"THE CHURCH" IN HELLWICK
The main religion explored in Hellwick is heavily inspired by christianity and catholicism; there are many terms, concepts and philosophies that are drawn from both of these ideologies.
HIERARCHY OF THE CHURCH
POPE
The supreme pontiff, leader of the church.
CARDINALS
"Prince[s] of the Church", serving under the Pope in a college; they individually preside over their respective ecclesiastical districts. The college may also convene to elect a new pope when the seat empties.
BISHOPS
The highest spiritual office under Cardinals. Though they may come to preside over a district or diocese as a Cardinal would, Bishops may also serve as missionaries, or are otherwise more worldly, more subject to traveling and changing locations. In essence, establishers of missionaries who sometimes remain in those regions.
PRIESTS/PASTORS
Local congregation leaders who can be married (must be the first marriage) or celebate. They are responsible for preaching, as well as educating the laity (people of God).
ABBOT
The head of a monastery, referred to as Abbot or "Father" much like with priests and deacons. Though on equal spiritual ground with priests, abbots are chosen to perform where bishops would in case of their absence.
DEACON
Act as a censer of icons and the people, they may not perform sacraments, and cannot preside over weddings, though they may assist baptisms.
OTHERS
Other roles in the church include the choir as well as the choir head, altar servers, teachers, and missionaries who are not bishops (laity volunteers).
The supreme pontiff, leader of the church.
CARDINALS
"Prince[s] of the Church", serving under the Pope in a college; they individually preside over their respective ecclesiastical districts. The college may also convene to elect a new pope when the seat empties.
BISHOPS
The highest spiritual office under Cardinals. Though they may come to preside over a district or diocese as a Cardinal would, Bishops may also serve as missionaries, or are otherwise more worldly, more subject to traveling and changing locations. In essence, establishers of missionaries who sometimes remain in those regions.
PRIESTS/PASTORS
Local congregation leaders who can be married (must be the first marriage) or celebate. They are responsible for preaching, as well as educating the laity (people of God).
ABBOT
The head of a monastery, referred to as Abbot or "Father" much like with priests and deacons. Though on equal spiritual ground with priests, abbots are chosen to perform where bishops would in case of their absence.
DEACON
Act as a censer of icons and the people, they may not perform sacraments, and cannot preside over weddings, though they may assist baptisms.
OTHERS
Other roles in the church include the choir as well as the choir head, altar servers, teachers, and missionaries who are not bishops (laity volunteers).
CATHEDRAL OF DARKONHURST VERSUS THE HELLWICK ABBEY
The Darkonhurst cathedral acts as any such would - its congregation is much larger than an abbey or monastery, and it is also a singular building rather than a site. The Darkonhurst cathedral is quite large, and has two upper floors as well as a basement floor. Father Bacchus serves as the congregation leader there; he was a missionary bishop who has settled more into the role of priest or pastor, and is now (due to his age) unable (and unwilling) to be relocated.
The Hellwick Abbey main chapel is about half the size of the Darkonhurst cathedral, however, the abbey site itself is quite large, with a sizable cloister and garden. The abbey is seen as more of a sanctuary, which explains why it is not often travelled to, and exists in the periphery of the main church.
The Hellwick Abbey main chapel is about half the size of the Darkonhurst cathedral, however, the abbey site itself is quite large, with a sizable cloister and garden. The abbey is seen as more of a sanctuary, which explains why it is not often travelled to, and exists in the periphery of the main church.