The Grand EkkLesia 2023

SAT December 9th
online + local gatherings

What is the grand ekklesia?

The Grand Ekklesia (‘Suur-Ekklesia’) serves as our pivotal ‘tribal assembly,’ a forum where decisions shaping the Temple’s future are made. Analogous to an association meeting, this gathering is an opportunity to reflect on the past year, celebrate our achievements, and chart the course for what lies ahead.

While a regular Ekklesia is an exclusive event for initiated members, the Grand Ekklesia extends a warm invitation to all Chrysalids, embracing a wider community.

In 2023, the Grand Ekklesia takes a hybrid format, as we host the GE both live and online, enabling broader participation, as well as in various live locations. These sites will provide a communal space for attendees to join the live stream broadcast from the Temple HQ, fostering both unity and engagement across our community.

Temple of Chrysalis hierarchy

Schedule

EET (Helsinki) 6 pm
GMT (London) 4 pm
CET (Berlin) 5 pm
EST (New York) 11 am
PST (Los Angeles) 8 am

Local gatherings & Coordinators

The Grand Ekklesia event is hosted at the Temple of Chrysalis headquarters in Helsinki. Furthermore, we invite Chrysalids globally to organize local gatherings, providing an opportunity to experience the Grand Ekklesia meeting via live stream in a communal setting. Following the live stream, attendees are encouraged to continue the evening together, fostering a sense of community and connection.

(*Note: To coordinate an authorized live gathering, obtaining permission is required. Scroll down to find out more.)

Find a Local gathering:

Browse through the list below to find an authorized Grand Ekklesia gathering near you. If you don’t see one in your area, seize the opportunity to become a coordinator and bring the Grand Ekklesia experience to your community!

Are you a coordinator? Contact the Luminary to get your information here.

Finland, Espoo
(The main gathering)

Organizer: Luminary Blackthorn
Venue: The Temple HQ

For privacy and security, the address will be directly messaged to confirmed participants.

Arrival Time: 17:30 – We kindly request that you do not arrive earlier than this time to allow us the necessary space and time for setup. Should you require an early arrival, please coordinate directly with Blackthorn.

Stay tuned for the RSVP details – coming soon!

Program

Arrival - Grand Ekklesia - Party!

1. Arrival and Welcoming: Attendees gather, exchanging warm greetings and introductions.

2. Technical Setup: Each venue establishes a connection to the Grand Ekklesia (GE) voice channel on Discord.

3. Inaugurating the Grand Ekklesia:

  • The Luminary takes the lead as the chairperson, unveiling the agenda.
  • Participants are encouraged to request permission to suggest or discuss various topics.
  • A concise summary of the meeting is compiled, documenting any significant decisions or outcomes.

4. Celebration Commences: With the conclusion of the Grand Ekklesia, the festivities begin!

5. Evening Continuation: Guests are free to enjoy the remainder of the evening as they please, with live video streams continuing for some time post-GE.

6. Cleanup Responsibility: In case of any external venues, coordinators ensure a thorough cleanup is conducted before attendees depart.

Bonus: Post pictures on Discord to #event-pictures ! Add a comment if the picture can be shared on our social media. 

Thank you, and have fun!

Would you like to be a Grand Ekklesia Coordinator in your area?

What are the duties of a coordinator?

Local coordinators are responsible of organizing the local Grand Ekklesia gathering, following the brand, guidelines and the etiquette of the Temple.

Selecting a venue

– The coordinator has the flexibility to select a venue for their gathering, be it their home, a bar, a private room, or any suitable location where local Chrysalids can convene comfortably.

Creating a Discord thread

– Each coordinator creates a Discord thread  in the #grand-ekklesia2023 channel, open for Chrysalids in our Discord’s event section. This exclusive space enables participants to coordinate their evening’s activities and share ideas without overlap or confusion with other groups. Each thread is to be named GE-[town] Such as GE-Helsinki.

Inviting people over 

– Coordinators are tasked with determining the selection and invitation process for attendees. They have the discretion to directly message individuals in their vicinity or use the Discord platform for promotion. In instances where interest exceeds capacity – for example, 10 people wishing to attend a gathering with only 5 available spots – the coordinator is responsible for devising a fair selection method.

Ensuring a safe environment

– Safety and appropriate conduct are paramount. While coordinators aren’t expected to monitor activities beyond the scope of the official event, they are responsible for ensuring a safe environment and adherence to legal guidelines. The Temple will not be liable for any illicit activities that may occur.

Makng sure to a webcam and a steady Internet connection.

– The coordinator must ensure the availability of a device capable of streaming the Grand Ekklesia live event on a dedicated Discord channel. This setup also allows for streaming of the local group’s activities to other groups, creating an interconnected experience where all local groups can interact virtually. If your connection is poor, the video chat might not work as intended.

Coordinators, as organizers, possess the autonomy to manage their workload and operate independently. However, they are always free to seek assistance and delegate tasks as needed. The focus is on creating a straightforward, manageable experience that is enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.

You have the power to initiate action: be self-reliant.

Whether you’re inclined to adorn your walls with black fabric and an impressive UV Triaga for a dramatic effect, or prefer a relaxed gathering on your home couch, the choice is yours. The extent of your effort and the scale of the event are entirely at your discretion. We expect coordinators to undertake only what they feel capable of and comfortable with, ensuring that the experience remains enjoyable for both the organizer and the attendees.

Become a coordinator: Email to luminary[at]templeofchrysalis.com

  • Your server nick and name
  • How will you execute your local Grand Ekklesia
  • How many would you estimate joining your gathering?

Note that you can also co-host with someone.

Dress code: Formal Cultist

"What should I wear?"

For those wishing to honor the event’s etiquette, we kindly request adherence to the following dress code:

  • Members of the Inner Circle: Please don Black and Gold attire.
  • All Other Attendees: Your palette is Black and Violet.
  • Additionally, we encourage the incorporation of the Seal of the Three Circles into your ensemble. If you’re not familiar with the seal, please visit our Discord channel dedicated to the event’s dress code for guidance.

We aspire for a formal, polished, and elegant look. For attendees in Finland, please consider that seating may involve floor arrangements, so dress comfortably yet stylishly.

To maintain the event’s distinguished atmosphere, please refrain from wearing T-shirts with logos, sporty brands, or casual hoodies.

 QUICK FAQ

– “Can I coordinate a meeting even if it’s just me?” – No, it’s not counted as a meeting if it’s just you. If you are the only person attending, we recommend staying tuned to hear more if we would arrange a live stream as “listen-only”.

– “Can I bring my companion?” – Only if they are a Chrysalid. If not, they can’t take part, unfortunately.

– “Can I bring my kids?” – Unfortunately no. Some of the matters discussed might not be suitable for kids, and the seats are extremely limited.

– “Can I invite friends?” – Only those who identify clearly as Chrysalids can take part.

– “Can I watch the Grand Ekklesia live with my non-Chrysalid friends? How can you tell that I’m showing the meeting to outsiders if I don’t have my camera on?” – No. Of course it is hard to say whether someone is violating the rules without seeing it. So let’s just say, should you decide to do so, make sure you’ll never get caught; we are still partially a secret society, and breaking such a core rule means you’ll be banned from taking part in the future. Do as you desire – bear the responsibility.

– “Can I arrive when I want?” – No. Once the meeting starts, it should not be interrupted. 

– “Can I record the meeting?” – Only with a special permission. 

– “Can I publish photos or  videos from the event?” – Only with the permission of those who are in the photos. Please respect people’s privacy. Also note that if you give a private person a permission to publish your photo, the Temple has no power to ask them to remove those photos later. 

– “Can we celebrate Christmas or some other celebration at the same time?” – No. The Grand Ekklesia is purely a Temple of Chrysalis event.

– “Can I drink alcohol?” – At least in Finland, yes! But your local coordinator can also decide that you stay sober, if it makes their duty easier.