7.9. Ekklēsia⁑
Every four years, the whole of the Hermetic Synaxis, including those who isolate themselves as well as those who have been disassociated by other groups, are to hold the Ekklēsia “assembly”, a conference to which each group of the Hermetic Synaxis is to send a representative (ekklēsiastēs, pl. ekklēsiastai) to meet together for matters impacting the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole. Only a single conference representative per group is required to attend the Ekklēsia; if desired by the group, other members of a group may attend in addition to the conference representative in an unofficial or advisory capacity.
If a group has the office of representative, they are ideally the one to attend the Ekklēsia as conference representative, with the secretary taking on their duties while the representative attends the conference. If a group does not have the office of representative or if the representative is unable to participate in the Ekklēsia, the group is to choose someone else, preferably someone with seniority and experience in the Hermetic Synaxis but who is not currently a holder of the office of either secretary or treasurer, to act as the conference representative.
Once at the Ekklēsia, the offices of leader (epistatēs) and recorder (anagrapheus) are to be elected for the Ekklēsia by unanimous vote among all conference representatives, with the responsibilities of chairing and tracking the affairs of the Ekklēsia, respectively. Any conference representative from a group that was not censured at the previous Ekklēsia may serve in these roles. Conference representatives who have served in such a role at a past Ekklēsia or who are from groups that have isolated themselves may decline to take on such a role if they so choose; otherwise, all other non-censured conference representatives are eligible to serve and are to submit themselves to election for it.
The conference representatives’ responsibility at the Ekklēsia is hold a council meeting between all groups of the Hermetic Synaxis to handle three tasks:
Logisma (“account”), for the conference representatives to note any actions of their groups that could impact other groups, including expulsions and disassociations
Homologia (“agreement”), for the conference representatives to confirm that their groups maintain the practices and processes established by the Stoiba of the Hermetic Synaxis and that they have not deviated from established standards or expectations
Heteroiōsis (“alteration”), for the conference representatives to consider any additions, deletions, or other changes to be made to the Stoiba
The council meeting ensures a regular realignment of all groups towards the Hermetic Synaxis for the integrity and stability of the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole by groups conferring with and crosschecking against each other, both in terms of practice as well as logistics. If called for by the conference representatives in certain circumstances, a follow-up conference, the Ekklēsias Teleutē “conclusion of the assembly”, may be called for within a short span of time after the Ekklēsia itself to resolve certain matters that arise in the course of the council meeting, either within individual groups, between selected groups, or for all groups.
Groups that are found during the council meeting to deviate from the standards laid out by the Hermetic Synaxis or otherwise found to be acting in a way that destabilizes the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole are to be exhorted by the conference representatives of other groups to rectify themselves as best as they are able, or to at least find a way to ground their deviations in a way that falls within the bounds of the Hermetic Synaxis. Groups may choose to not associate with those that persist in their deviation, especially for misguided, bigoted, or hateful reasons, until such a time as they correct it as agreed upon by other groups. In some circumstances, groups may be censured at an Ekklēsia.
During the council meeting, if a change is proposed to the core approach of the Hermetic Synaxis (e.g. altering a script, making a widely-adopted custom part of the standard, removing an onerous restriction for a good reason, changing the terms of the Stoiba) and if it is unanimously agreed upon by all conference representatives present after discussion, it is to be carried back for further discussion to every group. Every group then discusses the proposed change and votes on it; if a majority of at least two thirds of every group as a whole votes to approve the change and every conference representative is still in support of the motion regardless of the vote of their group, the change is accepted for the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole and the change is propagated to every group, including to all relevant documents of the Stoiba.
Besides the council meeting, the Ekklēsia may be used secondarily to allow groups to network amongst themselves and to be made aware of each other’s existence, as well as to present lectures, share information, hold workshops or rituals, and the like. While the council meeting is the sole duty and focus of the conference representatives of the Ekklēsia to arrange and participate in, anyone in attendance at the Ekklēsia may arrange and participate in other events that people may hold, so long as it does not interfere or conflict with the conference representatives’ duty for the council meeting. This does not hold for the Ekklēsias Teleutē, however, which is only held for conference representatives to resolve any matters opened at the preceding Ekklēsia.
7.9.1. Scheduling the Ekklēsia and Actions⁑
The Ekklēsia is to be held once every four years, in years that coincide with Gregorian Common Era years divisible by four (e.g. 2096, 2100, 2104), at some point between the September equinox and December solstice, ideally approximately when the Sun crosses 15° Scorpio (i.e. around the end of the first week of November). The Ekklēsia may be held in an in-person capacity, online capacity, or in a hybrid manner according to needs of feasibility and accessibility to ensure that conference representatives from all groups can attend. An Ekklēsia is referenced according to the Gregorian Common Era calendar year of the term that the Ekklēsia is held in, so “the Ekklēsia of 2028” refers to the Ekklēsia held between the September equinox and December solstice of the Gregorian calendar year 2028.
In the month leading up to a September equinox prior to an Ekklēsia, the conference representatives of all groups should confer, either in person or remotely, to either set a new date, time, and physical location and/or online platform of meeting for the Ekklēsia or to confirm an existing date, time, and location/platform, as well as to update any contact information or status updates they might have regarding groups in their awareness; any group may begin such a process. A specific date and time as well as a general location/platform will be proposed at the end of one Ekklēsia for the next, but if deemed necessary, groups may alter such details if all other groups agree. For the general location/platform, groups should always strive to implement these specifically when it comes time to schedule the Ekklēsia, and any group or collection of groups may take the initiative in establishing such a location/medium for other groups to participate in or debate the merits of reevaluating the location/medium.
The Ekklēsia is ideally scheduled in a way that avoids overlap with any Synodos, Iasis, or Katharsis, so that conference representatives may celebrate such events with their own groups, or at least the Synodos; if it is not possible to avoid such overlap, then the appropriate event or events may be held among conference representatives and other attendees present for the Ekklēsia as an impromptu gatherings.
If it becomes necessary for an Ekklēsias Teleutē to be held, it must be held as soon as possible, no earlier than one calendar month after the Ekklēsia but no later than when the Sun crosses 15° Aquarius (i.e. early February) following the Ekklēsia. The Ekklēsias Teleutē is referenced according to the same year as the Ekklēsia it follows upon, e.g. “the Ekklēsias Teleutē of 2028” refers to the Ekklēsias Teleutē held between the December solstice of 2028 and the Sun crossing 15° Aquarius in 2029.
Once established, scheduling information for the Ekklēsia or Ekklēsias Teleutē is to be propagated and broadcast by any group aware of the Ekklēsia to all other groups they are in contact with, or at least those which have not yet been informed. When a new group is founded and reaches out to other groups, it is an obligation of inclusion into the broader community of the Hermetic Synaxis for those other groups to let the new group know when the next Ekklēsia will be held so that they can plan to attend accordingly.
If a Ekklēsias Teleutē is to occur and a group is founded between a Ekklēsia and its Ekklēsias Teleutē, the group is still obliged to attend the Ekklēsias Teleutē even if they did not attend the Ekklēsia. However, because they are so new and not having participated in the earlier Ekklēsia, they are only able to be present as witnesses to the Ekklēsias Teleutē and are not eligible to vote in any matter of the Ekklēsias Teleutē.
Whatever changes are recommended to any group, whether as a change proposed to the core approach of the Hermetic Synaxis or as a change to restore a group from deviation, they are to be implemented by such groups as impacted no later than the March equinox following the Ekklēsia for the start of the next term.
7.9.2. Attendance by Proxy⁑
Every group of the Hermetic Synaxis is obliged to attend the Ekklēsia by means of their conference representative, so that they may account for their own actions and form of their practice to the rest of the Hermetic Synaxis. However, in the case where a group is wholly unable to attend the Ekklēsia even when it is held remotely, they must find another group who can act as their proxy at the Ekklēsia. Whatever details a group would normally provide to the Ekklēsia is to be given to the proxy, and the proxy will report it on behalf of the group. Whatever votes or decisions made by the proxy for their own group will also be made on behalf of the group they are acting as proxy for, and any such votes or decisions are to be reported to both groups as soon as possible. Only the conference representative of one group can act as a proxy for another group; non-representative attendees to the Ekklēsia cannot act as a proxy.
If a group needs a proxy for the Ekklēsia, it is best if the proxy is another group known to and on good terms with their own and in the same overall region. A conference representative should ideally act only as a proxy for at most one other group at a time; if multiple groups approach a conference representative to ask them to act as their proxy, they should pick the nearest one and find different groups to act as the proxy for the others if at all possible.
7.9.3. Attendance of Non-Representatives⁑
Any of the matters of the council meeting are to be handled only by the conference representatives. If other members of a group attend the council meeting in addition to their group’s conference representative, they may witness such proceedings if they wish but they are not to be formally involved in it except in an advisory capacity to their respective conference representative or to act as their backup in case of emergency. It is also the responsibility of the conference representatives in attendance to cumulatively, cooperatively, and collaboratively write the proceedings of the council meeting and to share them amongst all groups, including those who could not participate as well as to new groups that were founded following the Ekklēsia, and to likewise make the proceedings available to independent practitioners however possible.
Independent practitioners of the Hermetic Synaxis may attend the Ekklēsia if they wish, and they should not be excluded from doing so; rather, they are encouraged to attend the Ekklēsia so as to reach out to groups that they might join or meet others to form a group with, stay informed of any changes impacting the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole, and to participate in any other events outside of the council meeting. However, while they may witness the proceedings of the council meeting, they may not generally be involved in any part or process of it. A partial exception is made for independent practitioners who fulfill all of the following qualifications:
Active with their own independent practice
A prior member or founder of at least one group
A prior member of a group for at least one full calendar year
Never expelled by any group
Known to and in good standing with a group or groups attending the Ekklēsia in person
Such experienced independent practitioners may act as advisors to the conference representatives of those groups they are known to and in good standing with, if those conference representatives choose to accept them as such.
7.9.4. Limited Ekklēsiai⁑
Ideally, all groups of the Hermetic Synaxis are represented at the Ekklēsia, whether by their own conference representative or by proxy, allowing for the Ekklēsia to be a truly universal accounting for the whole of the Hermetic Synaxis. However, if multiple groups in a particular area (e.g. state or nation) are unable to attend the Ekklēsia that other groups outside that area are able to attend for reasons wholly outside their control whether directly or by proxy, or if multiple groups are in contact with each other but lack any contact with or knowledge of any other group outside their cluster, they may hold their own Ekklēsia among themselves. The processes of such a limited Ekklēsia are identical to a universal Ekklēsia, even if limited to their own cluster of groups.
However, because such a non-universal Ekklēsia threatens the cohesion and consistency of the practices, prayers, and processes of the Hermetic Synaxis by introducing the possibility of divergence from a more commonly-accepted standard, all groups should always be on the alert for the existence of other groups and the Ekklēsia of the broader Hermetic Synaxis; should a cluster of groups holding their own Ekklēsiai eventually become aware of and join with the broader Hermetic Synaxis in a larger universal Ekklēsia and are found to be in deviation from the more common form of the practices, prayers, and processes, they are to do their best to reform and standardize themselves accordingly, or at least account for their differences and propose changes in the course of the council meeting as any other group would.
In the extreme case that a single group is so isolated and disconnected from any other group such that no other group is known, either because such a group cannot find any other groups in existence or because it is the only group remaining, then even a limited Ekklēsia cannot be held since there is only the one group.
7.9.5. Censure⁑
In some circumstances, groups may be censured at an Ekklēsia, whereby a group no longer has a say in any of the proceedings of the council meeting and are to be automatically disassociated by all other groups, until either the censure is lifted at the Ekklēsias Teleutē or not sustained at the next Ekklēsia. When a group is censured, the conference representative and any other members attending the Ekklēsia from that group are to be shunned, neither engaged with nor invited to for any other activity or event of the Ekklēsia. Censure does not negate a group’s responsibility to be present for the Ekklēsia nor to uphold the Stoiba.
Censures should only be instituted as a punishment for the most egregious or destabilizing of reasons that affect the integrity of the Hermetic Synaxis. In general, censures may only be called for by one group who has disassociated with another group, or for groups that host an expelled member or someone unable to be part of the Hermetic Synaxis but did not admit it earlier during the accounting of expulsions.
Censures from the previous Ekklēsia that were instituted and sustained after the Ekklēsias Teleutē may be renewed. Censures from the previous Ekklēsia that are not sustained are lifted automatically and their representatives rendered able once more to participate in the Homologia and Heteroiōsis, although they cannot serve as conference leader or recorder at that conference.
Groups attending the Ekklēsia by proxy can request censure upon other groups via their proxy. However, if a group attending by proxy is censured, the conference representative representing them as a proxy and any other members from the proxy representative’s group are not to be shunned.
7.9.6. Against Schisms⁑
The Ekklēsia is a time for all groups of the Hermetic Synaxis to come together as one in a true synaksis, representing all groups as one body of travelers on the Way of Hermēs following the same set of processes and protocols of practice and ritual. As such, like how individual members of a group must learn to operate democratically in the group for the good of a group, groups must likewise do the same for the good of the whole of the Hermetic Synaxis. To that end, when the Ekklēsia is called, all groups should do their best to not just attend and participate but also to hold themselves accountable to other groups and submit themselves to the will of the whole of the Hermetic Synaxis, even if this calls for their censure and correction. Even though all groups are autonomous and independent, by virtue of being a group of the Hermetic Synaxis and by virtue of their members committing themselves to the Rules for Members and Rules for Groups, they still commit themselves to the work of the Hermetic Synaxis as it is given and to work on good terms with other groups of the Hermetic Synaxis. Individual groups may have and are expected to have their own customs of protocol, variations of practice, and interpretation of Hermetic teachings within reason and as afforded by the Stoiba, but without causing a schism. Likewise, individual groups may also have their differences and disputes and disassociations based on their own evaluations of decency and dignity, but all groups should always strive to uphold the oneness of the Hermetic Synaxis as both a body of practice and a body of practitioners.
Because of this, groups may not protest or impede the holding of any Ekklēsia or Ekklēsias Teleutē, nor abandon any Ekklēsia or Ekklēsias Teleutē once started, nor go against the will of any Ekklēsia or Ekklēsias Teleutē, nor hold a parallel or alternative Ekklēsia or Ekklēsias Teleutē, nor prevent or obscure the decisions and proceedings of an Ekklēsia or Ekklēsias Teleutē, nor use or share a version of the Stoiba that is not the accepted standard by the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole that was agreed upon at an Ekklēsia or Ekklēsias Teleutē. Moreover, no group nor member of any group may likewise encourage other groups or members of groups to do any of the above. To do so would threaten a schism in the Hermetic Synaxis, which would induce confusion, diminish solidarity, and threaten stability in the overall community, both within the Hermetic Synaxis and outside it.
Should a group be aware of multiple Ekklēsiai or Ekklēsiōn Teleutai being held, the group should confer with their colleagues in their own group and other groups to ascertain which is the appropriate one to go to. In the case of multiple such Ekklēsiai, the one that the majority of groups will attend is appropriate; when it appears they are evenly split in attendance, the Ekklēsia that was scheduled with the coordination of the last Ekklēsia is appropriate. In the case of multiple Ekklēsiōn Teleutai, only the one that was scheduled according to its Ekklēsia is appropriate, with any changes being approved by the conference recorder. Any other Ekklēsia or Ekklēsias Teleutē is to be considered schismatic and thus avoided and shunned, and any such groups attending it should be warned about it and, if necessary, disassociated with due to their participating in a schism of the Hermetic Synaxis until and unless they rejoin the appropriate Ekklēsia or Ekklēsias Teleutē.
7.9.7. Preparing for the Conference⁑
Prior to attending the Ekklēsia, each conference representative must have the following information at hand:
Their own name and their induction date
The specific location that their group is based in
The formation date of their group
The name of their group, if one was selected
The current number of members in their group as well as their names and induction dates
The open or closed status of their group and, if closed, for how long or limited to how many members
Information for any people that their own group have either expelled for the first time, rescinded an expulsion, or expelled for a second time and on what grounds since the previous Ekklēsia
Information for any people that their own group have accepted as a member despite being expelled by another group, on what grounds they were expelled, and on what grounds they were accepted since the previous Ekklēsia
Information for any groups that their own group has disassociated from or been disassociated by, or rescinded disassociation from or had disassociation rescinded by, when, and on what grounds since the previous Ekklēsia
Their own availability schedule from then until the next time the Sun crosses 15° Aquarius (early February)
A copy of the Stoiba, or otherwise a copy of all procedures, scripts, and guides pertaining to the work of the Hermetic Synaxis as their group performs it
Any points of practice of the Hermetic Synaxis established by the Stoiba where the group knowingly departs from them and why, both within the variations permitted as well as otherwise, as well as any points to be raised by the Ekklēsia for review and potential alteration
If a conference representative is acting as proxy for another group, they must also have all the same information for the other group as well. To that end, every group must prepare for the Ekklēsia by being able to provide such information, whether they send their own conference representative or use a proxy.
Depending on the location and medium of the Ekklēsia, travel and lodging may be required for hosting conference representatives. If so, it is the responsibility of the conference representatives as well as any other members of their group to provide for their own arrangements. Their groups, as well as any groups the conference representative is acting as proxy for, should provide assistance in doing so from their own resources.
If funding is needed for paying for a venue for the Ekklēsia, groups should likewise contribute, facilitated by their respective conference representatives or proxies.
Prior to the Ekklēsia, all conference representatives should review and familiarize themselves with the procedures and scripts to be used for the Ekklēsia.
7.9.8. Conference⁑
Note
Where indicated by “NN.”, use either one’s own name or the name of the representative of a particular group as contextually appropriate. Where indicated by “NN1.” and “NN2.”, use the names of the representatives of two separate groups as contextually appropriate.
7.9.8.1. Establishment⁑
7.9.8.1.1. Registration⁑
Between twenty-four hours and one hour before the start of the of the Ekklēsia, all conference representatives must gather and fill out a roster to provide their own information (name and induction date), information about their group (formation date of the group, location of the group, group name if available, number of members in the group, open/closed status of their group, etc.), and whatever contact information as might be reasonably provided (phone number, email address, mailing address, etc.) for their group in case others wish to contact them. If a conference representative is acting as proxy for another group, they must provide the same information about the group they are acting as proxy for.
7.9.8.1.2. Announcement of the Representatives⁑
Once all conference representatives are present at the designated date, time, place, and medium, they are to greet each other with one voice:
Hail, ekklēsiastai of the Hermetic Synaxis of the year <year>! We gather here today on this <date> for our Ekklēsia of the year <year> to perform our duty in reviewing and confirming our work that we may further ourselves and those whom we represent on the Way of Hermēs together.As we hold ourselves to our Principles, the bedrock of our practice and the guideposts of our journey; as we hold ourselves to our Rules for hetaireiōtai, rules of conduct which support our work in our hetaireiai; as we hold ourselves to our Rules for the hetaireia, rules of conduct which support our work in the Hermetic Synaxis; so too do we hold ourselves to truth and order, fleeing falsehood and discord, binding our hetaireiai to the properly-conducted and faithfully-executed will of this Ekklēsia, for the sake of the Hermetic Synaxis and for us all.May we live in wholeness and health, and may we walk in reverence and knowledge on the Way of Hermēs!
In any order, each conference representative then formally announces themselves one by one with the following declaration:
I am NN., inducted on <induction date> representing my hetaireia <group name if available> based in <specific area> and formed on <formation date>, accounting for <number of members in group> hetaireiōtai including myself.
If the group has isolated themselves, the following should be added:
For our own reasons and without disrespect to the Hermetic Synaxis, we have withdrawn from other hetaireiai.
If the conference representative is acting as proxy for another group, they are to also state the following for every group they act as proxy for:
By request of the hetaireia <group name if available> based in <specific area> and formed on <formation date>, accounting for <number of members in group> hetaireiōtai, I also represent them as their proxy.
If the other group has isolated themselves, the following should be added:
For their own reasons and without disrespect to the Hermetic Synaxis, they have withdrawn from other hetaireiai.
7.9.8.1.3. Election of Conference Leader and Recorder⁑
Once all conference representatives have announced themselves, the most senior conference representative is to declare themselves as such and is to be voted on by all other conference representatives to be the conference leader to preside over its proceedings with the following declaration:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, submit myself to the will of the Ekklēsia to be the epistatēs for this Ekklēsia of the year <year>.
If a given conference representative served as conference leader for another year’s Ekklēsia and chooses to not take the role on again, they should instead declare the following:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, by privilege of my seniority within the Hermetic Synaxis and having already served as epistatēs before, ask the Ekklēsia to find another epistatēs for this Ekklēsia of the year <year>.
If a given conference representative is from a group that has isolated themselves and chooses not to take on the role, they should instead declare the following:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, ask the Ekklēsia to find another epistatēs for this Ekklēsia of the year <year> because my hetaireia has withdrawn from other hetaireiai.
If a given conference representative is from a group that was censured at the last Ekklēsia, they should instead declare the following:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, ask the Ekklēsia to find another epistatēs for this Ekklēsia of the year <year> because of the censure upon my hetaireia established at the last Ekklēsia.
If there is unanimous consent to a conference representative acting as conference leader, they are selected, and if not, the process repeats with the next most senior conference representative, and so on.
Once the conference leader has been elected, they are to make the oath of their office for the Ekklēsia:
According to the will and assent of this Ekklēsia of the Hermetic Synaxis and in the company of you all who are my witnesses, I, NN., undertake the office of epistatēs for the year <year>. To the best of my ability as epistatēs, I shall preside over and guide our Ekklēsia.May I uphold the faith and counsel of you all in my role as epistatēs, avoiding all misconduct and striving for proper conduct, for the good of all our hetaireiai and for the Hermetic Synaxis.
The the process continues with the next most senior conference representative, skipping over any senior members already voted on and rejected for conference leader, with for the election of the conference recorder to manage the proceedings, notes, and other records of the Ekklēsia, using the following declaration:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, submit myself to the will of the Ekklēsia to be the anagrapheus for this Ekklēsia of the year <year>.
If a given conference representative served as conference recorder for another year’s Ekklēsia and chooses to not take the role on again, they should instead declare the following:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, by privilege of my seniority within the Hermetic Synaxis and having already served as anagrapheus before, ask the Ekklēsia to find another anagrapheus for this Ekklēsia of the year <year>.
If a given conference representative is from a group that has isolated themselves and chooses not to take on the role, they should instead declare the following:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, ask the Ekklēsia to find another anagrapheus for this Ekklēsia of the year <year> because my hetaireia has withdrawn from other hetaireiai.
If a given conference representative is from a group that was censured at the last Ekklēsia, they should instead declare the following:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, ask the Ekklēsia to find another anagrapheus for this Ekklēsia of the year <year> because of the censure upon my hetaireia established at the last Ekklēsia.
Once a conference recorder has been elected, they are to make the oath of their office for the Ekklēsia:
According to the will and assent of this Ekklēsia of the Hermetic Synaxis and in the company of you all who are my witnesses, I, NN., undertake the office of anagrapheus for the year <year>. To the best of my ability as anagrapheus, I shall record and chronicle the proceedings of our Ekklēsia.May I uphold the faith and counsel of you all in my role as anagrapheus, avoiding all misconduct and striving for proper conduct, for the good of all our hetaireiai and for the Hermetic Synaxis.
If there are no further candidates to be had but there were others passed over before, the process repeats with the most senior conference representative again until there is both a conference leader and recorder, including those who already served in a prior year if necessary.
The recorder then secures the roster and records the election of the conference leader and the recorder both.
The conference leader announces:
We now undertake this Ekklēsia.
7.9.8.2. Logisma⁑
The conference leader announces:
Let us hold ourselves and our hetaireiai to account with regards to individual hetaireiōtai or whole hetaireiai of the Hermetic Synaxis.
7.9.8.2.1. Accounting of Expulsions⁑
The conference leader announces:
Let us account for any instabilities or their repairing in the Hermetic Synaxis due to the workings of individual hetaireiōtai.
Beginning with the conference leader, then the conference recorder, and then proceeding in any other order among conference representatives present, an accounting is to be made public of any of the following that have occurred since the previous Ekklēsia:
any members that a group has automatically expelled, when, and on what grounds
any members that a group has expelled for the first time, when, and on what grounds
any members that a group has expelled for the second time, when, and on what grounds
any members that a group has rescinded expulsion for, when, and on what grounds
any members that a group has accepted despite being expelled by another group, when, and on what grounds
If a group has engaged in none of the above cases, their conference representative is to declare the following announcement:
I, NN., declare that my hetaireia has not engaged in any matter of expulsion or rescission.
If a group has engaged in any of the first four above cases, their conference representative is to declare the following announcement for each such instance:
I, NN., declare that my hetaireia has [expelled automatically/expelled/rescinded expulsion for/expelled again] <member name> on <date> on the grounds of <reason>.
The conference recorder is to note any such actions that a group has made since the previous Ekklēsia, upon whom, when, and why.
Upon any such announcement, if any other conference representative learns that any such person has joined their group after being expelled without attempting rescission, if they were automatically expelled or expelled for a second time, if their group was founded by a person who was expelled without knowing about it, or if one of their group’s offices is held by such a person who was expelled, they are to admit it immediately:
I, NN., have learned that my hetaireia is at fault by illicitly admitting someone expelled as a [hetaireiōtēs/ktistēs/epimelētēs] against the procedures of the Hermetic Synaxis. Upon my return from this Ekklēsia, I will inform my hetaireia and we will correct our errors accordingly.
If they can only suspect on reasonable grounds but cannot confirm at that moment the above, they are instead to announce immediately:
I, NN., suspect that my hetaireia may be at fault by illicitly admitting someone expelled as a [hetaireiōtēs/ktistēs/epimelētēs] against the procedures of the Hermetic Synaxis. Upon my return from this Ekklēsia, I will inform my hetaireia and we will investigate the matter and, if need be, correct our errors accordingly.
The conference recorder is to note any such groups that admit or suspect that their group has admitted someone expelled.
If a group has accepted someone as a member who was expelled for the first time for a non-automatic expulsion without having their expulsion rescinded because the group had investigated, deliberated, and determined that the expulsion was done by another group not in good standing or that the expulsion was not done for a reasonable cause or done in good faith, they must announce it:
I, NN., declare that my hetaireia has allowed <member name> to join my hetaireia on <date>. Although they were expelled by <prior group> on <date> on the grounds of <expulsion reason>, we consider the expulsion improper on the grounds of <acceptance reason>. Without rescinding their original expulsion, we take responsibility for this action and for this hetaireiōtēs in our hetaireia and in the whole of the Hermetic Synaxis.
The conference recorder is to note any such actions that a group has made since the previous Ekklēsia, upon whom, when, and why.
7.9.8.2.2. Accounting of Disassociations⁑
The conference leader announces:
Let us account for any instabilities or their repairing in the Hermetic Synaxis due to the workings of hetaireiai.
Beginning with the conference leader, then the conference recorder, and then proceeding in any other order among conference representatives present, an accounting is to be made public of any of the following that have occurred since the previous Ekklēsia:
any groups that a group has disassociated with and on what grounds
any groups that a group has rescinded disassociation with and on what grounds
If a group has engaged in neither of the above cases, their conference representative is to declare the following announcement:
I, NN., declare that my hetaireia has not engaged in any matter of disassociation.
If a group has engaged in either of the above cases, their conference representative is to declare the following announcement for each such instance:
I, NN., declare that my hetaireia has [disassociated/rescinded disassociation] from the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> on <date> on the grounds of <reason>.
For each such case, the conference representative of the group that has been disassociated from or which has had disassociation rescinded from is to confirm it immediately:
I, NN., confirm that my hetaireia has [been disassociated/had disassociation rescinded] from their hetaireia.
If the conference representative of the group in question cannot confirm it, they should announce it accordingly:
I, NN., cannot confirm that my hetaireia has [been disassociated/had disassociation rescinded] from their hetaireia.
For every action that cannot be confirmed, the conference leader is to tell the group declaring the action and the group unable to confirm it:
NN1. and NN2., upon your return from this Ekklēsia, have your hetaireiai investigate why this action cannot be confirmed, so that any errors may be corrected.
The conference recorder is to note any such actions that a group has made since the previous Ekklēsia, upon whom, when, and why, and whether the disassociation or rescission of disassociation is confirmed.
7.9.8.2.3. Censuring of Groups⁑
The conference leader announces:
Let us consider any disrepairs in the Hermetic Synaxis due to the workings of hetaireiai.
Beginning with the conference leader, then the conference recorder, and then proceeding in any other order among conference representatives present, based on the expulsions or disassociations made by a group since the previous Ekklēsia, or based on the falsehood of any statements made up until this point, a vote may be called to censure a particular group.
Should any conference representative call for such a censure for a general reason not related to the Ekklēsia specifically, so long as their own group has already disassociated from the group, they are to do so with the following request:
I, NN., ask this Ekklēsia of the Hermetic Synaxis to censure the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> which my hetaireia has already disassociated from on account of <reasons>.
If the conference representative calls for such a censure on behalf of a group they represent as a proxy which has already disassociated with another group, they are to do so with the following request instead:
I, NN. on behalf of the hetaireia <group name if available> based in <specific area> and formed on <formation date>, ask this Ekklēsia of the Hermetic Synaxis to censure the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> which the hetaireia I am proxy for has already disassociated from on account of <reasons>.
In the case where a group did not admit being at fault for hosting a known expelled member in an illicit way which can be confirmed by those at the Ekklēsia, any conference representative can call for censure with the following request:
I, NN., ask this Ekklēsia of the Hermetic Synaxis to censure the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> for illicitly admitting someone expelled as a [hetaireiōtēs/ktistēs/epimelētēs] against the procedures of the Hermetic Synaxis and not declaring it to the Ekklēsia.
In the case where a false statement was made earlier by a conference representative that misrepresents themselves or their group, any conference representative can call for censure with the following request:
I, NN., ask this Ekklēsia of the Hermetic Synaxis to censure the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> for false statements made to the Ekklēsia, namely <description of falsehood>.
In the case where the group being censured was censured in the previous Ekklēsia, any conference representative who was also present at the previous Ekklēsia can call for censure with the following request:
I, NN., ask this Ekklēsia of the Hermetic Synaxis to confirm the censure of the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> which was instituted in the previous Ekklēsia for <reason>.
For any of the above cases, a discussion is to be held with the conference leader recognizing each conference representative who wishes to argue for or against censuring the group in question to speak for no longer than five minutes, beginning first with the conference representative of the group in question. Upon no further arguments for or against being raised, the conference leader announces a vote:
We are asked to censure the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> for the stated reasons. We bring this matter now to a vote.
A vote is then held. If at least two-thirds are in favor of the motion, the conference leader announces and addresses the conference representative of the censured group:
We have voted to censure the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> for the stated reasons. Upon our return from this Ekklēsia, we will inform our hetaireiai of this matter and our collective disassociation from this hetaireia as a result of this censure. NN. of the hetaireia of <name + location>, your hetaireia is bound to the will of this Ekklēsia, but shall have no further say in it until and unless your hetaireia corrects its faults.
The conference representative and any other members of the censured group attending the Ekklēsia are to be shunned by all others present at the Ekklēsia and not recognized or accounted for for any further input in any further proceedings of the Ekklēsia, although they must continue to remain present for it.
If the vote does not pass with at least two-thirds in favor, the conference leader announces:
We have voted to not censure the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> for the stated reasons. Upon our return from this Ekklēsia, we will inform our hetaireiai of this matter for our own action later, but no further action is to be taken by us now.
The conference recorder is to note any such motions to censure a group in this manner, asked for by whom, why, and the result of any such vote. For any group that has been censured, the other conference representatives are to inform their own group secretaries at the earliest possible occasion of the censure and that the group should be disassociated automatically. For any group that was not censured, the remaining conference representatives are to inform their group secretaries at the earliest possible occasion of the vote, and that a vote should be held within their group to determine whether they as an individual group should disassociate from them.
In the case where either the conference leader or recorder is censured, a new election is to be held immediately to replace them. The newly-elected leader or recorder is then to assume the appropriate role for the rest of the Ekklēsia, including the Ekklēsias Teleutē.
7.9.8.3. Homologia⁑
The conference leader announces:
Let us begin our review and concordance of the procedures, rites, and prayers of the Hermetic Synaxis.
7.9.8.3.1. Review of Major Topics⁑
For a given major topic, the conference leader asks for a volunteer to read or describe in full their group’s canonical form or approach to the topic:
Would anyone share their hetaireia’s knowledge of the proper form of <topic> with the Ekklēsia?
Any non-censured conference representative present may volunteer to review their group’s understanding of the proper form, contents, and limitations of the major topic, the first one volunteering being recognized by the conference leader. If there are no volunteers, the conference leader should volunteer themselves, or they may call on any non-censured conference representative present to do so. Ideally, every topic should be discussed by a different non-censured conference representative present.
For a given major topic, the conference representative should give a full account of their group’s canonical form, approach, or description of the topic according to their copy of the Stoiba, including the purpose or function of it in the Hermetic Synaxis, any needs for tools or supplies, options and variations permitted for timing and attendance, and other concerns, but not accounting for any localizations, customizations, accommodations, or other changes not explicitly allowed or mentioned by the Stoiba. All accounts should be explicit and descriptive enough to describe the entire thing, either recited freely or directly from their copy of the Stoiba. For any prayer, the first time it is mentioned or referenced during the Homologia, the conference representative should recite it in full; afterwards, any conference representative may refer to it by name only, unless it has a distinct form for a particular context.
The major topics to be reviewed and discussed in the order to be discussed are:
The eight terms of the Adeia
The Ekklēsia
The Ekklēsias Teleutē
The Arkhai, Protropai, and Hyposkhesis
The Entolai of Hetaireiōtai and of Hetaireiai
The Entolai of Synormistai and of Hormoi
The 42 Askēmata
The Kanones of Abstinence
The Kanones of Hygiene
The Kanones of Clothing
The Kanones of the Hormos
The protocols of fasting
The form and protocols of the eranos
The form and protocols of the bōmos
The form and protocols of the euktērion
The form and protocols of the lykhnon
The form and protocols of the loibeion
The form and protocols of the psiathos
The form and protocols of the hēmerologion
The prayer process of the morning Leitūrgia
The prayer process of the evening Leitūrgia
The prayer process of the additional Leitūrgia
The formal process of Anagnōsis
The formal process of reciting the Epitomai
The 21 Epitomai
The Khairetismos of the Rising Sun
The Khairetismos of the Agathē Tykhē
The Khairetismos of the Agathos Daimōn
The Orkhēsis
The Headless Rite of the Stele of Ieū
The implements, protocols, and process of performing Thysiai generally
The Katharsis
The Iasis
The Synodos for the Waxing Moon performing the Epignōsis
The Synodos for the Waning Moon performing the Anagnōsis
The Hypsōsis, both the ritual and subsequent offering to Hermēs
The Prōtokhronia
The lunar Hēmerasia
The six supplications for the phases of the Moon
The solar Hēmerasia
The 36 supplications to the decanal gods
The Tykheia
The Ephorasia, primarily for the Ephorasia of Sunrise and noting changes necessary for the other three Ephorasia
The Enkardeia
The Anapodismeia
The Propodismeia
The Arkhēgesia of the Revealer
The Arkhēgesia of the Teacher
The Arkhēgesia of the Students
The Hypsōmeia
The Aiōneia
The Lesser Nekysia
The Greater Nekysia
The Mourning Nekysia
The Panthysia
The form, results, and process of using the Heptasterion
The ritual process of the Koinōnia
The Koinōnia invocations for the planets, signs of the Zodiac, and the Agathē Tykhē
The qualifications for joining or forming a group
The four automatic expulsions
The summary of group regulations
The summary of group routines
The checklist for setting up a new group
The responsibilities and oaths of group offices
The induction process and script of a new member to a group
The induction process and script of a prior member to a group
The formation process and script of a group composed of all new members
The formation process and script of a group composed of all prior members
The formation process and script of a group composed of a mix of new and prior members
The processes and scripts for leaving, dissolving, expelling someone, and rescinding expulsion of someone for a group
The template letters for handling group affairs
The processes and scripts for holding a Synormisis
7.9.8.3.2. Review of Minor Topics⁑
After all the major topics are reviewed, any other part of the Stoiba may be reviewed upon being raised for discussion by anyone non-censured present, including matters of specific wording or organization. The conference leader is to ask:
Would there be anyone who would share their hetaireia’s knowledge of or concerns about the proper form of any other part of the Stoiba not yet reviewed with the Ekklēsia?
Any non-censured conference representative present may volunteer to do so, being recognized in order of volunteering by the conference leader. The process for reviewing minor topics is the same as for the major topics. After the review of one minor topic, the conference leader is to ask the above again to allow other minor topics to be reviewed.
If there are no volunteers after a brief moment to allow the conference representatives to volunteer such review, whether after the first time or after any review of any other minor topic, the conference leader is to ask again for a second time and also a third time to ensure that all reasonable opportunities are given for all present to share whatever knowledge or concerns they have about the Stoiba. After the third time of asking, this review is assumed to be completed.
7.9.8.3.3. Clarifying Reviews and Resolving Differences⁑
While the conference representative is giving their account of their group’s canonical form or approach to a major or minor topic, all other conference representatives are to both listen and check the account against their own. At any point during the conference representative’s account of their group’s canonical form or approach to a major or minor topic, any non-censured conference representative may raise a point of clarification in case the account given was not thorough enough, or a point of difference if their own group’s canonical form or approach is different from the the account given. Upon the conference leader recognizing the conference representative raising the point, the account is to stop and the representative is to raise their point.
For points of clarification, the conference representative reviewing the topic should more thoroughly account for the topic until the conference representative raising the point has no further questions for clarification.
For points of difference, the conference representative raising the point should account for their own specific point of the topic and how they differ from the conference representative reviewing the topic, and whether they believe the conference representative raising the point has added to, deleted from, or otherwise changed the canonical form or approach of the topic; if it is at all reasonable and possible to do so, a point of clarification should be raised first in order to be absolutely clear that there is a difference to raise and that this is not a matter of variation already permitted by the Stoiba. As a point of difference is being raised, if the conference representative reviewing the topic finds an error in their own account, they should admit it and declare that they will have their group revise their knowledge, then proceed with their account. Otherwise, if the conference representative reviewing the topic disagrees with the difference being raised, the conference leader is to bring the difference to a vote:
We are asked to settle a difference concerning <topic> for the stated reasons between the hetaireiai of NN1. and NN2.. We bring this matter now to a vote.
A vote is then held to determine first whether the difference being raised is trivial. If at least two-thirds find the difference to be trivial, the conference leader announces:
We have voted to affirm that the accounts of NN1. and NN2. are both acceptable as proper, with this difference being trivial and so left to individual hetaireiai.
Otherwise, a new vote is held to determine which account should be accepted as the canonical one. If the difference is nontrivial and at least two-thirds are in favor of one of the accounts, the conference leader announces:
We have voted to affirm that the account of <approved member> is the proper form for <topic>. <disapproved member>, as well as any others who hold this or any other account which the Ekklēsia denies as proper, upon your return from this Ekklēsia, have your hetaireiai revise your knowledge of the proper form for <topic>, so that any errors may be corrected.
If the difference is nontrivial and at least two-thirds are not in favor of either account, the conference leader announces:
We have not voted to affirm either account as a nontrivial difference, and so this is a matter of confusion for the Hermetic Synaxis. Let us discuss the matter more deeply to ascertain the proper form for <topic>.
The differing conference representatives are each to explain their accounts of the topic, how they received the information, how long they have been practicing the work of the Hermetic Synaxis with the form, and the like. Afterwards, a discussion is to be held, with the conference leader recognizing each conference representative who wishes to argue for any of the given accounts, its history, its reasoning, its legitimacy, and the like. Upon no further arguments being raised, the conference leader announces a vote to affirm or deny each possible account in order of being raised by each conference representative:
We are asked to settle once more the difference concerning <topic> for the stated reasons. We bring this matter now to a vote.
Another vote is then held to determine which account is to be held as canonical, voting on each account raised in turn. The process repeats as above until at least two-thirds are in favor of a single account to resolve the point of difference.
Regardless of the vote and discussion, the conference recorder is to note the original issue and eventual resolution, if any.
7.9.8.3.4. Taking Breaks⁑
The Homologia continues until all topics have been accounted for. The conference leader is to call for a break of at least half an hour and up to one hour for every three hours of discussion:
Let us rest for a little while from our review and concordance of the procedures, rites, and prayers of the Hermetic Synaxis, and continue later at <time>.
After no fewer than six hours and no more than nine hours total of discussion, if there are still more topics to discuss, the conference leader is to adjourn the Homologia for the day, calling for a new session tomorrow sometime in after sunrise and before noon:
Let us rest for today from our review and concordance of the procedures, rites, and prayers of the Hermetic Synaxis, and continue tomorrow at <time>.
After a break between discussions or between days of discussion, the conference leader announces the resumption of the Homologia:
Let us continue our review and concordance of the procedures, rites, and prayers of the Hermetic Synaxis.
The process repeats until all topics have been discussed.
7.9.8.4. Heteroiōsis⁑
The conference leader announces:
Let us begin our consideration of any additions, deletions, or changes that should be made to the Stoiba of the Hermetic Synaxis.
In general, any part of the Stoiba may be added to, deleted from, or otherwise changed with the sole exception of the acknowledgments which acts as an original and permanent testament to the creation of the Stoiba specifically and of the Hermetic Synaxis generally.
7.9.8.4.1. Reviewing and Voting on Proposals⁑
Beginning with the conference leader, then the conference recorder, and then proceeding in any other order among non-censured conference representatives present, based on the current state of the agreed-upon standardization of the texts, prayers, and processes of the Hermetic Synaxis, a vote may be called for an addition, deletion, or change to them or to the Stoiba generally with the following announcement:
I, NN., propose that the Hermetic Synaxis accept a(n) [addition/deletion/change] concerning <topic>, such that…
The conference representative explains the nature, scope, inspiration or cause, and limitations of the addition, deletion, or change to the conference. A discussion may then be held, with the conference leader recognizing each conference representative who wishes to argue for or against the addition, deletion, or change to speak for no longer than ten minutes at a time, continuing up to another ten minutes with the permission of the conference leader if there is nobody else to speak or if the next conference representative to speak allows the current conference representative to continue. For any such proposal, consideration should be given and questions should be asked regarding any other parts of the Stoiba that must also be changed to fully accommodate such a proposal.
Upon no further arguments for or against being raised, the conference leader announces a vote:
We are asked to accept the proposed [addition/deletion/change] concerning <topic> for the stated reasons. We bring this matter now to a vote.
A vote is then held. If the motion passes unanimously, the conference leader announces:
We have voted to accept the proposed [addition/deletion/change] concerning <topic> for the stated reasons. Upon our return from this Ekklēsia, we will inform our hetaireiai of this matter, and our hetaireiai are to discuss it and vote on it in turn. We shall confirm such a(n) [addition/deletion/change] later.
If the vote does not pass unanimously, the conference leader announces:
We have voted to not accept the proposed [an addition/a deletion/a change] concerning <topic> for the stated reasons.
The conference recorder is to note any such motions to adopt an addition, deletion, or change in this manner, asked for by whom, why, and the result of any such vote.
For any addition, deletion, or change that has been unanimously approved, the conference representatives are to inform their group secretaries at the earliest possible occasion of the vote, and that a vote should be held within their own group to determine whether their own groups members agree to the addition, deletion, or change.
7.9.8.4.2. Taking Breaks⁑
The Heteroiōsis continues until all proposals have been accounted for. The conference leader is to call for a break of at least half an hour and up to one hour for every three hours of discussion:
Let us rest for a little while from our consideration of any additions, deletions, or changes that should be made to the Stoiba of the Hermetic Synaxis, and continue later at <time>.
After no fewer than six hours and no more than nine hours total of discussion, if there are still more topics to discuss, the conference leader is to adjourn the Heteroiōsis for the day, calling for a new session tomorrow at a time:
Let us rest for today from our consideration of any additions, deletions, or changes that should be made to the Stoiba of the Hermetic Synaxis, and continue tomorrow at <time>.
After a break between discussions or between days of discussion, the conference leader announces the resumption of the Heteroiōsis:
Let us continue our consideration of any additions, deletions, or changes that should be made to the Stoiba of the Hermetic Synaxis.
The process repeats until all proposals have been discussed and voted on.
7.9.8.5. Calling for an Ekklēsias Teleutē⁑
If any of the following occurred during the Ekklēsia:
a conference representative has learned or suspected that their group was illicitly hosting someone expelled
a group disassociated or rescinded disassociation with another group but could not be confirmed by that group
a group was censured by the conference for a reason other than continuing a censure from the previous Ekklēsia
a group was found in nontrivial discordance with the core texts and procedures of the Hermetic Synaxis
an addition, deletion, or change was accepted
Then the conference leader must announce an Ekklēsias Teleutē with the reasons why as given above:
Because of the actions undertaken and approved of by this Ekklēsia which include …, we must reconvene before too long to confirm and conclude our actions after conferring with our respective hetaireiai.
The conference leader is then to propose another time, place, and manner of meeting for conference representatives, no earlier than one calendar month after the Ekklēsia but no later than the time when the Sun crosses 15° Aquarius (i.e. early February). In addition to the conference leader and recorder, all conference representatives of groups impacted by any of the above must be available for attending the Ekklēsias Teleute.
Once such a time, place, and manner of meeting have been agreed upon by the conference representatives, the conference leader announces:
We have agreed to reconvene at <time/date> and <place> and by <manner> to confirm and conclude our actions after conferring with our respective hetaireiai.
The conference recorder is to note the date, time, place, manner, cause(s), and the specific groups impacted for the Ekklēsias Teleutē.
7.9.8.6. Planning for the Next Ekklēsia⁑
The conference leader announces:
So that the work of the Hermetic Synaxis may continue to be reviewed and confirmed so that we may further ourselves on the Way of Hermēs together, all hetaireiai are to send an ekklēsiastēs to convene for the next Ekklēsia.
The conference leader is then to propose a time, date, place, and manner of meeting for the next Ekklēsia, at some time between the September equinox and December solstice four years from the present Ekklēsia. Although the date and time should be planned specifically, the place and manner may be left vague (e.g. general city, simply saying “online”) for groups in the future to implement.
Once such a time, place, and manner of meeting have been agreed upon by the conference representatives, the conference leader announces:
We have agreed for all hetaireiai to send an ekklēsiastēs to convene at <time/date> and <place> and by <manner> for the Ekklēsia of <planned year>.
The conference recorder is to note the time, place, and manner for the next Ekklēsia. All conference representatives are to bring this information back to their groups for their groups to plan for, as well as to let any new groups know about as they are formed and reach out to the existing groups. After the Ekklēsia, it is the responsibility of the conference leader and conference recorder to make the appropriate provisions, requests, and plans to arrange for the next Ekklēsia, and to send updates to all groups should anything change in the course of such planning, including addresses, access credentials, and the like.
7.9.8.7. Closing⁑
The conference leader announces:
We have gathered here today on this <date> for our Ekklēsia of the Hermetic Synaxis for the year <year> to perform our duty in reviewing and confirming our work that we may further ourselves and those whom we represent on the Way of Hermēs together. We have held ourselves and our hetaireiai to account with regards to individual hetaireiōtai or whole hetaireiai of the Hermetic Synaxis; we have reviewed and concorded ourselves with the procedures, rites, and prayers of the Hermetic Synaxis; we have considered additions, deletions, or changes that should be made to the Stoiba of the Hermetic Synaxis. Thus concludes this Ekklēsia.
All conference representatives present announce with one voice:
As we hold ourselves to our Principles, the bedrock of our practice and the guideposts of our journey; as we hold ourselves to our Rules for hetaireiōtai, rules of conduct which support our work in our hetaireiai; as we hold ourselves to our Rules for the hetaireia, rules of conduct which support our work in the Hermetic Synaxis; so too do we hold ourselves to truth and order, fleeing falsehood and discord, binding our hetaireiai to this Ekklēsia, for we have conducted this Ekklēsia properly and shall execute the will of this Ekklēsia faithfully for the sake of the Hermetic Synaxis and for us all.May we live in wholeness and health, and may we walk in reverence and knowledge on the Way of Hermēs!
Afterwards, with the exception of conference representatives or other members from groups that were censured, all present for the Ekklēsia should share a communal meal.
As soon as possible after the Ekklēsia, the conference recorder is to send a copy of the roster and all records made for the Ekklēsia to all conference representatives, who are then responsible for sharing them with their respective groups and any groups they have acted as proxy for.
7.9.9. Actions After the Conference⁑
If any of the following occurred during the Ekklēsia:
a conference representative has learned or suspected that their group was illicitly hosting someone expelled
a group disassociated or rescinded disassociation with another group but could not be confirmed by that group
a group was censured for a reason other than continuing a censure from the last Ekklēsia
a group was found in nontrivial discordance with the core texts and procedures of the Hermetic Synaxis
an addition, deletion, or change to the Stoiba was accepted
Then the appropriate actions should be taken by the groups impacted accordingly as soon as possible before the Ekklēsias Teleutē:
Groups known to be illicitly hosting someone expelled must expel such people from their groups, under threat of censure by the Ekklēsias Teleutē.
Groups suspected to be illicitly hosting someone expelled must investigate the person to learn if they were indeed expelled from other groups. If so, the groups must expel such people, under threat of censure by the Ekklēsias Teleutē.
Groups that disassociated or rescinded disassociation from another group must confirm that they indeed did and that they sent a message to them notifying them of such.
If the action was not actually performed, they may perform it according to the usual processes of the group.
If the action was actually performed but no message was sent, they must send one out immediately to the other group.
Groups that were censured must correct the cause for which they were censured as soon as possible and however necessary.
All other groups must temporarily disassociate with the group in question, but no message needs to be sent at this point.
Groups that were found in nontrivial discordance with the core texts and procedures of the Hermetic Synaxis must correct themselves and bring themselves into concordance as soon as possible and however necessary.
For additions, deletions, or changes to the Stoiba, every group is to vote on the action proposed within one month.
If the group votes with two-thirds majority in favor of the action, the group accepts the action to be implemented if the action is confirmed in the Ekklēsias Teleutē.
Regardless of their vote, they should take steps to prepare for such a change, but are not to implement any such actions or preparations for them until and unless the action is confirmed after the Ekklēsias Teleutē.
For the Ekklēsias Teleutē, although the scheduling of this was decided at the end of the Ekklēsia, the conference recorder should send out a reminder to all groups of the date, time, location, and manner of meeting for the Ekklēsias Teleutē. If further discussion by conference representatives shows a need to reschedule it, the representatives should confer and agree on a new date, time, location, and manner of meeting for the Ekklēsias Teleutē, with the conference recorder noting it and sending out a confirmation for all groups to meet accordingly with the new details of meeting.
Prior to the Ekklēsias Teleutē, all conference representatives should review and familiarize themselves with the procedures and scripts to be used for the Ekklēsias Teleutē.
7.9.10. Follow-Up Conference⁑
Note
Where indicated by “NN.”, use either one’s own name or the name of the representative of a particular group as contextually appropriate. Where indicated by “NN1.” and “NN2.”, use the names of the representatives of two separate groups as contextually appropriate.
7.9.10.1. Establishment⁑
7.9.10.1.1. Registration⁑
One hour before the designated date, time, and manner of the follow-up conference, all conference representatives are to gather and fill out a roster to provide their own information (name and induction date), information about their group (group name if available, location of the group, number of members in the group, formation date of their group, open/closed status of their group, etc.), and whatever contact information as might be reasonably provided (phone number, email address, mailing address, etc.).
7.9.10.1.2. Announcement of the Representatives⁑
Once all conference representatives are present at the designated date, time, place, and medium, they are to greet each other with one voice:
Hail, ekklēsiastai of the Hermetic Synaxis of the year <year>! We gather here today on this <date> to perform our duty in confirming and concluding the actions made at our Ekklēsia of the Hermetic Synaxis of the year <year> that we may further ourselves and those whom we represent on the Way of Hermēs together.As we hold ourselves to our Principles, the bedrock of our practice and the guideposts of our journey; as we hold ourselves to our Rules for hetaireiōtai, rules of conduct which support our work in our hetaireiai; as we hold ourselves to our Rules for the hetaireia, rules of conduct which support our work in the Hermetic Synaxis; so too do we hold ourselves to truth and order, fleeing falsehood and discord, binding our hetaireiai to the properly-conducted and faithfully-executed will of this Ekklēsias Teleutē, for the sake of the Hermetic Synaxis and for us all.May we live in wholeness and health, and may we walk in reverence and knowledge on the Way of Hermēs!
Each conference representative then formally announces themselves one by one with the following declaration:
I am NN., inducted on <induction date> representing my hetaireia <group name if available> based in <specific area> and formed on <formation date>, accounting for <number of members in group> hetaireiōtai including myself.
If the group has isolated themselves, the following should be added:
For our own reasons and without disrespect to the Hermetic Synaxis, we have withdrawn from other hetaireiai.
If their group was formed between the Ekklēsia and Ekklēsias Teleutē, they are also to state:
Because my hetaireia was only recently formed, I declare that my hetaireia will be bound to the will of this Ekklēsias Teleutē but have no say in it.
If the conference representative is acting as proxy for another group, they are to also add the following:
By request of the hetaireia <group name if available> based in <specific area> and formed on <formation date>, accounting for <number of members in group> hetaireiōtai, I also represent them as their proxy.
If the other group has isolated themselves, the following should be added:
For their own reasons and without disrespect to the Hermetic Synaxis, they have withdrawn from other hetaireiai.
If the group they are acting as proxy for was formed between the Ekklēsia and Ekklēsias Teleutē, they are also to state:
Because this hetaireia was only recently formed, I declare that this hetaireia will be bound to the will of this Ekklēsia but have no say in it.
7.9.10.1.3. Election of Conference Leader and Recorder⁑
Once all conference representatives have announced themselves, if the conference leader from the Ekklēsia is present, they are to announce themselves and take their role once more as conference leader for the Ekklēsias Teleutē:
I, NN., having served as epistatēs for the Ekklēsia of <year>, upholding the faith and counsel of you all in such a role, avoiding all misconduct and striving for proper conduct, continue the same for this Ekklēsias Teleutē for the good of all our hetaireiai and for the Hermetic Synaxis.
However, if the conference leader from the Ekklēsia is not present, the most senior conference representative is to declare themselves as such and is to be voted on by all other conference representatives to be the conference leader to preside over its proceedings with the following declaration:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, submit myself to the will of the Ekklēsia to be the epistatēs for this Ekklēsias Teleutē of the year <year>.
If a given conference representative served as conference leader for another year’s Ekklēsia and chooses to not take the role on again, they should instead declare the following:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, by privilege of my seniority within the Hermetic Synaxis and having already served as epistatēs before, ask the Ekklēsia to find another epistatēs for this Ekklēsias Teleutē of the year <year>.
If a given conference representative is from a group founded between the Ekklēsia and Ekklēsias Teleutē, they should instead declare the following:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date> in a hetaireia made after the Ekklēsia, am here only as a witness, and ask the Ekklēsia to find another epistatēs for this Ekklēsias Teleutē of the year <year>.
If a given conference representative is from a group that has isolated themselves and chooses not to take on the role, they should instead declare the following:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, ask the Ekklēsia to find another epistatēs for this Ekklēsias Teleutē of the year <this year> because my hetaireia has withdrawn from other hetaireiai.
If a given conference representative is from a group that was censured at the previous Ekklēsia, they should instead declare the following:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, ask the Ekklēsia to find another epistatēs for this Ekklēsias Teleutē of the year <year> because of the censure upon my hetaireia established at the Ekklēsia.
If there is unanimous consent to a conference representative acting as conference leader, they are selected, and if not, the process repeats with the next most senior conference representative, and so on. Once the conference leader has been elected, they are to make the oath of their office:
According to the will and assent of this Ekklēsia of the Hermetic Synaxis and in the company of you all who are my witnesses, I, NN., undertake the office of epistatēs for the year <year>. To the best of my ability as epistatēs, I shall preside over and guide our Ekklēsias Teleutē.May I uphold the faith and counsel of you all in my role as epistatēs, avoiding all misconduct and striving for proper conduct, for the good of all our hetaireiai and for the Hermetic Synaxis.
The same process continues for the conference recorder. If the conference recorder from the Ekklēsia is present, they are to announce themselves and take their role once more as conference leader for the Ekklēsias Teleutē:
I, NN., having served as anagrapheus for the Ekklēsia of <year>, upholding the faith and counsel of you all in such a role, avoiding all misconduct and striving for proper conduct, continue the same for this Ekklēsias Teleutē for the good of all our hetaireiai and for the Hermetic Synaxis.
However, if the conference recorder from the Ekklēsia is not present, the next most senior conference representative, skipping over any senior members already voted on and rejected for conference leader, with for the election of the conference recorder (anagrapheus) to manage the proceedings, notes, and other records of the Ekklēsias Teleutē, using the following declaration:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, by privilege of my seniority within the Hermetic Synaxis, submit myself to the will of the Ekklēsia to be the anagrapheus for this Ekklēsias Teleutē of the year <year>.
If a given conference representative served as conference recorder for another year’s Ekklēsia and chooses to not take the role on again, they should instead declare the following:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, by privilege of my seniority within the Hermetic Synaxis and having already served as anagrapheus before, ask the Ekklēsia to find another anagrapheus for this Ekklēsias Teleutē of the year <year>.
If a given conference representative is from a group founded between the Ekklēsia and Ekklēsias Teleutē, they should instead declare the following:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date> in a hetaireia made after the Ekklēsia, am here only as a witness, and ask the Ekklēsia to find another anagrapheus for this Ekklēsias Teleutē of the year <year>.
If a given conference representative is from a group that has isolated themselves and chooses not to take on the role, they should instead declare the following:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, ask the Ekklēsia to find another anagrapheus for this Ekklēsias Teleutē of the year <this year> because my hetaireia has withdrawn from other hetaireiai.
If a given conference representative is from a group that was censured at the last Ekklēsia, they should instead declare the following:
I, NN., inducted on <induction date>, ask the Ekklēsia to find another anagrapheus for this Ekklēsias Teleutē of the year <year> because of the censure upon my hetaireia established at the Ekklēsia.
Once a conference recorder has been elected, they are to make the oath of their office:
According to the will and assent of this Ekklēsia of the Hermetic Synaxis and in the company of you all who are my witnesses, I, NN., undertake the office of anagrapheus for the year <year>. To the best of my ability as anagrapheus, I shall record and chronicle the proceedings of our Ekklēsias Teleutē.May I uphold the faith and counsel of you all in my role as anagrapheus, avoiding all misconduct and striving for proper conduct, for the good of all our hetaireiai and for the Hermetic Synaxis.
If there are no further candidates to be had but there were others passed over before, the process repeats with the most senior conference representative again until there is both a conference leader and recorder, including those who already served in the prior year if necessary.
The recorder then secures the roster and records the election of the conference leader and the recorder both, if either were necessary.
The conference leader announces:
We now undertake this Ekklēsias Teleutē.
7.9.10.2. Review of Groups that were Censured at the Conference⁑
The conference leader addresses the conference representative:
NN., this Ekklēsia censured your hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> for the reasons of <reasons>. As your hetaireia is bound to the will of the Ekklēsia and this Ekklēsias Teleutē, your hetaireia is to have no further say in the Hermetic Synaxis until and unless your hetaireia corrects its faults. If your hetaireia has indeed done so, then the censure will be reviewed by this Ekklēsia. Have these faults been corrected?
The conference representative is to declare and account for whatever actions, if any, their group has undertaken to correct the faults that led to their being censured. Upon doing so, the conference leader announces a vote according to the nature of the conference representative’s response, whether to lift the censure (if the conference leader judges that they have done a reasonable effort to correct themselves) or to sustain it (if they judge that they have not):
I, NN., as epistatēs, ask this Ekklēsia to [lift/sustain] the censure on the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> imposed on them for the stated reasons in light of their subsequent actions.
A discussion may then be held, with the conference leader recognizing each conference representative who wishes to argue for or against lifting or sustaining the censure against group in question to speak for no longer than five minutes Upon no further arguments for or against being raised, the conference leader announces a vote:
We are asked to [lift/sustain] the censure on the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> imposed on them for the stated reasons in light of their subsequent actions. We bring this matter now to a vote.
A vote is then held, requiring at least two-thirds are in favor of the motion. The conference leader announces and addresses the conference representative of the censured group the result of the vote:
We have voted to (not) [lift/sustain] the censure on the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> imposed on them for the stated reasons in light of their subsequent actions.
If the censure was lifted or not sustained, the conference leader announces:
Upon our return from this Ekklēsias Teleutē, we will inform our hetaireiai of this matter and our collective rescission of disassociation from this hetaireia as a result of their earlier censure. Let all in the Hermetic Synaxis commend the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> for their actions that uphold truth and order.
If the censure was sustained or not lifted, the conference leader announces:
Upon our return from this Ekklēsias Teleutē, we will inform our hetaireiai of this matter and our collective disassociation from this hetaireia as a result of their earlier censure to be made permanent. Let all in the Hermetic Synaxis condemn the hetaireia for their actions that cast down truth and order. NN. of the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date>, your hetaireia is bound to the will of this Ekklēsia, but shall have no further say in it.
If the censure was sustained or not lifted, the conference representative along with any others of the censured group attending the Ekklēsias Teleutē, are to be shunned by all others from the Ekklēsias Teleutē and not recognized or accounted for for any further input in any further proceedings of the Ekklēsias Teleutē.
The conference recorder is to note the actions undertaken by the censured group, if any, and the vote for lifting/sustaining the censure on them. The remaining conference representatives are to inform their group secretaries at the earliest possible occasion of the lifting or sustaining of the censure, and to take the appropriate actions accordingly, whether rescinding the automatic disassociation made at the Ekklēsia or to make it permanent.
7.9.10.3. Review of Groups Illicitly Hosting an Expelled Member⁑
The conference leader addresses the conference representative in question:
NN., at the Ekklēsia, you announced that you [learned/suspected] that your hetaireia was at fault by illicitly hosting someone expelled as a [hetaireiōtēs/ktistēs/epimelētēs] against the procedures of the Hermetic Synaxis. What has come of this?
The conference representative should explain what became of their investigations regarding the learned/suspected expelled member. If they had already confirmed it at the Ekklēsia, or if they had only suspected before but later confirmed it with their group, and in either case expelled the member, they should announce that their group did so:
I, NN., declare that my hetaireia has expelled <member name> on <date> in accordance with their already having been expelled from another group of the Hermetic Synaxis.
If they had only suspected such but later learned that they were in error, they should announce:
I, NN., declare that I was wrong in my suspicion, and that my hetaireia was not at fault by illicitly hosting someone expelled as a [hetaireiōtēs/ktistēs/epimelētēs] against the procedures of the Hermetic Synaxis, and so we took no action.
If they had already confirmed it at the Ekklēsia, or if they had only suspected before but later confirmed it with their group, but have not expelled the member, the conference representative should announce it:
I, NN., deny that my hetaireia has expelled <member name> in accordance with their already having been expelled from another group of the Hermetic Synaxis.
The conference recorder is to note the reply of the conference representative and the action taken, if any.
In the case that the group was supposed to expel the member but did not, the conference leader is to announce an immediate vote to censure the group:
I, NN., as epistatēs, ask this Ekklēsia to censure the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> due to their refusal to expel a member of theirs in accordance with their already having been expelled from another hetaireia as declared before the whole of the Hermetic Synaxis. We bring this matter now to a vote.
A vote is then held. If at least two-thirds are in favor of the motion, the conference leader announces and addresses the conference representative of the censured group:
We have voted to censure the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> for the stated reasons. Upon our return from this Ekklēsias Teleutę we will inform our hetaireiai of this matter and our collective disassociation from this hetaireia as a result of this censure. NN. of the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date>, your hetaireia is bound to the will of this Ekklēsia, but shall have no further say in it.
The conference representative along with any others of the censured group attending the Ekklēsias Teleutē are to be shunned by all others from the Ekklēsias Teleute and not recognized or accounted for for any further input in any further proceedings of the Ekklēsias Teleutē.
If the vote does not pass with at least two-thirds in favor, the conference leader announces:
We have voted to not censure the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> for the stated reasons. Upon our return from this Ekklēsias Teleutē, we will inform our hetaireiai of this matter for our own action later, but no further action is to be taken by us now.
The conference recorder is to the motion to censure a group in this manner, why, and the result of any such vote. For any group that has been censured, the other conference representatives are to inform their own group secretaries at the earliest possible occasion of the censure and that the group should be disassociated automatically. For any group that was not censured, the remaining conference representatives are to inform their group secretaries at the earliest possible occasion of the vote, and that a vote should be held within their group to determine whether they as an individual group should disassociate from them.
The conference recorder is to note the reply and the action taken, if any.
7.9.10.4. Review of Unconfirmed Group Disassociations or Rescissions of Disassociation⁑
The conference leader addresses the conference representatives in question, both the conference representative of the group that initiated the action and the conference representative of the group having the action taken upon them:
NN1. and NN2., you could not confirm that your hetaireiai were both aware of the (rescission of) disassociation between your groups. What has come of this?
7.9.10.4.1. Confirmation of Action Taken⁑
The conference representative of the one group should confirm that their group disassociated or rescinded disassociation with the other group.
7.9.10.4.1.1. A Message was Sent⁑
If the one group sent a message to the other group notifying them of such, they should announce it:
I, NN., confirm that my hetaireia has [disassociated/rescinded disassociation] from the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> on <date> on the grounds of <reason>, and that we sent a message to them on <date> notifying them of such.
If they can, the conference representative of the disassociated group should confirm that their group did receive such a message:
I, NN., confirm that my hetaireia has [been disassociated/had disassociation rescinded] from that hetaireia, and that we received a message from them on <date> notifying us of such.
If the conference representative of the disassociated group cannot confirm that their group received such a message:
I, NN., cannot find that we received a message from their hetaireia on <date> notifying us that our hetaireia has [been disassociated/had disassociation rescinded] from them. However, by means of this Ekklēsias Teleutē, I confirm it now and will announce it to my hetaireia upon my return.
The conference recorder is to note the replies.
7.9.10.4.1.2. No Message was Sent⁑
If the one group did not send a message to the other group notifying them of such, they should announce it:
I, NN., confirm that my hetaireia has [disassociated/rescinded disassociation] from the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> on <date> on the grounds of <reason>. However, I have learned that we did not send a message to them notifying them of such earlier, and did so when we learned of this.
If they can, the conference representative of the disassociated group should confirm that their group did receive such a message:
I, NN., confirm that my hetaireia has [been disassociated/had disassociation rescinded] from that hetaireia, and that we received a message from them on <date> notifying us of such.
If the conference representative of the other group in question still cannot confirm it, they should announce it to the conference accordingly:
I, NN., still cannot find that we received a message from their hetaireia on <date> notifying us that my hetaireia has [been disassociated/had disassociation rescinded] from them. However, by means of this Ekklēsias Teleutē, I confirm it now and will announce it to my hetaireia upon my return.
If the action could still not be confirmed, the conference leader is to address both conference representatives:
NN1., you have confirmed that your hetaireia has [disassociated/rescinded disassociation] from the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> on <date> on the grounds of <reason>, but despite claiming to send a message, the hetaireia you have [disassociated/rescinded disassociation] from could not confirm it. In the presence of this Ekklēsia, your (rescission of) disassociation is witnessed.However, issues with communications between hetaireiai cannot stand. NN1. and NN2., upon your return from this Ekklēsias Teleutē, have your hetaireiai investigate why the message was not received and correct any errors.
The conference recorder is to note the replies.
7.9.10.4.2. Action Believed to be Taken Before was Not⁑
The conference representative of the one group should confirm that their group had not earlier disassociated or rescinded disassociation with the other group as announced, but later did so or not in conformance with their earlier announcement.
7.9.10.4.2.1. Action Later Taken⁑
If the one group later took the action anew:
I, NN., was mistaken in my earlier announcement that my hetaireia had [disassociated/rescinded disassociation] from the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> on <date> on the grounds of <reason>, but in reality we had not. We later did so on <new date>.
The conference representative of the group that has been disassociated from or which has had disassociation rescinded from is to confirm it immediately:
I, NN., confirm that my hetaireia has [been disassociated/had disassociation rescinded] from their hetaireia.
If the conference representative of the group in question cannot confirm it, they should announce it accordingly:
I, NN., cannot confirm that my hetaireia has [been disassociated/had disassociation rescinded] from their hetaireia.
If the action could not be confirmed, the conference leader is to address both conference representatives:
NN1., you have announced that your hetaireia has [disassociated/rescinded disassociation] from the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> on <new date> on the grounds of <reason>, but despite claiming to send a message, the hetaireia you have [disassociated/rescinded disassociation] from cannot confirm it. In the presence of this Ekklēsia, your (rescission of) disassociation is witnessed.However, issues with communications between hetaireiai cannot stand. NN1. and NN2., upon your return from this Ekklēsias Teleutē, have your hetaireiai investigate why the message was not received and correct any errors.
The conference recorder is to note the replies.
7.9.10.4.2.2. Action Not Taken⁑
If the one group later did not take the action anew:
I, NN1., was mistaken in my earlier announcement that my hetaireia had [disassociated/rescinded disassociation] from the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> on <date> on the grounds of <reason>, but in reality we had not. We decided to refrain from doing so at all and to negate our earlier announcement, and we apologize to NN2., their hetaireia, and the whole of the Hermetic Synaxis for our confusion.
The conference recorder is to note the reply.
7.9.10.5. Review of Revisions to a Group’s Canonical Form or Approach⁑
For every group that was found to be in discordance with the agreed-upon standards of the Hermetic Synaxis, the conference leader addresses the conference representative of the group:
NN., the Ekklēsia found that, in the matter of <topic>, your hetaireia was found to be in improper form. Has your hetaireia revised its knowledge of the proper form, so that any errors may be corrected?
If the group of the conference representative took the required changes to align themselves with the proper form, the conference representative should announce it:
I, NN., confirm that my hetaireia has revised its knowledge of the proper form for <topic>.
If, in the course of their group’s investigation and revision, it comes to light that the conference representative was operating on incorrect or outdated knowledge of their group’s form and that the group was already in the proper form, they should announce it:
I, NN., was mistaken in my earlier announcement that my hetaireia had used an improper form for <topic>, and in our investigation and revision found that we were already using the proper form. I apologize to the whole of the Hermetic Synaxis for my confusion.
If the group of the conference representative did not take the required changes to align themselves with the proper form, the conference representative should announce it:
I, NN., deny that my hetaireia has revised its knowledge of the proper form for <topic>.
The conference recorder is to note the reply of the conference representative and the action taken, if any.
In the case that the group did not take the required changes, the conference leader is to announce an immediate vote to censure the group:
I, NN., as epistatēs, ask this Ekklēsia to censure the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> due to their refusal to conform to the proper form for <topic> as declared by the whole of the Hermetic Synaxis. We bring this matter now to a vote.
A vote is then held. If at least two-thirds are in favor of the motion, the conference leader announces to the conference and addresses the conference representative of the censured group:
We have voted to censure the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> for the stated reasons. Upon our return from this Ekklēsias Teleutē, we will inform our hetaireiai of this matter and our collective disassociation from this hetaireia as a result of this censure. NN. of the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date>, your hetaireia is bound to the will of this Ekklēsia, but shall have no further say in it.
The conference representative along with any others of the censured group attending the conference are to be shunned by all others from the Ekklēsias Teleutē and not recognized or accounted for for any further input in any further proceedings of the Ekklēsias Teleutē.
If the vote does not pass with at least two-thirds in favor, the conference leader announces:
We have voted to not censure the hetaireia <name> of <location> formed on <date> for the stated reasons. Upon our return from this Ekklēsias Teleutē, we will inform our hetaireiai of this matter for our own action later, but no further action is to be taken by us now.
The conference recorder is to the motion to censure a group in this manner, why, and the result of any such vote. For any group that has been censured, the other conference representatives are to inform their own group secretaries at the earliest possible occasion of the censure and that the group should be disassociated automatically. For any group that was not censured, the remaining conference representatives are to inform their group secretaries at the earliest possible occasion of the vote, and that a vote should be held within their group to determine whether they as an individual group should disassociate from them.
7.9.10.6. Review of Additions, Deletions, or Changes to the Stoiba⁑
For every addition, deletion, or change to the Stoiba that was proposed and agreed upon at the Ekklēsia, the conference leader is to announce it:
The Ekklēsia voted to accept a proposed [addition/deletion/change] to the Stoiba of the Hermetic Synaxis concerning <topic>. Let us now account for how our hetaireiai have received, reviewed, and voted on this action.
Beginning with the conference leader, then the conference recorder, and then proceeding in any other order among conference representatives present, each non-censured conference representative is to announce the results of the vote of their individual groups in favor of accepting the action. If a conference representative is acting as proxy for another group, they are to announce the other group’s result after they have announced their own.
After all conference representatives have given their account, if every group has accepted the action, the conference leader announces:
This [addition/deletion/change] to the Stoiba of the Hermetic Synaxis has been received and reviewed by every hetaireia present for the Ekklēsia, and all such hetaireiai have accepted it. This [addition/deletion/change] is confirmed and to be made the standard for the Stoiba of the Hermetic Synaxis for all to follow and commit to their work.
If at least one group has not accepted the action, the conference leader announces:
This [addition/deletion/change] to the Stoiba of the Hermetic Synaxis has been received and reviewed by every hetaireia present for the Ekklēsia, but not all such hetaireia of the Hermetic Synaxis have accepted it. This [addition/deletion/change] is rejected.
The conference recorder is to note the account of every conference representative, and the overall outcome of the action.
For any action that has been accepted to be made standard by the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole, the conference representatives are to inform their group secretaries at the earliest possible occasion of the outcome for them to implement the change. All related documents and procedures must be updated, both for their group privately and for independent practitioners publicly, by all who are able to do so as soon as possible after the Ekklēsias Teleutē.
7.9.10.7. Closing⁑
The conference leader announces:
We have gathered here today on this <date> to perform our duty in confirming the actions made at our Ekklēsia of the year <year> that we may further ourselves and those whom we represent on the Way of Hermēs together. Thus concludes this Ekklēsias Teleutē.
All conference representatives present announce with one voice:
As we hold ourselves to our Principles, the bedrock of our practice and the guideposts of our journey; as we hold ourselves to our Rules for hetaireiōtai, rules of conduct which support our work in our hetaireiai; as we hold ourselves to our Rules for the hetaireia, rules of conduct which support our work in the Hermetic Synaxis; so too do we hold ourselves to truth and order, fleeing falsehood and discord, binding our hetaireiai to this Ekklēsias Teleutē, for we have conducted this Ekklēsias Teleutē properly and shall execute the will of this Ekklēsias Teleutē faithfully for the sake of the Hermetic Synaxis and for us all.May we live in wholeness and health, and may we walk in reverence and knowledge on the Way of Hermēs!
Afterwards, with the exception of conference representatives or other members from groups that were censured, all present for the Ekklēsias Teleutē should share a communal meal.
As soon as possible after the Ekklēsias Teleutē, the conference recorder is to send a copy of the roster and all records made for the Ekklēsias Teleutē to all conference representatives, who are then responsible for sharing them with their respective groups and any groups they have acted as proxy for. If any addition, deletion, or other change was made to the Stoiba, a new version of the Stoiba should likewise be made and disseminated accordingly, with any old versions of the Stoiba marked as such and archived however possible.