Father,
It is with great pleasure that I can submit my annual report on the state of the Patriarchal Church and religion in general in Egelion to the Holy Papacy.
I am pleased to say that in the fifth year of the Junta that governs effectively, honourably and with respect for the Church, we continue to see growth in the numbers attending mass, growth in the role of the Church in society and in education and most importantly society is being ordered in accordance with the timeless values of the Church.
Church attendanceI can report that the Church is very healthy in its interaction with society at large and in the support for the Church from the people. A government estimate suggests that three quarters of the population adhere to the Patriarchal Church, based on baptisms, marriages and funerals.
A census is currently being compiled that is likely to confirm this. Church attendance has significantly increased in the last five years and nearly two fifths of the population are assessed to regularly attend mass.
Liturgy is conduced according to the Seleucian Rite, although primarily in the Egelion language except for the traditional Easter and Christmas ceremonies. Each Province has a an Archbishopric, with primacy afforded to the Archbishop of Amateria. Each Province is split into ten Diocese. With additional Bishops for the Armed Forces, and two Bishops to cater for Egelions in the rest of Keris and Dovani, there are a total of 55 Bishops. Church building has had to occur in many dioceses due to the recent expansion in the numbers of regular worshippers.
Unfortunately there are still a small number of Patriarchal dissidents who worship according to the Terran Patriarchal Church liturgy and rites.te They have their own Archbishop and ten Bishops who cater to their followers. However, their numbers decrease year on year and do not seriously challenge the Holy Apostolic Hosian Church of Terra for religious authority in Egelion although it is worth noting that some of the more conservative members of the Junta are Terran Patriarchals.
Church attendance is healthy and in many areas continues to grow.The Church in societyThe Church plays a key role in society. Following
the establishment of the Patriarchal Church in 3985 the Church has seen its role increase rapidly, especially in the area of education. Only the Patriarchal Church is allowed to establish and run schools and furthermore prayer is mandatory in all school, again, led by the Patriarchal Church. This gives the Church an important new pulpit to ensure that society develops according to the principles of the faith and not according to any secularist nonsense that might otherwise corrupt youth.
Education is firmly in the hands of the Church.Church and StateThe Church and State continue to exhibit close ties. The Junta and Armed Forces retain strong support for the Church and in return the Church have influenced the
social measures that the Junta have introduced. The Junta is socially conservative and we can only support their measures that have almost eliminated abortion and ensured protection for the traditional family. Although we would like to see a return to democracy in Egelion the Church must continue to support the Junta in its attempts to ensure the rule of law is protected and that conservative values are enshrined in the constitution. Once this is achieved the Church retains its faith in the Junta's promises to return democracy to Egelion.
Relations between the Junta and Church are strong.ThreatsCommunism and atheism remain the primary threats to the true Church in Egelion. Heretical Hosian beliefs are in place, however remain largely supported by minority groups, such as immigrants from Dovani or the Zyldav community. Ethnic Egelions have converted to Luthoran Churches, but in small numbers and with the current state support for the Patriarchal Church this is being reversed in some communities. A Communist Party exists, although with marginal influence in Egelion. However, if the Junta were to suddenly collapse it would fill us with worry for the future, although we place our faith in a higher body to ensure our continued strength in Egelion.
The FutureAs I see it the Patriarchal Church is in its best position in decades. Protected from secularism and atheism, assured of its special established place in Egelion, with a key role in education we have been given a unique opportunity to promote our faith across the country and develop the steady growth of the faithful flock. The Junta has pursued other measures to
allow senior figures of the Church membership of the Senate.Proposed constitutional reform will see Bishops sit in a new second chamber.ConclusionFather, as you can see, times are good for the faith in Egelion. I will keep you updated of future developments.
Your faithfully, your loyal servant,
Cardinal Julius D'Evulva
ooc: Apologies for the grave dig, but I considered this the best place to post this.