Novitiate Training

Becoming a Novice of the E.G.C.

• The potential novice should already be confirmed in the EGC.
• Establish an agreement for supervision with an EGC. Bishop.
• Contact the Horizon EGC secretary and let them know of your intention to become a novice, and the name of your supervising bishop.
• The Novice should be prepared to meet the requirement guidelines listed below for the desired office and set ordination as a goal.  Alternate program parameters may be set with the supervising bishop.

E.G.C. Education

Novices are invited and encouraged to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the novitiate program, including EGC. Boot Camp, monthly Novitiate Nights, and workshops.  Additionally, novices are encouraged to develop and present topics of their own.

Practice of the Ritual

Novices are expected to practice Liber XV frequently to attain and retain proficiency in the role(s) of study. Practices can be facilitated by Horizon’s Novitiate Nights.

Local novices will not be invited to celebrate the Gnostic Mass publicly in any officer role until they have demonstrated their proficiency in a private ceremony and the E.G.C. Secretary has been informed by their supervising bishop that they have passed this requirement.

Novices wishing to practice a particular role at Novitiate Night or to exemplify (prove proficiency) in a role should contact the EGC. Secretary to schedule a time.

Writing and research

Over the course of training, novices may be asked to write papers on a variety of subjects. Recommended topic include:

• A personal essay explaining your interest in the EGC. and your goals upon enrolling.

• After experiencing the Gnostic Mass as a child: An essay examining the symbolism of the Mass from the perspective of the child role. Completion required before public performance as a deacon.

• After experiencing the Gnostic Mass as a deacon:  An essay examining the symbolism of the Mass from the perspective of the deacon role.  Completion required before public performance as a priest or priestess and prior to ordination as a deacon.

• After experiencing the Gnostic Mass as a priest or priestess:  An essay examining the symbolism of the Mass from the perspective of the priest or priestess role.  Completion required prior to ordination as a priest or priestess.

• A biographical essay on the Gnostic saint of your choice.

Quarterly Check In

Clergy are expected to be in contact with their supervising bishop at least once per quarter to discuss progress and check in.

Recommended Reading

Familiarity with the Holy Books of the O.T.O. is highly recommended. Contact your supervising bishop for additional recommended reading. Opportunities to discuss recommended reading will be made at Novitiate Night.

Experienced Novices

While everyone is encouraged to fulfill the requirements of the program as written, any current Novice who has been performing the role of priest or priestess for more than a year is invited to contact their supervising bishop to set up a personalized program.

Ordained Clergy

Currently ordained clergy are asked to make themselves available to mentor novitiates. Additionally, ordained clergy may be called upon to develop workshops to facilitate novice education and to present them at a Novitiate Night or other planned workshop time.

Temple Steward Education

The Temple Stewards information is currently being developed for the purpose of educating each individual who uses the Horizon temple with instructions for the care of the space.  Information may at first be distributed randomly, as policies are set, but ultimately we plan to have a training class in place with a comprehensive body of information.  It is the expectation that all Horizon clergy keep abreast of these policies as they become available.