Eleryonism/Sermons/Fundaments
Esteemed Lurian nobility,
It is now a good time to write to you all a little about the faith of Eleryonism, a faith that I am currently leading and for which I have dedicated myself fully. With all of you who have approached me directly, I have have had very fruitful correspondence, some of you even choosing to become followers of the Way of the Star. Not all have approached, so now I approach all.
Very central to the teachings of Eleryonism is the belief that there is a true destiny, a deeper purpose, for all we see and experience. No single person can know more than the tiniest fragments of this destiny, but when this knowledge is brought together, we may see glimpses of the deeper purpose in all matters, and sometimes even see visions of things to come. But as far as a destiny of any individual is concerned, the noble himself always has the best knowledge, as we believe the destiny itself gently whispers to all of us, especially during the hours we sleep.
Eleryon is the star we see shining brightly in the morning before sunrise, and first in the evening before the other stars can be seen. Thus the star can be seen as the messenger of the destiny, which also never forces itself upon any of us, but gently reminds us of its existence, often not when the busy day is its brightest, nor when the night is at its darkest. Rather it can be felt in times on indecision, when things around you are not clearly bright nor dark - when you most need guidance on the way you have chosen for yourself.
Resulting from all this, the priesthood, of which I am currently the only representative, is there only to guide the followers in their own search, never dictating what the way for any individual noble might be. Often a greater purpose can be achieved when there is a conflict of between the members of the faith. Each striving for what is true to them, it may be that neither will gain what they seek, but the destiny itself flows on its intended course. There is actually but one basic principle that the followers are to respect:
May the Light of Eleryon shine on all.
Even if the actual paths of the followers differ, all share the basic knowledge and understanding that it is better for everyone if all realise and accept this principle, that there is a purpose for everyone, that you are ultimately responsible of finding your own path. This principle is the guiding light of my life, the reason why I preach. It is my sincere hope that all of you discover the path that is true to you, whether it is with Eleryonism or without it.
This brings us to one quite important aspect of the faith. It may very well be the destiny of a noble to enter join Eleryonism, and it may be the destiny of another one to leave it, even as far as to join some other faith. In this regard Eleryonism views all other faiths with indifference. I have full trust in our nobility and their ability to choose the path they prefer. It is of course up to the lords of the lands to decide who preaches on their lands and constructs shrines therein. But if there already is a temple of another faith on the lands of an Eleryonian Lord, it is and always has been my wish that the temple be respected. Let the nobles choose in which temple they wish to worship. In the case of the Order of St. Iestyn, I shall not only wish but very strongly urge the Eleryonian Lords to respect the law spoken by the Queen, not that I feel it is even necessary.
As for the other lords respecting the Temples of Eleryon, I feel it sufficient to simply ask them that they do so, fully trusting in their judgement. Should a lord come upon such a strong hatred towards the faith I follow as to tear down one of its sacred places, I would feel more sadness for the hatred itself than for its actual unfortunate expression.
In accordance to the new law, I shall no longer preach to the foreign lands the benefits of following the Lurian banner. I will only continue to preach of the way itself, and let the peasants make up their mind, either by themselves or by the assistance of our takeover force.
In closing, Eleryonism is a faith dedicated to the individual growth of its followers, a direction of which is defined by every follower himself. The priesthood is there to assist the followers in this exploration. To be proper guides, the priesthood is required to leave other earthly ambitions behind, which is why a priest can never become a landed lord or hold a title in the Realm Council, or otherwise involve himself too deeply in the mundane politics.
This is the path I have chosen. I hope you have chosen yours as well.
If you have any questions, I would be glad to address them.
Respectfully,
Joaquim Anthaigos (Priest of Eleryonism)
