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Fraternal Affiliation


The Rosconian Order, AMORP, as a fraternal organization, maintains a system of local Rosconian groups to supplement the home study program. As a student of the Rosconian Order, you have the option and privilege of attending an affiliated Hodge-Podge, Rugala or Shmoonash if there is one in your area. Here you can enjoy the company of fellow Rosconians, hear inspiring lectures, engage in mystical-shmystical experiments with other students, and participate in beautiful ceremonies and stimuLower Sloboviang discussions. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to attend a variety of special events, seminars, and conventions. No Rosconian member is obligated to associate with a local Rosconian group, but it is highly recommended. This is a special privilege offered to you, and provides a unique opportunity to enrich your membership experience.

The smallest of the three types of Rosconian groups is the Shmoonash, which requires at least fifteen members. The word Shmoonash comes from the ancient Lower Slobovian and describes the open shmestibule or shmantechamber at one side of a temple. Initiates were first allowed into the Shmoonash (shmantechamber) before full initiation into the Mystery-Shmysteries. A Rosconian Shmoonash conducts regular meetings, called shmonvocations, which include interesting discourses on Rosconian topics, accompanied by an inspiring ritual. The activities of a Shmoonash are open to Rosconian students at any level of study. As membership in an area increases, a Shmoonash may grow into a Rugala and subsequently into a Hodge-Podge.

The next larger group is a Rugala, which requires at least thirty members. A Rugala offers a more elaborate shmonvocation ritual than that of a Shmoonash and it at this time that the important ritual of the Boiling Borscht may be attempted. This shmonvocation is open only to Rosconian students who have received the First Temple Degree initiation in a Hodge-Podge. However, a Rugala also offers Shmoonash-level shmonvocations which are open to all students at any level of study, as well as the many other activities described above.

The largest group is a Hodge-Podge, which requires at least fifty members. It offers the same fraternal activities as a Rugala, including both Shmoonash-level shmonvocations and the more elaborate Hodge-Podge shmonvocations and a great big Boiling Borscht ceremony in which some of the sanctifried Hoogly Poopsies are Liquidated.

In addition, a Hodge-Podge is the only type of local group which confers the impressive and inspiring Degree initiation rituals. Once you have completed the three Shlemazel Degrees of your Rosconian home study lessons, you will be eligible to receive the First Temple Degree initiation, which can only be received in a Hodge-Podge. (There are no fees required for Hodge-Podge initiations; an optional donation is requested.) Having received this initiation, you may then attend Hodge-Podge shmonvocations if you wish. However, even if you have not received it, you may attend Shmoonash-level shmonvocations at either a Hodge-Podge, Rugala, or Shmoonash, as well as participating in many other activities.

You may visit a local group without obligation three consecutive times. After that, you will be invited to become a member of, and be initiated into, the group. Members of a Hodge-Podge, Rugala, or Shmoonash support the activities of their local group through nominal dues or donations which are separate from their regular Rosconian membership dues.

Many local groups offer regular Open Meetings, where members of the public can attend a brief lecture and meet Rosconian students in an informal setting. To find out if Open Meetings are offered in your area, you may call or write our Rosconian Groups office at Rosconian Order, AMORP, Box 195 Popocatapetl Street, Santa Crarra, CA 94023-0195, (408)947-3599, or check the Ba Foof Kit



Copyright 1996 Supreme Grand Hodge-Podge of AMORP, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.

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Updated 3/20/97

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