Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis

The Rosicrucian Order, Ancient Mystical Order Rosæ Crucis (AMORC) is a worldwide mystical, Rosicrucian, educational, humanitarian and fraternal organization founded by Harvey Spencer Lewis in 1915. The worldwide headquarters are located in San Jose, CA.

Organization and structure

AMORC is organised as an educational or charitable non-profit organisation. It is financed mainly through fees paid by its members. Income is used by the organization to pay expenses, develop new programs, expand services, and carry out humanitarian work.

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Grand Lodges

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AMORC is governed by The Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC. The Supreme Grand Lodge is responsible for the worldwide coordination of AMORC, the establishment of new administrations, and the appointment of jurisdictions to Grand Lodges, usually based on language.

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Lodges, Chapters, Pronaoi, Atrium Groups

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AMORC is organised in each country in Lodges, Chapters, Pronaoi and Atrium Groups. AMORC members have the privilege of attending an affiliated Lodge, Chapter, Pronaos or Atrium and participate in organised convocations there. The attendance is optional, but the member may be asked to pay additional dues if he or she wishes to attend and become a member of a local Rosicrucian group. Many local groups offer Open Meetings and/or Open Lectures and Classes where members of the public may meet members of AMORC and attend a lecture or class.

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The difference between the Lodges, Chapters, Pronaoi and Atrium Groups are in membership numbers. The Lodges require 50 members and are the only ones who offer the Degree Initiation Rituals. Chapters have at least 35 members and the membership is restricted to members who have completed the First Temple Degree initiation. Pronaoi (the name come from the plural of Pronaos, from Ancient Greek, meaning antechamber) require 20 members, while Atria require 10 members.

Related Topics:
Greek - Antechamber

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AMORC Leadership

The highest chief of AMORC is called Imperator. In addition to the Imperator, each Grand Lodge has a Grand Master. In 1990 there was a dispute over the leadership of the AMORC, which was then under Imperator Gary L. Stewart. A lawsuit was filed and the subsequent out-of-court settlement prompted a split in the AMORC with Stewart leaving the order and founding his own Rosicrucian order called the Confraternity of the Rose Cross in 1996. Christian Bernard is the present Imperator of the AMORC.

Related Topics:
Imperator - Grand Lodge - 1990 - Gary L. Stewart - Lawsuit - Confraternity of the Rose Cross - 1996 - Christian Bernard

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