Marianism
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History
Founding
Deria, as with most of Western Danetia, was primarily Arkanist in the year XX (Late Dark ages. Know a good year, anyone?). The Antaran Empire had spread its beliefs to all corners of the world, and few disagreed with their teachings. One of the most staunch followers of Arkanist beliefs was priest Gideon Aversen. A prominent messenger of Arkanist belief in Deria, Gideon, for most of his life, followed the teachings of Arkanon to the letter. However, at the height of his faith in Arkanism, he was granted a vision in a dream. Gideon had long prayed for a vision from Arkanon, but he was visited by another deity: a female God who reffered to herself as Marian: who commanded Gideon to be her prophet. He would later claim that Marian had told him that she was the One True God, and that she was insulted by Arkanists renaming her and putting their material wealth and political affairs over belief in her. Both shocked and amazed by his revelation, Gideon did not immediately reveal this to the public, for fear of being branded an apostate (Which almost certainly meant death). He instead quietly left his temple, and began a life in the countryside in what is now modern-day Corland.
Living off of the land around him, and utilizing the quill and ink he brought with him, Gideon began to write the word of Marian. Granted with nightly visions, both from Marian and her angels, Gideon ardently and fervently spent his days commiting the word of his newfound Deity to the page. After almost a year of writing, and almost constant visions, it is said that Gideon was commanded by Marian to go into the village nearby and spread her word to the people. The word quickly spread, and within a week the entire population of the town followed the word of Marian. However, it was soon discovered by the Arkanists. The entire populace of the town was branded heretical, and the village was burned to the ground.
Rediscovery
One hundred years later, long after the deaths of Gideon and his followers, a man named Frederick Williamsen was walking through a forest not far from where Gideon and his followers had lost his lives. Stumbling upon a rock, he soon found himself facedown, looking upon a book of tattered old parchment: Gideon Aversen's original Book of Marian. Intrigued by it, he soon took it home to his nearby cabin and read through it. As with his long-dead predecessor, he would claim to have received visions from both Marian and her angels, commanding him to spread her already-written word. Filled with religious fervor, Williamsen began to speak to his close friends about his newfound faith. One of his friends, a bookbinder, refurbished the original text and bound it (It is now located in Monaville Cathedral, a common pilgrimage site). Slowly, Marianism began to spread. Religious tolerance had much increased in Deria by this point, and Frederick's followers were able to spread their message unimpeded. By the year XX (Renaissance?), Marianism was the dominant religion in southern Deria.
Modern History
Marianism is the predominant faith in Southern Deria. Though there are no offshoot denominations of it, there are numerous ways Marianism is taught. Some Marianist schools of though believe in predestination, whereas others are Traditional, Evangelical, or otherwise. However, all modern Marianists worship Marian as the One True God, and using any other name for her, be it Arkanon, a number, or otherwise is highly blasphemous. Proper Marians call her Marian, Lady Marian, "Our Lady", or otherwise. Any improper names simply will not do.
Core Beliefs
Marian as the One True God
Marian is a very monotheistic religion. No other deity, person, or image shall be portrayed as more important than her. Some extreme denominations of Marianism practice flagellation and self-humiliation, as they believe that punishment and repentance is the only path to Salvation. Many denominations of Marianism only pray to Marian, whereas others believe she is too mighty to hear the words of mortal men, so they pray to Saints instead. However all denominations glorify Marian greatly.
Glorification of The Lady
Though Marian is celebrated and worshipped at several festivals each year, each Church Sermon's intent is to glorify Marian (Learning about The Lady is to be accomplished during one's own spare time). Marianist cathedrals are often exceptionally extravagant, with arches, interior frescoes, great pipe organs and spires pointing towards Heaven. Actual religious proceedings are even moreso, with numerous songs being sung in praise of the Lady, firey rhetoric from the Priest (Sometimes reffered to as a "Preacher", more properly as "Father"), and thunderous hymns sung by the choirs and played on the often gargantuan pipe organs.
Daily Devotion,Repentance, and Absolution
Marianists praise their deity daily, giving thanks every meal and repenting if they should Sin even the slightest. Many believe that they must constantly earn Marian's forgiveness, which is properly known as "Holy Absolution". If not repenting, one should attempt to emulate the Lady in everything they do, being gracious, straightforward, logical, faithful, and kind to all innocent things. If a Marianist has sinned it is expected that they confess their sins to a priest or seek some form of forgiveness. In most denominations of Marianism, a baptism, or more properly ablution, is believed to be the best way to be forgiven in the eyes of The Lady. This practice, which typically involves the participant being submerged in a pool of consecrated water (A baptismal), stems from the cleansing practices of early Marianists as chronicled in Gideon's writing. Some more extreme Marianist denominations practice flagellation and firewalking as a form of repentance. This, however, is rare.
Nonbelievers
Evangelism is a widely accepted practice in Marianism, and the greatest amongst Evangelists are widely revered. Marian Missionaries travelling all across the world, bringing faith to "the blind" who have not yet discovered The Lady's glory. Atheists are the most popular targets for Marian Evangelists, as it is widely deemed less offensive to deny Marian's existence than to call her by another name. As such, will Missionaries commonly visit Karsos, Odessa, and in some rarer cases Sjertiva (Though many missionaries have called the Sjerti People "damned since birth" and "beyond our help"). However, many Sigoyn folk have been converted to Marianism.
Blasphemers and Apostates
Marianists make a distinct difference between "Nonbelievers" and "Blasphemers". An Atheist, who does not believe in any Gods, is a non-believer, to be converted. But on the other hand, an Arkanist, Eternalist, or to a lesser extent, Nordist is a blasphemer, to be punished. Historically, "punishment" has ranged from stern looks to holy war, depending on the Non-Believer's religion. For example, an Eternalist, though a non-believer, is looked upon with less scorn than an Arkanist, as they worship a few female deities, similar to Marian. A Derian Nordist is of little concern as well, as Marians and they interact a great deal, and are united by a sense of national pride. Some friendly "heathen jokes" or "blasphemers" are common, but are rarely taken seriously. However, on the other end of the spectrum are members of the Antaran Ecclesiarchy. Often seen as putting material wealth, and mortals (Such as the Praetor, and in many cases, themselves) before their god (Who is widely considered to be a foolish and blasphemous renaming of The Lady), these particular Arkanists are reviled over others for their selfishness, greed, and material culture.
Prominent Symbols of Marianism
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Prominent Religious Figures and Saints
Structure
The head of the faith is the high priest of Marian. Though elected as a leader from the College of Priests, his main duty is to speak on their behalf, not to lead the group as a whole. The College of Priests in a technical sense, leads the faith as a whole. Discussing all matters religious, the College decides when and where festivals are held, if any new religious buildings should be constructed, or if any person/group should be excommunicated and branded blasphemers. The number of priests in the college varies, but there are currently 40. The current high priest is Xavier Mjeltin.
Architecture and Buildings
Marianist Cathedrals are regarded as some of the most grand and intricate buildings in Deria. Defined by grand spires and flying butresses, these imposing structures stand both as a symbol of religous devotion and the skill of Derian architects and stonemasons.
Role in Marianist Structure
Marianist cathedrals and churches serve as both local gathering places and important centers of Marianist faith, where both services are held and the church is governed. Typically each Marianist parish is headed by a Chapter of officials, consisting of a Dean (Responsible for internal management of the church affairs), a Cantor (Responsible for the musical section of the services and choirs), a Magistral (Responsible for schooling and record-keeping), and a Cheficier (Responsible for the safeguarding of all furniture and ornaments of the cathedral, as well as the bells). These churches and cathedrals are also typically home to numerous other Marianist clergy.
