THE ROMAN IMPERIAL CULT
THE DIVINE EMPEROR THEODOSIUS II
January 402 AD - July 28th 450 AD
Welcome to the Temple of Divus Theodosius II Augustus
Sacred
Days:
February 15 - Theodosian Law
Code published
26 March - Convened Senate to
create Law code
April 10 - Birthday
May 1 - Became sole Emperor
July 28 - Divine
Apotheosis
July 29 - Christian Feast Day
as Saint
Theodosius II was the son of the Emperor Arcadius.
He created the Theodosian Law Code and built the Theodosian Walls around
Constantinople.
He and his wife Aelia
Eudocia were canonized as Christian Saints.
Classical
Prayer and Offering:
Items Needed,
Altar space, an image of the Emperor Theodosius II, (optional)
a candle or lamp, Incense, a small container of wine (or juice if
necessary)
and a small, open dish to pour wine into.
When
prepared, take a moment to reflect on the Divine Emperor, then light the
lamp or candle saying:
"I offer this sacred flame
in honor of Divus Theodosius II.
May his Imperial legacy be honored and increased. "
Focus for a
moment on the Divine Genius (spirit) of the Emperor Theodosius II Augustus shining with
light.*
Next, light
the incense, saying:
"Divus Theodosius II Augustus,
I offer this sacred incense to honor your divine spirit.
May your Imperial Power be well remembered, and bring good fortune to the
world."
As the smoke
of the incense rises, feel the sacred space around you being filled with the
Imperial
power of Eternal Rome.
Finally, pour
some wine from the container into the offering dish, saying:
"Divus Theodosius II Augustus,
I offer this sacred wine, that your spirit may be increased,
and bring divine good
fortune upon I who remember you, and the world."
In your
mind's eye, focus on the image of the centuries between you and the Divine
Emperor
falling away,
allowing you to be in the Imperial Presence. If you wish, you may now
state your
own personal prayers, or ask for personal blessings in your own words.
To End The
Rite; hold up the dish of incense (adding more if needed) and say:
"Divus Theodosius II Augustus,
I offer this sacred incense in atonement if there was fault
in any of this rite. I end this rite in honor."
Leave everything in place for
at least a few minutes after leaving the altar space. It is proper
to respectfully offer the
wine outdoors by pouring it on the ground after you have put out the incense
and light.
Notes:
Scented oil may be substituted for incense
as a sacred scent if necessary.
*The "mental visualizations" between offerings are not documented
historical, but are religious thoughts
that might have been likely. Trying them
certainly cannot hurt the ritual itself.
Christian
Prayer:
Look upon our most devout
Emperor Theodosius II Augustus, the desire of whose longing for you, O
God,
know beforehand, and by
the inexpressible grace of your kindness and mercy grant him the
tranquility of lasting
peace and heavenly victory with all his people.
