This page is intended as an introduction to what a Narthex is and what we do, as well as a brief introduction to some of the Gnostic concepts you may be experiencing for the first time.
The Apostolic Johannite Church defines a Narthex as a lay community of the church under the leadership of someone who is not a priest. The Logos Ceremony is at the Heart of our Narthex, we view it as establishing a sacred space which we can then use for meditation, prayer, scripture readings & discussion.
Those joining us will be given a service booklet to follow along, with words in Bold being read together if so inclined.
Our typical Narthex beginnings with Centering Prayer. This is a meditation where one picks a Holy Name, Phrase or Word to act as their anchor (i.e Logos) then relaxes, rhythmically breathes, and uses that word to keep them from drifting into the wandering mind. This is an emptying out, a making room for the Divinity we call upon in this service.
The Ceremony begins with the calling of the Four Archangels of the Elemental Quarters, Raphael, Michael, Gabriel & Uriel. Then a call to Divinity to be present with us, establishing a ‘Sanctuary of the Sacred Flame’.
We affirm that every Being contains the βSacred Flame,β a Spark of the Divine. Awareness of the Sacred Flame within constitutes the highest level of Self-Knowledge and the Experience of God simultaneously. This act of Awareness, which is held to be liberating, transcendent and experiential, is called Gnosis.
After we have established a sacred space we do various practices, typically consisting of a Visualisation / Meditation on the concept of ‘AGAPE’, Divine Love. A reading from various scripture, usually done with each participant reading a page or two, with open discussion on any topic or idea that arises. Then we hold time for people to pray, either openly or silently, and then conclude the Ceremony with a saying farewell to the Archangels we have called on and the Hermetic Prayer of Thanksgiving, a prayer to send us back into the world revivified.
We make the sign of the cross at various points of the ceremony, as with anything at our Narthex, if you are uncomfortable doing so you do not have to partake. With the sign of the Cross, we elect to use the following wording:
Touching the forehead
“Progenitor”
Touching the chest
“Logos”
Touching each shoulder in a line
“Pneuma Hagion”
This is the formula of the Godhead that is composed of three Persons, which are one in substance.
The First, Progenitor is the Creator Almighty. Etymologically, it can be read as ‘Generating forth’, the Wellspring of creation of the Godhead which is called ‘Father’ by many.
‘The Logos’ is Greek for ‘The Word’ of the Godhead expressed as The Son, The Christos. The Word was made flesh in the exemplar Jesus Christ and is still present spiritually within us now.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”– John 1:1
“Pneuma Hagion”, is Greek for Holy Spirit, an essential part of the Christian Mystery, which moves through us. This force is ever present in the world, and is especially present in the sacraments. The way I view the Holy Spirit is deeply personal, and I believe should be approached as a mystery. It is worth noting, that some early Christian writings referred to the Holy Spirit as Feminine, and though is not analogous, can be associated with Sophia Hagion, ‘Holy Wisdom’.
It is worth noting that while I have draw upon the AJC statement of Principles, as well as other AJC resources, the interpretation and expression of these ideas are my own. The AJC encourages personal interpretation and self discovery.
Written by Angus Wallace – Sol in Libra, 2025 Anno Domini