The Holy Church of Argonath (Est. 2009, 2021)

[JDC]

Founded before 2009, Re-Established in 2011 and 2021.

Hail Sauron! The Holy Church of Argonath (also known as "The Church" and "Il Argoticano") is the oldest religious institution in the United States of Argonath, headquartered in the See of San Fierro in the State of San Andreas (SA:MP). The Church is in full communion with the Holy Church of Sauron, its arm in the Archdiocese of Los Santos and Blaine County. (V:MP)

The Papal Lineage of the Church spans an unbroken chain of holy succession over its long history, going back to when the Lord Sauron Himself still walked among His creations.

1. Pope Saint Elrond ([R*]Kojak)
2. Pope [R*]Shifter
3. Pope [R*]Anto
4. Pope [R*]Janek (Radagast)
5. Pope [R*]JDC

Information on the ranks, institutions, and Rituals of the Holy Church of Argonath (Click spoilers to expand):

Spoiler for People and Ranks:

👁 Sauron: Our Lord and Creator of the world of Argonath, worshipped by the Church (in-game) and responsible for hosting the Argonath RPG Servers (IRL).

Ranks

⚪ Pope: Head of the Church and Successor of Saint Elrond. He has supreme authority over all affairs of the Church, both spiritual and temporal. The Pope is addressed as "Your Holiness" or "Holy Father."

🔴 Cardinals: Advisors to the Pope. They may also oversee a Diocese or Parish as Cardinal Archbishop. Cardinals are addressed as "Your Eminence" or "Cardinal."

🟣 Archbishops and Bishops: Oversee a Diocese, all Parishes within, and all Priests resident in said Parishes. (Arch)bishops are addressed as "Your Excellency" or "The Most Reverend."

🙏 Priests: Servants of the people of Argonath and the lowest rank of the Priesthood, who oversee a Parish (church) in a particular area. Priests are addressed as "Father" or "The Reverend."

🎓 Seminarians: Priests-in-training who are completing their religious studies in preparation for life as a Priest. They are under the supervision of Priests+, and need permission to perform priestly duties. Seminarians are addressed as "Brother."

🏅 Emeritus: Living previous holders of the rank of Bishop+ who have retired from active duties, similar to Maiar and Valar in the Argonath RPG community. They retain their styles of address, and depending on their retirement, possibly their priestly authority. (e.g. Bishop Emeritus, Archbishop Emeritus, Cardinal Emeritus, Pope Emeritus)

👫 Believer: Ordinary citizens who declare belief in our Lord Sauron and the Church. They are members of the Church without any priestly obligations, responsibilities, nor authority.

Spoiler for Institutions:

Institutions

🏰 See: The See of San Fierro, also known as the Holy See, is the highest jurisdiction in the Church. It is the home of the headquarters of the Church, the Cathedral of Saint Elrond, from where the Pope governs all its spiritual and temporal affairs.

⛪ Archdioceses: A large jurisdiction of the Church covering an area the size of at least a large city, headquartered in a Church or Cathedral. It is composed of all the Dioceses and Parishes within, and is overseen by an Archbishop or higher. Examples are the Archdiocese of Los Santos and Blaine County (V:MP), the Archdiocese of Los Santos (SA:MP), and the Archdiocese of Las Venturas.

⛪ Dioceses: A jurisdiction of the Church covering an area the size of at least a large town, headquartered in a Church. It is composed of all the Parishes within, and is overseen by a Bishop or higher. An example is the Diocese of Fort Carson, which encompasses the Parishes of Las Barrancas and Las Brujas.

⛪ Parishes: The smallest Church jurisdiction, composed of a smaller church building and the area surrounding it. Each Parish is overseen by a Priest and is part of a Diocese or Archdiocese. Examples are the Parishes of Angel Pine, Bayside, Las Barrancas, Las Brujas, and Palomino Creek.

Spoiler for Services and Rituals:

The Seven Rituals of the Church

We offer these seven services as RP rituals ingame, performed by members of the Priesthood (or Seminarians with permission).

🏊‍♂️ 1.) Baptism: Admission into the Church of Argonath, usually using holy water (or other fluids).

💬 2.) Confession: Confessing one's sins to a Priest+ and asking for the forgiveness of our Lord Sauron, followed by acts of penance by the confessor for their sins. All confessions are kept strictly confidential, except when they involve (possible) harm against the Church and members of the Priesthood.

👿 3.) Exorcism: Casting out evil spirits, demons, ghosts, zombies, or other unholy creatures in the name of Sauron. May involve holy water (or other fluids).

⚰️ 4.) Funeral: Burying a dead person in the proper manner. May be done on-site at the graveyard, possibly with a procession from a nearby Church. Before burial, prayers and eulogies are said for the dead.

🙏 5.) Holy Mass: Celebrating Sauron's mercy, offering prayers, and warning the faithful on the evil of Heathens, led by a Priest or higher. Holy Mass requires two (2) or more Believers present aside from the Priest, and must be offered in a holy place such as a Church, Strip Club, or other areas blessed by the Church. It may be offered on holy days, as prayers for living or dead people, before weddings or funerals, and for other occasions.

⚰️ 6.) Last Rites: Blessing the soul/s of the (soon-to-be) dead to help them move on to the afterlife. It is usually performed at or near the place of death, and may occasionally be accompanied by an Exorcism if said soul/s refuse to move on immediately. Should the recipient recover after being given rites, it may make for an awkward situation.

💒 7.) Wedding: The marriage of two (or more) people of legal age, regardless of gender, until death (or divorce) do them part. Facilitated by a Priest or higher.

To request a holy service, simply approach a Priest+ ingame, on the Forums, or through Discord.

Spoiler for Other Terms:

Other Terms

🪑 Chair of Saint Elrond: A formal title for the office of Pope, representing the succession of the Popes after Saint Elrond, the First Pope and Founder of the Church. (Based on the IRL relic and symbol, the Chair of Saint Peter)

🚫 Excommunication: The formal expulsion of a member from the Church, for reasons such as crimes or heresy against the Church.

🤝 Full Communion: Recognition between the Church and other churches/religious groups with beliefs similar to the Church, with the said church/religious group being recognized as part of the Church with all the accompanying rights, privileges, and responsibilities for its leaders and members. Currently, this applies only to the Holy Church of Sauron (V:MP).

👿 Heathen: Filthy unbelievers who refuse to accept the light of Sauron. One of the missions of the Holy Church is to show Heathens our peaceful ways - by force.

💦 Holy Water: Water or other fluids that has been blessed to be holy. May be used for a variety of Rituals, or to bless weapons with holy damage.

📜 Proclamation: A letter or decree by the Pope on policies and declarations of the Church. Examples include the induction and promotion of members of the Priesthood, the canonization of new Saints, and the Church's official stances on issues.

Join us on the Church Discord! Click below:



Coming Soon: Locations, vehicles, vestments, and honors

Unknown: The Holy Church of Argonath is founded by Saint Elrond ([R*]Kojak) as the First Pope.
Unknown: Saint Elrond is succeeded by Pope +Shifter, followed by Pope +Anto, followed by Pope +Janek.

2009 A.D., Dec. 28: His Holiness Pope +Janek restores the See of San Fierro.
2009 A.D., Dec. 28: The Reverend Father Jonathan Kolta (JDC) is appointed Archbishop of Los Santos, now styled His Excellency +Jonathan Kolta.
2010 A.D., Jan. 28: The Reverend Father Hank_Rafferty (Vice911) is appointed Monsignor and Private Secretary to His Holiness Pope Janek, now styled The Reverend Monsignor Hank_Rafferty.
2011 A.D., Feb. 12: The Reverend Father Jcstodds is appointed Archbishop of Los Santos, succeeding now-Archbishop Emeritus +Jonathan Kolta, and now styled His Excellency +Jcstodds.
2012 A.D., Jan. 18: The Most Reverend +Jcstodds is appointed Cardinal, now styled His Eminence Jcstodds, Cardinal Archbishop of Los Santos.

2013 A.D., Dec. 20: The Most Reverend +Alfredo_Sforza is appointed Cardinal, now styled His Eminence +Alfredo_Sforza, Cardinal Archbishop of Las Venturas.
2017 A.D., Mar. 29: His Eminence +Alfredo Sforza, Cardinal Archbishop of Las Venturas, temporarily assumes the Chair of Saint Elrond in an acting capacity.
2020 A.D., Apr. 24: His Eminence +Jcstodds, Cardinal Archbishop of Los Santos, establishes the Archdiocese of Los Santos and Blaine County (The Holy Church of Sauron, V:MP)

2021 A.D., Jan. 7: The Reverend Father John E. Since (JDC) assumes the Chair of Saint Elrond as His Holiness Pope +JDC.
2021 A.D., Jan. 7: His Holiness Pope +JDC restores the See of San Fierro (SA:MP), re-consecrates the Cathedral of Saint Basil as the Cathedral of Saint Elrond, and establishes the Diocese of Fort Carson.
2021 A.D., Jan. 7: Jack Sayer (Gruia) is ordained Priest of the Parish of Las Brujas, under the Diocese of Fort Carson, now styled The Reverend Jack Sayer or Father.
2021 A.D., Jan. 7: His Holiness Pope +JDC proclaims full communion between the Holy Church of Argonath (SA:MP), and the Holy Church of Sauron (V:MP), recognizing the latter as the former's Archdiocese of Los Santos and Blaine County.
2021 A.D., Jan. 8: The Church celebrates the completed building of the Fort Carson Church. (mapped by Tom_Adams)
2021 A.D., Jan. 19: The Church is given its own script /group ingame. (SA:MP)
2021 A.D., Feb. 7: His Holiness Pope +JDC issues a proclamation calling to end police brutality in the State of San Andreas under the APB system used by law enforcement.
2021 A.D., Feb. 17: The Church opens its Discord Server. His Holiness Pope +JDC abolishes the rank of Monsignor and renames the designation of "Religious Layperson" to "Believer."
2021 A.D., Apr. 19: His Holiness Pope +JDC issues a proclamation declaring April 20 (4/20), June 9 (6/9), and December 25 (Sauronmas / Winter Solstice) as the Holy Feast Days of the Church.
2021 A.D., May 25: Brother Michael_Collin finishes his studies as a Seminarian and is ordained as a Priest of the Church, now styled The Reverend Michael Collin or Father.

Last Update: June 4, 2021


Pope

His Holiness Pope +[R*]JDC
(a.k.a. Father John E. Since)

His Holiness Pope Emeritus +[R*]Janek

Cardinals

His Eminence Cardinal +[R*]Jcstodds
(a.k.a. Father Bastard, Head of the Church of Sauron, V:MP)

Bishops

His Holiness Pope +[R*]JDC, See of San Fierro
(a.k.a. Father John E. Since)

His Eminence +[R*]Jcstodds, Cardinal-Archbishop of Los Santos and Blaine County (V:MP)
(a.k.a. Father Bastard)

Vacant: Diocese of Fort Carson, Archdioceses of Los Santos and Las Venturas

Priests

The Reverend Gruia_Collin, Parish of Las Brujas
(a.k.a. Father Jack Sayer)

The Reverend Michael_Collin, Parish of Palomino Creek
(a.k.a. Father Bhenchod)

Vacant: Parishes of Angel Pine, Bayside, and Las Barrancas

All listed above are considered Members of the Priesthood.

Seminarians
Student priests in training.

Vacant

Believers (30)
Ordinary citizens who believe in our Lord Sauron and the Holy Church.

Aky
Astaroth / Pitney_Bowes
blitz / Philip_Byrne
Brendan_Finney
Bruce_McKay
Colin_Hagen
Craig_Joestar
Dean_Martial
Diego_Starm
Francesio_Delgado (Paul Milgrom)
fulcrum
Goku_gamer
Goura
HerkutisP
Hubert_Svensson
[WS]Jake
Jimmy_Nas
[DS]Jwick
Khm / Marshall_Kings
Kostas_Evans
Kowalski / Amelia_Hernandez
Major_Zero
Pearl_Elliot
Sierra_Maxwell
Skylar_Bennett
Stalker
Terro
Tommy_Byrne
Trey_Zeekeeper
Zack_Joestar

All listed above are considered active Members of the Church.

Inactive Believers (4)
6aandz
Jerimiah_Thomas
Shard
slugworth

Former Priests

His Eminence +Alfredo Sforza, Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Las Venturas
His Eminence +Mario_Rinna, Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Las Venturas
Reverend Monsignor Hank_Rafferty (Vice911)
Father Alfred_Svensson
Father Belta
Father Dolfa Stracci
Father Earl_Svensson
Father [WS]Jack_Bauer
Father Joe_Arelli
Father LeHott
Father Luis.Hernandez
Father MrFrancis

1.) The Church follows the Server Rules (and sometimes, the State Laws) of the United States of Argonath.

2.) The Church follows the religion of Sauronism in Argonath, and not any IRL religion. While we take certain inspirations from real life, our members have different beliefs (or non-beliefs) IRL.

3.) The Church provides Baptisms, Confessions, Exorcisms, Funerals, Holy Mass, Last Rites (blessing the dead), and Weddings, as well as other services for the people of Argonath.

4.) The Church maintains peace with all peoples and groups. Except for those who commit crimes against the Church, who will burn in eternal hellfire.

5.) The Symbol of the Church, as seen at the head of this topic, is the Eye of Sauron. The colors of the Church are white (Pope), red (Cardinals), and black (Priests).

6.) All acceptances of Seminarians and promotions to Priest and higher are approved by a Cardinal+. Citizens of Argonath may join as Believers after declaring their belief in the Church. There is no limitation on other groups that Members of the Church and its Priesthood may also be a part of — whether law enforcement, criminal, or civilian — with the sole exception of other religious groups that are not in full communion with the Church.

So Ordered,

+JDC p.p.
Pope of the Holy Church of Argonath

From the Cathedral of Saint Elrond, San Fierro, on Thursday, 7th January, in the year of our Lord 2021, the first of our pontificate.

To apply as a Priest, fill in the Application Form below and post it as a reply.

Code: (Apply as a Priest) [Select]

[b]In-game Name:[/b]
- <replace with answer>

[b]RP Name:[/b]
- <replace with answer>

[b]RL Age:[/b]
- <replace with answer>

[b]Timezone:[/b]
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[b]How long have you played in Argonath, and on what servers?:[/b]
- <replace with answer>

[b]Tell us about your Roleplaying Skills:[/b]
- <replace with answer>

[b]Why do you want to join the Priesthood of the Holy Church of Argonath?:[/b]
- <replace with answer>
To join as a Believer (non-Priest), either A.) fill in the form below as a reply, B.) do /groupjoin Church ingame (SA:MP only), OR C.) ask us in the Church Discord. Believers are ordinary citizens who are also members of the Church. Acceptance as a Believer is automatic.

Code: (Join as a Believer) [Select]

[b]In-game Name:[/b]
- <replace with answer>

[b]How long have you played in Argonath, and on what servers?:[/b]
- <replace with answer>

[b]Do you believe in our Lord Sauron and the Holy Church?:[/b]
- <replace with answer>
For updates to this topic, kindly contact me via Forum PM or Discord.

[Kowalski.]

Nice, good luck!

[jwick]

good luck

[Norrage]

 

[JDC]

nice

[Jcstodds]

https://www.argonathrpg.eu/index.php?topic=129031.0

The Los Santos and Blaine County Church of Sauron arm of the Holy Church has been active for the last year in converting the non believers and delivering justice if you would like to update the history 

Hail Sauron!
Cardinal Archbishop Father Bastard

[JDC]

RESTITUTO ECCLESIAE
of the Holy Father +JDC on the Restoration of the Church

1. The Holy Church of Argonath, having fallen into abeyance in the last few years, is restored in the See of San Fierro. The Cathedral of Saint Basil, our spiritual headquarters, is re-consecrated as the Cathedral of Saint Elrond, in the tradition of the First Pope and the Founder of our Church.

2. The Diocese of Fort Carson is established within the Archdiocese of Las Venturas, resident in the Town of Fort Carson, with jurisdiction over the Parishes of Fort Carson, Las Barrancas, and Las Brujas.

3. The Reverend Jack Sayer (Gruia) is ordained as a Priest of the Church, and the Parish of Las Brujas is placed under his pastoral care.

4. The Holy Church of Sauron (V:MP) is in full communion with the Holy Church of Argonath (SA:MP), as the Church's Archdiocese of Los Santos and Blaine County, under the pastoral care of His Eminence Cardinal +Father Bastard (Jcstodds). Under full communion, members of the Priesthoods of both churches are fully recognized each within other's jurisdictions.

So Ordered,

+JDC p.p.
Pope of the Holy Church of Argonath

From the Cathedral of Saint Elrond, San Fierro, on Thursday, 7th January, in the year of our Lord 2021, the first of our pontificate.

https://www.argonathrpg.eu/index.php?topic=129031.0

The Los Santos and Blaine County Church of Sauron arm of the Holy Church has been active for the last year in converting the non believers and delivering justice if you would like to update the history 

Hail Sauron!
Cardinal Archbishop Father Bastard

Updated. Always a treat to see you, Father Bastard/Crazy Sheriff Jcs! I'll drop by V:MP when I get a proper PC. Meanwhile, do visit us when you can!

[KenAdams]

Hail Sauron!

[KenAdams]

In-game Name:
Michael_AncelottiT

RP Name:
Michael Rizzi

RL Age:
18

Timezone:
GMT+5:30(Indian Standard Time)

How long have you played in Argonath, and on what servers?:
More than Four Months

Tell us about your Roleplaying Skills:
Good, (Can't judge myself  )

Why do you want to join the Priesthood of the Holy Church of Argonath?:
So that I can know more about Lord Sauron and also tell others about him and his power. 

[JDC]

In-game Name: Michael_AncelottiT

RP Name: Michael Rizzi

RL Age: 18

Timezone: GMT+5:30 (Indian Standard Time)

How long have you played in Argonath, and on what servers?: More than Four Months

Tell us about your Roleplaying Skills:
Good, (Can't judge myself  )

Why do you want to join the Priesthood of the Holy Church of Argonath?:
So that I can know more about Lord Sauron and also tell others about him and his power. 

Mr. Michael Rizzi is now Accepted as a Seminarian. He shall begin his religious studies of the Church, its rituals, and other pastoral responsibilities in preparation for service as a Priest.

So Ordered,

+JDC p.p.
Pope of the Holy Church of Argonath

[Khm]

The government has started construction to build a church and a cemetery in Fort Carson to meet the needs of our citizens. We've great engineers that will finish the construction in no time. Stay tuned!

[KenAdams]

Mr. Michael Rizzi is now Accepted as a Seminarian. He shall begin his religious studies of the Church, its rituals, and other pastoral responsibilities in preparation for service as a Priest.

So Ordered,

+JDC p.p.
Pope of the Holy Church of Argonath

Thank you, Father, 

[JDC]

NOVA PAROCHIAM
of the Holy Father +JDC on the consecration of a new Parish

The Holy Church of Argonath celebrates the completion of the newly-constructed Fort Carson Church and its attached cemetery, the Fort Carson Cemetery, spearheaded by Engineer Tom_Adams. (Mapper)

The Fort Carson Church has been consecrated as the Parish of Fort Carson, under the Diocese of Fort Carson, of which it shall serve as its headquarters. The Diocese of Fort Carson also encompasses the Parishes of Las Barrancas and Las Brujas. Furthermore, the new cemetery makes possible the proper mourning and burial rites for our departed brothers and sisters, as they pass from this life into the merciful light of our Lord Sauron.

We express our deepest gratitude to the Government of the United States of Argonath for making this endeavor possible, greatly benefiting the Church in serving the spiritual needs of the people of Argonath.

With the blessings of Sauron,

+JDC p.p.
Pope of the Holy Church of Argonath

From the Cathedral of Saint Elrond, San Fierro, on Friday, 8th January, in the year of our Lord 2021, the first of our pontificate.

The government has started construction to build a church and a cemetery in Fort Carson to meet the needs of our citizens. We've great engineers that will finish the construction in no time. Stay tuned!

thank you kind sers

[Gnb_22]

 

[JDC]

Moderator Comment

Please remember the rule that any more than five images must be placed within spoilers, which we have added for you. Thank you for your future compliance.

Father John E. Since moves into the town of Fort Carson, making quite the entrance. As you can guess, mayhem immediately ensues.

Spoiler for Hiden:

Fathers John E. Since and Jack Sayer (Guia) chilling together.

Spoiler for Hiden:

An unidentified Priest was spotted planting a lot of ...trees, claiming he was going to "help stop global warming and save the earth." After authorities were alerted by locals and approached the area to "talk to the good Father about the environment", the said Priest disappeared and was never seen in the area again.

Spoiler for Hiden:

Father John E. Since takes a ride with... wait, is that... SHIT, RUUUN!!

Spoiler for Hiden: