PHILOSOPHY
1.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry (Masonry) , one of the oldest, non-religious fraternities, is a peculiar system of Morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. This definition covers Regular Masonry, as practiced by the Grand Lodge of Greece, the Governing Body of all Regular Masonic Lodges in Greece.
Masonry as a philosophical, progressive and philanthropic institution, aims at the moral and spiritual improvement of its members through self-knowledge, the pursuit of Truth, solidarity and the application of high moral principles. Its members are taught these principles, through a series of ceremonies, emulating ancient Rites and use customs and symbols of ancient stonemasons, as allegorical guides.
2.
Basic qualifications for admission
The basic qualification for admission and acquiring membership status is faith in God and in His revealed will.
Men of mature age, sound judgement and strict morals can become members, regardless of their race, beliefs.
3.
Masonry and religion
Masonry is not a religion, nor does it aim to substitute religion in any manner. It accepts men who belong to various religions, who naturally continue to follow their own faith. For this very reason any discussion in regard to religion is strictly forbidden during meetings, in any masonic space.
There is no particular God for Masonry. Each Mason is free to believe in and worship the Supreme Being of his own Faith. In order to avoid any dogmatic dispute or religious difference among Masons, God is called by the overarching term “the Great Architect of the Universe.”
The Volume of the Sacred Law, always present during Masonic Labour, is meant to symbolically guide each members’ Faith, and is commonly represented by the Book of Faith of the prevailing religion in each country, Several Lodges however, also present Holy Books from each members’ Faith, which may include the Holy Bible, but sometimes the Quran for Muslims, the Vedas for Hindus etc.
4.
The 3 Great Principles
Brotherly Love
Every true Mason will show tolerance and respect, love and understanding to others opinions no matter how diverse.
Relief
From his very first steps, a Mason is taught to practice Charity, and cater for those less fortunate through beneficent actions.
Truth
Masons strive to attain the One Truth, while living lives of exemplary morality. aiming at high moral principles and trying, throughout their life, to achieve them.
Masons believe that through the diligent practice of these principles only, a higher quality of life can be offered to all mankind.
5.
Masonry and Society
It is clearly stated to every member of Masonry that membership in it does not exempt him, in any case, from the civil duties of the society he belongs to, nor does it entitle him in any way. On the contrary, a new Mason is explicitly charged to be exemplary in the execution of his obligations as a family man, a professional, a citizen of the country of his residence, and the world in general.
Masonry requires from its members, respect for the Laws of the Country, in which they work and reside in. The Principles of Masonry do in no case conflict with the duties of its members as citizens, in their work, in their home or in their public life, but on the contrary, must strengthen them in their public and private responsibilities. Therefore, there is no conflict whatsoever between Masonic and social duties.
6.
Use of membership
The exploitation of masonic membership for the advancement of mercenary (personal and professional) interests, either for one’s self or for other Masons, is condemnable and rejectable, as it opposes the obligations members give during their admission to Masonry. One’s civil duty should always take precedence over obligations toward other Masons. Any attempt to cover a Mason for dishonorable or illegal actions, contradicts this basic duty and therefore, is disciplinarily prosecuted without any lenience.
No Mason should exploit Craft membership to advance professional and personal interests. This is clarified several times early during one’s masonic life, as to avoid any misunderstanding and leave any excuse of ignorance. Any Mason violating this rule is suspended from active service or even expelled.
According to article 2 paragraph VI of the Grand Lodge of Greece Constitutions: “Devotion to family, respect for social institutions, love for the Homeland and observance of civil duties sacred to the Mason and does not, in any way, contradict the love he owes to all people, in the spirit of universal brotherhood and justice.”
Secrecy
Any and all “Masonic secrets,” exclusively concern the traditional modes of recognition. Other secrets do not exist and therefore Freemasonry is not a secret organization. Like any other society, it considers that some of its internal affairs need not be publicized. Its members are free to acknowledge their membership if they wish to do so, and do so when reliably asked. The Constitution and Operating Regulations are known to the State which can exercise administrative or financial control.
Masonry is not a political organization, has absolutely no relation to parties and any political discussion in masonic meetings is strictly forbidden.
Other Masonic Bodies
Masonry is practiced, in each Country, under the responsibility of a “regularly established and functioning” independent Grand Lodge. In our Country this is the Grand Lodge of Greece, of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, which is headquartered in Athens, 19 Acharnon Street, P.C. 104 38.
Universally, several other Masonic Rites are practiced, the most popular being the Scottish Rite and the York Rite. These are governed by separate Supreme Councils and include subsequent degrees, which Masons may join if they wish to do so, in parallel to and independently from the Craft masonic degrees of Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason.
Conditions of Regularity
There are several other self-proclaimed Grand Lodges or para-masonic organizations which do not meet the required standards, have not been regularly established , permit or encourage the participation of their members in politics, and/ or accept women as members.
Such Grand Lodges and para-masonic organizations are not recognized by the Grand Lodge of Greece and any masonic contact with them is strictly prohibited. To be recognized as regular by the Grand Lodge of Greece, another Grand Lodge must meet the following characteristics.
It must have been legally established either by another recognized Grand Lodge by granting free territorial masonic jurisdiction, or by three or more regularly installed Lodges and again in a territorial Sovereignty where there is no other legally established and internationally recognized Grand Lodge.
Subsequently, and in order for the thus originating Grand Lodge to acquire international status in the masonic landscape, it must be recognized either by the United Grand Lodge of England, or receive recognition from three or more regular and recognized Grand Lodges in the world.
The criteria for recognition is based on the regularity of the Grand Lodge and its Lodges. This consists in the acceptance of Ancient Tradition, and the observation of the Antient Landmarks and General Principles of Freemasonry Universal. Specifically:
– It must be truly independent and self-governed, with undisputed authority over “core” Masonry (i.e. the Craft degrees of Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason) within its jurisdiction and must not be subject, in any case, or derive power from any other Masonic body.
– The Masons of its jurisdiction must be men and both it and its Lodges must not have masonic contact with Lodges that include women.
– The Masons of its jurisdiction must believe in a Supreme Being and undertake their obligations, in the presence of the Volume of the Sacred Law or the book considered sacred by the oath-taker in particular.
– The Three Great Lights of Masonry (The Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square and the Compasses) must be visible at all times when the Grand Lodge or its subordinate Lodges are working.
– Religious and political discussions in its Lodges are strictly forbidden.
In conclusion
A Mason is encouraged to perform his duties, first to God (by whatever name He is known to him) through his faith and religious practice, then to his family and finally to his fellow men, through Charity and solidarity. Additionally, the Mason continuously strives to achieve his moral and spiritual improvement.
Freemasonry is not a secret organization, nor is it a religion, and does not involve itself in politics. Like many other societies, it considers some of its internal affairs as personal matters of its members.
There are no secrets about its purposes and principles. Its Constitutions and Operating Regulations are openly available to any interested party. The secrets of Masonry have to do with the traditional modes of recognition. Masonic labour is not secret, but is not conducted publicly. In a casual conversation, only very few things about Masonry may not be mentioned. When reliable reasons require it, Masons are free to declare their membership and should be proud of it.