Estinos Orthodox Church of Alcor
Public Agenda
The public agenda of the Eastern Church centers around equalizing society. Though the Church is publicly embraced by most layers of Estinian society, this social agenda is only given lip-service by the upper classes and the political elite, limiting the Church's influence.
History
Over seven centuries ago, an itinerant human preacher-prophet named al-Qor (which isn't really a name - it means "of the people") taught in the coastal desert regions of southern Corvalis. He taught that the Gods were far too demanding and that the intelligent species properly owed their allegiance and veneration to those among them who humbly served others. He taught that all races were equal, all people were equal, and that service to others was the highest form of holiness.
His teaching was a direct threat to the various cults of the different Gods. After a while, the priesthood of one of the Gods, Uvarsh, began challenging al-Qor whenever he taught in public. His preaching and logic were superior to that of the Uvarshan priests, however, and al-Qor only gained more followers. At length, the Uvarshans, with aid from political and religious allies, were able to convince the Itarosan governor that Alcor's teachings were threatening the peace of the province. After a sham trial, Alcor was sentenced to death. He had gained enough veneration from his disciples and followers, though, that during his attempted execution in the city of Hashelayuv, he ascended, and became a god, himself.
At first, his followers remained outlaws, but their message of service to others resonated in an empire devoted only to rule-by-strength. The name "al-Qor" became Itarosanized into "Alcor." In the third century, the Imperator Hadrotus converted to Alcorism, changing his name to "Fidelius," and declared it a legal religion in the Edict of Estran. From that point in history, the Church exploded in prestige and power.
Later, when the Imperium contracted back from Avernalis, a de facto schism formed as the Avernalan Alcorites abandoned the principle of peace which had been universally seen as foundational to the faith. In 543, that schism became formal, as the Rustan of the Avernalans and the Biscopos of Estinos publicly feuded over leadership of the Church. The Avernalan branch became the Western Church, formally known as the Universal Church of Alcor and the Corvalan branch became the Eastern Church, formally known as the Orthodox Estinos Church of Alcor.
Tenets of Faith
- All are equal
- All should have equal standing in society
- Service to others is the highest form of holiness
- Violence is blasphemy
- Failure to serve others is violence
- The Saints intercede on our behalf with Alcor. For this reason, veneration of the Saints is central to the faith.
The Canon of the Estinos Orthodox Church of Alcor
- The Book of Alcor A volume outline the stories of al-Qor's life and ministry. There are three source manuscripts, each with very minor differences.
- The Discorses of al-Qor and the 22 Scribes of Uvarsh A series of debates between al-Qor and the Uvarshans. There are 16 debates, in total, each named for the chief Uvarshan scribe who argues with al-Qor. There are hundreds of versions of each of these discourses. The Eastern Church recognizes the Hermanian Compendium, a specific source list compiled by Quintus Hermanius in the third century AY, as the authortative canon.
Founding Date
7978
Type
Religious, Sect
Predecessor Organization
Subsidiary Organizations
Permeated Organizations
Deities
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Alcor's Five Disciples
- Erishem, originally a blacksmith. Leader of the Five and traditionally hailed as the first Biscopos of Itaros.
- Iyeshevel, originally a wealthy widow woman of questionable moral fiber. Founded the See of Qemish.
- Eleseveth, originally an elvish ranger. Preached the Story of Alcor in northern Corvalis until his death at the hands of an angry mob. (Not recognized by the Western Alcorite Church)
- Khudizz, originally a dwarven priestess of Pron-akh-Torzekkan. Executed for apostasy by the dwarves of Sundak when she travelled there to preach the Story of Alcor. (Not recognized by the Western Alcorite Church)
- Emilinia, originally an Itarosan matron. Founded an important and secret chapter of the faith within the Itarosan aristocracy. Executed publicly in Itaros as a subversive. Considered the Patron Saint of the Orthodox Estinos Church.
Comments