Phi Delta Theta
Initiation Ritual
1968
Opening Ceremony
President,
* *: Brothers, attention I
Officers, take your respective stations. We will proceed to open this meeting in
due form. Brother Warden, are all persons present entitled to remain?
Warden:
They are, Brother President.
President:
Are all external openings safely closed and secured?
Warden:
They are, Brother President.
President:
Then arrange the altar properly.
The
Warden crosses two swords on the altar, their points toward the President, and
lays upon them a Bible, opened at Psalm CXXXVII, a white and blue bookmark
crossing the page.
Warden:
Brother President, the altar is arranged.
President:
Distribute the Rituals to the officers.
The
Warden distributes the Rituals among the officers, handing a copy to the
President last.
President:
Now return to your station, and attend to raps at the door, permitting no one to
enter who cannot prove himself to be a Phi.
Warden:
Your command shall be obeyed.
President,
*: Brothers, where are we met?
Members:
In this hall; sacred to friendship.
President:
How met?
Members:
As Brothers.
President:
Brother Warden, why met?
Warden:
To transact such business as may come before the chapter, to enjoy the society
of our brothers, to profit by their views, and to renew our pledges in Φ
Δ Θ.
President:
Brothers, attend to giving the signs and words of salutation and recognition.
The
President gives the sign of the challenging party and the members respond with
the sign of the challenged, after which the President repeats the words of
salutation and the members give the answering words of recognition.
President:
Brother Warden, in which direct ion should we look for guidance in fraternal
matters?
Warden:
Toward
President:
Why toward
Warden:
In
recognition of the birthplace of our Fraternity, whence came to us the benefits
of Φ Δ Θ.
President:
So should we look to the Almighty, in recognition of the source whence all our
blessings come, Attend, therefore, while the Chaplain invokes Divine blessing
upon our deliberations.
Chaplain:
Direct us, O Lord, in all our
doings, with Thy most gracious favor, and further us with Thy continual help;
that in all our works, begun, continued and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy
holy name, and finally, by Thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus
Christ, our Lord. Amen. .
The Chorister will
lead the chapter in the singing of the Φ Δ Θ Doxology:
Thy blessings, Lord,
to sanctify,
We ask Thee now for
every Phi.
May all our joys and
friendships be
Strengthened and
hallowed, Lord, by Thee.
President,
* *: I now declare this chapter
open for the discharge of business, and I earnestly hope and expect that each
officer will do his bounden duty, and that the brothers will be orderly and
attentive to the proceedings of the meeting. *
* *.
Warden:
Brother President, I have the honor to present Phikeia(s)
he
reads the lull name of
each candidate who has passed all of the requirements of his (their) pledgeship in
Φ Δ Θ, and who now seeks (seek) admission to our Fraternity as a
brother (brothers) in the Bond.
President:
Brothers, having heard this
nomination (these nominations) for the initiation of the Phikeia (Phikeias)
proposed by the Warden, I now order that the members will unite in preparing the
chapter hall for the first act of the initiation ceremony.
Initiation Ceremony
Act I The
Obligation
Not
more than four candidates may take this Act at a time. Should two or more take
it, the officers should have previously studied their parts, so as to be ready,
without hesitation, to address them in the plural, instead of the singular
number. The President, Vice-President, Warden, and Chaplain must have copies of
the Ritual.
Properties
The
altar is rolled aside, and in its place is set a coffin, containing a skeleton.
Two swords are crossed on the coffin, and on them is laid a Bible, opened at
Psalm cxxxiii, a white and blue book-mark crossing the page. On one side of the
coffin is placed a hassock, so that the person kneeling on it would face the
President. At either end of the coffin is set an alm containing salt, saturated
with alcohol.
President:
Let the chapter hall be arranged for the first act of the Initiation Ceremony.
President,
* * *: Brothers, we will now
perform the Initiation Ceremony, that we may receive a new brother(s) into full
fellowship. We have invited him, (them) to join a Fraternity of high aims and
pure purposes, His (Their) first impressions of Φ Δ Θ, received during this Initiation, should be most lasting. It is important,
therefore, that during the ceremony you should demean yourselves toward him
(them) without fault, as becomes brothers in the Bond.
The
Warden, having attired himself ill proper robe, returns to the ante-room. The
Historian, without alarm or challenge, re-enters the hall, and attires himself
in black robe and mask. The Warden causes the intrant to don a robe, and then
blindfolds him, avoiding all frivolous conversation. The Vice President gives
the fraternity whistle to inform the Warden that all is in readiness, after
which, perfect quiet should prevail in the hall. The Warden gives the customary
raps at the door.
Vice
President: Who are thou?
Warden:
A brother in the Bond of Φ Δ Θ.
Vice
President:
Whence comest thou?
Warden:
From wanderings abroad.
Vice
President:
Art thou alone?
Warden:
Nay, I lead a stranger (strangers).
Vice
President:
What seeketh he (they)?
Warden:
Initiation into the mysteries of Φ Δ Θ.
Vice
President:
By what right asketh he (they) the honor?
Warden:
By the right of a true heart (true hearts), a ready hand (ready hands), and
worthiness in the sight of the
brothers.
Vice
President:
Then enter with him (them), but let him (them) take heed upon what he entereth
(they enter).
The
Warden, leading the candidate, enters the hall and walks around it three times,
stopping where the hassock is placed. Slow music may be played, but no other
noises allowed. During this period the entire chapter (or a selected member,
walking behind the candidate) may render the moment more impressive by the soft
singing of the following song which may be found
in any standard hymnal:
"In the hour of
trial. Jesus plead for me;
Lest by base denial,
I depart from Thee.
If thou see'st me
waver, with a look recall
Nor for fear or
favor, suffer me to fall."
Chaplain:
And I will bring the blind by a
way they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will
make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight.
These things will I
do unto them, and not forsake them." (Isaiah xlii, 16).
The
music ceases.
President:
Stranger(s), you are on the threshold of a great and honored Brotherhood, and,
before proceeding, I am compelled to bind you to the most profound secrecy. In
the presence of the persons who are here assembled, do you solemnly promise
never to reveal anything pertaining to the Φ Δ Θ Fraternity, in
which you .may now he instructed?
Candidate:
I do.
President:
Stranger(s), it will be necessary for you to take a most sacred and binding
obligation, not only that you will preserve the strictest secrecy concerning the
nature and business of this Fraternity, but also that you will endeavor to
attain a high standard of mental cultivation
and moral character; that you will,
truly and in good faith, regard those who may be, or may become members of the
Fraternity, as your friends; and perform to each the duties arising from such
relations; and. that you will aid and assist them in the prosecution of the
laudable objects for which Φ Δ Θ was established. Do you solemnly
declare that you arc prepared to take such an obligation?
Candidate:
I do.
President:
Brothers, having heard the reply of the stranger(s), do you solemnly declare
that you are prepared to receive him (them) as a brother (brothers) in the Bond,
and to perform to him (them) the duties arising from such relations?
Members:
We do.
President:
Stranger(s) and brothers, may none of you ever have cause to regret this action.
Be loyal to your promises.
Members:
We will.
At
this lime the lamps are lighted.
President:
Stranger(s), in taking this most important obligation, it is but just that you
should be in possession of all your perceptive faculties, and as you have
hitherto, for sufficient reasons, been deprived of sight, the hoodwink will now
be removed, so that you may see as well as hear.
The
Warden removes the hoodwink.
Stranger(s), the grim
emblems of death before you are designed to impress upon-your mind(s) the
solemnity of the vows you must assume in uniting with Φ Δ Θ.
These vows are not to be considered lightly, but most deliberately and
seriously, for they are of perpetual binding obligation.
By these dry,
bleached bones, we are reminded of man's mortality, and that the end of this
life is the grave. The person of whose body they once formed a part, may have
been a noble character adorned with many virtues, or, on the contrary, a base
creature without honor or sense of duty.
But I would assure
you that if you uphold the principles which you accept tonight, (today),
fulfilling the purposes of the Bond of the Φ Δ Θ, you will
receive the honor of your fellow-man, the approbation of your own conscience,
and the approval of high heaven.
You will place
yourself in the proper attitude by kneeling on the hassock, laying your right
hand on the Bible before you, and your left hand on your left breast over your
heart. This
is done.
Now repeat after me
the following:
Candidate,
President leading: I,
, full
name,
of my own free will and accord, ─ in the
presence of the persons who are here assembled, ─ do solemnly affirm and
declare ─ that I will keep forever secret from every person ─
excepting only members of Phi Delta Theta ─ everything concerning the
nature or business of the Fraternity ─ in which I may now or heareafter be
instructed; ─ that I will abide by the tenets of the Fraternity ─
and obey its laws and ordinances; ─ that I will regard each member of Phi
Delta Theta as my friend; ─ and will reciprocate the duties of that
relation; ─ and that I will never unite with any similar fraternity.
─ All this I promise ─ with a fixed and steadfast resolution to
perform ─ binding myself under penalty ─ of being held ─ a
person devoid the principles of honor. ─ So help me God ─ and may He
keep me steadfast.
President:
Amen: so let it be.
Members:
So let it be.
President:
In token of your sincerity, you will kiss the Bible he
obeys.
You will now arise and retire with the Warden.
The
Warden and candidate withdraw to the anteroom and the members remove their
robes.
Act II ─ The
Palladium
Preferably
one, but not more than four candidates may take this Act at a time, The
President, Vice-President, Secretary, Warden, Historian, and Chaplain must have
copies of the Ritual, or access to a copy.
The
paraphernalia used in Act I, having been removed, the properties of Act II are
arranged as required. Lights are turned low. The President, Vice President,
Secretary and Warden wear the same robes as in Act I.
The
other members wear their ordinary dress. The Vice President,
Secretary, Warden and Historian carry spears. The
candidate in the ante-room is divested of his coat, vest and valuables, attired
in a black robe and blindfolded, after which the Warden invites him to be
seated.
Warden:
Comrade(s) in accordance with your desire to dwell among the Greeks, and
receive their rights and benefits, you must now undertake a journey to their
chief temple. In the innermost court of this temple stands the palladium, to
which, as a loyal Greek(s) you must render homage, The palladium is an image of Pallas, the goddess whom the
Greeks hold in greatest reverence. Tradition tells us that it was cast down to
earth by Zeus, and that it fell ill the neighborhood of
Of this the Greeks
learned during the siege of
A priceless value is
attached to this image of the Goddess of Wisdom, for the Greeks believe that
upon its possession their safety depends.
Only those whose
loyalty has been tested are allowed to approach it, and should anyone be
detected in an attempt to remove it, he would be most severely punished. I,
therefore, warn you to proceed with the greatest caution, that you may not be
suspected of any evil purpose.
The
wicket having been raised so the Chaplain could hear this speech, he enters the
ante-room.
Warden:.A
friend approaches; arise and greet him.
Chaplain:
Friend(s), a perilous journey lies before you. You may meet those who shall
mistake you for an enemy and do you injury. You cannot be too vigilant and
discreet. If at any time it is demanded, give your name as Phikeia,
for in
Wherever you go be
sure to keep them in view. Farewell.
Leaving
the door open as he passes through, the Chaplain returns to the hall, and
everyone therein remains perfectly quiet.
Warden:
Comrade(s) thus far your progress toward the goal of Φ Δ Θ has
been pleasant enough. Prepare now for different scenes. Many obstacles beset the
way to the temple, which can be entered only through three well-guarded gates.
What name has been
given to you?
Candidate:
Phikeia.
Warden:
Phikeia is the name renowned in the legends of
Candidate:
I am.
Warden:
I see men in the distance, and will signal them to learn whether they
are Greeks.
The
Warden gives the fraternity whistle, and the Vice President answers with the
.same.
Warden:
The signal says, All
is well. So may it be with you.
The
Warden without alarm or challenge, enters and leads the candidate around the
hall several times during which he repeats the secret motto, in the Greek, three
times in a muffled voice. Stopping before the Vice President, the Warden strikes
the floor
, with his spear. The Vice President responds by striking
with
a spear, and the Warden strikes
.
Vice
President: Who comes there?
Warden:
Fellow Greeks seeking, admission to the temple.
Vice
President: For what reason?
Warden:
That we may offer our vows at the altar of friendship and pay homage to the
palladium.
Vice
President:
Then pass on, and may you ever abide in fraternity hands
ritual to Historian. .
The
Warden leads the candidate around the hall, and stopping before the Secretary,
strikes the floor
with his spear. The Secretary responds by striking
with a spear, and the Warden strikes
Secretary:
Who comes there?
Warden:
Fellow Greeks, seeking admission to the temple.
Secretary:
For what reason?
Warden:
That we may offer our vows at the altar of learning and pay homage to the
palladium.
Secretary:
Then pass on, and may you ever move
in the paths of wisdom.
The
Warden leads the candidate around the hall, and stopping
before the Historian, strikes the floor
with his
spear. The Historian responds by striking
with a spear, and the Warden
strikes
.
Historian:
Who comes there?
Warden:
Fellow Greeks, seeking admission to the temple.
Historian:
For what reason?
Warden:
That we may offer our vows at the altar of rectitude and pay homage to the
palladium.
Historian:
Then pass on and may you ever walk uprightly before the gods and men.
The
Warden leads the candidate around the hall, stopping at the altar so as
to face the President.
Warden:
We have passed through the triple gates, and entered the innermost court of the
temple. We stand now before the altar that is sacred to Friendship, Sound
Learning, and Rectitude, and in the presence of the palladium. Here we will
salute the Most Eminent Archon, with whose permission we may offer our vows.
Warden:
Hail! Hail! Hail!
President:
Peace be with you!
Warden:
Thrice hail, thrice mighty!
President:
Greeks, what seek ye in this, the innermost court of the temple?
Warden:
O, Most Eminent Archon, we
would offer our vows at the altar
that is sacred to Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude, and pay homage to
the palladium.
President:
This temple is jealously guarded by a band of Greeks whose fame is widespread.
If you possess their secrets, you will be welcomed. Answer the salutation.
The
President whispers the words of salutation, and the Warden replies with the
words of recognition.
President:
Extend to me the grip Warden obeys. You give it correctly,
but your comrade(s) also must in the same manner prove himself (themselves) a
member(s) of this band of Greeks. Let him (them) answer the salutation.
The
President whispers the words of salutation to the candidate. If necessary the
President should interrupt the candidate's reply,
President:
Extend to me the grip. What! Without the grip, you have deceived us! Arise,
Greeks: an enemy in the temple! He is (They are) here to steal the palladium!
The punishment is death!
Members:
Death to him (them)! Death to the enemy!
President:
Seize him (them), Greeks, and hold him (them).
Candidate
is held by two or three members.
President:
You are about to be ejected and put to death for entering our temple to steal
the palladium. Greeks, we have seen enough. Show no mercy.
They
are interrupted by the Chaplain.
Chaplain:
Hold, Greeks, hold! A terrible mistake has been made! He is (they are) not an
enemy (enemies) but a fellow Greek (Greeks)! See his (their) colors! The
symbolic white and blue! The Gods he praised! To
candidate:
What name was given to you?
Candidate,
promplcd by the Warden if necessary: Phikeia.
Members:
Phikeia! Phikeia!
Chaplain:
Phikeia! The name of a most noble Greek, whom we have long and diligently
sought. We rejoice at finding you.
President:
Release him (them) and extend to him (them) the welcome to which a Greek is
entitled.
The
candidate is unbound, the hoodwink removed, and after
receiving congratulations on his
deliverance, he is conducted by the Warden to the ante-room.
Act III ─ The
Accolade
Any
number of candidates may take this Act at the same time; but, if there are two
or more, the officers should have previously studied their parts so as to be
ready, without hesitation, to address them in the plural, instead of the
singular number. The President, Warden, and Chaplain, must have copies of the
Ritual.
The
properties used in Act II having been removed, the hall is arranged and lighted
as usual. The President and Warden wear the same robes as in the previous Acts.
The members and the candidate wear their ordinary dress, Include tables for the
Bond and badges if several candidates are being initiated. The Warden,
conducting the candidate, enters the hall, giving the customary raps and
pass-word at the door.
The
members receive the candidate by rising and applauding. The candidate is then
seated.
President,
* * *: Hear the reading of the
Scriptures.
Chaplain:
Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Now I beseech you, brethren, that there he no division among you, but that ye be
perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment; endeavoring
to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, Be kindly affectioned one
to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another. Be perfect, be
of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace
shall be with you. (Psalm cxxxiii,
I; I Cor. i, 10,. Eph. iv, 3,. Rom.
xii, 10, II Cor. xiii, 2.).
President,
* *: My friend(s) the basis of
union of this Fraternity is the Bond of Phi Delta Theta. This noble covenant,
approved by the Founders on December 30, 1848, and accepted and signed by every
man who has become a member of the Fraternity, recognizes and establishes three
principles which govern the social, cultural, and moral life of men. These
principles, broadly interpreted as Friendship, Sound Learning and Rectitude, are
the triple foundation upon which the structure of Phi Delta Theta is raised.
They have governed the acts and the policies of our brotherhood through the
years and have given it a place of honor and esteem among men. These same
principles, active in the character of the individual member, assure him the
honor of his fellowman, the approbation of his own conscience, and the sanction
of High Heaven. Hear now the reading of the Bond, and fail not to give it your
closest attention.
Members:
Yes, let the Bond be read.
The
Historian, or at the option of the President, another member, for example, an
alumnus of the chapter or other distinguished Phi who may be present, reads the
Bond and then places the open book containing it upon the table.
President:
My friend(s), in the first act of your initiation, the ceremony was intended to
impress on your mind the solemnity of the vows which you assumed in uniting with
Φ Δ Θ.
In the second act we
impersonated ancient Greeks, the most enlightened people of their age, whose
achievements in the realms of art and literature we may profitably emulate.
You were represented
as taking a journey to the chief temple of the ancient Greeks, the center of
their enlightenment and culture. Figuratively speaking, you finally emerged from
the darkness of barbarism into the brightness of Grecian civilization.
The events of this
journey should serve to teach you several valuable lessons, the most important,
perhaps, being that we should strive after culture, no matter how many obstacles
may beset our pathway. At the outset the motto of the Fraternity was repeated
three times, because he who undertakes a difficult and dangerous enterprise
should thrice be sure his cause is right. In entering the temple, you did so by
three gates, representing Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude, for by
their cultivation are men qualified to associate in close union, as we do in
Φ Δ Θ. When, on reaching the innermost court of the temple, it
was found you did not possess the secrets of Φ Δ Θ, you were
threatened with ejection and punishment.
The hearty welcome
that was extended to you on discovering that you wore our colors expressed the
great pleasure with which this Chapter receives you as a member(s), and typified
the cordial greeting which is due from one Phi to another, wherever and whenever
they may chance to meet.
This, the third and
last act, partakes of the character of another civilization that of the
Middle Ages, when feudalism obtained and knight-errantry flourished. The valor
and virtues of the knights who were pledged to uphold the cross, defend the
faith, and protect the weak, make brilliant the pages of history.
A candidate for
knighthood was received into the order by a ceremony called the accolade, and,
by a similar ceremony, we will formally receive you into the chivalric
Fraternity of Φ Δ Θ. You will please kneel.
President:
If thou art dubbed a Phi, wilt thou wear the shield of Φ Δ Θ with
honor to that name, and wield thy sword on the side of justice only? Wilt thou?
Candidate:
I will.
President:
Wilt thou, like the good valiant knights of old, be ever ready to volunteer thy
services ill defense of virtue and the maintenance of right? Wilt thou?
Candidate:
I will.
President:
Wilt thou uphold the principles of the Bond of the Phi Delta Theta, and defend
the reputation of the Fraternity with all thy might and power? Wilt thou?
Candidate:
I will.
President:
Wilt thou especially do thine uttermost for any brother Phi, if he should call
on thee for aid against his foes, and there be no dishonor in his cause? Wilt
thou?
Candidate:
I will.
President:
And wilt thou hold thee ever in thine own just quarrel, or in the righteous
cause of others, like a true and fearless Phi? And if thou gain the victory, or
if thou art defeated, still keep thy most sacred honor without stain? Will thou?
Candidate:
I will.
President:
Then, by virtue of the authority vested in me, as the presiding officer of this
Chapter, I hereby create thee a Phi(s) and pronounce thee entitled to all the
rights, privileges and immunities belonging to members of the Φ Δ
Θ Fraternity.
If
the previous "charge" has been given collectively, the candidates are
now asked to be seated. Each candidate, in ascending Bond number order, then
approaches the altar and kneels on the hassock. Taking a sword from the altar,
the President proceeds with the
ceremony.
President:
Be loyal lays
sword on candidate's right shoulder bold on
left shoulder, and true
on
head. Let now your signature to
the Bond signify your acceptance of its precepts, and evidence your vows of
fealty to all who have been or who may hereafter be initiated into Φ Δ
Θ.
You will be invested
with the badge of Φ Δ Θ; may you ever wear it with pleasure to
yourself and honor to the Fraternity.
The
President, or a person he designates, invests the new brother with the badge. If
a Phi father, brother, or other relative is present he is usually asked to
participate in the investiture ceremony. In some chapters the "big
brothers" or the new initiates do the honors. After the last brother has
been invested with his badge, the President continues with the ceremony.
President:
Be seated while the Warden explains the unwritten and secret work to our new
brother(s).
Warden:
Brother(s), there are many parts of our Phi Delta Theta ritualism which have
never been written, and which have been imparted to our members from the
beginning by word-of-mouth only, the better to insure that they never fall into
unworthy hands and to facilitate the oath of secrecy to which we have all
subscribed. It is my privilege and pleasure to explain these to you, admonishing
you again to guard them from all who are not entitled to receive them.
Warden:
The secret motto of our Fraternity is
, the translation of which is
.
The signs of
salutation and recognition are as follows
explains
them.
The test words, used
orally in ascertaining whether a
person is a member, are
.
The test words, used
in correspondence, are
.
In making your
signature, you may indicate that you are a member of Φ Δ Θ, by
explains..
The signs of
obligation are given as follows
explains
them.
The grip of the
Fraternity is given thus
explains
it.
In entering the hall,
raps are given on the door as follows
explains.
The password is
explains.
The
Warden pauses.
These are the
unwritten secrets of our Fraternity. There are others which we
Phis hold secret, but which for obvious reasons have been written and printed. I shall now
proceed to explain them to you.
The open motto, which
forms a part of our armorial bearings, is Είς
άνήρ οίδεις
άντρ. Translated literally from the Greer, it means
"one man is no man." But we give it a more broad translation: "We
enjoy life by the help and society of others."
Our mutual pledge,
repeated in the closing ceremony of all our meetings, is A All for one and one
for all.
The colors of the
Fraternity are argent and azure, argent being emblematic of the purity of the
objects and influences of Φ Δ Θ, and azure of the friendship of
its members.
The badge consists of
a sword and shield, which are to be used symbolically by us in mutual assistance
and protection of one another and in the vindication of the rights and
reputation of the Fraternity. Upon the shield are blazoned a scroll and an eye.
The scroll represents the sacred Bond of the Phi Delta Theta, which binds us
together in the same cause, which we have accepted as a basis of action, and,
which we have pledged our honor to preserve forever inviolate. The eye denotes
that the eyes of our brothers are continually upon us, to perceive whether at
all times, and under all circumstances, we acquit ourselves according to the
high standard required by the Bond.
In the coat of arms
of Φ Δ Θ shows
a coat-or-arms to intrant, the shield is blue, with a white bar
crossing it diagonally. On the bar is charged a sword. The shield also displays
six stars, representing the six founders of the Parent Chapter of Φ Δ
Θ at
In the Fraternity
flag, which you see above the Warden's station, the three bars are indicative of
the three cardinal principles of Φ Δ Θ, Friendship, Sound
Learning, and Rectitude, and the six stars represent the six Founders of the
parent chapter at Miami.
The significance of
the owl above the President's station will be understood by recalling that it
was sacred to Pallas, our Patron Goddess, who, us Goddess of Wisdom, was the
highest type of all the mythological deities. She was the friend and the
benefactor of the human race. She guided the heroes in their nobler
undertakings, and protected the Stale from foreign foes. It was she who
presided, unseen, at the assemblies of the people, directing their
deliberations, and it was through her silent Influence, that the authority of
the law was maintained and the dignity of justice upheld.
For these attributes
and virtues, we recognize Pallas as the Tutelary Goddess of Φ Δ Θ.
The true palladium of our Fraternity, however, is not this image, but it is the
Bond of the Phi Delta Theta, containing precepts which, if obeyed, will not only
give us preeminent success as a Fraternity, but will conduce to our individual
prosperity and happiness. We expect that around the altar in this hall you will
many times offer vows of fealty to the Fraternity, and of fidelity to your
brothers in the Bond.
The
Warden presents
the initiate to the President.
Warden:
Brother President, I have imparted the unwritten and secret work to the new
Brother(s).
President:
Brother(s), at last all the mysteries of Φ Δ Θ have been revealed
to you according to the ritualistic requirements. Let me charge you to keep your
initia1ion vows ever fresh in your memory. In the name of this great and mystic
Brotherhood. I now heartily welcome you, and, in token of brotherly love and
confidence, I extend to you the right hand of friendship and fidelity gives
grip to new initiate.
I rejoice to
recognize you as a brother(s) in the Bond, and congratulate you most cordially
upon your accession to our beloved Fraternity. With the best wishes for your
success and prosperity, I now commend you to the care and friendship of your
brothers.
President:
Members of
Chapter of Φ Δ Θ, I take pleasure in presenting to
you Brother
(the
new Brothers).
The
initiate may be conducted by the Warden around the hall, and given the grip by
each member. The chapter may sing an appropriate song during this part of the
ceremony.
President:
Brother(s), Phi Delta Theta is a democratic fraternity, in which every member is
given equal voice at all times. We now invite you to say whatever is on your
mind and heart on this occasion of your becoming one of us.
The
newly initiated brother (or brothers) here may make brief remarks concerning his
initiation into the Fraternity.
Closing Ceremony
President:
Brothers, we will now proceed
to close this meeting in due form. Brother Warden, you will collect the books
containing the Bond, Constitution, and Statutes and the Ritual and hand them to
me. This is done.
Close the Scriptures and take charge of the swords.
The
President is very careful to see that these orders are followed and that he
receives all of the cooks mentioned. After the meeting he will be responsible
for placing them under secure lock-and-key protection.
President:
Brothers, repeat our open motto.
Members:
Είς άνήρ οίδεις
άντρ.
President:.
Its translation.
Members:
We enjoy life by the help and society of others.
President:
Brothers, repeat our secret motto,
Members,
in soft muffled voice:
.
President:
Its translation.
Members,
in same low voice:
.
President:
Give the signs of our obligation.
They
obey.
Brothers, what are the duties of members of Φ Δ Θ?
Members:
To work together in the spirit of
Fraternity and to exemplify the teachings of the Bond.
President:
Brothers, arrange yourselves in parallel lines.
The
members arrange themselves in two parallel lines, with the President at one
extreme and the Warden at the other.
President:
Brothers, pass the grip from hand to hand.
The
President gives the grip to the member nearest to him in the line on his right,
who, in turn, gives it to the next in line, and so on until it reaches the
Warden. During this time the members will unite in singing one of the Fraternity
songs. When the grip reaches the Warden, the singing stops.
Warden:
Brother President, the grip has arrived.
President:
Then return it.
The
Warden returns the grip by transmitting it to the first member on the other
line, and it is relayed to the P resident, during which time the singing is
resumed.
President:
The grip has been transmitted correctly. Brother Warden, what does the grip
signify?
Warden:
Our joining together hand in hand is
an outward token that in the Bond
we are linked heart to heart.
President:
Brothers, give our mutual pledge.
Members:
All for one and one for all!
President:
Brothers, when we have left this sacred retreat of friendship, we must not
forget our duties to one another; and in all of our daily living we should ever be
mindful to uphold the honor and dignity of Φ Δ Θ. I now declare
this meeting duly closed.