably going to restart the White Rose. Not sure in what function, but I will." He rolled his eyes, and awaited more guests.

ooc: More should be comming.

Inquisitor Janus said to the others
"Just to let you all know, Opus Dei has been in recent conflict with Opus Dei as Opus Dei has been trying to poach some of our members unsuccessfully. I don't know why, as this is an act of total stupidity as the head of state in Jeruselem happens to be High Priestess of Davidian Order, which is a rather public fact. I am nearly tempted to shut down Opus Dei in Jeruselem, but waiting for one more provication from Opus Dei. The Jeruselem Inquisition do not hire members of Opus Dei nor do we trust them in public office. If we do evict, feel free to take the trouble makers on."

Janus didn't mention the fact the Queen had an Opus Dei member through into her castle moat after he refused to confirm he was member of Opus Dei after being asked very politely several times during a meeting at her place.

Father Marco replied, "Opus Dei is a personal prelature, and it would take the bishop to expel them. SImply have the Bishop order them to tell him what he wants to now, and if they do not comply, report them to Rome. They hyave many friends, but once you make serious threats, they usually comply. If they did ge tinto bad stanbding with the church, they would lose some support. The work in Cherry Ridge is ok, and we , the archdiocese, are on good terms with them. You jsut have to be very diplomatic with them."

Father Marco replied, "Opus Dei is a personal prelature, and it would take the bishop to expel them. SImply have the Bishop order them to tell him what he wants to now, and if they do not comply, report them to Rome. They hyave many friends, but once you make serious threats, they usually comply. If they did ge tinto bad stanbding with the church, they would lose some support. The work in Cherry Ridge is ok, and we , the archdiocese, are on good terms with them. You jsut have to be very diplomatic with them."

Janus replied
"Many have tried to talk some sense into them but they are not responding. Jeruselem Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops and even the Queen have tried. All they do this stonewall, and keep quiet. I don't want to resort to any violence. I think most Opus Dei are harmless and a select few activists are attempting to raise the stakes. Their current leader in Jeruselem seems to be the root cause. I think it's time to call him to heel."

* His phone rings *

"Yes, Penny. Just checking up I actually arrived in Cherry Ridge?" he said. It was the Queen ringing up.

"Sort of, Darling. Have fun!" she replied and hung up.

"Sorry, she always does that" he said to Father Marco.

"Then my advice is to contact the Opus Dei prelate and ask for him to be transferred, then if that does not work, have the archbishop expel him from the diocese. Don't punish the whole group, because it is really an excellent organization."

"Then my advice is to contact the Opus Dei prelate and ask for him to be transferred, then if that does not work, have the archbishop expel him from the diocese. Don't punish the whole group, because it is really an excellent organization."

"Good advice. First I'll get the Queen to have nice friendly chat about the current turf wars. If he does not turn up or decease his covert activities, then that action will be taken. The Davidian Order is itself as secret as the Opus Dei, but these days we are open to all Catholics and Catholic Hebrews. Membership is more open and we don't tell our members to hide the fact they are members. All Knights of Jerusalem are in fact Davidian members too. Hopefully, he can be reasonable and not set off my leader's temper."

“Are you sure about this, Blaine?” John Cardinal Friesz looked out the window of the car as it made its way towards the Carmel Retreat House. “We have no Embassy in Cherry Ridge and, to the best of my knowledge, Excalbia has had no dealings with this country at all. We know so little about them…”

Bishop Blaine Repse, Secretary of the Synod of the Church of Excalbia, looked at Catholic colleague and chuckled. “John,” Repse said lightly, “you act as if you were the Protestant and as if this were Iesus Christi…”

Cardinal Friesz gave Bishop Repse a sorrowful look. “All too many nations have wrought evil in the name of the Church…”

“As have many nations claiming to be Protestant; you need look no further Marlund.” Repse removed the blue zucchetto from his head and ruffled his blonde hair. “Yet neither of us punish the other for the sins of those claiming to be our coreligionists.” He placed the small cap back on his head and looked out the window. “And this is neither Iesus Christi nor Marlund…”

“True,” the cardinal said as he straightened his scarlet vestments. He looked up and saw that they were passing the gates of the retreat house. “We’re here.”

A few moments later the two clerics made their way together into the John XXIII room as they looked for Father Marco.

Spying the Catholic prelate, Father Marco rushed over, and said, "Your Eminence." He bowed, and kissed his ring, "Welcome to Cherry Ridge. I hope you enjoy it here." He then turned to the other man and said, "Excellency, I hope you enjoy your stay as well."

ooc: *points to Derscon's post*

ic:
Responce:
There may be a debate following the peaceful discussion, but we can ignore that subjet. keep in mind, the crusaders that sacked Constantinople were punished byt he Catholic Church. We will, however, avoid those two topics.
-----
Father Marco replide to Blazhei, "Tjere are rumours I am on the list to be a bishop. Don't let anyone know yet though." He smirked, "Besides, the curia might not accept me. Only God knows!" He threw up his hands. "Nice outfit. I submitted my application to become a chaplain of the Militia Templi, the Church's revised Templars. Traditionalists who follow the old mass. Interesting bunch. The discovery on Redemption inspired me." He rolled his eyes, then said, "I am also probably going to restart the White Rose. Not sure in what function, but I will." He rolled his eyes, and awaited more guests.

ooc: More should be comming.

Bishop Constantine Tzimisces came to the retreat house, wearing his Orthodox vestments, he would be perhaps the only Eastern Christian there. He came into the room where everyone was and sat down in a chair, thinking of things to discuss among other things. He wanted good dialogue between East and West.

OOC-Is this a good post for the arrival?

ooc: That's fine.

ic:
Father Marco wandered over to the newly arrived Orthodox Bishop, "Excellency, welcome to Cherry Ridge. If I am incorrect in any Eastern customs, please correct me, my friends whop are Eastern Rite Catholics have yet to teach me all of them." He grinned.

Prince John glanced over at the Eastern Orthodox Bishop and smiled to himself. This might prove worthwhile after all. Blazhei, instead of walking off to the bar, like Kynaz Ivan did, walked over to greet the new Bishop.

"Good afternoon, Your Emminence. It has been some time since I've been able to talk to an Eastern Orthodox Bishop, so I, like Marco, must apologize if I do not properly carry out the ceremonies called for by the Eastern Church."

The bishop looked to Prince John and said ''Greetings in Christ. I thank you for your welcome to this fine Council. I don't mind if you can not carry the ceremonies of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (I know a lot of the Orthodox Church but I am not Orthodox myself). I can assist there in that department.''

Then, he turned to Father Marco and said ''Greetings in the Holy Trinity. Thank you for your welcome to Cherry Ridge. It is a pleasure to be here at this time. I will tell you about the customs of the Orthodox/ Eastern Catholics when you would like to know of them.''

Bishop Tzimisces hoped that relations could be built and he did not mind talking to the people in this Council.

"There may be a Byzantine Catholic priest comming, but not sure."

...

Bishop Tzimisces hoped that relations could be built and he did not mind talking to the people in this Council.

Inquisitor Janus also greeted Bishop Tzimisces, but being an Inquisitor his manner was far less subtle and a little more pointed
"It's nice to meet you, Your Emminence. I'm Inquisitor Janus of Jeruselem and Grand Master of Davidian Order, a local Jeruselem Catholic order. I don't get to see the many Orthodox bishops in my nation these days but they tend to keep to themselves. I know their bad blood between the Crusader orders and Orthodox church, but things seem to much better these days. I'm was born Ridgian but oddly represent Jeruselem here as it is now my permanent home"

John Cardinal Friesz nodded and gave his blessing to the priest. “Thank you, Father Marco,” he said, “it is a pleasure to be here.” When the priest turned to greet Bishop Repse, the cardinal said, “I’d like to introduce you to Bishop Blaine Repse, my fellow countryman and the Secretary of the Synod of the Church of Excalbia – the national Protestant church of the Holy Empire.”

Repse nodded to Father Marco. “I am sure our stay will be quite pleasant.”

When Father Marco left to greet the newly arrived Orthodox bishop, Bishop Repse leaned over to Cardinal Friesz. “What do you think, John?”

“So far so good,” he said.

After a moment, the two churchmen drifted over to join the crowd gathering around new arrival. “Your Grace,” Friesz and Repse both said to Bishop Tzimisces with a bow.

Father Marco joked, "Wow, the Orthodox are pretty popular around here."

Bishop Repse glanced at Father Marco and tried to hide a laugh. "So it would seem, Father," he said.

The Orthodox Bishop greeted all who greeted him and said ''It is an honor to be attending this esteemed council and to meet all of you, our brothers in Christ and His Church or Churches.''

The bishop was a polite man and was well glad to be attending the council. ''My brothers, what is the first topic we shall be discussing?'' the bishop asked.

Slowly into the lounge walked a man dressed in a plain black suit and a red tie. His appearance was of an older man, approximately seventy-two years of age, and his face showed someone who had been though much in his life with quite a few scars here and there. The first thing one could notice was that the motors in his prosthetic legs made a whining noise as he walked. Unfortunately, he had lost both during the civil war many years earlier.

Breaking the sound of the motors, he spoke in a deep, commanding voice. “Good evening, everyone. I am Reverend Robert Saunders. I am certainly looking forward to the discussions we’ll have here.” He glanced around the room at everyone and chuckled slightly. “It appears that I may be the only Southern Baptist here.”

Father Marco walked over to the baptist and said, "Welcome, Reverand, Saunders. I trust you had a good trip?" He then turned to everyone else, "Excuse me, Excellencys, but now we can get started. If you would follow me to the Pope John Paul the Great Center, there is a discussion room there." He led them out back, then straight across to the new center. It's floors shined, and one could see their reflection in them. He eld them to a large discussion room, and took a seat in the front of the semi-circle. He announced, "Sit wherever you like." Once they were seated, he began, "There has been a slight change in schedule. We shall have some discussions before the liturgy." He produced a white stole from the desk that he was at, and kissed it, placing it around his neck. The ancient symbol of Christ (the "P" with an "X" through it) was embroidered on the stole. He began, "Heavenly Father, we ask for your blessing on all here gathered. Grant us unity, through your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord." "Amen." He removed the stole, placed it on the desk, and said, "This is a time for planning our liturgy. I have a basic plan here." He began, "We solemnly process, then take our places on the altar. I will begin, and welcome everyone. There will be a scripture reading, and then a psalm. Then someone will read the gospel. He will then sit and someone will give a homily- er- sermon. Then we shall pray, bless the congregation, and process out. Any volunteers for the different 'positions' open?" He then added, "After the liturgy, discussion will begin."

Slowly into the lounge walked a man dressed in a plain black suit and a red tie. His appearance was of an older man, approximately seventy-two years of age, and his face showed someone who had been though much in his life with quite a few scars here and there. The first thing one could notice was that the motors in his prosthetic legs made a whining noise as he walked. Unfortunately, he had lost both during the civil war many years earlier.

Breaking the sound of the motors, he spoke in a deep, commanding voice. “Good evening, everyone. I am Reverend Robert Saunders. I am certainly looking forward to the discussions we’ll have here.” He glanced around the room at everyone and chuckled slightly. “It appears that I may be the only Southern Baptist here.”

Bishop Tzimisces came to the Reverend and said ''I am Bishop Tzimisces, the only Orthodox Christian here. It is nice to meet you, my friend. Perhaps we can discuss relations between the Orthodox and Southern Baptists?''

Bishop Tzimisces looked to Father Marco and said ''I would like to officate in the liturgy. It should be embracing to all, we have Catholics, Baptists and Orthodox here, we should let them feel welcome, not exclude them. I would like to participate in the liturgy, it would be an honor to do so.''

The Bishop seemed to be having a good time so far in this meeting.

Bishop Tzimisces came to the Reverend and said ''I am Bishop Tzimisces, the only Orthodox Christian here. It is nice to meet you, my friend. Perhaps we can discuss relations between the Orthodox and Southern Baptists?''

Bishop Tzimisces looked to Father Marco and said ''I would like to officate in the liturgy. It should be embracing to all, we have Catholics, Baptists and Orthodox here, we should let them feel welcome, not exclude them. I would like to participate in the liturgy, it would be an honor to do so.''

The Bishop seemed to be having a good time so far in this meeting.

A rather fat package arrived in the quarters of Bishop Tzimisces overnight.

It read as follows:

To - Bishop Tzimisces of the Orthodox Church of Theodoraea

From - The Holy Synod of the Archregimancy

Dear Brother in Christ,

It has come to the attention of the Holy Synod that a fellow Orthodox bishop is attending some sort of 'Ecumenical Service' in a nation of Catholic schismatics known as 'Cherry Ridge'.

While recognising that the autocephaly of the Church of Theodoraea makes it impossible for us to intervene directly, we would like to make it clear that your brother bishops in the Archregimancy are concerned that your involvement in this so-called liturgy smacks of the heresy of false ecumenicism.

We would remind you with all due love that no Orthodox bishop can, with the fullness of Orthodoxy in his heart, involve himself in a schismatic Catholic 'liturgy' interpolating the heretical doctrine of the filioque. We are also concerned that your presence at this 'service' may imply recognition of the Catholic doctrine of the monarchial precedence of the Bishop of Rome, therefore undermining ongoing Orthodox efforts to stress the collegiality of bishops and the role of full Ecumenical Councils in deciding matters of doctrine.

As to consorting with 'Southern Baptists'.... well.... were would we begin?

If your schedule allows, we would like to ask you to take a moment in prayerful reflection to ask yourself whether your presence at this 'ecumenical service' is indeed appropriate, and to write to your brother bishops in the Archregimancy to clarify the role of the Church of Theodoraea in ecumenical dialogue.

Unity can only come when the schismatics return to the one, undivided and original Orthodox Church.

Yours in Christ

+ The Holy Synod of the Archregimancy


The Holy Synod of the Archregimancy is an autonomous - not autocephalous - branch of the Orthodox Church of the Holy Empire

A rather fat package arrived in the quarters of Bishop Tzimisces overnight.

It read as follows:

To - Bishop Tzimisces of the Orthodox Church of Theodoraea

From - The Holy Synod of the Archregimancy

Dear Brother in Christ,

It has come to the attention of the Holy Synod that a fellow Orthodox bishop is attending some sort of 'Ecumenical Service' in a nation of Catholic schismatics known as 'Cherry Ridge'.

While recognising that the autocephaly of the Church of Theodoraea makes it impossible for us to intervene directly, we would like to make it clear that your brother bishops in the Archregimancy are concerned that your involvement in this so-called liturgy smacks of the heresy of false ecumenicism.

We would remind you with all due love that no Orthodox bishop can, with the fullness of Orthodoxy in his heart, involve himself in a schismatic Catholic 'liturgy' interpolating the heretical doctrine of the filioque. We are also concerned that your presence at this 'service' may imply recognition of the Catholic doctrine of the monarchial precedence of the Bishop of Rome, therefore undermining ongoing Orthodox efforts to stress the collegiality of bishops and the role of full Ecumenical Councils in deciding matters of doctrine.

As to consorting with 'Southern Baptists'.... well.... were would we begin?

If your schedule allows, we would like to ask you to take a moment in prayerful reflection to ask yourself whether your presence at this 'ecumenical service' is indeed appropriate, and to write to your brother bishops in the Archregimancy to clarify the role of the Church of Theodoraea in ecumenical dialogue.

Unity can only come when the schismatics return to the one, undivided and original Orthodox Church.

Yours in Christ

+ The Holy Synod of the Archregimancy


The Holy Synod of the Archregimancy is an autonomous - not autocephalous - branch of the Orthodox Church of the Holy Empire

Bishop Tzimisces read through the letter before replying to it.

''To: The Holy Synod of the Archregimancy
From: Bishop Tzimisces of the Orthodox Church of Theodoraea

It has come to my attention that you do not like my involvement or planned one in these discussions with the Catholics, nor in the upcoming liturgy. I respect you fully but I will stay at the discussions but may observe the liturgy, not participate in it.

My friends of the Holy Synod, I am commited to Orthodoxy, I have been for many years and I will continue to do so. I do not wish you to view me as a traitor or anything.

As for the Southern Baptists, why should I not talk to them? Not to be rude to you at all but would you not want a bishop to teach them of the Holy Church which I do not say I will do, as I don't want to offend them.

My brothers in Christ Our Lord, I do not imply anything of the ''monarchial nature'' of the Pope of Rome. I am an Orthodox, not Catholic and I do not wish people to think that I am vice versa. The Pope in Rome's control of doctrine is examplified in Vatican I (Papal Infallibility) and Vatican II among others which brought forth things like the Immaculate Conception or Purgatory, as well as the Filique (Holy Spirit from the Father and Son).

My brothers in the Trinity, I ask you that you will not hate me or anything for this reply to your letter. I will reflect prayerfully, yes I will. I ask that you respect me, etc if I do stay.

Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Now and Forever and onto the Ages of Ages! Amen!

Sincerely, in the Love of the Holy Trinity,

Bishop Tzimisces

Father Maroc replied, "We will all be officiating, Excellency. However, we each will have different roles. Would you like to say the closing prayer, Excellency?"

Father Maroc replied, "We will all be officiating, Excellency. However, we each will have different roles. Would you like to say the closing prayer, Excellency?"

''The closing prayer would be acceptable. I can do more than one part if able to.'' Tzimisces replied. ''We should also say the Lord's Prayer as well in the liturgy.''

"Of course. Christ Jesus himself taught us. That can come after the petitions, which will follow the homil, ah, message."

"Of course. Christ Jesus himself taught us. That can come after the petitions, which will follow the homil, ah, message."

''That is acceptable to me. Also, when will the liturgy be? Before or after the discussions? Just so I can get a clear picture.'' Tzimisces said.

"Before, excellency."

As the clerics made their way behind Father Marco into the Pope John Paul the Great Centre, Bishop Repse fell in step beside Rev. Saunders. "Reverend," the Excalbian bishop said extending his hand, "it is a pleasure to meet you. I'm Bishop Blaine Repse, Secretary of the Synod of the Church of Excalbia." Repse looked down as his blue vestments and golden cross and chuckled. "You might not know it to look at me, but the roots of our church are in the Baptist church; it was Baptist missionaries who first converted Excalbia to Christianity. And, while we've obviously developed an ecclesiology of strong episcopal authority, many of our other theological beliefs remain close to their Baptist roots."

In the centre, both Repse and Cardinal Friesz took their seats, with Repse sitting near Rev. Saunders and the cardinal sitting close Father Marco and Bishop Tzimisces. Both bowed as Father Marco said a brief invocation. They nodded as the Orthodox bishop spoke of including everyone in the liturgy.

Bishop Repse, at one point, turned towards Father Marco. "Father, if it is acceptable to all, I would be pleased to offer the invocation for the liturgy."

Cardinal Friesz added, "And I am willing to do whatever would be of the most use for your plans, Father Marco."

"Yes, Bishop, you may begin after my welcome." He scribbled it down on a paper he was keeping track on. He then answered the Cardinal, "Cardinal, if you wish, you may be in charge of incense. It will be used to incense the congregation and all of us, as a sign of God's blessing and our rising prayer." The explanation was directed mostly to low-church protestants. "I'll mostly just be the MC. Any other suggestions?"