Intergalactic Summit

The Holy Mother lets these words hang in the air for a few moments before blinking a tear from her eyes. "Which brings me to you two. It is written that no man may ascend to Paradise unless he has bathed in the Sacred Waters. Today, you both will do so. "Have either of you been baptized already?"

Both Utari and Seraphim answer nearly together “No.”

Alizebeth asks them, "Do you belive in God and the Holy Amarr Empire? If so, say I do."

Utari says firmly. "I do."

Seraphim responds “I do”.

Alizebeth then asks, "Do you believe that the True Amarr are the chosen to lead all men to salvation?"

Utari answers, “I do.”

Seraphim says, “I do.”

Alizebeth asks, "Do you reject sin and vice and all of the evils that it entails?"

Utari replies, “I do.”

Seraphim responds, “I do.”

Alizebeth continues her interrogatory, "You have asked to be bathed in sacred waters of our Faith. Will you accept all the responsibility of being faithful, a subject of the Empire, keeping God's commandments and living a life of virtue? If so, say I will."

Seraphim Risen answers, “I will”.

Utari Onzo says, “I will”.

Alizebeth then turns to the congregation "Will you, brothers and sisters in faith and service to God, support these converts with your prayer, fellowship, and example? Will you do all you can to strengthen their faith and guide them?"
The assembled faithful answer together, “We will.”

Alizebeth smiles wide, full of joy. "Utari, please rise."

Utari rises and follows Alizebeth in the pool of sacred water. The raised dais allows for the pool to be around waist deep for them both.

Alizebeth speaks softly "Okay, so I am going to say a few words and then you're going to bend at the waist with my help and submerge completely, okay. Just for a second, no need to hold your breath for too long."

She waits as Utari nods his understanding before continuing.

"Utari Onzo, the water is your acceptance of God and His acceptance of you. It is a symbol of the forgiveness of your sins, to wash them away. May the Almighty God bless you." Alizebeth says and gives Utari a slight nod before submerging him as he bends at the waist to be completely submerged in the Sacred Water. Once he is so covered, Alizebeth assists him in standing.

Then, the Holy Mother draws the Arc of God Above All on Utari's forehead with her thumb, saying, "Be cleansed, by God's Grace. Today you are reborn."

Utari Onzo seems to be struggling to decide whether to have a serious, thoughtful face, or a smiling, joyous face as he closes his eyes for a moment.

Alizebeth says softly to him, "smile. Definitely smile. Also, By His Light . . ."

Utari’s face breaks into a smile. "By His Light, By His Will," he says.

Alizebeth smiles back to Utari. "Ayallah will have a towel for you and an over robe to put on,” she says before looking over to Seraphim. “Serah. Please rise and join me."

Utari exits the pool, water dripping down his robe as Ayallah meets him with a towel, helping him to dry off as best as possible. Seraphim makes her way over and up the steps before descending into the pool to join Alizabeth there. Once Utari is mostly dry, Ayallah puts the golden mantle on Utari’s shoulders.

Alizebeth smiles to Serah. "Okay, same thing, okay? Just a dip. Make sure you are completely submerged."

Seraphim nods and readies herself.

"Serah Risen, the water is your acceptance of God and His acceptance of you. It is a symbol of the forgiveness of your sins, to wash them away. May the Almighty God bless you," Alizebeth says and gives Serah a slight nod before submerging her. Once Seraphim is completely submerged into the Sacred Water, Alizebeth helps her back to stand.

Then, Alizebeth draws the arc of God Above All on Serah's forehead saying. "Be cleansed, by God's Grace. Today you are reborn."

Serah is grinning when she comes back up and it only gets wider. "By His light, By His Will," she responds.

"Ayallah will have a towel and an over robe for you," says Alizebeth, gesturing to Ayallah, who is standing ready.

Much like Utari before her, Seraphim exits the pool to get the towel from Ayallah and dries off as best as possible. Again, Ayallah gets the golden outer robe and places it on Seraphim’s shoulders. Alizebeth steps out of the water and it drips from the hem of her vestments, too.

"Beloved,” she says to the congregation, “I formally present to you the newest members of God's faith, Serah and Utari. Please take a moment after the service to say a few words to each of them. And now, please bow your head for the benediction."

The congregation bow their heads; likewise so do Serah, Utari, and Ayallah, standing in the front.

"May the Almighty God bless you and keep you, and make His Light shine upon you in all the dark places you must walk. May Her Majesty keep watch upon you from her perch in Paradise. By His Light, By His Will."

Music begins to play as Alizebeth goes back to the altar, kissing it and retrieving her crozier. She kneels before it as Seraphim and Utari join her. Ayallah lights her taper, leaving the candles burning as the trio stands and then the four recess to the back of the cathedral.

Alizebeth stops by the door, waiting for the music to finish before addressing the congregation, “Go forth, the mass has ended. Thanks be to God.”

Thank you Holy Mother for your lessons, patience and guidance. And thank you also for conducting such a moving ceremony. I swear to always uphold the values and conduct expected of a member of your flock. God Bless you.

Welcome to one true faith 2nd Lieutenant Onzo!

Always glad to see when non-Amarrians see the light and join flock.
May His grace always shine on you!