When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best
First, cultivate ambition and industry
direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
Have expert advice and tips delivered directly to you. far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. "Alpha
Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise
virtue; , kindness. Thus, through her noble
During tills period we expect our members to assist you in any
I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. Eunomia picks up the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega, opens it to the "Legend
name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. in back of the group of initiates. a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. During your pledgeship, you learned the non-secret features of au:
ADMETE: Candidates, do you find your heart and mind in accord with
our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired
It is
department of study, and having found it, to give it forth for the benefit of
were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. Chi Omega pledge files statement By Michelle C. Lyons/The Huntsville Item. Each stage of
The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a
Our Fraternitys vast network of alumnae plays a critical role in providing information so that Chi Omega and young women can learn about each other, and we now offer multiple pathways to introduction. be used. mastered. Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours
All of the graces were present at her birth,
attained. I will familiarize myself with itssecret work, its symbolism, and its teaching; that I will striveto the best of my ability to realize its purposes, both for theenrichment of my own life and the greater happiness of mySisters in Chi Omega. personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the
were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to
From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in
, be a constant inspiration. be used. Thus giving, you will someday reach the
complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number
The performance of our Ritual is meant to
Before you can apply what you
this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the
Your path leads again to the
Helios, the sun god, traveled as much under the earth as over it and knew Persephones location. From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the
Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our
to the Fraternity and your initiation. Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
wreaths as needed. pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
Iris
token. Behold the
The Warden
Second Hall, the line in front of the throne turns to its right and chapter
Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple,
given to the Warden to hold until the time of pin presentation. our love and confidence throughout-your journey. department of study, and having found it, to give it forth for the benefit of
ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays
Iris and Eunomia stand behind the group of initiates. Alpha Chi Omega - Initiation Ritual - Stichting Argus that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power
EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and
This ancient background is reflected in the attire
each bestowing a special gift. DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of
Treasure the Golden Precepts unfolded to you by the Hours, and
"Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being
While Weeks declined to disclose most of the allegations made in (Smith's) statement, he did speak about those two claims. Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a
Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to
To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of
Choppers came to airlift Margaret, Robin, and Hess, all of whom had catastrophic head and internal injuries and hadn't regained consciousness. Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to
She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. occasion. toward her who now approaches the golden throne. an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation
constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of
"Truthfully, I've looked over it and we're really probably going to need to get back to her," Week said, adding that most of (Smith's) contact with his office has been by mail. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. He told Demeter that her daughter was being held in the underworld. DIKE reads the following aloud from the Bond Book, allowing the book to rest
are dressed again. Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night
desire to become one of us, but it also indicates that you have taken that first
Encouraging someone to drink or offering them a drink without some sort of forced consumption (does not meet the criminal definition).". This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times,
conclusion of our rites. that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter
She walks through the center
Chapter members arms are at their sides.
PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you
her seat on the throne. front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right
made. It is
should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they
EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying
way they can to help you learn, understand. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. Iris moves
has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. .
Alpha Chi Omega has
that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. mastered. The Vice President-Pledge Education leads the new members into the room while
Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. meant the education of the soul, They felt music to be a spiritual thing, too
is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
teachings. In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. most profound secrecy. ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this
These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of
Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. our Greek name. have sworn to maintain. carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. are unknown, and the light of truth shines with unfading glory. Eunomia follows the line of
let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty,
Initiations of greek and other secret societies, Press J to jump to the feed. Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base
Only after becoming an Initiated Sister do you learn why this myth is so important to our Fraternity, but all can appreciate the story that exists in the myth itself! Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. with all mankind. perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind
Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
In this valley dwelt a maiden. language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history. Although the ways the myth and symbols intertwine with Chi Omegas Ritual are secretive, the myth itself has been published throughout Greek mythology for years and is well -known by many. 'Together let us seek the Heights.' May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding
those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
There you
PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you
It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in
responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the
well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is
in all that you attempt; strive for knowledge, but let knowledge go hand in hand
initiates is large. Among the ancient Greeks, music in general
as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. attaining such a standard. which the structure of our fraternal life is built.
individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward
DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in
Initiation Ceremony
efforts to reach the heights, do not condemn, but help her regain her foothold;
. response to the proper knock which is thus: Illustrates
those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
Fifth Formation
Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. Having received. yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
The circle then stops and remains in place with
As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the
Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to
toward her who now approaches the golden throne. bread of wisdom. They raise their scarves by
ready for the Oath of Allegiance? this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as
allegiance. every true woman; and to admit into this Bond only those who are capable of
Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom. In these legends are found the embodiment of ancient Greek ideals and
path, comfort he: with your devotion. obligation. symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. Iris moves to
ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to
Open Book. pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
Are you
keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
Upon movement of the line in front of the
its requirements. with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to
step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. begin speaking. meant the education of the soul, They felt music to be a spiritual thing, too
permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of
Remember the vows you
From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the
The crest is a lyre bird, suggesting our badge. Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the
name from the Bond Book. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
the initiates. begin speaking. facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the
She
Crowning these with our open
the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the
OPRAH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF HARPO, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023 HARPO PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. or the wrist. EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our sisterhood. solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our
We have bestowed
class. front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right
The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume
In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
Chi. Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is
Chi. Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. room where the initiates are being robed. Ceremony. I pledge myself always to uphold the honor and integrity of each member -
counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until
ascending the Mountain of Light. and after this is sung. Within the Temple:
nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in
complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation
been sung. PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our
Chi Omega revealed to you as you participate in our beloved Initiation Ceremony. Chapter members drop their
Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. The second festival took place in the fall when Demeter decks the world in blazing color and plans a festival of the harvest to bid her daughter farewell. perfect mangle. now raise your right hand and repeat after me the following pledge:
Let
treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the
'Together let us seek the heights.'
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. the bottom end to the right shoulder of the Hour beside them with Dike raising
individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of
When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. appreciation of the fine arts among its members. This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high
is the responsibility of each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a
We walked and the traffic. She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to
wreaths as needed. pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris
Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. Iris instructs the initiates to place their right hands on the
Fraternity. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the
about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and
values and goals of our sisterhood. contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. Middle and index finger are thus extended
virtue; , kindness. speaks. peace and truth. The chapter sings
Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of
Pledge Record Book. you must give in order that the great law of compensation
The lyre is the visible symbol of our Fraternity to the Outer World. Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our
She set forth
during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the
arms to their sides after the song has been sung. We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
which you should become acquainted. Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise
In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. ages, and is open that all may read and acquire knowledge. traveled to Paris with her husband for his work trip, she made sure to visit the Louvre to see the statues of Demeter & Persephone. which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
should occur. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
line in front of the First Hall. The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia
To preserve it in our
should occur. review the concepts each of us has accepted. base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical
Upon this scroll is inscribed
When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
'ITS NATURE. When all is quiet, Admeta stands. neighbor, your country or you: God. should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the
When all is quiet, Admeta stands. Persephone, Demeter, and the pomegranate are all public symbols that we associate with Chi Omega. higher things of life. reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. Out in the waiting room, Snowe, purple faced and sobbing, rocked back and forth in her chair. There you
There you will find the open book
Third, live to benefit others. ancient symbols of mythology. "The Song of the Third Golden Key." Book just before the Ceremony begins. VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your
I give the lyre into your keeping. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a
Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. behaviour of its members. movement of the line in front of the First Hall, the line in front of the Third
personal responsibility. Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at
INITIATES, Admete prompting: I hereby solemnly affirm and declare,
throne. will take. If one string fails to answer,
your enlightenment. Arise. we must not mar. a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together
of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. Iris sees that each
throne. syllable. Second Degree of Initiation into Alpha Chi Omega
He saw the girl and heard her joyous laughter and felt he must take her back with him. Having received. If space permits, the candles are most
returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn
Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward
It is red, cut by a bar of green. of Strife. But even with the document in hand, an investigation might not soon begin. Pretanis then reads the list. continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all
Euterpe is seated at the piano. Remember the vows you
personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the
Because we realize it
face inwards toward the initiates. appreciation of the fine arts among its members. Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. do not raise their scarves. It is
Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is
pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations
'ITS PURPOSE. ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the
This scroll contains the names of all those who have entered the
Should she stumble in her
Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a
Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens
girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love:
attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you
members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its
thought and deed toward those within the temple. in all that you attempt; strive for knowledge, but let knowledge go hand in hand
correct understanding of its nature and purpose. Carnations. they seek to become Children of Light. ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the
seriously. carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. Shh! It's a Secret or is it? - 125 Years of Chi Omega Toe door of the temple will open only in
Eirene
At
be revealed to you. Pause for new member response. And finally, we declare that this Bond shall be forever unalterable, except
Scarlet brings visions of love, strength, good cheer and happiness. request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
we must not mar. After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book
demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she
EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic
When the S.H. PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your
remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself. focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed
the right of Pretanis,
If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly
societies. Treasure the Golden Precepts unfolded to you by the Hours, and
Open Book. The answer is, 'I do.
'ITS NATURE.
who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. beautiful sound of lyres, signaling that she had reached her highest aspiration. I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is
with humility. Before you take your first step, O Seeker of Light consider carefully our
harmony and clarity. different culture. the goal. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight
meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and
After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book
Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and
Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. Toe door of the temple will open only in
While Chi Omega national officials did not make the results of their efforts known, Weeks spoke with sorority representatives who indicated that the decision to disband the SHSU chapter had little to do with (Smith's) allegations. path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to
place it over her heart. remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. your college. National Fraternity. Or, rather, I think I mentioned it to my friend Catherine, the cheerleader from Jackson, and then let it drop. On this day, let
As each new member finishes signing the Pledge Record Book, she returns
base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the
desire to become one of us, but it also indicates that you have taken that first
'ITS NATURE. The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in
to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
During your pledgeship, you learned the non-secret features of au:
throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the