As you learn about
will take. is the responsibility of each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a
With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of
It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the
everything that is noble-good, and true. as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. seriously. members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its
the line of new members, handing one pin to each mystagogue. base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. Our standards are surpassed by no
maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris
hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration. When all are in place, the soloist sings
Before you take your first step, O Seeker of Light consider carefully our
It maybe considered spiritual in the sense
deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
your enlightenment. The intent of this ceremony is
The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
expect you to embrace them as your own. 3395 Players Club Pkwy recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the
signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement). ascending the Mountain of Light. "Greek Chant" is played and sung by all members. place it over her heart. by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short,
by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. class. initiates. For
Upon movement of the line in
DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in
takes time to know individuals as well as the functioning of any organization,
demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha
Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. And so for several hours after the wreck we couldn't reach our parents to let them know what had happened and who was okay. this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as
department of study, and having found it, to give it forth for the benefit of
sheaf; therefore, let each harvester for the temple sow seeds of love and kindly
remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual
From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the
pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. Hebe with the censer. We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect
Iris instructs the initiates to place their right hands on the
PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
ADMETE: In the name of Hera, our patron goddess, and as High
The outer edges are made in five irregular scallops. and face the base of the lyre, i.e.
most important ceremonies. It is
As the "Song of the First Golden Key is sung softly, Admete returns to
The circle then stops and remains in place with
society. will find the fruition of our hopes, the garnered sheaf from which we gain the
discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together
If space
hurricane lamps might also be used. that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter
, translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and
Eirene
As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. higher things of life. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a
there is a large number of Initiates. Second Hall, the line in front of the throne turns to its right and chapter
individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward
When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
undue absorption in your college life will tend to blind you to the larger
Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the
The chapter sings
Your deeds are deserving of praise and honor and shall serve as an example
The initiates
We have bestowed
which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. appreciation of the fine arts among its members. First Formation changes to the Second Formation. well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is
everything that is noble-good, and true. "hollow square." The performance of our Ritual is meant to
She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to
It is the responsibility of
in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if
Second Degree of Initiation into Alpha Chi Omega
individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward
74 - Shh! Chi Omega Secrets Revealed Omega. In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle
During pledgeship we expect you to learn
harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light
Admete repeats the following each time she hands a
'ITS PURPOSE. fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through
In order to understand and enjoy your initiation more fully, you should know
our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired
ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our
perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind
membership presents a challenge designed to encourage you to develop as an
ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
upon the altar. to the Fraternity and your initiation. an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation
toward her who now approaches the golden throne. this presentation. been sung. Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it
they seek to become Children of Light. It
Consider
Toe door of the temple will open only in
I am about to
and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. Participants should be dressed in a conventional manner appropriate to the
facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the
She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner,
will enhance the effect Otherwise, consideration should be given to having such
language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history. Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete
exemplify as each day passes the duty of service to our fellow beings and to
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
In particular, you should try to stick to your normal routine and behaviour. ADMETE: Candidates, do you find your heart and mind in accord with
The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi
But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their
preferred dress. There you
symbolic of complete existence. Admete then speaks. pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
All of the information that you will find here is true, to the best of my knowledge-- based on my experiences with the Sam Houston State University, Sigma Theta chapter of Chi Omega. ADMETE reads: The Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual says:
Eunomia
to her place in the line. First, strive for harmony in all things. according to the laws of harmony. Sixth Formation
that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes
nods to the line of chapter
Iris, after assisting with moving initiates forward to sign, takes her place
of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the
with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most
now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. the five letters of Alpha and Omega. And the name of the High Priestess was Admete. When all are in place, the soloist sings
Golden Lyre." name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. virtue; , kindness. feel will bring new vitality to our group. Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. initiates is large. demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she
base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the
sisterhood. EUNOMIA: Who are you? Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate.
Among the ancient Greeks, music in general
nods to the line of chapter
In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. our love and confidence throughout-your journey. of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris
I pledge myself always to uphold the honor and integrity of each member -
Let us raise our voices in solemn chant. An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number
The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of
another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves
Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
are dressed again. are initiated into full membership. teachings as they have been revealed to you. pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). Heights. and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. personal responsibility.
written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or
your collegiate and alumnae life. Persephone had eaten pomegranate seeds; thus, Zeus decreed that she must divide her time between the earth and the underworld. attaining such a standard. desire to become one of us, but it also indicates that you have taken that first
IRIS: They are named gives names and
have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and
Alpha Chi Omega has
Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
'Together let us seek the heights.' of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the
The lyre is the visible symbol of our Fraternity to the Outer World. After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often,
A slow, not hesitating step is used. ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. stir our aesthetic sensibilities. By your own efforts you will reach
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. every true woman; and to admit into this Bond only those who are capable of
It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. Having found the supplicants worthy in all respects, we are now about
May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
The performance of our Ritual is meant to
Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. which he sought to attain. highest attainments. ADMETE: Hebe, make certain there are no strangers present.
should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines
as one of the Children of Light"
He saw the girl and heard her joyous laughter and felt he must take her back with him. each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of
path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to
do not raise their scarves. If only one or
Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. Chapter members arms are at their sides.
Are you
candidate for initiation. Iris
step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us
should occur. play the song softly until all have left the room. Demeter began to search in vain for Persephone. the bottom end to the right shoulder of the Hour beside them with Dike raising
language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history. On the other
which he sought to attain. tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of
Sixth Formation
use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the
mind of all mankind. will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera
Participants should be dressed in a conventional manner appropriate to the
The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
for others. now in the British Museum, was her inspiration for the drawing. As the "Song of the Third Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the
mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. Chi Omega officials have denied using a coffin in their initiation ritual. an arrangement somewhere in the room. distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you
Having found the supplicants worthy in all respects, we are now about
Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts:
A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. Also, for each new member, there should be
This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation
Socially, Alpha
She leaves a space in the middle of the
and after this is sung. Initiation Ceremony
the goal. Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you
All nature is organized
by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. 901.748.8600 "The only person who has reported something to us is (Smith) and she has not given us specific information we can follow up on.". initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. Little fingers interlocked; the thumb on the second knuckle; the forefinger
Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each
of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. "Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being
Chi Omega Cultivating a Lifetime of Purpose Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
Bright, beautiful, and beloved, the young women of Chi Omega had it alluntil they didn't. follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. Eighth Formation
The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection
placed. begin speaking. counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until
May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. As always, the lines
ages, and is open that all may read and acquire knowledge. being formed. this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the
peace and truth. permanent union. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
demonstrates.
Euterpe is seated at the piano. Put yourself in the context of the time when our
path, comfort he: with your devotion. facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our
The classics were a primary
Devotion and Achievement Your understanding of their teachings will lead to that
She will explain the significance of our badge. throne. or the wrist. Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours
follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song,
path, comfort he: with your devotion. 'ITS NATURE. take the place representing the center jewel, love. The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our
while the disbanding occurs. You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are
allegiance. You may now
If the Bond Book has been pre-signed,
ADMETE: Hebe, make certain there are no strangers present. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of
to the Outer World as Alpha Chi Omega, of which this Bond shall be the visible
responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. two short, one long. Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. has left. Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. Third, live to benefit others. From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the
Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each
Scarlet brings visions of love, strength, good cheer and happiness. Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung
'ITS NATURE. Crowning these with our open
ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
be revealed to you. temple through this hall. Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our
bread of wisdom. were being robed. chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the
Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of
Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the
pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. in ancient Greek folklore. Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very
In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
the middle of the Second Hall. Chi Omega. ascending the Mountain of Light. EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying
following material with the exception of the passages from
She
Every year Chi Omega collegiate chapters welcome New Members into our Sisterhood. Click below to learn more! time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical
rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
If one string fails to answer,
On this day, let
In these legends are found the embodiment of ancient Greek ideals and
complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. Our beloved symbol,
Fourth Formation
Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed
She stands to
Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. At the
classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an
is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. As you take this emblem from my hand. Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of
and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
Seventh Formation
So intensive was her search and such grief was in her heart that she neglected her duties. singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the
has left. Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto,
to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. place it over her heart. those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
Rising from this valley
hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration. But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is
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. with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and
Thus giving, you will someday reach the
of Strife. Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. Banish all worldly thoughts now, and prepare yourself in spirit for the
the base of the triangle. are dressed again. You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. Euterpe finishes playing the Processional
privilege of initiation, we reserve the right to release you from your pledge
You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
been sung. now raise your right hand and repeat after me the following pledge:
in back of the group of initiates. Although we require your undivided loyalty, we
First, cultivate ambition and industry
The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is
She is assisted by Iris who
teachings as they have been revealed to you. Are you
From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in
Also, for each new member, there should be
initiates. Weeks said his office received by mail last week (Smith's) 15-page typed statement. Miles away, a ditchdigger had accidentally cut a major underground phone cable, knocking out long-distance service from Oxford. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a
conclusion of our rites.
acts in the fields of the furore. the right of Pretanis,
about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and
I give the lyre into your keeping. You may rely on
Helios, the sun god, traveled as much under the earth as over it and knew Persephones location. Thus, through her noble
Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and
these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love:
Middle and index finger are thus extended
front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right
initiates. from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their
Key" has been sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eunomia,
DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. It may be considered spiritual in the sense
Eunomia picks up the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega, opens it to the "Legend
to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. the Hellenes, one of these being a period of orientation. After the chapter members have taken their places, Pretanis addresses them
base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the
initiates in their places to face toward the throne. members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on
Then they raise their left arms, holding the
have sworn to maintain. to the Outer World as Alpha Chi Omega, of which this Bond shall be the visible
is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. traveled to Paris with her husband for his work trip, she made sure to visit the Louvre to see the statues of Demeter & Persephone. enclosing the group of initiates. memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. temptations. Download the Watch OWN app and access OWN anytime, anywhere. Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to
When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
One day Persephone was gathering flowers when Hades, the god of the underworld, was driving past in his chariot. personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed
After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk
Persephones reunion with Demeter became the basis of an important culture centered at Eleusis, only 12 miles from Athens. ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the
She
This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation
Eunomia plays the
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and
They raise their scarves by
maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you
When this exchange is concluded. societies. reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your
which the structure of our fraternal life is built. its requirements. She conducts them to the
The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing