• So what the heck is a Gnostic Church?
• What does a Gnostic Church do?
• Isn't the idea of a Gnostic "Church" kind of odd?

These questions, and many more, are answered, in part, in our F:.A:.Q:. However, some further explanation may be required.

There are three essential aspects to what we DO.

We are first and foremost a Church.

However, as a Church, we also operate within what we refer to as the French Gnostic Tradition.

We are also a school of sorts.

From the earliest Gnostic sects, there has been a pairing of ecclesiastical/liturgical rites with that of some sort of school for the education of adherents of a given tradition. Even in the present day we carry on this tradition. In part, this is through the theoretical and practical education received by those few who desire to serve others through the reception of Holy Orders. More often, however, we encourage study groups at which people may discuss various Gnostic texts, ideas, and experiences; and these are often modeled on the 19th century Salons des Roses+Croix so as to make them a little less formal and a little more creative.

We are tied to certain initiatory orders.

It has long been a part of our Tradition to associate with certain initiatory orders - both for the lay members of our Church, and for the clergy. As of the renaissance of our Church circa 1890, a very particular initiatory order (and school) that has been connected to our Church is Martinism. And as of 1919, another was officially added to our Tradition - that of Freemasonry, but more specifically the rites of Memphis & Misraïm, or Egyptian Freemasonry.

Hence, a formal tripartite structure (Church-Martinism-Masonry), with a less formal school/study group component is the basis of what we, as a Gnostic Church, do. The details of each must really be experienced.

For a little more information regarding each of these three pillars, see the links on the left.