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
Updated 3/20/97
Send comments regarding this web page to: webmaster1@AMORP.org.
ΓΏ