Church of Ephara

In the ordered tapestry of the polis, Ephara's wisdom threads through every law, every edifice. To uphold the city is to walk in her divine steps, ensuring its prosperity echoes in the hallowed halls of enlightenment.

— Follower of Ephara

The Church of Ephara stands as a bastion of wisdom, knowledge, and community, dedicated to the goddess of the polis. Resplendent in marble and adorned with intricate mosaics, the church serves as both a place of worship and a repository of knowledge. It is a sanctuary where seekers of wisdom and civic leaders come together to foster enlightenment and harmonious governance.

Structure

Guided by the Council of Luminaries, the church operates with a hierarchical structure. Luminaries oversee various aspects, including education, civic affairs, and spiritual guidance. Scribes meticulously record and preserve knowledge, while Arbiters mediate disputes within the community.

Culture

The culture of the Church of Ephara centers on the pursuit of knowledge, civic duty, and community welfare. Libraries and lecture halls buzz with intellectual discussions, and festivals celebrate both the arts and the principles of good governance. Wisdom is revered, and scholars are esteemed for their contributions to the enlightenment of the community.

Holidays

City Founding Day: Celebrated annually on the anniversary of a city's establishment, this holiday honors Ephara's role as the divine architect of civilization. Citizens engage in communal festivities, recounting the city's history, and reaffirming their commitment to its growth and prosperity. Luminalia: Occurring during the winter solstice, Luminalia is a festival of lights dedicated to Ephara's aspect as the bringer of enlightenment. Cities are adorned with radiant displays, and people gather for intellectual discussions, artistic performances, and the lighting of candles symbolizing the illumination of knowledge.

Cosmological Views

Ephara's cosmology envisions the celestial realm as a repository of knowledge and enlightenment. Mortals, in the afterlife, continue their pursuit of wisdom and contribute to the collective understanding of the cosmos. The goddess emphasizes the interconnectedness of all minds in the pursuit of knowledge.

Tenets of Faith

Civic Order: Uphold the laws and structures of the polis, for in order lies the foundation of prosperity.

Intellectual Pursuit: Encourage and partake in scholarly endeavors, fostering a society that values knowledge and enlightenment.

Artistic Expression: Embrace and contribute to the arts, for creativity breathes life into the spirit of the city.

Guardianship: Protect the polis from external threats and internal discord, ensuring the safety and harmony of its inhabitants.

Ethics

Ethics in the Church of Ephara revolve around the pursuit of knowledge, civic responsibility, and community well-being. Devotees are encouraged to seek enlightenment, contribute to the flourishing of society, and uphold principles of justice and fairness. The church promotes the idea that an enlightened populace fosters a harmonious polis.

Worship

Worship involves contemplative rituals, scholarly debates, and communal gatherings. Devotees offer prayers for wisdom and guidance, and scholars often present their discoveries to the community. Festivals celebrate the arts, education, and civic achievements, reinforcing the values of Ephara in the hearts of the faithful.

Priesthood

The Council of Luminaries, led by the Enlightened Sage, serves as the spiritual and intellectual guides. Scribes, scholars, and Arbiters form integral parts of the priesthood, each contributing to the betterment of the community. The emphasis is on education, arbitration, and fostering a society that values wisdom.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Deities

• Ephara, God of the Polis