The Matrial Orthodoxy of Sollun

“As God Herself is a mother, so did She shine her holy light on the womb.”

Adherents to faith of Sollunity believe that a prophetic figure named Sollun. Who descended from God Herself and walked the Earth some 1500 years ago. The tenets of Sollun’s teachings built upon earlier beliefs to form the pillars of the Sollunic Church.

The Matrial Orthodoxy teaches that on the day of Sollun’s conception, God Herself was present in his mother. He then died of exposure at noon, and rose again at noon beneath the Sun at its apex.

Iconography

Their primary symbol is a golden disc, representing the Sun beneath which Sollun suffered, died and rose again. Matrial Adherents often accent their clothing with yellow to commemorate this.
The Matrial Orthodoxy often use depictions of Sollun’s Holy Mother in art. As a stand-in for Sollun or for God Herself.

Principles

Prior to Sollun’s birth, the religion of his people focussed on the “Commandments and Virtues”. But Sollun added another two principles which came to define the faith:

  • Any person, no matter how sinful, might enter into Heaven. Should they truly and honestly repent of their misdeeds and accept the light of God Herself. This repentance must be freely entered into. And come from a knowledge and acceptance of God Herself – not from obligation.
  • Treat others the way you wish to be treated.

The Commandments

The Matrial Church teaches what one should do. It promises the reward of eternal life in Heaven to those who adhere to the way of Sollun. The core tenets of Sollunic Faith are laid out in the Ten Commandments:

  1. Worship only God Herself, for I am the only true God,
  2. Make prayer without iconography, so that you worship only the pure spirit of God Herself,
  3. You will honour the name of God Herself and use it only in reverence,
  4. Rest every seventh day, and keep it for worship,
  5. Do honour to your parents,
  6. Live peacefully,
  7. Live loyally,
  8. Earn what you receive,
  9. Live truthfully, and
  10. Live generously.

The Virtues

The Matrial Orthodoxy teaches that humanity, being born from Impurity, is inherently sinful. But that Sollun’s death and resurrection absolves that sin. All people must then live their lives in repentance of that sin through a virtuous life. Thereby honouring Sollun’s sacrifice. There are seven heavenly Virtues by which Sollunians should measure their behaviour.

  • Purity – The ability to refrain from being distracted and influenced by hostility, temptation or corruption.
  • Temperance – Prudence to judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time.
  • Benevolence – To live with generosity of spirit, unconditional love for one’s fellows.
  • Diligence – A zealous and careful nature in one’s actions and work. A decisive work ethic, steadfastness in belief, and the capability of not giving up.
  • Patience – Building a sense of peaceful stability and harmony rather than conflict, hostility, and antagonism. Resolving issues and arguments respectfully, as opposed to resorting to anger and fighting.
  • Kindness – Unselfish love and voluntary kindness without bias or spite. Having positive outlooks and cheerful demeanor; to inspire kindness in others.
  • Selflessness – The courage of the heart necessary to undertake tasks which are difficult, tedious or unglamorous. And to graciously accept the sacrifices involved. Reverence for those who have wisdom and those who selflessly teach in love.

Practices

Sollunian religious practice is fairly consistent in any Sollunian religious community. Common elements include a Sunday worship service, private and corporate prayer. As well as study and reading of the Scriptures, and participation in rites such as baptism and communion.

Matrial worship usually takes place during the day, or at dawn. Thereby honouring God Herself as a bringer of light. Official ceremonies are led by ordained priests. Above all, they include call-and-response, and encourage a lively back-and-forth between the priest and their flock.

Sermons and songs are ostentatious and spirited. Since the Matrial Orthodoxy focuses on fostering good deeds and good behaviour. The religious community is one of encouragement and celebration.

Matrial churches tend to be richly embellished, their primary adornments being varied representations of Sollun in his place in Heaven.

Recent proceedings that effect followers

Despite losing their toehold in the New World, the Matrial Church has had remarkable success in the previous few years.


The Matrial Pontiff, Helena IV de la Madre Sancta, has been busy. She sent emissaries to Charleston in the interest of setting up a Bishopric there. At the same time, she accepted the Iskan Duchess’ invitation to take up residence in a new Summer Palace and move away from Tassanos.

In Tassanos, she welcomed the conversion of the Excommunicated Padrician Emperor and took the Iskan heir Anastasia into her tutelage.


With two of the great nations of Sollundom effectively under their direct control. The Matrial Church is poised to seize command over all of Sollundom and is in a dominant position to face the Patronic faithful should they resist.