M o d e r n E c u m e n i c a l C h u r c h
M o d e r n C h r i s t i a n S p i r i t u a l i t y
C h u r c h C a l e n d a r
We like to say, there are only four cardinals in the Ecumenical Church :
the four cardinal days of the solar year : the two equinoxes and the two solstices.
These four extra-ordinary days become for us, our Holy Days.
The ancient Hebrew Bible states us that the earth once took 360 days - not 365.25 days to circle the sun. Some account for this difference, by suggesting an event, possibly associated with the planet Mars, threw the earth out of it's regular 360 day orbit of the sun, and added an additional 5.25 days to the annual trip. Other ancient cultures also share the 360 day calendar tradition.
" The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands "
Psalm 19
The Heavens reveal to us, both ordinary days, and extra-ordinary days. There are four truly extra-ordinary days which act as 'turning points' (cardinal points), in our year. These four days, signal change. They are days of great significance for us - days blessed by the heavens for our benefit ! These revealed days, become our choice days for honouring our Creator (New Year Feast of Creation - First Fruits), our Messiah (Feast of Nativity and Feast of Passion of our Messiah), and our spiritual Path (Great Sabbath - Feast of liberation).
At present, there are many calendars, depending on which culture or country you live in. The Ecumenical Church has searched for extra-ordinary days in our year, that are TRULY extra-ordinary. We seek these special days, in order to take time out from our regular activities, to honour and praise the Lord and celebrate the key events in Aquarian spirituality.
There are four truly unique days each year on earth : they are called the Cardinal Days - meaning hinge days - days when seasons end and new ones begin. They are of course, the two equinox days and the two solstice days. These days become for us, the High Holy Days of the Aquarian Church.
Our Creator has given us, four truly extra-ordinary days each year on earth. The four cardinal points create the
symbol of a cross - the Messiah's cross. This cross is also used as a symbol of the Aquarian church.
The Ecumenical Church celebrates sacred time as a way of more deeply entering into the sanctity and meaning of life.
Many modern people seek a spiritual life, and not just a materialist existence. However, to attain a holy life ( a meaningful life, filled with beneficial relationships, which bring real happiness and true salvation ), companions must first strive to live a more self - disciplined life.
Self understanding and self discipline, are the keys to attaining a good spiritual health.
Rituals are an important way to create a disciplined lifestyle.
A spiritual life, is essentially a well-disciplined life : a life freed from desiring needless things (that have no true meaning or real benefit). A spiritual life brings true happiness - contentment, pleasure, fulfilment and joy. But to attain these many 'blessings', we must first, practice disciplined living.
Rituals help us to order our lives. Structured rituals are designed to invite you into a sacred state - be it alone or with others. In this sacred time, an attitude of peace, love and harmony is nourished (what we once called 'food for the soul').
This 'daily nourishment of the soul', through meditation, becomes a foundational discipline.
Time-out for daily meditation is important. We also need time-out days, where we can stop all 'regular activities of daily living', and spend more time on our spirituality and our treasured relationships.
Hence the weekly sabbath gives us regular 'time out' from daily life : time to replenish our souls
and relationships.
The highest teachings, rituals and traditions of the church, come together, as we celebrate the 'high holy days' : days which acknowledge the special place, that certain teachings of the church, have in our lives.
The church, in it's wisdom, turns to the earth's own time calendar, to identify the extraordinary (sacred) times of the year, when we can celebrate the specific teachings & traditions of the church. These so called Cardinal Days, provide for all inhabitants of earth, extra-ordinary days.
The ancient spiritual traditions of earth time.
Many ancient people understood the importance of being connected to "earth time" - to be in harmony with, and aware of, the seasonal cycles that played an important role in their survival. From their observations, the ancient star gazers began to understand seasonality, and identify key days in the year, which signalled change. These 'cardinal days' were important in helping ancient societies to prepare for the season ahead. Thus, the solstices and equinoxes were celebrated, marking the expected change and confirming that all was well on earth and in heaven.
For us today, we can identify the four cardinal days (the two equinoxes and two solstices) as four truly extra-ordinary days of the year, which all of humanity can celebrate. These four cardinal days are truly extra-ordinary days on earth - and can be celebrated all around the world.
As long as the earth continues it's cycle around the sun, these four days will repeat each year.
The truly extra-ordinary days of the year (there are only 4 of these days each year), can also be an occasion to stand back from daily life, and celebrate, reflect upon, and connect with, life in a deeper way.
The M.E. Church has chosen to celebrate the four extra-ordinary days of the year - the cardinal (hinge) days, which mark the passage of earth time (the start of each new season and the changes in the length of days) : the solstices and equinoxes.
These four cardinal days, provide us with four 'extra-ordinary' holidays, which become opportunities for time out, or holi-days - days for reflection, rest and re-creation; which helps each of us, to appreciate the wholeness of life.
Thus our holi-days, are not just a symbol of freedom, but a deliberate act of liberation.
On these days, we neither perform work, nor cause others to work.
In this way, we all share in the freedom that holidays provide.
By creating common holi-days, we enable entire communities, to take time out together.
In the modern 24/7 world, common days of rest, where most people can participate in a holiday break, is increasingly rare. We need to encourage our governments to protect the people from the demands of corporations, who would prefer that we all engaged in 24/7 commerce (which requires people to work on weekends and public holidays, especially in service industries such as retail and tourism - despite these industries being 'non'essential' - unlike healthcare).
Holidays are a sacred blessing worth protecting. Holidays free us from the routine of daily life, and thus enable us to spend quality time, contemplating the bigger issues of life, as well as interacting with different people, including our loved ones, on a deeper level.
The Ecumenical Church year commences on the September Equinox (approx 21st Sept). The commencement of the new Church year, celebrates the creation of the universe as an act of love. ("In the beginning, God created heaven and earth" Genesis 1). We commence our reading cycle of the Holy Scriptures, by studying the Old Testament for the next 3 months.
The Second Holy Day, is the Feast of the Nativity of the Messiah - (December Solstice - approx 21 Dec) commemorating the birth of the Messiah. For the next three months, we study the life and teachings of the Messiah, leading up to his final entry into Jerusalem.
The third Holy Day, is the Passion of the Messiah - (March Equinox - approx 21st March), commemorating the final acts of the Messiah, from the entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, to the Ascension. For the next three months, we study the Acts of the Apostles (Luke Acts, Paul and the Apostolic epistles).
The fourth and final Holy Day for the year, is the Great Sabbath (June Solstice - approx 21st June). This is our Feast of Liberation, when we take time out from our ordinary life, and commence a period of spiritual rest and re-creation. For the next three months we read read the prophetic gospels (ie Thesselonian epistle, Revelation), as we study the end times. This leads us to the end of the church year - the September Equinox - the Feast of the Holy Spirit - who is the begining and the end - the Alpha and the Omega.
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M o d e r n C h r i s t i a n S p i r i t u a l i t y
H o l y D a y s
Whilst the ancient star gazers understood the importance of special days,
that helped them to mark the passage of time (and help predict future events),
we today, can also find meaning in marking the auspicious days of the year
( such as the four cardinal days - equinox & solstice - cardinal meaning 'hinge' )
We would do well to use these truly extra-ordinary days, to break from our busy routines,
and take time out to ponder the great mysteries of our majestic universe,
and take a deeper interest in our earthly habitat, and all it's sacred inhabitants.
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M o d e r n C h r i s t i a n S p i r i t u a l i t y
T h e H o l y D a y s
There are FOUR Feast Days in the Ecumenical Church calendar.
The four festive days are linked to the solstice and equinox cardinal time points.
They occur four times each year.
These four days are our only regular extra-ordinary calendar days on earth.
The four days are common to all humanity and a wonderful opportunity to invite
inhabitants from the world over, to experience spiritual living on these days.
Companions prepare for each festive occasion (holy-day), by fasting
prior to each feast day, and performing extra-ordinary acts of kindness :
such as a donating or volunteering at a local charity.
Fasting is an ancient discipline, designed to help us to appreciate our many blessings
(such as abundant food in good times). We fast, to live life with greater awareness.
Hunger provides a reminder, that we are in a state of preparation.
The level of fasting can depend on one's personal circumstance, such as age, health, daily activity.
Some may choose to forego all food, and only consume fruit and vegetable juices for 3 days, whilst others may
choose to simply eat a more modest main meal than usual, foregoing any appealing deserts or luxurious snacks.
After the short fast, you will certainly enhance your appreciation of any special meals enjoyed on the feast day !
The Ecumenical Church celebrates the holy days at it's regular monthly Celebration Gathering,
which are held on the 3rd Sabbath Day of the month (i.e. the 3rd Saturn-Day or Sun-Day of the month )
So what should we do on these Holy Days ?
MATTHEW 18:15-18. " WE KEEP SHALOM ON SHABAT "
- meaning : we seek peace on the Sabbath (i.e. no work or tasks).
1. N e w Y e a r s D a y
( F e a s t o f C r e a t i o n or F e a s t o f F i r s t F r u i t s )
Equinox Day : approx. 21 September 2010
On the day of the September Equinox, we celebrate the creation (Genesis 1), and honour the Creator.
We celebrate the creation of the universe as an act of love, of a loving Creator.
We give thanks to the Creator for creating and loving us.
For the last 3 months, we have been studying the prophetic scriptures,
which culminates in humanity's unification with the Creator.
The Book of Revelation completes the annual reading cycle of the Scriptures.
This feast day, is a celebration of the anticipation that we shall
enter into the presence of the Creator in the next life !
After this Feast day, we re-start the annual reading program
at the very start of the Bible : the Book of Genesis.
We read the Old Testament for the next 3 months,
seeking to understand the ancient revelations of the Holy Spirit,
prior to the time of the Messiah's birth !
2. F e a s t o f t h e N a t i v i t y
Solstice Day : approx. 21 - 23 December
Today, we celebrate the birth of the Messiah - Jesus / YaH-uW-sHu-wa
On this day, we study the events leading up to the nativity
and the birth narrative of the Messiah.
For the next 3 months, we focus our reading on the life of the Messiah
from his early ministry, up until the final Jerusalem entry.
3. P a s s i o n o f t h e M e s s i a h
Equinox Day : approx. 21st March each year.
The sun enters the Constellation of Pisces.
The Age of Pisces is our present Age : the Age of The Son (the Messiah).
On Equinox day, we celebrate the 'Passion of the Messiah ' - honouring the sacrifice
of the Messiah YaH-uW-sHu-wa on the cross. On this day, we reflect on the final weeks of
the Messiah's life, which culminates in his ascension to heaven, and the beginning of the Apostolic era.
This evening, we eat a memorial meal : the Messiah's ( Moshiach's ) meal.
We read the Holy Scriptures which describe the Messiah's last meal :
Matthew 26:17-30 New International Version (NIV)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A17-30&version=NIV
We now commence our reading of the acts of the Apostles in the New Testament.
For the next 3 months, we study the Apostolic era ( Luke's Acts, Paul's Roman Epistle, Hebrews etc ).
4. G r e a t S a b b a t h
( F e a s t o f L i b e r a t i o n )
Solstice : approx 21 June each year.
We now commence study of the final book of the New Testament : the Book of Revelation
We also seek out other prophetic texts in the Bible which illuminate our times, such as the Thessalonian Epistle
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M o d e r n C h r i s t i a n S p i r i t u a l i t y
P e r s o n a l A n n i v e r s a r i e s
O u r C r e a t i o n D a y
Companions of the M.E. Church can choose to celebrate the anniversary of their conception
(creation) on or around the known (or presumed) day of conception.
Thus we honour the Creator, who conceived all things.
Honouring our moment of creation, helps us to remember, that life begins at creation,
and not at birth. All of life's passage is sacred. The developing human inside a mother's womb,
is as sacred as a baby who has passed through it's mother's waters and now freely breathes air.
Abortion is wrong when a healthy foetus is killed for no good reason, such as saving the mother's life.
The M.E. Church proclaims that a human being's natural and self evident rights, begins at conception, not birth.
Personal anniversaries, such as one's annual Creation Day can be an occasion to offer Thanksgiving to one's parents and
grandparents, or other significant people who are or may have been important in your life journey. It should be a time for
honoring parents / carers, and also a time for reconciliation / reunion between parents and off-springs.
We should all strive to distance ourselves from today's popular ego-based and commerce driven birthday celebration
culture, which is currently in vogue in modern society. Constantly expecting gifts, feasting, drinking and inflated accolades
has only served to feed the increasingly fragile ego of children and adults.
For children, the Church suggests Creation Day should be celebrated as Family occasions. A family banquet should be the
highlight of the day, and gift giving should be minimised or reserved for the Christmas celebrations.
Children can be guided towards honoring their parents or carers by making a gift card,
a small crafted gift or finding flowers.
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A D a y f o r F a m i l i e s
Let us not celebrate Mother's Day or Father's Day. Instead, let us create a Family Day !
A day that unites a father and mother, reflects the centrality of this union and the reality
of the nuclear family, as the true cornerstone of human society (not governments, not
kings or judges, not corporations, not even priests or religious organisations !).
A thanksgiving day for honouring all the members of the family, including those who are
no longer with us. The Feast of the Nativity (Christmas), is not a family re-union day.
It is a day to celebrate the birth of the Messiah. This day is a day to attend Church, and
reflect upon the birth story of the Son. Thanksgiving Day in the US, is already a day of
family gathering - perhaps this occasion can be extended around the world, and became
a true feast day for families.
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M o d e r n C h r i s t i a n S p i r i t u a l i t y
P e r s o n a l M i l e s t o n e s
Four significant transitional days should be celebrated by Companions and their families.
The three key transition years can be marked with special Initiations - the Seventh Year Initiation (child-hood),
the Fourteenth Year Initiation (youth), the Twenty-first Year Initiation (adult-hood) and finally,
the 50th Year Jubilee - the age of elder-ship.
1. The Seventh Year Initiation
The 7th year is a family celebration, marked by parents or carers taking the child and siblings for a special holiday to
celebrate their child's "Creation day". The destination should provide quality time for relaxation, family solitude, as well
as activity (especially outdoor activity) - and should culminate with a family banquet. The occasion should help bond the
family together and celebrate the child's transition to their formation years.
2. The Fourteenth Year Initiation
The 14th year since Creation, is an occasion for the extended family of the Initiated to spend a special weekend together.
Those gathered, should be from the same sex as the initiate. For example, if the Initiate is a boy, then fathers, uncles,
male cousins and other significant males which are close to the family, should arrange a weekend to include challenging
physical activities, outdoor camping (if possible), as well as time for solitude and group relaxation. The family patriarch /
matriarch (or wise elder) should led discussions on ethics / morals / family / education / community - which accord with
the religious traditions of the group.
3. The Twenty-first Year Initiation
The 21st Year since Creation, is a public celebration - a banquet, sponsored by the family or carers, which celebrates the
adulthood of the offspring, and an occasion for the Initiate to thank all those who have been involved in their upbringing.
4. The Jubilee 50th Year Celebration
After completing 7 cycles of 7 years, the 50th anniversary of Creation, should be a special thankgiving celebration.
The companion is now entering their 'wisdom years' - their life experience can now inspires & guides the younger
generations. We should thus honour companions, and anoint them, as wise elders, in our community.
Other festive celebrations
Companions of the Church should be free to join all family, friend's, religious and
community celebrations outside of the Ecumenical Church.
Inter-religious friendship is to be encouraged!
Our friendship should also be extended to those who follow no religious or spiritual life !
Invite them to experience the Ecumenical Church and Christian Spirituality !
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