A Revolutionary and Mystical Sacramental Group in Central New Jersey
The Holy Order of the Phoenix is a revolutionary, open-minded, and egalitarian spiritual community, and also a gathering place for those wishing to practice the powers of the ancient priesthoods in a non-dogmatic way.
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What we believe
We do not have a fixed set of beliefs, seeing validity in various spiritual traditions. We see everything in existence as having its origin in one Divinity from which all things derive their substance. Members of the order are free to believe and practice as they wish. The Holy Order of The Phoenix seeks to provide an open space for spiritual discussion, development, and practice in a free and egalitarian community.
Ancient Priesthoods and the word “Catholic”
We identify as Catholics in the original sense of the word, which means “whole”, relating to the Universal nature of our community.
We see validity in the ancient priesthoods that have been passed down from bishops by the laying of hands including Orthodox and Catholic lineages, as well as recognizing the validity of similarly passed down priesthoods in other traditions such as the Kohanim and contemporary Gnostic lineages.
With ordination and consecration into the priesthoods and episcopacies, one is transmitted the power and authority to perform the unique sacramental and sacrificial duties associated with each tradition. In the Christian tradition this includes being able to transform bread and wine into the flesh and blood of Christ, bringing into the present the sacrificial act of Christ’s death, and then allowing the faithful to consume the flesh and blood under the appearance of bread and wine, so that they may physically and spiritually receive the true divine presence of Christ within them. Similar ritual meals have existed in history, such as those of the ancient cult of the Greek deity Dionysus, whose blood was said to be wine.
Some claim that Catholic apostolic succession also transmits the priestly powers of the ancient Roman state religion, which occurred with the integration of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. It is also believed that the powers of the Egyptian mysteries were also transmitted in Apostolic Succession through Moses, who was an Egyptian prince and initiate. Even more ancient than the Roman and Egyptian traditions is the transmission of the Order of Melchizedek to Abraham in Salem, Canaan.
While we recognize the validity of these ancient priesthoods, we operate in a non-hierarchical manner, believing that access to all levels of holy orders should be available to all who wish to undertake them, provided they understand the implications and they seem themselves as having been well prepared.
The implication in undertaking holy orders is that it will leave an indelible mark on your soul, transforming you into someone who is set apart to do the great work of the Divine. If the afterlives of Abrahamic and Dharmic faiths are to be believed, this would mean one could possibly face stricter judgement. One example of this is how Jesus Christ is a friend to sinners among the common people, but harshly criticizes the high priests, as they are held to a higher standard due to their roles. Because of this, one who undertakes holy orders should live consciously, remaining aware of how their actions affect themselves, others, and the world around them, and determining what is right and wrong according to the Divine law written in one’s heart.