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