Church of the Five Martyrs
The Church of the Five Martyrs is a religious group that venerates five martyrs who died thousands of years ago. Each of them teaches a specific lesson through their suffering and martyrdom. The religion emphasizes self-discipline, humility, justice, courage, and compassion.
The Five Martyrs are legendary figures who suffered and died for their beliefs. Their stories vary depending on the interpretation of the religion, but generally, they are described as follows:
The Beholder
This figure is said to have been forced to witness the deaths of the other four martyrs, either as a form of psychological torture or to make them renounce their beliefs. Despite this suffering, they are said to have maintained their compassion and empathy until the end. They represent the importance of the ability to feel the suffering of others and work to alleviate their pain.
The Flayed
This figure is said to have been stripped of their skin, either as torture or as a sacrifice to their beliefs. Despite this excruciating pain, they are said to have maintained their humility and devotion until the end. They represent the importance of humility and self-sacrifice, and the willingness to give oneself up for the sake of others.
The Hanged
This figure is said to have been executed by hanging, either as a punishment for their beliefs or as a result of political or social circumstances. Despite this unjust treatment, they are said to have maintained their sense of justice and fairness until the end. They represent the importance of justice and the need to stand up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or persecution.
The Hunted
This figure is said to have been pursued and hunted down, either as a form of persecution or as a result of circumstances beyond their control. Despite the danger and fear they faced, they are said to have maintained their courage and steadfastness until the end. They represent the importance of facing one's fears and overcoming adversity.
The Starved
This figure is said to have endured a long period of starvation, either as a form of punishment or as a result of circumstances beyond their control. Despite this suffering, they are said to have maintained their faith and endurance until the end. They represent the importance of self-discipline and resisting temptation and excess.
Each martyr is venerated for their specific suffering and the lessons they teach, and their stories are retold and celebrated in various ways within the religion.
Presentation
The faithful followers can perform minor miracles by channeling their faith through relics from saints and holy sites. The religion has various sub-cults with different beliefs and practices, some of which are more inquisitive and intolerant towards other faiths. The Five Martyr's leader ordered the tearing down of all churches and cathedrals 400 years ago, and the faithfuls now carry relics from those buildings and remnants of saints as objects of devotion.
The Church of the Five Martyrs practices can vary depending on the specific sub-cult or interpretation of the religion. However, there are some standard practices and beliefs that many of the followers share:
Veneration of the Martyrs and their Saints: The followers honour and venerate the Five Martyrs through various rituals, such as lighting candles or incense, praying, and offering gifts and self-sacrifices.
Relic Worship: The followers believe that objects associated with the Martyrs and their Saints, such as their remains or personal possessions, have the power to channel their faith and perform minor miracles. The faithfuls carry these relics with them as objects of devotion and use them in prayer and ritual.
Self-Discipline and Humility: The religion emphasizes self-discipline and humility, as exemplified by the Martyrs' suffering and endurance. The followers strive to emulate these qualities through acts of self-denial, penance, and service to others.
Courage and Compassion: The followers also value courage and compassion, as exemplified by the Martyrs' willingness to endure suffering and their empathy for others. The faithfuls strive to embody these qualities in their daily lives and interactions with others.
Tearing Down of Holy Sites: 400 years ago, the Great Archbishop of the religion ordered the tearing down of all churches and cathedrals, believing that sedentary and opulent life was corrupting the church. As a result, the faithfuls now carry relics taken from those buildings and remnants of saints as objects of devotion.
A common ceremony for the Church of the Five Martyrs might involve the veneration of the Martyrs and the use of relics. Here is a possible description of such a ceremony:
The ceremony takes place in a simple, austere room lit by candles and incense. The followers gather together, each carrying their relics, which might include a piece of stained glass from a torn-down church, a bone fragment from a Saint, or a piece of cloth believed to have touched one of the Martyrs' bodies.
The ceremony begins with a reading of scripture or a story about one of the Martyrs, to remind the followers of their sacrifice and devotion. This is followed by a period of silent prayer, during which the followers meditate on the example of the Martyrs and ask for their intercession.
Next, the followers might sing hymns or chant prayers, accompanied by bells or other musical instruments. Some might engage in physical acts of devotion, such as kneeling or prostrating themselves before the relics.
Finally, the ceremony concludes with a communal meal or feast, during which the followers share food and drink and celebrate their faith and fellowship.
Rites
Photo: Benoit Vermette
Photo: Michel Hudon
Photo: Yves Bériault
In the face of trial and pain,
They held steadfast to their faith.
Starved, flayed, hanged, and hunted down,
Their sacrifice we now proclaim.
Through the ages, they inspire,
With their witness to the truth.
By their relics, we are blessed,
Guided by their loving proof.
May we follow in their steps,
With hearts pure and true and bold.
May their memory ever guide us,
As we journey to our own fold.
Praise to the Martyrs, strong and true,
Whose courage lights our way.
Praise to the Divine they served so well,
Whose love will never sway.
Hymn
The head of the Church of the Five Martyrs is the Great Archbishop Alessandro Ruizendaal. He was elected by the leaders of the religious orders in 1665 of the Celestial Calendar. Each religious order has a specific mandate:
ORDER OF THE FIVE HEARTS
This Order is a charitable and respected organization, with its presence often bringing comfort and relief to the faithfuls and unfaithfuls alike.
The Order's hospitallers are highly trained in the arts of medicine and healing, as well as in the principles of charity and compassion. They operate a network of hospitals, clinics, and shelters throughout the lands, providing free medical care, food, and lodging to the sick, injured, or needy. They also work closely with local communities to identify and address the root causes of poverty and suffering.
Hospitallers often wear white robes and carry a badge bearing the symbol of the Order, a stylized representation of the Five Hearts. They are non-judgmental and non-discriminatory, providing care and assistance to all those in need, regardless of their religious beliefs, social status, or background.
ORDER OF THE FIVE STARS
This Order is a highly respected and secretive organization, with its knowledge and skills often sought after by both the faithfuls and unfaithfuls.
The Thaumaturges of the Order are highly trained in the arts of divination, alchemy, and other mystical practices. They are the keepers of the ancient lore and secrets of the religion, and their knowledge is precious to those who seek to understand the mysteries of the universe.
The Thaumaturges often dress in dark robes and carry a staff or wand bearing the symbol of the Order, a stylized representation of the Five Stars. They are known for their quiet and contemplative nature and their ability to discern the hidden meaning and messages in symbols, dreams, and omens.
They are the guardians of the secrets of the religion. Their secretive nature has also led to rumours and myths about their true nature and intentions, with some fearing that they may be involved in dark and forbidden practices.
ORDER OF THE FIVE SWORDS
This Order of inquisitors is tasked with identifying heretics and traitors to the faith. The Order is a secretive and feared organization, with their presence often sending shivers down the spines of the faithfuls.
The Order's inquisitors are highly trained and possess specialized knowledge of the teachings and practices of the religion. They travel throughout the lands, seeking out those who deviate from the orthodox teachings of the faith. Heresy is considered a grave offence, and traitors who endanger the security of the faith are dealt with swiftly and harshly.
Inquisitors often wear black robes and carry a badge bearing the symbol of the Order, a stylized representation of the Five Blades. They are empowered to arrest and interrogate suspected heretics and traitors, using various methods to extract confessions and uncover hidden plots against the faith.
THE ORDER OF THE RESTORERS
This Order’s work is highly valued by the faithfuls and historians and scholars interested in the religion and its history.
The Restorers of the Order are highly skilled in archeology, with expertise in the excavation, restoration, and preservation of ancient relics and artefacts. They travel far and wide, searching for lost or forgotten relics associated with the Five Martyrs and other important figures and events in the history of the religion.
They are known for their meticulous attention to detail and deep respect and reverence for the relics they uncover. They work tirelessly to restore and preserve these artefacts.
They often work closely with The Order of the Five Stars, who are skilled in identifying and interpreting mystical symbols and texts. Together, they can uncover the hidden meanings and messages often encoded in these relics, providing valuable insights into the history and beliefs of the religion.
THE SHIELDBEARERS OF FAITH
They are a highly trained and disciplined group of soldiers tasked with protecting religious officials, holy sites, and artifacts of the religion. They are also responsible for thwarting any plans against the faith, whether from rival groups or heretics within their ranks.
They are known for their signature blue uniforms, adorned with the symbol of the Five Martyrs on their chests. They are armed with muskets, swords, and daggers and trained in ranged and close combat.
Members of the Order must take a vow of obedience. They are expected to devote their lives to the service of the religion, putting the needs of the faith before their own. They are also required to undergo rigorous physical and mental training and study the teachings of the Five Martyrs and the scriptures of the religion.
They are often called upon to settle disputes and maintain order in regions where the authority of the religion is weak. They are also called upon to participate in holy wars and crusades, fighting against infidels and enemies of the faith.