Church of Light
The Church of Light, often referred to by its maxim Orrís Dhovév (pronounced "oh-REESS dhoh-VAYV"; Kintet: "We love what shines"), is the state religion of the city-state of Umbar. It is devoted to the Copper Dragon, Vraisos the Bright.
Its presence is ubiquitous within the city; its high priestesses serve as judges within the judicial branch, its priestesses serve as magistrates for the executive branch, and most of the city's population are themselves devout adherents.
Divine Origins
The Church of Light's formation can be traced back to the popular election of Radiant Ozen I from amongst the populace of a newly-founded Umbar in 3460 AW. While the Umbarim had already venerated Vraisos since before the city's founding in 3438 AW, the Church was created by Thémis Ikhnaia shortly following Ozen's coronation to formalize religious practices.
In the years that followed, the Church (and its newly ordained Pythia Thémis) became responsible for assisting the Radiant with many administrative duties, eventually leading to its status as the city's de facto government altogether.
Priesthood
The Pythia holds the highest ranking attainable position within the Church, and within the city of Umbar is only held subservient to the city's Radiant and its most revered Dragon of Light, Vraisos, should he ever return. Once appointed, the Pythia serves for life. In the event of her death, an election for the next Pythia is held promptly by the Sacred Council with the new Pythia being chosen from amongst themselves.
As the only way to become Pythia is to be a member of the Sacred Council and the Sacred Council's memberships is comprised exclusively of the city's High Priestesses, the Pythia must be and has always been a woman.
As for titles, the Pythia is referred to as "Holy(est) Mother" or "Bright(est) Mother".
High Priestesses execute most of the political power of the Church, and thus are often referred to simply as Magistrates. They serve as judges in civil and criminal cases, as well as any courts of appeal for legislative disputes between the Council of Umbar and the Council of Syndicates. As mentioned prior, all high priestesses serve on the Sacred Council and upon the vacancy of the rank of Pythia are responsible for electing the next. The Sacred Council also has the responsibility to choose new high priestesses from among the Church's lower ranked members, granted they are women. While the vote for Pythia requires the Council vote two-thirds in favor with at least three-quarters of the Council's membership present for the election, a vote to promote a priestess only requires a simply majority vote in favor with at least two-thirds of the Council's members present.
As for titles, high priestesses are typically referred to as "Mother" unless magistrate or another similar occupational title is more appropriate.
Priestesses are the most numerous members of the Church. They perform much more mundane tasks than the high priestesses; they make house visits for funeral rites, deliver sermons and general worship services, serve local healing houses as clerics when more healers are needed, and serve as couriers for correspondences the Church deems too sensitive to entrust to messengers without rites sworn to the Faithful.
As mentioned prior, the Sacred Council must vote to approve the promotion of a priestess to high priestess. While there are no formal prerequisites aside from having sworn holy rites as a priestess, informally it is usually expected that one has served a minimum of ten years within the Church and has a personal sponsorship/recommendation from a current high priestess.
To become a priestess, aspirants typically must show their devotion through regular attendance at holy services and by visibly exemplifying the values of faith and self-discipline both within and without religious services.
As for titles, priestesses are typically referred to as "Sister" unless another occupational title is more appropriate.
Priests are the lowest ranking members. While their requirements and responsibilities are mostly indentical to those of priestesses, as men, they lack any upward mobility within the clergy. As such, there are far fewer priests than there are of any rank but the Pythia, as most men see no purpose in joining a Church they feel so scorned by.
As for titles, priests are typically referred to as "Brother" unless another occupational title is more appropriate.
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