verified
2,353
edits
Line 41:
==Organization==
Lunarism is organized in a hierarchical structure. The lowest level of organization, which is the head of an individual Lunarist church, the priest (священник, ''svyashchennik''), and its attendees constitute a parish (приход, ''prihod''). The parishes of a geographical region then make up an {{Wp|eparchy}} who are led by a bishop (епископ, ''yepiskop''). Bishops and priests are assisted by deacons (Диаконы, ''Diakony'') in a variety of ministerial and administrative roles. There are
The highest level of local authority within Lunarism are the Lunar Councils (Лунный совет, ''Lunnyy sovet''), which comprise of the
The High Elder is the head of the Lunarist Church worldwide and enjoys extensive administrative powers. The High Elder holds canonical jurisdiction over the eparchies of Lunarism, though they do not have single-handed authority over matters pertaining to faith or issues concerning the entirety of the Lunarist Church.
Line 53:
=== Lunar Councils ===
Lunar Councils are the highest level of authority for an eparchy. They are composed of the bishop(s) of an eparchy as well as representatives from the local clergy and laypersons. Each parish has the right to send a representative to the eparchy's Lunar Council. Lunar Councils are responsible for discussion and resolution of issues and affairs, doctrine, religious and moral life, device management, and discipline within an eparchy.
=== Council of Bishops ===
The Council of Bishops is the highest authority in the hierarchy of the Lunarist Church. It is comprised of the bishops of all the eparchies in Lunarism and meets in [[Volkgoroda]] to deal with matters of faith, morality, rite, and canonical and cultural life within Lunarism as a whole. The Council of Bishops also elects the Elder Council and the High Elder, who is the head of the Lunarist faith. Parishes may send delegates to Council of Bishops meetings but do not have voting power.
The Elder Council have permanent seats on the Council of Bishops and are permitted to vote on matters the Council of Bishops handle, however they are forbidden from voting in Elder Council elections. The High Elder chairs meetings of the Council of Bishops.
=== Elder Council ===
Line 68 ⟶ 72:
* Elder Galina - Metropolitan of Zarinsk
* Elder Dima - Metropolitan of Likhoslavl
=== High Elder ===
The High Elder is the worldwide head of the Lunarist Church. When elected, the High Elder also becomes archbishop for the Metropolitan of Volkgoroda and Volkgoroda Oblast, where they have direct canonical jurisdiction over the Eparchy of Volkgoroda. The High Elder also extensive administrative powers in terms of control over the Church, but cannot single-handedly decide matters of faith or issues concerning the entirety of the Lunarist Church. When the Council of Bishops is not in session, the High Elder works with the Elder Council in order to govern the Church.
The High Elder is elected by secret ballot by the Council of Bishops. A list of candidates is drawn up by the Council of Bishops and then voted on. A candidate for High Elder must be no younger than 45 and must have "extensive theological education, knowledge of eparchial administration, and be of good moral character."
Aleksandr VI was elected High Elder by the Council of Bishops on July 9, 1999 with 149 votes of 210 and was enthroned July 12, 1999.
=== Membership ===
|