'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
bread of wisdom. Hebe with the censer. You may rely on
"Alpha
sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and
EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds
personal responsibility. hereby appoint the following members to be me mystagogues of these new members
Electric candles will emphasize the desired atmosphere: candles ih glass
request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
Rising from this valley
great love which you have received. Eunomia plays the
be revealed to you. to her place in the line. of Strife. Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at
that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
During tills period we expect our members to assist you in any
pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
In the first hundred years of the faith, it was a secret sign for Christians to identify themselves to each other and was used in catacomb art from the c. Executive Office 7 Hawkeye Drive Suite 103-104 North Liberty, Iowa 52317. our love and confidence throughout-your journey. Admete then speaks. When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter it's nearing Initiation. The Vice President-Pledge Education leads the new members into the room while
symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the
appreciation of the fine arts among its members. The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto,
When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the
attainment of these purposes, provided that nothing herein shall be so construed
She will explain the significance of our badge. The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of
Although we require your undivided loyalty, we
That I will cultivate the spirit of servicefor which our name stands; that I will contribute to the unityfor which our motto declares; that I will endeavor tointerpret through my life the enduring truths of Chi Omega,and that I will always be grateful for its friendships and itsinspiration; all of which I promise and declare, with the fixedand steady determination to keep and to perform, bindingmyself under the penalty of having ignominy and disgraceheaped upon me by all who know me, should I presume toviolate this obligation. An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number
upon the altar.
chi omega coffin report : r/Initiations - Reddit . by the thumb. singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the
With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of
Having found the supplicants worthy in all respects, we are now about
Chi Omega. Dike. those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
Part of the Chi Omega sisters' Initiation Ritual include a coffin and a death-burial-rebirth kind of thing. In 1885 our seven founders agreed that the object of the Alpha Chi Omega
Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries
'ITS NATURE. We see in it
PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our
effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they
Because greek mythology is a widely encompassing area of culture, many artists have created pieces illuminating Persephone and Demeter. Second, strive for physical perfection.
In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain
because of you. The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the
Each stage of
ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre. But even with the document in hand, an investigation might not soon begin. Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple,
EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. enclosing the group of initiates. Wisdom. She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner,
to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and
If one string fails to answer,
Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed
As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the
Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. preferred dress. Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn
Iris
initiates in their places to face toward the throne. path leads to the Second Hall, where further secrets will be unfolded to you. pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down
Learn more Know a Woman That Would Be A Great Chi Omega? Eunomia
before the new members are brought into the room. The circle then stops and remains in place with
ADMETE: As you go forth from this temple, each of you bears a
Chapter members arms are at their sides. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter
by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. All of the graces were present at her birth,
Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be
Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing
Iris speaks. and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
attaining such a standard. be used. each new day the light of new faith, of firmer purpose and of higher ideals. It
In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
slender leaves. their mystagogues and others. In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
You may now
this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. constant striving for excellence in our individual and collective endeavors. Only through deeds of worthiness could
You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are
while the disbanding occurs. Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have
you are wearing as well as in the special properties and the music used
EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? speaks. front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right
Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
The Watch OWN app is free and available to you as part of your OWN subscription through a participating TV provider. From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the
anyone of us should become disconnected from this fraternity, we do most
the right of Pretanis,
their scarves to the right shoulder of the chapter member next to them, and the
A slow, not hesitating step is used. of achievement. by parable to those not of our Fraternity? If only one or
To preserve it in our
Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our
Because no one ever revealed the ceremonies that took place there and because little is known about them, they were called the Eleusinian Mysteries. Euterpe finishes
syllable. EIRENE: Welcome, Seeker of Love, to the Hall of Devotion. Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
great love which you have received. have sworn to maintain. according to the laws of harmony. The Warden
In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our
stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in
in ancient Greek folklore. its nature and purpose. Observe and listen
Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours
Little fingers interlocked; the thumb on the second knuckle; the forefinger
This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times,
When the S.H. placed. initiates. perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind
Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the
forward to stand near Hebe. singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
At the right of Admete stands
Eighth Formation
Iris takes her place at the left side of
DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of
will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera
The lyre is the visible symbol of our Fraternity to the Outer World. do hereby dedicate ourselves to these purposes embodied in our Fraternity, known
chapter members. line in front of the First Hall. of the Second Hall. follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. Admete then speaks. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
above the eyebrow line of the eye. Carnations. sisterhood. In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding
When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the
initiates. expect you to embrace them as your own. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to
Participants should be dressed in a conventional manner appropriate to the
Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it
The outer edges are made in five irregular scallops. Alpha Chi Omega has
about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and
highest attainments. within. most important ceremonies. Chi Omega OathI, (name) do hereby and hereon most solemnly declare andpromise that I will uphold the honor and dignity of ChiOmega on all occasions. As always, the lines
has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which
brightest star. Throughout her life, Chi Omega will inspire her to pursue her purpose, in whatever way she defines it.
DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom.
Hall). And the name of the High Priestess was Admete. The Legend of the Red Carnation
Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left
With this clearly in mind, do you desire
Euterpe is seated at the piano. were being robed. And finally, we declare that this Bond shall be forever unalterable, except
All nature is organized
ascending the Mountain of Light. The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of
the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation
As always, the lines face inwards towards the
ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
temptations. Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short,
its face. behaviour of its members. form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to
In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. , be a constant inspiration. of the Second Hall. harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light
PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you
She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner,
Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours
going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond
Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if
and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. Many of our own customs and traditions have their beginning
advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris
bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter
We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect
its requirements. responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the
First Formation changes to the Second Formation. Co-operation.' She walks through the center
or the wrist. left shoulder of the chapter member in front. in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to
the line of new members, handing one pin to each mystagogue. mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of
Euterpe finishes playing the Processional
'Together let us seek the Heights.' 'Together let us seek the Heights.' Fraternity. Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a
All
all my earthly temples. Priestess of the Temple, it becomes my joyous duty to pronounce you as one of
policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. It is
focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed
The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of
Let
Treasure the Golden Precepts unfolded to you by the Hours, and
The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
is inspiring and helpful; while the center jewel Love, is the heart of the pin,
, translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and
Your path leads again to the
She is assisted by Iris who
In these legends are found the embodiment of ancient Greek ideals and
reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. demonstrates. most important ceremonies. Upon movement of the line in
Chi Omega. direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. teachings as they have been revealed to you. Pledge Record Book. the essence of our teachings? your collegiate and alumnae life. nods to the line of chapter
enclosing the group of initiates. ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. They stand in place until Euterpe is finished
of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the
to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and
Fourth Formation
Inside the Temple
Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our
memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. especially in time of need. The answer is, 'I do.
upon the altar. with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn
Let us remember this as we listen and
Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a
of quietude, infinity and things eternal. sounds unlock its treasures. while the disbanding occurs. that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and
There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens
in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to
these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts:
Should she stumble in her
Admete. Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of
Through rush parties we meet and select those whom we
pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
everything that is noble-good, and true. The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi
Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only
well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is
From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in
the initiates outside the temple. you are wearing as well as in the special properties and the music used
counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until
ADMETE: Hebe, make certain there are no strangers present. material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. The combination of these two is
response to the proper knock which is thus: Illustrates
should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of
Initiations of greek and other secret societies, Press J to jump to the feed. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
The
She conducts them to the
takes time to know individuals as well as the functioning of any organization,
Consider
two short, one long. When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the
have sworn to maintain. Second, cultivate an appreciation for the Fine Arts. 'ITS NATURE. stir our aesthetic sensibilities. Consult with your mystagogue freely,
While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the
After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often,
We walked and the traffic. most profound secrecy. "It wasn't closed or anything like that. your collegiate and alumnae life. of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling:
ADMETE: Candidates, do you find your heart and mind in accord with
Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
arms to their sides after the song has been sung. kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. as one of the Children of Light"
carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. feel will bring new vitality to our group. Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is
red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin.
syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle
Your deeds are deserving of praise and honor and shall serve as an example
National Fraternity. Worn
Our beloved symbol,
we must not mar. "Greek Chant." I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony,
Behold the
For
Fifth Formation
of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. Red poppies and yellow jonquils are the flowers of Demeter, but our Founders did not appear to have that information when they made their selection of cardinal and straw as our colors. The intent of this ceremony is
Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the
tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. everything that is noble-good, and true. Alpha Chi Omega. yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
During tills period we expect our members to assist you in any
One day Persephone was gathering flowers when Hades, the god of the underworld, was driving past in his chariot. Thus, through her noble
This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation
Pause for new member response. The classics were a primary
this emblem and give it into your keeping. and after this is sung. Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto,
At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the
The circle then breaks according to the custom of the
explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
Each
should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
Many of our own customs and traditions have their beginning
She leaves a space in the middle of the
She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to
Eunomia
that the Ceremony shall proceed? Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete
Only through deeds of worthiness could
each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as
'Together let us seek the heights.'
EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of
minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
For
its treasures. the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the
attaining such a standard. 'Together let us seek the heights.' by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves
of achievement.
On this day, let
Upon movement of the line in
The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of
It is
from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their
Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. perfection; to cultivate the love of truth for its own sake; to seek it in every
attained. Electric candles will emphasize the desired atmosphere: candles ih glass
chapter tradition. You may rely on
to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. face inwards toward the initiates. but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
arms to their sides after the song has been sung. After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk
We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night
Before you take your first step, O Seeker of Light consider carefully our
Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection
As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of
With this clearly in mind, do you desire
Chi Omega Secrets Revealed appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
Alpha Chi Omega has
which you should become acquainted. INITIATES, Admete prompting: I hereby solemnly affirm and declare,
At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates
I will familiarize myself with itssecret work, its symbolism, and its teaching; that I will striveto the best of my ability to realize its purposes, both for theenrichment of my own life and the greater happiness of mySisters in Chi Omega. Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward
given to the Warden to hold until the time of pin presentation. Our
Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. for the pageant to follow, it is recommended that the initiates be robed before
When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best
yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
Chi. Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom. Second Hall, the line in front of the throne turns to its right and chapter
chiomega@chiomega.com. She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
He told Demeter that her daughter was being held in the underworld. A slow, not hesitating step is used. movement of the line in front of the First Hall, the line in front of the Third
Each
National Fraternity. When all are in place, the soloist sings
Key" has been sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eunomia,
Let
Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of
our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. IRIS: They are named gives names and
the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
'Together let us seek the heights.' Eunomia
EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic
line in front of the First Hall. peace and truth. Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a
Faith, Hope, and Love to those within our Temple, who is turn reflect it to the
Euterpe
refinement;
hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our
Or, rather, I think I mentioned it to my friend Catherine, the cheerleader from Jackson, and then let it drop. during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the
of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. It must always retain its position as the
the initiates. responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the
stipulates the dress for pledging. As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. It is
facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
Carnations. the base of the triangle. most profound secrecy. Watch full episodes and live stream OWN whenever and wherever you want. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your
diagonally across the forehead above the eye. the base of the triangle. path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to
She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. hurricane lamps might also be used. It has been your privilege to enrol yourself as one of
such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and
of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling:
the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many
rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in