Religion

A religion (thrēscī́a) is a covenant with a god (theós), made by a sacrifice (thysía) upon an altar-table (thysiastḗrion), where then an altar (naós) is made, as the dwelling of the god. This sacrifice is called service (latría). Around the altar, a temple (hierón) is made, where things sacred (hierós) are consecrated, & whoever serves the sacrifice is a priest (hiereús). Further, an elder (presbýteros) is ordained to maintain the religion, who may serve as the priest. If any word—spoke or written—is inspired by the god, it is an oracle (lógion).

Christianity

According to Christians, the name god is derived from to perceive (theō̂, cf. theōría).

A spirit which is clean Christians call an angel, but the unclean is called a dæmon.

The local churches & their primate by nation:

The first five (Rome–Jerusalem) are called the Ancient Patriarchates. The next (Moscow–Sofia) are called the Junior Patriarchates. The Patriarchates & the next seven (New Justiana–Washington) are all autocephalous (i.e. self-headed).

From Sinai–Russian Church Abroad are autonomous (i.e. self-governing), Sinai being under Jerusalem, Helsinki under New Rome, & the rest under Moscow.

From Minsk–Tallinn are semi-autonomous, under Moscow.

Heathenism

Among the gentiles, an idol—i.e. an image within the spirit of a god resides—is erected in the altar.

According to the gentiles, the name god is derived from to run (théō, cf. tréchō).

Gentiles call any spirit sent by a god a dæmon.

The order of the gentile religions by nation:

• India
  • Brachmins (“Hindus”)
  • Samaneans (“Buddhists”)
• Assyria
  • Chaldæans
• Persia
  • Magi (“Zoastrians”)
• Ægypt
  • Prophets (“Gnostics”)
• Greece
  • Philosophers
    • Pythagoreans
    • Stoics
    • Platonists
    • Epicureans
• Celts
  • Druids

References

• John of Damascus, St. “On Heresies” in: The Fount of Knowledge.
• Epiphanius of Salamis, St. Panarium.
• Strabo. Geography.
• Porphyry. On Abstinence from Animal Food.