Ancient Egyptian Order Sciots
Initiation Ritual

 
1926

Instructions

For the proper use of this Ritual.
All officers when addressed by the Toparch, will rise, face the Toparch, and give the Sign, but will not say O Toparch unless so indicated in the Ritual.
The Sign should always be given at the Altar when entering or retiring from the Pyramid, and when addressing the Toparch.
The floor work will be more effective if square corners are observed, and care be taken not to walk too fast nor too slow.
All initiatory ritualistic work should be given in such a manner as to impress the candidate. This can best be accomplished by all officers speaking slowly, distinctly and sufficiently loud for the candidate to hear and understand every syllable of every word.
All officers should memorize their respective parts.
 
 
Opening Ceremony
 
Toparch, *: The officers will assume their respective stations and the Pyramid will come to order.
All officers and members, when addressed by the Toparch, when addressing him, and when entering or retiring from the room, must give the Sciot Sign.
Toparch: O Proclamator, you will make proclamation that … Pyramid, No. …, Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots, will now come to order for the transaction of business.
Proclamator: Hear ye! Hear ye! It is the decree of the Toparch that all faithful Sciots now come to order for such business as may be brought before us, in accordance with our ancient usages and customs.
Toparch: O Klaschr, you will inform the Neokori that we are about to assemble in business session, and that he is to admit no one until further notice.
Klatchr: O Toparch, your orders shall be obeyed.
Informs Neokori, who must admit no one during the opening ceremony.
Toparch: O Armeses and Pastophori, you will ascertain if all present are entitled to remain.
The Armeses and Pastophori will advance to the Toparch, and satisfy him they are Sciots. They will then separate and satisfy themselves by passing down sorth and south sides of Pyramid and receiving the Cryptic Word, and examining the current due card, that all present are Sciots. They should meet each other in the west, and advance to the altar. Pastophori will report to the Armeses the result of his examination.
Should anyone present be unable to satisfy the Armeses or the Pastophori they must remain standing.
Armeses: O Toparch, we find all present true and faithful Sciots (except those standing).
Toparch: Can anyone vouch for those standing?
If not they will be invited to retire for further examination.
Toparch: It is well. *.
Toparch: O Marshal, you will now display the Symbol of our Order.
Marshal rises as name is called, goes to altar, places Pyramid thereon, gives sign and steps two paces to the right of Altar.
Toparch: This Pyramid does not represent to us a monument to the dead, but a living one built by
mutual aid, assistance and brotherly love, and shall endure for all time.
Marshal remains at altar while Toparch is speaking, then returns to station.
Toparch: O Mobib, you will ascertain if the Armeses and Pastophori are proficient in the doctrines of our Order.
Mobib: O Pastophori, what is the first and most important aim of the Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots?
Pastophori: O Mobib, the first and most important aim of our Order is to unite all Master Masons in a closer bond of Friendship, Fellowship and Co-operation.
Mobib: O Armeses, what are the objects of this Pyramid?
Armeses: The objects of this Pyramid are to bind closer the ties of Masonic Brotherhood; to promote the well-being, and elevate the condition of its members; to widen the field and increase the harvest of Brotherly love; to cultivate the social and fraternal instincts, and increase the happiness of those who are now, or may become members of it.
Mobib: O Toparch, the Armeses and Pastophori are proficient in the doctrines of our Order.
Toparch: It is well, O Mobib, you will now prepare the Pyramid to receive the Flag of our Country in true Sciot form.
Mobib: O Standard Bearer you will retire with the Mazai and Marshal and escort the Flag of our Country to its proper place in the Pyramid.
The Standard Bearer, Mazai and Marshal rise as their names are called and after receiving instructions advance to the altar, give Sign and retire to the ante-room, single file, led by the Standard Bearer and observing square corners. (When Mobib sounds gavel three rapg, Flag enters. Mobib should be sure Flag is ready before sounding gavel.) Ou returning they enter in single file led by the Marshal, advance to the center of the room at the end opposite the Toparch, turn and approach the altar three abreast, pause there, then advance to the right of Toparch and when Flag has been deposited by the Standard Bearer, all three will salute the Flag and return to their stations.
Mobib: O Sciots, it is the order op the Toparch that we receive the Flag of our Country in true Sciot form. This will be done by every Sciot standing at attention, with FEZ removed and held in right hand over the left breast from the time the Flag enters the Pyramid until it is in its proper place at the right of the Toparch. All Sciots will replace their FEZ as the Color Guard completes the salute. * * *.
Flag should enter as soon as gavel is sounded, While the Flag is being eseorted and the Officers returning to Stations, there SHOULD BE music.
One verse of "America" may be sung at this time. Mobib will seat the Pyramid as soon as the Color Guard completes salute.
Toparch: I now declare ... Pyramid No. ..., Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots, to be duly open for the transaction of business.
O Mazai, you will so inform the Klaschr. *.
Mazai: O Klaschr, the Pyramid is now open for the transaction of business, and it is the order of the Toparch that you admit all Sciots qualified to enter.
Toparch: O Sciots, we will proceed with the regular order of business.
 
 
Initiation
 
Toparch: O Sciots, we are about to conduct a ceremony of Initiation. In order that the candidates may receive a favorable and lasting impression we will require your attention and support. You will refrain from smoking and maintain absolute decorum during the ceremony.
Toparch: O Scribe, you will retire with the Mazai and Marshal and ascertain if there are any candidates in waiting.
Marshal, Scribe and Mazai in this order advance to altar, give sign and retire. Scribe in the ante-room, with the assistance of the Mazai and Marshal, will cause the candidates, if more than one, to stand in line, and after ascertaining their names and making a list of same leaves candidates in charge of Marshal, returns with Mazai to the altar and reports.
When ready Scribe gives alarm * * * Klaschr opens door to see who comes, closes door and reports.
Klaschr: O Toparch, the Scribe and Mazai returning to report.
Toparch: O Klaschr, you will admit them.
The Scribe enters followed by Mazai; they advance to the Pastophori 's station, turn and advance to the altar. Both the Scribe and the Mazai will give the Sign, and the Scribe reports.
Scribe: O Toparch, I find Brothers …, giving the names of thoise who are waiting who await your pleasure.
Toparch: O Scribe, have these candidates elected to receive the mysteries of our Order?
Scribe: O Toparch, they have,
Toparch: O Mazai, you will retire and prepare the candidates for the ceremony of Initiation.
Scribe returns to his station as Mazai retires. Mazai gives sign, retires, and with assistance of Marshal prepares candidates, by causing them to remove coat, vest and collar, roll up sleeves, remove both shoes and bare the left foot. Mazai and Marshal assist in adjusting blindfold, as each candidate must be blindfolded before entering. Mazai then gives alarm at the door of preparation room. * * * (Very loud).
Toparch: O Pastophori, you will ascertain the cause of this alarm and if it is the Mazai with candidates, you will admit them.
Pastophori advances to door of preparation room, opens door, steps back one step and says:
Pastophori: Who dares disturb us in this unseemly manner?
Mazai: The Mazai of this Pyramid, with strangers who have signified their desire to receive the mysteries of our Order.
Pastophori: You may enter, and conduct the strangers te the station of the Toparch.
Pastophori steps to one side, Mazai enters, walking slowly on candidate's right, escorting the first candidate. If more than one candidate the Marshal will escort the last candidate; other candidates will walk in pairs with their hands on the shoulders of candidate preceding them. If only one candidate, Marshal will follow. Pastophori will return to his station. Klaschr will close the door. Mazai will escort candidates to the Toparch's station and cause all candidates to face the Toparch.
There should be music while candidates are being conducted.
Mazai: O Toparch, I wish to introduce to you, Brothers …, who have been duly elected to receive the mysteries of our Order.
They have each bared the lelt loot in teken of equality, have removed their coats signifying their willingness to help one another, and are hoodwinked, to symbolize that they are in darkness regarding the mysteries of our order.
Toparch: Do you of your own free choice desire to become a Sciot?
Answer: I do.
Do you declare upon your honor as a man and a Mason that you have been a Master Mason for more than … months?
Answer: I do.
Insert in the blank space above ïh.e number of montha as required by the Masonic Grand Lodge within whose jurisdiction this particular Pyramid is located.
Do you declare that you do not now stand suspended or expelled from the Masonic Fraternity?
Answer: I do.
Do you promise a cheerful, sincere and faithful obedience to our laws and regulations?
Answer: I do.
Toparch: It is well.
Toparch: The first and most important aim of our Order is to unite all Master Masons in a closer bond of Friendship, Fellowship, and Co-operation. We endeavor to teach the great lesson of mutual aid and assistance at all times, to boost one another and all movements having for their ultimate aim, the greatest good for the greatest number.
O Mazai, you will place the candidates in proper position at the altar to receive the obligation.
Mazai conducts candidates to west side of altar, aboutthree paces from altar, and if a large class, form a semi-circle facing the Toparch, cause each candidate to place his right hand upon his left breast and his left hand upon the shoulder of next candidate, etc.
Mazai: O Toparch, the candidates are in proper position.
Toparch gives three raps of gavel. Toparch, Armeses and Pastophori advance to altar, each stopping about three paces from altar. Toparch gives obligation, then returns to his station, leaving Armeses and Pastophori at altar and sounds gavel, *.
 
 
Obligation
 
Toparch: O Armeses and Pastophori you will remove the blindfold, explain the Emblem of our order, exemplify the Sign and Grip, and impart the Cryptic Word.
Armeses and Pastophori after removing the blindfolds, each give the blindfolds to the Mazai and Marshal, respectively, and return to altar. As Armeses explains the Emblem the Pastophori will direct attention to Emblem with pointer. A small Emblem on the altar or on the back of the Pyramid should be used.
Armeses: To remind us of the solemn obligation which we have taken, we wear a badge emblematic of our teachings.
The Ancient God "Osiris" was the Supreme Judge. He embodied all the virtues in himself; and was symbolized by the head of a bull. We therefore have the head of a bull upon our badge to represent him in his attributes.
The "Sun," the God of Light, which brings forth the fruits of the field, thus providing prosperity, fights a daily battle with "Seth," the God of Darkness, whom he always defeats. Our Pyramid, in fighting the daily battles fox its brethren and in winning them, thus providing prosperity for its members by co-operation, is like the "Sun," which is represented on our badge by a red disc between the horns of the bull. It symbolizes prosperity and co-operation.
The Ancient Egyptian Censer, being a religious implement, is placed upon the badge to signify that our precepts are to be considered seriously at all times. These symbols are enclosed in a Cartouche.
The word Sciots is derived from the name of the ancient cult of Stoics, whose teachings and principles were brought to the Island of Chyos, by the Greek invaders. These followers of the philosopher Zeno, governed themselves by reason, subdued their passions and were indifferent to pleasure and pain.
With the assistance of the Pastophori I will explain the Sign and Grip and impart the Cryptic Word.
The Armeses and Pastophori are both facing the altar while the Toparch is giving the Obligation. When the Toparch addresses them they will face the Toparch, and when the Armeses starts to explain the Emblem, they will both face the candidates.
When exemplifying the Grip, the Armeses and Pastophori will stand directly between the altar and the candidates, and while the Pastophori is explaining the Sign, the Marshal and Mazai will see that candidates give the Sign properly.
Armeses, advancing and grasping Pastophori's hand: You will grasp each other by the right hand, in the ordinary manner, with the thumbs elevated and crossed. This symbolizes the horns of the Sacred Bull.
Armeses: Are you a Sciot?
Pastophori: I am.
Armeses: Where do you build Pyramids?
Pastophori: In … Pyramid No. …. Give name and number of Pyramid.
Armeses: What is this?
Pastophori: The grip of a Sciot.
Armeses: Have you the Cryptic Word?
Pastophori: I have.
Armeses: Will you give it to me?
Pastophori: I will with your assistance.
Armeses: Begin.
Pastophori: Eleven.
Armeses: Two.
Pastophori: Four.
Armeses: Eleven two four, meaning the year eleven twenty-four, B.C., which is the legendary time from which the history of the Sciots dates.
The Gryptic Word is ….
Armeses: The Pastophori will now exemplify the Sign.
Pastophori: The Sign is given by extending the right arm from the side, horizontally to its full length, palm upward, fingers bent within an inch of the palm. This sign is to be given at the altar when entering or retiring from a Pyramid while in session and when addressing the Toparch.
The prefix "O" when addressing a Sciot or an officer, as "O Sciot"—"O Toparch"—"O Pharaoh", etc.
To gain admission to any Pyramid it is necessary that you give the Cryptic Word and exhibit your current year's due card.
Armeses: O Toparch, the strangers have been instructed in the secret work of our Order.
Toparch: It is well.
Pausing while the Armeses and Pastophori return to their stations.
Toparch: You will now give attention to the doctrines of our Order from the Mobib.
The Mobib standing, in his station, addresses the new candidates as follows:
Mobib: The Aims, Objects and Purposes of the Sciots are:
First—To unite all Master Masons in a closer bond of friendship, fellowship and co-operation.
Second—To teach a Sciot that his most important duty as a citizen is to advocate the enforcement of law and order; to participate actively in National, State and Municipal affairs by the exercise of the right of franchise. That the Pyramid is an open forum for the discussion of questions of general interest, under the strict prohibition that there must be no partisan or personal discussions, and that the name of' our Order must not be used for any political or religious purposes, or to further any anti-religious propaganda.
Third—To furnish an opportunity for those temporarily dependent upon us, to help themselves by the establishment of employment bureaus, relief associations and by other practical methods.
Fourth—To teach a Sciot that in his duty to the Masonic Fraternity, his duty to the individual, in a practical way, must not be overlooked.
Fifth—To teach Sciots to remember the great principle that all Sciots are equal and that there must be no distinction among them on account of personal, political, social or financial standing.
Sixth—To teach the great lesson of mutual aid and assistance at all times; to boost one another, and all. movements having for their ultimate aim the greatest good to the greatest number.
Seventh—To foster clear, bright, wholesome entertainment, free from all that debases or leads to excess.
Eighth—To impress upon a Sciot that membership in the Masonic Fraternity means something more than proficiency in the Ritual, attendance at meetings, or the payment of dues. Their Masonic duty must not be neglected, but must be translated into service.
Ninth—To teach that your neighbors' assistance and co-operation in your business affairs, the strong grip of a friend to help you over the rough places in life, a kind word spoken in your behalf or in your defense, a watchful care over you in your journey through life, is worth more than the most glowing eulogy, or an elaborate monument when you are dead.
Toparch: This concludes the ceremonies of initiation. O Mazai and Marshal, you will re-conduct these newly made Sciots to the preparation room, and see that they are later provided with seats in this room.
Mazai conducts candidates to preparation room and with the Marshal lends every assistance to the new Sciots while replacing their shoes and coats, etc., and returns them as quickly as possible to seats prepared for them. Marshal will arrange seats on the south side near Scribe's desk. Candidates are brought in INFORMALLY.
A short recess may, at the option of the Toparch be called here.
Note: As soon as newly made Sciots are ready, in seats prepared for them, the Mazai will inform the Toparch, who will call the Pyramid to order and address the new Sciots.
Toparch: The newly obligated Sciots will please rise.
Toparch: O Sciots, you have assumed our obligation and heard from our Mobib the Aims, Objects and Purposes of our Ancient Order, these you will be expected to remember at all times. You are now a member of the Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots, and as such the eyes of the world are upon you, be careful of your actions and speech, always maintaining a discreet silence when a word of praise cannot be spoken, and at all times endeavoring to find the same excuse for the acts of a brother Sciot as you would for yourself. Your attention is called to our slogan of B. O. A., which when translated means: All things being equal to BOOST ONE ANOTHER.
Toparch will approach the new Sciots and shake hands with each one while addresaing a few words of welcome to them in his own way. In the case of a very large class, it is optional about shaking hands, but some special effort on the part of the Toparch should be made to welcome the new Sciots.
Toparch: O Sciots, all that now remains for you to become a member of this Pyramid is to approach the Scribe's desk and there sign the By-Laws which will subject you to all the responsibilities and entitle you to all the privileges of the Order. After which you will resume your present position.
A suitable book shall be provided by the Scribe for all new members to sign. While new Sciots are signing By-Laws, a musical number may be provided. After candidates are in position at their seats in sontheast corner, the Toparch will address the Pyramid, thus:
Toparch: O Sciots, you will now welcome these newly made Sciots and resume order at the sound of the gavel.
Continue with next order of business.
 
 
Ceremonial Session of a Subordinate Pyramid
First Section
 
Scene: Toparch's Palace, Egypt
Dramatis Personae:—All Officers of the Pyramid.
Junior Past Toparch in the Chair.
Neokori takes charge of outer door at beginning of the evening and remains there to admit Sciots. No one shall be admitted without eurrent due card and Cryptic Word. The Scribe and Chancellor remain in ante-room to receive Candidates, etc. Master of Robes, with Armorer and Chief Electrician, have full charge of the ceremonial hall, robes, paraphernalia and floor until the officers assume stations, when senior officer present, working in the Section, has full charge.
Junior Past Toparch, *: The Pyramid will come to order.
Alarm at outer door. Officers enter in following order in double column.
Trumpeter, Followed by Band and uniformed Brill Team, if there be one.
Chief-of-the-Me                 Sub-Chief
Proclamator                      Marshal
Pastophori                         Mazai
Mobib                                Armeses

Officers and escort in open order march around the room, then approach Toparch 's throne from the opposite end of hall. Officers assume stations in the following order:
Toparch
Mobib
Armeses
Pastophori
Mazai
Proclamator
Marshal
Then the Chief-of-the-Me and the Sub-Chief turn and retire following drill team and band if there be one, and the Truntpeter will take his station.
Toparch assumes station, *.
Toparch: O Proclamator, you will make proclamation that ... Pyramid, No. …, Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots, is now assembled in Ceremonial Session, in accordance with our ancient usages and customs.
Proclamator, preceded by bugle call: Hear ye! hear ye! It is the decree of the Toparch that all faithful Sciots now come to order in Ceremonial Session, in accordance with our ancient usages and customs.
Toparch: O Klaschr, you will inform the Neokori that we are about to assemble in Ceremonial Session and that he is to admit no one until further notice.
Informs the Neokori, who must admit no one until further notice.
Toparch: O Mazai and Marshal, you will ascertain and report if all present are true and faithful Sciots.
The Mazai and Marshal will advance to the front of the Toparch. They will then separate, and satisfy themselves by passing down north and south side of Pyramid receiving the Cryptic Word, and examining the current due card that all present are Sciota. Any one present unable to satisfy the Mazai or Marshal will remain standing. They should meet each other in the west, and advance to the altar. Marshal will report to the Mazai the result of hls examination.
Mazai: O Toparch, I find all present to be true and faithful Sciots (except those standing).
Toparch: I now declare that … Pyramid, No. …, is now open in ceremonial session.
Toparch: O Klaschr, you will inform the Neokori, that the Pyramid is now open in ceremonial session and he is to admit all Sciots qualified to enter.
Toparch: O Marshal, you will retire and introduce all past or present Supreme Pyramid Officers, together with the Toparchs of other Pyramids.
Visitors are eseorted to front of the Toparch station, introduced by Marshal, welcomed and invited by Toparch to seats as per chart.
Toparch: O Sciots! I have invited you to the Palace of the Toparch, to join with me in feasting and merriment, as has been our custom since the Greek invasion. We will now give ourselves up to an evening of ehjoyment and—Loud alarm at door.
Who dares disturb us in this unseemly manner?
Klaschr: O Toparch, it is the Mohar, accompanied by a guard, bearing a tablet of strange writings.
Toparch: O Klaschr, you will admit him.
Mohar, escorted by Guard, approaehes throne, makes salaam.
Mohar: O Toparch, His Majesty, the Pharaoh sends his message of royal greeting and wishes you prosperity and joy. He directs that you have your counselor, the Mobib, interpret the writing upon this tablet and act in accordance therewith.
Toparch: O Mobib, wise man and counselor, you will interpret for us these strange writings from the Pharaoh.
After appearing to study for a short time.
Mobib: O Toparch, it appears that the wise men and astrologers have discovered that upon the Island of Chyos, in the Aegean Sea, there dwells a band of men practicing our principles and calling themselves a "League of Neighbors." The Pharaoh directs that you send a sufficient number of Sciots to that Island, obligate those men into our Order, give them the imprint of the Sacred Bull, and return with such as desire to visit your palace.
Toparch: It is well. O Mohar, you will convey our greetings to the Pharaoh, with the message that his orders shall be obeyed.
Mohar makes salaam and retires with Guard.
Toparch: Sciots, it shall be even so, I shall forthwith dispatch the Mobib and my trusted officers. We will tarry in our feasting and merry-making until they shall have returned. O Proclamator, you will make proclamation accordingly.
Proclamator, preceded by bugle call: Hear ye! hear ye! Our Mobib with our trusted officers, is about to embark on a journey to the Island of Chyos, and it is the order of the Toparch that all feasting and merry-making be dispensed with until their return with the strangers who inhabit that isle.
Toparch: *.
Here follows concert, remarks by visiting officers and announcements.
 

Second Section

Scene:—Island of Chyos, in the Aegean Sea.
Dramatis Personae:—Toparch, Mobib, Armeses, Pastophori, Mazai, Guides (Mobib presiding).
Mobib: O Sciots, the Pharaoh, after consulting his Egyptian astrologers, has ordered us to visit this beautiful Island of Chyos for the purpose of instructing the inhabitants in the Mysteries of the Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots, and to select a chosen few to return with me to the Palace of the Toparch, there to be received as faithful Disciples of the Pharaoh. Let us now give thanks for our safe arrival.
Raises hands as though about to offer devotions.
Alarm.
Who dares disturb us in this unseemly manner?
Mazai: They are strangers belonging to the "League of Neighbors," who have signified their desire to become Sciots and have been duly prepared.
Mobib: Let them enter.
Strangers are brought in under escort of the Mazai and Guides—both shoes removed, left foot bared, coat off and blindfolded. Candidates are lined up in front of Mobib.
Mazai: O Mobib, the strangers await your pleasure. They have each bared the left foot in token of equality, and have removed their coats, signifying their willingness to help one another, and are hoodwinked to symbolize that they are in darkness regarding the mysteries of our Order.
Mobib: It is well. Strangers, I have received an order from the Pharaoh, King of all Kings, to instruct you in the true doctrine of mutual helpfulness and the symbolism of our ancient teachings.
Success in battle and the lives of men involved depends upon the strength, discipline and rigidity of the phalanx; each man depends upon his fellowman. Those in the front rank rely upon the support of those behind and look to them to save their lives if in danger. In short, this organization of Sciots is such that each man depends upon every other man for success in life.
At the present time we have no battles such as our ancient brethren fought, but we must fight the battle of life and stand together to help, assist and protect one another in the daily struggle wherein we are called upon to take part. We have already been taught to go on foot and out of our way to assist our worthy brethren. Our doctrine is, all things being equal, to boost one another.
You have now had explained to you the purposes for which we are banded together. Before we can proceed further you will be required to take an obligation, which will make you one of us and bind you to the earnest support of these principles.
Are you willing to assume this obligation?
Candidates: I am.
Mobib: O Mazai, you will place the candidates in proper position to receive the obligation.
Mazai prepares candidates, causing each candidate to place his right hand upon his left breast and his left hand upon the shoulder of the next candidate.
Mazai: O Mobib, the candidates are in proper position.
Mobib: O Toparch, the candidates are ready to assume the obligation.
Toparch, * * *: You will say, I, pronounce your names, and repeat after me—
 
 
Obligation
 
You may now drop your hands.
Mobib: Having assumed the obligation of our Order, you are now entitled to receive the imprint of the Sacred Bull. O Mazai, you will perform this solemn duty. *.
Mazai imprints 1. f. of candidates with emblem.
Mobib: O Armeses and Pastophori, you will now remove the blindfold, explain the Emblem of our Order, exemplify the Sign and Grip and impart the Cryptic Word.
Armeses: To remind us of the solemn obligation which we have taken, we wear a badge emblematic of our teachings.
The Ancient God "Osiris" was the Supreme Judge.
He embodied all the virtues in himself; and was symbolized by the head of a bull. We therefore have the head of a bull upon our badge to represent him in his attributes.
The "Sun," the God of Light, which brings forth the fruits of the field, thus providing prosperity, fights a daily battle with "Seth," the God of Darkness, whom he always defeats. Our Pyramid, in fighting its daily battles for its brethren, and in winning them, thus providing prosperity for its members by co-operation, is like the "Sun," which is represented on our badge by a red disc between the horns of the buil. It symbolizes prosperity and co-operation.
The Ancient Egyptian Censer, being a religious implement, is placed upon the badge to signify that our precepts are to be considered seriously at all times. These symbols are enclosed in a cartouch.
The word Sciots is derived from the name of the ancient cult of Stoics, whose teachings and principles were brought to the Island of Chyos, by the Greek invaders. These followers of the philosopher Zeno, governed themselves by reason, subdued their passions and were indifferent to pleasure and pain.
With the assistance of the Pastophori I will explain the Sign and Grip and impart the Cryptic Word.
The Armeses and Pastophori are both facing the altar while the Toparch is giving the Obligation. When the Toparch addresses them they will face the Toparch, and when the Armeses starts to explain the Emblem, they .will both face the candidates.
When exemplifying the Grip, the Armeses and Pastophori will stand directly between the altar and the candidates, and while the Pastophori is explaining the Sign, the Marshal and Mazai will see that candidates give the Sign properly.
Armeses, advancing and grasping Pastophori's hand: You will grasp each other by the.right hand, in the ordinary manner, with the thumbs elevated and crossed. This symbolizes the horns of the Sacred Bull.
Armeses: Are you a Sciot?
Pastophori: I am.
Armeses: Where do you build Pyramids?
Pastophori: In … Pyramid No. …. Give name and number of Pyramid.
Armeses: What is this?
Pastophori: The grip of a Sciot.
Armeses: Have you the Cryptic Word?
Pastophori: I have.
Armeses: Will you give it to me?
Pastophori: I will with your assistance.
Armeses: Begin.
Pastophori: Eleven.
Armeses: Two.
Pastophori: Four.
Armeses: Eleven two f our, meaning the year eleven twenty-four, B.C., which is the legendary time from which the history of the Sciots dates.
The Cryptic word is ….
Armeses: The Pastophori will now exemplify the Sign.
Pastophori: The Sign is given by extending the right arm from the side, horizontally to its full length, palm upward, fingers bent within an inch of the palm.
This sign is to be given at the altar when entering or retiring from a Pyramid while in session and when addressing the Toparch.
The prefix "O" when addressing a Sciot or an officer, as "O Sciot"—"O Toparch"—"O Pharaoh", etc.
To gain admission to any Pyramid it is necessary that you give the Cryptic Word and exhibit your current year's due card.
Armeses: O Mobib, your orders have been obeyed, and these Sciots have been instructed in our mysteries.
Mobib: It is well.
The aims, objects and purposes of the Sciots are as follows:
First—To unite all Master Masons in a closer bond of friendship, fellowship and co-operation.
Second—To teach a Sciot that his most important duty as a citizen is to stand for the enforcement of law and order; to participate actively in National, State and Municipal affairs by the exercise of the right of franchise. That the Pyramid is an open forum for the discussion of questions of general interest, under the strict prohibition that there must be no partisan or personal discussions, and that the name of our Order must not be used for any political or religieus purposes, or to f urther any anti-religious propaganda.
Third—To furnish an opportunity for those temporarily dependent upon us, to help themselves, by the establishment of employment bureaus, relief associations and other practical methods.
Fourth—To teach a Sciot that in his duty to the Masonic Fraternity generally his duty to the individual in a practical way must not be overlooked.
Fifth—To teach Sciots to remember the great principle that all Sciots are equal and that there must be no distinction among them on account of personal, political, social or financial standing.
Sixth—To endeavor to teach the great lesson of mutual aid and assistance at all times to, boost one another, and all movements having for their ultimate aim the greatest good to the greatest number.
Seventh—To foster clean, bright, wholesome entertainment, free from all that debases or leads to excess.
Eighth—To impress upon a Sciot that membership in the Masonic Fraternity means something more than proficiency in the Ritual» perfunctory attendance, or the payment of dues. Their Masonic duty must not be neglected but must be translated into service.
Ninth—To teach that your neighbors' assistance and co-operation in your business affairs; the strong grip of a friend to help you over the rough places in life; a kind word spoken in your behalf or in your defense; a watchful care over you in your journey through life, is worth more than the most beautiful requiem, the most glowing eulogy, or an elaborate monument when you are dead.
Mobib: O Mazai, ypu will replace the blindfolds.
Mobib: O Sciots, we will now embark on a voyage to the Palace of the Toparch, It will be necessary for us to go aboard the galleys in which we will make our journey.
Mobib with Mazai and Guides starts to retire with candidates.
Noise and thunder.
Mobib: The clouds are lowering, and I fear me a storm is approaching. We must seek shelter upon the shores of this Coast e'er the storm breaks.
Door opens for exit of candidates.
Chief-of-the-Me from outside: Hello!
Mobib: Hello!
Chief-of-the-Me: Who dares invade our fair Libyan Plateau.
Mobib: We are Sciots, followers of Pharaoh, King of all Kings, who have sought shelter here on our journey to Egypt.
Chief-of-the-Me: We know you not, Your rulers and your people are enemies of ours. Seize them Libyans and away with them to the tortures.
Exit all.
 
 
Third Section

Scene: Toparch’s Palace, Memphis, Egypt.
Dramatis Personae: All officers.
The Chief-of-the-Me will select candidates who are to take part in this section, who will remain in his charge outside. The remainder are clothed and will be quietly brought into hall where they will be seated. Mobib will give alarm at door.
Klaschr: O Toparch, it is the Mobib with newly obligated Sciots.
Toparch: Admit them.
Mobib, Captain of the Guard and Guides march in with selected candidates.
Mobib: O Toparch, in accordance with the order of the Pharaoh, I have returned with those who have assumed the obligation of Sciots and who have received the imprint of the Sacred Bull.
Toparch: Well done, O faithful Mobib; you will now assume your station as my chief counselor.
Mobib takes station.
Toparch: O Sciots, I congratulate you upon your safe arrival frorn your long and dangerous journey.
None are admitted to the hospitality pf my palace except those having the Sign, Grip and Cryptic Word, or those vouched for by the Mobib.
O Mazai, I commit to your care these newly made Sciots that their fortitude may be tested in the same manner as the shipwrecked Sciots on the Libyan Plateau.
The Mazai places candidates selected to take part in the "stunts" in charge of the Chief-of-the-Me. After this section of the Ceremonial Session is completed the Chief-of-the-Me returns the candidates to the preparation room.
Mazai: O Toparch, the Sciots committed to my charge have been tried and found worthy.
Toparch: It is well. O Sciots, this concludes the ceremonies of the evening. *.
 
  
Closing Ceremony
 
Toparch: Has any Sciot anything of interest to Sciotry in general at this Pyramid in particular to bring before this session before closing? If not, we will proceed to close.
Toparch: O Pastophori, before closing what lesson would you endeavor to teach.
Pastophori: O Toparch, I would endeavor to teach the great lesson of mutual aid and assistance at all times, to Boost One Another, and all movements having for their ultimate aim the greatest good for the greatest number.
Toparch: O Armeses, what thought would you impress?
Armeses: O Toparch, I would impress upon all Sciots that membership in the Masonic Fraternity means something more, than proficency in the Ritual, perfunctory attendance, or the payment of dues. Their Masonic duty must not be neglected but must be translated into service.
Toparch: O Mobib, as we separate and go to our respective places of abode, what have you to teach us?
Mobib: O Toparch, in parting I would teach that your neighbor's assistance and co-operation in your business affairs; the strong grip of a friend to help you over the rough places in life; a kind word spoken in your behalf or in your defense; a watchful care over you in your journey through life, is worth more than the most beautiful requiem, the most glowing eulogy or an elaborate monument when you are dead.
Toparch: O Sciots! Let me again remind you that we are banded together to exemplify in the highest sense, all the sublime teachings of Free Masonry, and that we are obligated to practice those teachings in our every day life, where they will be of great good if properly applied. Look well to your obligation—B… O… A….
Toparch: O Marshal, you will remove the Pyramid from the altar. * * *.
Marshal goes to altar, gives Sign, takes up Pyramid and then steps two paces to the right of the altar, facing the Toparch.
Toparch: O Standard Bearer, you will retire the Flag of our Country. Attention Sciots.
All Sciots remove Fez while Flag is being retired.
Toparch: O Sciots, before we close let me have your promise that you will not make known to anyone, anything here said or done this evening, concerning the business of the Pyramid or a Sciot, improper to be made known. Together Sciots.
Sciots should raise right hand and repeat.
Sciots: I do so vow and promise.
Toparch: I now declare the business session of this Pyramid to be duly closed. *.

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