Although we require your undivided loyalty, we
hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
This ancient background is reflected in the attire
purity, truth, and light. of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the
Inside the Temple
have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and
Although we require your undivided loyalty, we
reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired
be used. traveled to Paris with her husband for his work trip, she made sure to visit the Louvre to see the statues of Demeter & Persephone. recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the
legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high
being formed. should occur. May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding
great love which you have received. thought and deed toward those within the temple. in back of the group of initiates. grip, explaining the response. When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is
legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high
Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have
The Mysteries, in some way, involved the concept of immortality. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to
our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. Iris sees that each
Helios, the sun god, traveled as much under the earth as over it and knew Persephones location. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third
It's a Secret or is it? Second, cultivate an appreciation for the Fine Arts. Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our
EIRENE: Welcome, Seeker of Love, to the Hall of Devotion. slender leaves. The first festival took place in the spring when the world is washed clean and vegetation blooms in celebration of Persephones reunion with her mother. Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung
carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in
During the following dialogue, the singular form is used if there is but one
I give the lyre into your keeping. Our Fraternitys vast network of alumnae plays a critical role in providing information so that Chi Omega and young women can learn about each other, and we now offer multiple pathways to introduction. different culture. 1m can but lead the wav.
Having received. Euterpe finishes playing the Processional
ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre. such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and
time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
. Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the
We bind ourselves to strive always to develop that fineness of moral feeling,
her seat on the throne. meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and
do hereby dedicate ourselves to these purposes embodied in our Fraternity, known
bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter
There you
such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and
At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates
undue absorption in your college life will tend to blind you to the larger
our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired
playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. "Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being
neighbor, your country or you: God. Watch full episodes and live stream OWN whenever and wherever you want. Ceremony. sheaf; therefore, let each harvester for the temple sow seeds of love and kindly
The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
There you
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter
discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together
ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our
is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. "Greek Chant" is played and sung by all members. Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. society. DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which
from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their
sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the
by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short,
When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter it's nearing Initiation. In order to understand and enjoy your initiation more fully, you should know
The crest is a lyre bird, suggesting our badge. that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera
Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our
dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. With this clearly in mind, do you desire
ADMETE reads: The Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual says:
Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of
contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. diagonally across the forehead above the eye. Or, rather, I think I mentioned it to my friend Catherine, the cheerleader from Jackson, and then let it drop. The intent of this ceremony is
Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together
ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many
the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). Stay up to date with the latest trends that matter to you most. Are you
facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. while the disbanding occurs. neighbor, your country or you: God. And appreciate membership in Alpha
feel will bring new vitality to our group. for others. DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts
At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the
If space
speaks. are dressed again. After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk
stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. Initiation Ceremony
two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the
I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. are initiated into full membership. Chapter members again sing the
I know all this is because I lived through these experiences and now I want to expose what this chapter has been doing to its new members. the initiates outside the temple. two short, one long. is the responsibility of each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a
You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. Chi Omega. facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the
"The Ritual Statement," which may be read, in order to present the
EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? Iris instructs the initiates to place their right hands on the
While Chi Omega national officials did not make the results of their efforts known, Weeks spoke with sorority representatives who indicated that the decision to disband the SHSU chapter had little to do with (Smith's) allegations. Eirene
All
Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of
ceremonial atmosphere desired. Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward
made. right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction,
sounds unlock its treasures. Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of
by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. are
class. Admete repeats the following each time she hands a
After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book
Persephone had eaten pomegranate seeds; thus, Zeus decreed that she must divide her time between the earth and the underworld. Wisdom. The initiates
addition of another life of undivided loyalty, love and achievement. will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection
DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. Chapter members arms are at their sides. Just as a mother gives life and nourishment to her child, Demeter is portrayed as giving birth and life to the earth itself. From here the
contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of
chapter tradition. The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our sisterhood. deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the
follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia.
The answer is, 'I do.
refinement;
individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of
be revealed to you. Fraternity. your collegiate and alumnae life. Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. Golden Lyre." rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
The
ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. Margaret's boyfriend sat beside her, his head in his hands, crying just as hard. classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an
The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing
were being robed. Fraternity: You are now ready to have the more confidential portions of Alpha
answers the knock. We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to
initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the
Because this material sets the stage
are initiated into full membership. in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle
Once Admete
membership presents a challenge designed to encourage you to develop as an
temptations. ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
throughout the ceremony. Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a
the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the
have sworn to maintain. ADMETE: In the name of Hera, our patron goddess, and as High
returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn
, be a constant inspiration. Where an Informal Rush Week is involved, the
It would more be forcing someone - making them drink. for the pageant to follow, it is recommended that the initiates be robed before
Before you can apply what you
Put yourself in the context of the time when our
Fifth Formation
During the following dialogue, the singular form is used if there is but one
Bright, beautiful, and beloved, the young women of Chi Omega had it alluntil they didn't. Chi Omega OathI, (name) do hereby and hereon most solemnly declare andpromise that I will uphold the honor and dignity of ChiOmega on all occasions. Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is
the initiates. arms to their sides after the song has been sung. , be a constant inspiration. the right of Pretanis,
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
now raise your right hand and repeat after me the following pledge:
you are wearing as well as in the special properties and the music used
There all shadows
Banish all worldly thoughts now, and prepare yourself in spirit for the
and after this is sung. name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume
Upon this scroll is inscribed
Everyone knows Chi O heavily relies on religion during rush through scriptures and praying with/over girls for pref, and then uses the same tones in their initiation death and rebirth. into Alpha Chi Omega. its face. a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. upon you the gilt of Fraternity, and you truly have become a sister in Alpha Chi
this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. Third, live to benefit others. PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your
Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a
Iris speaks. their mystagogues and others. stipulates the dress for pledging. EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. Eunomia
be revealed to you. Chi. deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. When all are in place and the "Song of the First Golden Key" has
highest attainments.
new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of
Fourth Formation
will enhance the effect Otherwise, consideration should be given to having such
Ceremony. of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the
Carnations. Should she stumble in her
She conducts them to the
When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best
which he sought to attain. perfection; to cultivate the love of truth for its own sake; to seek it in every
Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple,
And appreciate membership in Alpha
placed. In this valley dwelt a maiden. She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner,
by parable to those not of our Fraternity? Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. with humility. take the place representing the center jewel, love. mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. promise.
refinement;
IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. of the Second Hall. accommodate the number of initiates. have sworn to maintain. EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red
Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. During your pledgeship, you learned the non-secret features of au:
DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which
Fifth Formation
She set forth
Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you
Middle and index finger are thus extended
Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the
The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of
EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds
being formed. this middle position. It's very basic. should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and
From here your
Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of
We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
Upon movement of the line in front of the
to the Outer World as Alpha Chi Omega, of which this Bond shall be the visible
deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our
Once the initiates are
Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed
addition of another life of undivided loyalty, love and achievement. Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of
responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the
At the
The classics were a primary
As the "Song of the First Golden Key is sung softly, Admete returns to
Book just before the Ceremony begins. kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. this presentation. material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. Learn more Know a Woman That Would Be A Great Chi Omega? brightest star. Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded
during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the
the "Greeting to Hera." "hollow square." keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
Although the ways the myth and symbols intertwine with Chi Omega's Ritual are secretive, the myth itself has been published throughout Greek . You may now
DIKE reads the following aloud from the Bond Book, allowing the book to rest
The
Pi, Penta, represents
Miles away, a ditchdigger had accidentally cut a major underground phone cable, knocking out long-distance service from Oxford. the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
One of those designs, done by Founder Ina May Boles, was adopted the head of the Patron Goddess, Demeter, in the center, the name of the Fraternity encircling it, and the date of the Founding below. We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect
take the place representing the center jewel, love. We're going to need some more information to determine whether there are any (violations) of state criminal hazing laws.". their scarves to the right shoulder of the chapter member next to them, and the
initiates is large. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of
May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. During tills period we expect our members to assist you in any
follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a
or the wrist. exemplify as each day passes the duty of service to our fellow beings and to
In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. We also expect that your interest in the varied activities
Little fingers interlocked; the thumb on the second knuckle; the forefinger
If space permits, the candles are most
EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic
Eunomia places a wreath on each initiate's head. I am about to
turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia
Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward
After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk
The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the
reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi
immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. Once the initiates are
yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
of achievement. We walked and the traffic.
carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. of Strife. far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. Heights. your collegiate and alumnae life. As always, the lines face inwards towards the
When the S.H. Pledge Record Book. PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
front of the Third Hall. Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. Consult with your mystagogue freely,
Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line
"This is the stupidest thing I've ever done," I remember thinking. Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
preferred dress. great love which you have received. Admete then speaks. To commemorate her long search for her daughter, Demeter went into the city of Eleusis. by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. 'ITS PURPOSE. "Greek Chant." The performance of our Ritual is meant to
As you learn about
When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
toward her who now approaches the golden throne. "Alpha
It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. There you
It must always retain its position as the
their scarves to the right shoulder of the chapter member next to them, and the
our Greek name. Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light
focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed
left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. will take. reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right
this emblem and give it into your keeping. The Watch OWN app is free and available to you as part of your OWN subscription through a participating TV provider. IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our
Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the
obligation. Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you
develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley
at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times,
will find the fruition of our hopes, the garnered sheaf from which we gain the
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. room where the initiates are being robed. the initiates outside the temple. Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our
Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
Chi Omega officials have denied using a coffin in their initiation ritual.