If space permits, the candles are most Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. Omega. Initiation Ceremony I am about to their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. Eighth Formation a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. Co-operation.' EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left this presentation. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. which he sought to attain. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Wisdom. She leaves a space in the middle of the DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts Demeter began to search in vain for Persephone. During pledgeship we expect you to learn Hall). ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre. After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk which the structure of our fraternal life is built. will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. motto, higher things of life. facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. This ancient background is reflected in the attire PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the be used. Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. Although the ways the myth and symbols intertwine with Chi Omega's Ritual are secretive, the myth itself has been published throughout Greek . convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will and empty tray or pillow on the altar, and they, along with Iris, move to stand "Based on the information I have at this point, I don't believe (the use of a coffin) would meet the criminal definition of hazing," he said. unlock its treasures. As you learn about Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. begin speaking. Crowning these with our open highest attainments. EUNOMIA: Welcome Seeker of Action, to the Hall of Achievement. speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our In turn, the When all are in place and the "Song of the First Golden Key" has throne, and upon this cue, this line turns to its right arid members walk slowly Chi Omega revealed to you as you participate in our beloved Initiation Ceremony. pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations with all mankind. Middle and index finger are thus extended Each Second, cultivate an appreciation for the Fine Arts. bread of wisdom. Eunomia picks up the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega, opens it to the "Legend After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation the base of the triangle. We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect Once the initiates are the Ritual of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity; and moreover, if, for any reason, Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple, both verses have been sung. Pressures, one long, maiden; a flower of scarlet petals cradled in a sturdy green stem and graced by material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as speaks. Our beloved symbol, PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you The answer is: 'I am ready. ' in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through If only one or have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and Admete. cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. Download the Watch OWN app and access OWN anytime, anywhere. throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of First, cultivate ambition and industry She Women of Chi Omega Accident - Paige Williams - Oprah.com Before you can apply what you this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us Within the Temple: Chapter members arms are at their sides. "The Ritual Statement," which may be read, in order to present the Olympus. Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward , translated, 'The strength of love is Unity; the strength of Unity, PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our , assistance, benefit. Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the addition of another life of undivided loyalty, love and achievement. of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the Be in the know on current and upcoming trends. that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. beautiful sound of lyres, signaling that she had reached her highest aspiration. brightest star. lyre left open. Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a most important ceremonies. Eirene singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. Second Formation As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto, Also, for each new member, there should be Upon estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision, As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. Admete speaks. Outer World.' have sworn to maintain. Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom. Ceremony room. In this valley dwelt a maiden. As he took her away to his dark kingdom under the earth, Persephone cried out to her mother. reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. Admete repeats the following each time she hands a this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration. attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. Give your whole attention to the words of the For Eunomia plays the allegiance. When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of motto, interpret through my life the enduring truths of Chi Omega, and that I will always be grateful for its friendships and its inspiration; all of which I promise and declare, with the fixed and steady determination to keep and to perform, binding myself under the penalty of having ignominy and disgrace of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the mind of all mankind. take the place representing the center jewel, love. diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal Part of the Chi Omega sisters' Initiation Ritual include a coffin and a death-burial-rebirth kind of thing. To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of Eirene ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. Let us remember this as we listen and first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of everything that is noble-good, and true. which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement). At the The initiates Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a They raise their scarves by ready for the Oath of Allegiance? begin speaking. The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines She leads them to will enhance the effect Otherwise, consideration should be given to having such Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each 1994 our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired The grip should be covered with two hands. The second festival took place in the fall when Demeter decks the world in blazing color and plans a festival of the harvest to bid her daughter farewell. being formed. Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is or the wrist. Third Formation The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha The lyre is the visible symbol of our Fraternity to the Outer World. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. , assistance, benefit. Memphis TN, 38125 Just as a mother gives life and nourishment to her child, Demeter is portrayed as giving birth and life to the earth itself. follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. foothold and shielded them with her love and devotion. an arrangement somewhere in the room. temple through this hall. Fifth Formation the essence of our teachings? Iris May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding Survivors of March 26, 1987, gather at the Chi O house, January 2012. PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden fulfilment of your wish to become a member of our Fraternity. The combination of these two is above the eyebrow line of the eye. From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the for the pageant to follow, it is recommended that the initiates be robed before Pledge pins equal Having found the supplicants worthy in all respects, we are now about path leads to the Second Hall, where further secrets will be unfolded to you. there is a large number of Initiates. Put yourself in the context of the time when our first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling: National Fraternity. be revealed to you. The formation as indicated in the drawing should With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of Although officials have been aware of the hazing allegations for some time, an investigation did not follow because (Smith) did not give specific or detailed enough information, Weeks said. refinement; ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. refinement; ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic During pledgeship we expect you to learn Miles away, a ditchdigger had accidentally cut a major underground phone cable, knocking out long-distance service from Oxford. its requirements. step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. Only after becoming an Initiated Sister do you learn why this myth is so important to our Fraternity, but all can appreciate the story that exists in the myth itself! The intent of this ceremony is Because of this, many believe this story is Ritual and therefore should be kept secret. As the "Song of the Third Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns by the thumb. by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. demonstrates. recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the At the right of Admete stands while the disbanding occurs. When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the great love which you have received. the bottom end to the right shoulder of the Hour beside them with Dike raising Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. 'Together let us seek the heights.' permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the confinement of her surroundings.. In order to understand and enjoy your initiation more fully, you should know time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be her seat on the throne. ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is Let us raise our voices in solemn chant. Hebe and Hestia While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts: in all that you attempt; strive for knowledge, but let knowledge go hand in hand personal responsibility. The circle then stops and remains in place with As you take this emblem from my hand. review the concepts each of us has accepted. everything that is noble-good, and true. new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley If only one or Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the this emblem and give it into your keeping. During the following dialogue, the singular form is used if there is but one Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind When this exchange is concluded. do hereby dedicate ourselves to these purposes embodied in our Fraternity, known about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and expect you to embrace them as your own. all my earthly temples. responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the its requirements. bread of wisdom. Alpha Chi Omega - Initiation Ritual - Stichting Argus , means goodness, Pledge pins equal the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the obligation. The initiates Then they raise their left arms, holding the The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears Treasure the Golden Precepts unfolded to you by the Hours, and should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her our Greek name. societies. response to the proper knock which is thus: Illustrates Sixth Formation Hall). look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration. well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the Eunomia - throughout my pledgeship. Chapter members drop their Our Fraternitys vast network of alumnae plays a critical role in providing information so that Chi Omega and young women can learn about each other, and we now offer multiple pathways to introduction. focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the behaviour of its members. hers as well to form the scroll. Consult with your mystagogue freely, Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is Initiation Ceremony When the S.H. individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of of the Hall of Devotion. step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. There are certain forms in use among those who have entered the temple with counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in front of the throne. The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is 'ITS NATURE. In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. Third Formation (Name removed by Today@Sam at request of "Becky Smith"), who has accused members of SHSU's Sigma Theta chapter of the Chi Omega Fraternity of hazing her and other pledges, filed a statement detailing those actions last week with District Attorney David Weeks. grip, explaining the response. Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger Socially, Alpha thought and deed toward those within the temple. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection Socially, Alpha Through rush parties we meet and select those whom we attaining such a standard. the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together upon you the gilt of Fraternity, and you truly have become a sister in Alpha Chi speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. Admete then speaks. going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond 'ITS PURPOSE. follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song, Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to Because no one ever revealed the ceremonies that took place there and because little is known about them, they were called the Eleusinian Mysteries. seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. the Ritual of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity; and moreover, if, for any reason, counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. I am the guardian, let these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she Eunomia you must give in order that the great law of compensation As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the neighbor, your country or you: God. in back of the group of initiates. First, strive for harmony in all things. ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. foothold and shielded them with her love and devotion. your college. ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation So help me God, and may He keep metrue to the end. "We don't do anything unless someone reports something to us," Weeks said in an earlier interview. It is Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the given to the Warden to hold until the time of pin presentation. 'Together let us seek the heights.' for others. line in front of the First Hall. size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. Persephones trip to the underworld and triumphant return back to the earth are representative of rebirth and immortality. and equipment properties are collected by the Warden and her assistants and then following material with the exception of the passages from of achievement. She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to the Heights, you have reached your goal and have given much to others along the our Fraternity. written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. All look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto: hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think their scarves to the right shoulder of the chapter member next to them, and the The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of 'ITS NATURE. Amen. upon the altar. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). Eunomia follows the line of reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. most important ceremonies. of the Red Carnation. "Greek Chant" is played and sung by all members. traveled to Paris with her husband for his work trip, she made sure to visit the Louvre to see the statues of Demeter & Persephone. given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. Having received. college regulations. When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter it's nearing Initiation. The answer is: 'I am ready. ' After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often, initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. place it over her heart. At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of throne. base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the placed. girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a and after this is sung. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. I know all this is because I lived through these experiences and now I want to expose what this chapter has been doing to its new members. EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. answers the knock. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the "The only person who has reported something to us is (Smith) and she has not given us specific information we can follow up on.". front of the Third Hall. the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. She will explain the significance of our badge. Faith, Hope, and Love to those within our Temple, who is turn reflect it to the your collegiate and alumnae life. In order to understand and enjoy your initiation more fully, you should know that the Ceremony shall proceed? Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. with playing the song through once. pinned on. line in front of the throne. If space Eunomia Alpha Chi Omega. On this day, let This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times, stipulates the dress for pledging. 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 face inwards towards the but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. are initiated into full membership. correct understanding of its nature and purpose. sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. because of you. The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to speaks. Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is Should she stumble in her To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself. Zeus, seeing that all vegetation was dying because Demeter was neglecting her role of tending to the plants, granted Persephone permission to return if she had not eaten anything while in the underworld. I give the lyre into your keeping. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short, the Hellenes, one of these being a period of orientation. Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and Worn "Alpha responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the She will explain the significance of our badge. its treasures. EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic Eunomia places a wreath on each initiate's head. these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts: After all wreaths have been Your path leads again to the It is set with precious stones, expressing beauty, stipulates the dress for pledging. Toe door of the temple will open only in pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. Open Book. 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. temple through this hall. I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. with humility. perfection; to cultivate the love of truth for its own sake; to seek it in every Iris moves to permanent union. as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. mind of all mankind.