Initiations
The Holy Celtic Order of the Temple is essentially initiatic, in that we offer initiations to the various grades as the individual gradually opens him or herself up to the greater degrees of spiritual awareness and service.
The first degree of Knight of St Joseph of Arimathea or Dame of St Mary Magdalene is open to all baptised Christians who wish to explore esoteric Christianity. The initiation may be taken in person with an authorised Celebrant of the Order or performed privately as a solo initiation. With the exception of the Bardic and Ovatic Grade initiations in Trinity Grove all the other investitures and initiations need to be given in situ with one of the Celebrants.
These initiations are:
After the first grade individuals may opt for further initiation as a Knight (or Dame) of St John the Baptist, or a Knight Templar Priest, or in some cases both. The ceremonies are mostly based on 18th and 19th century fraternal sources. Authorised Celebrants for the three grades are:
The first degree of Knight of St Joseph of Arimathea or Dame of St Mary Magdalene is open to all baptised Christians who wish to explore esoteric Christianity. The initiation may be taken in person with an authorised Celebrant of the Order or performed privately as a solo initiation. With the exception of the Bardic and Ovatic Grade initiations in Trinity Grove all the other investitures and initiations need to be given in situ with one of the Celebrants.
These initiations are:
- 1st Grade - Knights of St Joseph of Arimthea & Dames of St Mary Magdalene
- 2nd Grade - Knights and Dames of St John the Baptist
- 3rd Grade - Knights Templar Priests of the Presentation of Our Lady. The grade of Celtic Knight or Dame of the Temple is also possible, though it is normally conferred as an Honorary grade.
After the first grade individuals may opt for further initiation as a Knight (or Dame) of St John the Baptist, or a Knight Templar Priest, or in some cases both. The ceremonies are mostly based on 18th and 19th century fraternal sources. Authorised Celebrants for the three grades are:
The Rt Revd Dom Alistair Bate KTPP (Mar Alexei) - Switzerland
The Rt Revd David Upton KTPP (Mar Benedict) - England, UK
The Rt Revd Joseph Ryan KTPP, Ireland
The Rt Revd Tom Simota KTPP - Arkansas, USA
The Rt Revd Dame Carol Vaccariello DSMM - Ohio, USA (1st Grade only)
The Rt Revd Phillip Garver KTPP (Tau Vincent II) - Indiana, USA
The Rt Revd Marcelo Guttierez KTPP (Tau Josue) - Argentina
Other initiations and ordinations:
The Rt Revd David Upton KTPP (Mar Benedict) - England, UK
The Rt Revd Joseph Ryan KTPP, Ireland
The Rt Revd Tom Simota KTPP - Arkansas, USA
The Rt Revd Dame Carol Vaccariello DSMM - Ohio, USA (1st Grade only)
The Rt Revd Phillip Garver KTPP (Tau Vincent II) - Indiana, USA
The Rt Revd Marcelo Guttierez KTPP (Tau Josue) - Argentina
Other initiations and ordinations:
- The Bardic, Ovate and Druid Grades in Trinity Grove
- The five grades in the Order of Our Lady, leading to ordination as a deaconess for women. (see Ordination page)
- Holy Orders - The six Minor Orders and three major orders of ordained ministry for men. (see Ordination page)