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2012 No. 1 Vol. 82, No. 1

ROSICRUCIAN FORUM

Vol.82, No. 1, 2012

CONTENTS

Imperators Annual Message 1

Rosicrucian New Year 3365 23

Grand Master Roland Brisson 24

Grand Master Iakovos Giannakopoulos 24

Board Director Kenneth Idiodi 25

Hierarchy Dates 25

ROSICRUCIAN FORUM (ISSN #1077-4017) is published semi-annually by the Grand Lodge of the English Language Jurisdiction, AMORC, Inc., at 1342 Naglee Ave., San Jose, CA 95191 (fees paid through membership). Copyright 2012 by the Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, Inc. For members only.

No. 1, 2012 Page 1

IMPERATORS ANNUAL MESSAGE

Year 2012Under the Auspices of the Rose Cross, Salutem Punctis Trianguli!Dear Fratres and Sorores,

Let us start this annual contact with something a little humorous. If we are to believe what some people are predicting, then this letter should be the last, becauseyet againthey are announcing the end of the world! The date forecast: December 21, 2012.

For my part, on that day I plan to keep my quarterly appointment with you in my Sanctum, as I have been doing for many years every March 21, June 21, September 21, and December 21.

Sadly, there is no doubt that 2012, just like previous years, will be characterized by disasters of all typesfor humanity, in its destructive madness, is instrumental in bringing this about. There is no doubt either, that we are witnessing a world that is breaking down and profound change in our societies. Yet virtually every one of us will be taking part in this transformation: We will be both the actors and the spectators simultaneously. This has always been the case, from generation to generation, one century to the next. It is a process that is natural and inescapable. It is the alchemy of the world, and it is absolutely fascinating. I am already looking forward, If the Divine spares me that long, as we customarily say, to seeing you in the spring of 2013.

The purpose of this letter is to give you an account of my activities as Imperator for the year gone by as well as news of the various Grand Lodges and Administrations.

I turn now to the year 2011.

The month of January saw my first visit of the year, to Cairo, where I met our fratres and sorores from the Grand Lodge of the English Language jurisdiction for Australia, Asia, and New Zealand. We left Egypt just before the political upheaval and demonstrations broke out. Fratres and sorores, I encourage you to undertake a visit to the land of

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the Pharaohsinsofar as this is still possibleas soon as you possibly can, for things are very likely to change in this country. The Grand Lodge for Australia, Asia, and New Zealand, still under the direction of Grand Master Paul Panikian, assisted by Grand Administrator Bob Kogel, is continuing to grow, mainly by employing a variety of workshops and programs. The number of members in Asia is stable, and we can only hope that the worldwide economic problems will not disturb how things are going.

In March, as I quite often do at this time of year, I went to San Jose, accompanied by the Treasurer of the Supreme Grand Lodge, Frater Maximilian Neff. We met with the Secretary of the Supreme Grand Lodge, Frater Burnam Schaa; Grand Master Julie Scott and some of her team members; and also our lawyers and auditors.

Many members were present for the Rosicrucian New Year Ritual, which I conducted in the Grand Temple. The Grand Master always ensures that this most important of places for Rosicrucians is in perfect order for receiving visiting members and non-members, and indeed the same is true of the whole of Rosicrucian Park. It is San Jose that will be hosting the next World Convention, in 2015, and I shall be referring further to this event in the years ahead. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing those of you who can make it to the trilingual Convention (English-French-Spanish) in Miami in June 2012.

The Lodges in the English Grand Lodge for the Americas have all synchronized their initiations so that they coincide with those given in the Grand Temple. The First Temple Degree Initiation is conferred in April, just after the celebration of the Rosicrucian New Year. The Second Degree takes place in May, and so on, thus strengthening the bond between the Lodges and the Grand Lodge.

In March, the English Grand Lodge introduced its new online membership, attracting many former and new membersparticularly young people, and providing a convenient option for current members. Two-thirds of this jurisdictions members are now using this means of receiving their monographs. The Grand Lodges Facebook page now has over 25,000 fans. In addition, Rosicrucian television on YouTube has a good following, offering many free videos on Rosicrucian subjects, some of which come from other Grand Lodges.

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Despite the brewing revolution, our fratres and sorores from the English Grand Lodge for the Americas took part in an initiatic journey to Egypt in May, having consciously chosen to support this country by going. In August, prior to the World Convention in Brazil, a trip to Peru was organized, and our fratres and sorores then took part in a Silent Retreat at the Portuguese Language Grand Lodges Morada do Silencio, led by Grand Master Julie Scott.

In September, the Grand Master of the Dutch Language jurisdiction, Frater Klaas-Jan Bakker, delivered a message in the Grand Temple in San Jose, and in October, Soror Julie Scott went to be with the Sisters of the Rosy Cross in Nigeria for the celebration of the tenth anniversary of their formation.

In April, I met with Frater Roland Brisson in France, who came to the French Grand Lodge for the purpose of learning how it operates, as he is now in charge of the Spanish Language jurisdiction for the Americas. Prior to this, he had been received at the Grand Lodge in Spain by Frater Hugo Casas, who has shown great dedication in taking on the office of interim Grand Master for the Grand Lodge in Mexico; in constant contact with Frater Brisson, he has spared no effort in giving him help and support while the latter was Administrator. Frater Casas receives our deepest gratitude for this as well as for his excellent handling of the Spanish Grand Lodge for Europe, Africa, and Asia, which he is also responsible for. Although this work alongside Frater Brisson within the Hispanic jurisdiction has constituted a major part of his activities, Grand Master Casas has continued to honor all the commitments he had for the year 2011. He has taken part in initiations, seminars, mystical retreats, and various other gatheringsboth mystical and administrative. Along with all the Grand Masters, he took part in our Orders World Convention in Brazil, accompanied by a dozen or so members of the Spanish jurisdiction.

In April still, I went to Baden-Baden in Germany to meet with the Treasurer of the Supreme Grand Lodge, Frater Maximilian Neff, who is also the Grand Master of the German jurisdiction. He is an excellent colleague and it is a pleasure to work with him, just as it is with Frater Burnam Schaa, whom I have known for many years now. Indeed the same goes for Frater Charles Parucker who, aware that his support and

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friendship are very valuable to me, has agreed to continue in office as Vice President a while longer.

The reason that I frequently mention meetings with the Treasurer and lawyers, accountants, and auditors is that, alongside its mystical aspect, our Order is also a human, material structure, which calls for diligence, orderliness, correct standards, and vigilance. Regular and thorough monitoring is necessary so that everything functions correctlyboth legally and ethically. The members of the Supreme Grand Lodges Executive Committee, along with the Grand Masters, know that I am on the lookout in this area, and that any failure to comply with the rules of our Order would result in being taken to task. When a problem comes to light, as can happen in any organization, I endeavor to do all I can to resolve it. Each Grand Lodge is checked in turn by a firm of auditors appointed by the Supreme Grand Lodge, and whenever there emerges a need for changes to be made, guidance to be given, or anything along these lines, then that is what takes place.

In brief, as President and Imperator of AMORC, I assign the same importance to the correct governance of our Order on the material and administrative level, as on the spiritual and ritualistic level. It is my duty so to do.

Having just referred to Grand Master Maximilian Neff, I shall give you some news from his Grand Lodge. As it does each year, the Rosicrucian New Year started off with two meetings, where the officers of our OrderGrand Councilors, Regional Monitors, and Masters of the Lodges, Chapters, and Pronaowere prepared for office. A number of mystical days were organized, with the Grand Master leading one in Aarau, Switzerland, one in Hamburg, and another in Hanover. The theme for this years Convention, which took place in the hills near Hunsrck, was The Search for the Inner Order.

The Illuminati held a gathering over two and a half days, where together they dealt with subjects and conducted experiments designed for the members of our Orders highest degrees. As the Grand Master does each year, he presented a number of seminars, some of them to do with our Orders teachings, and others as part of Rose Croix University International (RCUI). The German jurisdiction has seven Lodges, two

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Chapters, twenty-seven Pronao, and ten Atrium Groups, as well as five Martinist Heptads, including a new one in Berlin.

The renovations to the Grand Lodge, necessary after ten years in use, have now been completed.

The activities of our Order in Croatia are also under the supervision of Frater Neff, and so during 2011 he visited the Affiliated Body in Zagreb twice, conducting mystical days and initiations there. In addition, there is an Atrium Group at Rijeka, in Istria, which will become a Pronaos this year. Some work has also been carried out in the Administrations premises in Zagreb. Membership numbers are increasing a little, and our fratres and sorores continue to be hopeful.

In May, I went back to Egypt for three groups of Rosicrucians from the Congo, the United States, and Nigeria. Meeting our fratres and sorores for a few hours in this way, along with the Grand Masters or their representatives, is always interesting. While Rosicrucianism is what all those taking part have in common, their heritage, cultures, and personalities vary tremendously, which produces discussions that are absolutely captivating.

The high point of the month of May was my visit to our fratres and sorores in the Ivory Coast. This trip was not scheduled, but it became clear to me that it was necessary to go there, given the situation. There are so many things happening and they happen so quickly, that it is impossible to keep track of all the events that took place on our planet in 2011, despite the nonstop dissemination of informationespecially via the media. And also, what is meaningful for Africa and Europe is not necessarily so for other regions in the world. You may therefore have forgotten that this country went through a violent and tragic time: At the beginning of 2011, civil war was raging in the Ivory Coast, a country where our Order has many fratres and sorores. For this reason, Grand Master Serge Toussaint could not keep to the visit that was scheduled for January. When calm had returned, I suggested to him that I go to Abidjan, as he was no longer able to do so due to other commitments. Beforehand, by means of a letter, I urged our fratres and sorores in the Ivory Coast to remember that they are Rosicrucians, and asked them to put aside their personal, partisan interests, and to spend their time working

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cooperatively and with complete neutrality within our Affiliated Bodies. They heard my call, and were able, despite their diverging viewpoints, to act first of all as Rosicrucian brothers and sisters. Thanks to their attitude, our premises were spared, and harmony was maintained. I congratulate them for their wisdom.

In order to bring home to you what I am saying, here is an excerpt from the message I delivered during this visit:

. . . While a visit to my fratres and sorores in the Ivory Coastin my different offices and in various circumstances over almost forty years nowhas always been an occasion of great emotion and much delight for me, you can imagine how many times over these feelings are multiplied today.

Like you, I have wondered whether the nightmare you have been through would stop, and when this war would be over. Like you, I have feared that the economic destabilization of your country would lead you towards a bottomless abyss, and that the years of suffering would be long. With you, I have been both devoid of hope and full of hope at the same time. I have had dark thoughts that I have combated with all the strength of my soul as well as surges of optimism. I have been deeply distressed, and have prayed intensely, hoping to be with you in this Temple one day.

And now, here I am before you! For this I give my thanks to the Divine with all my heart. I give my thanks to the Divine for having protected my fratres and sorores and this magnificent Rosicrucian Domain of Cocody, and I give my thanks also to you, members of our beloved Order, who, in your own various ways and by your own various means, have seen to the protection of this place. Your thoughts, in unison with mine, and with those of your Grand Master and all the officers of our Order, have played a part in this return to Peace.

What is the future of Africa generally, and of the Ivory Coast in particular? I cannot answer this question, but what I do know is that your own and your nations fate are in your hands, and are under the protection of your goodwill. Learn to all love one

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another, above and beyond your differences, whatever their nature may be. Conduct yourselves as Rosicrucians, not only in this Temple, but wherever you go. Your behaviortolerant, kind, positivemust serve as an example: and if, as a result, someone in your own circle or at work asks, Arent you a Rosicrucian?then rejoice, for through your attitude you will have been recognized as someone wise.

Fratres and sorores, the time for dressing the wounds has arrived. It is the time for reconstruction, and for hope! You will without question have further difficult times to go through. You will experience doubt, anger, regret, remorse, and thousands of very human feelings. But even in your outward or your inward agony, you will have an allyyour Master Within and a strength: that of being a frater or soror of the Ancient and Mystical Order of the Rose Cross. . . .

Fratres and sorores, as Rosicrucianswhether you live in Chile, Poland, Italy, or whereveryou should all be concerned by what happens in Tokyo, New York, or Abidjan. I know that for most of you this is indeed the case, and that you often describe yourselves as citizens of the world.

In the month of June, the consecration of the new premises of the Lodge in Brussels took place. Frater Serge Toussaint, Grand Master of the French Language jurisdiction went with me to Belgium, and Frater Klaas-Jan Bakker, Grand Master of the Dutch Language jurisdiction, met us there. The premises are the home of our activities carried out not only in French, but also in Dutch. In this country as well, there is an unusual situation in that two cultures reside side-by-side. It is quite likely that those of you who are geographically far removed from Belgium know little or nothing about this kingdom in the heart of Europe, including its special situation in terms of politics and languagewith all the problems that can generate. As in the case of the Ivory Coast, I am therefore going to share with you the words I delivered during this consecration ritual, for the message that comes out of it is one of tolerance, open-mindedness, and sharing. What applies for Africa and Belgium also applies everywhere else in the world. We must all learn to live together and to display goodwill in our relationships within our Lodges, Chapters, Pronao, and Atrium

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Groups. Ifas mystics, and members of a Traditionwe do not manage to achieve this, then how can we hope for harmony and peace to one day prevail among people and nations?

. . . Brusselswith its Grand Place, its monuments, its diversity, history, traditions, and differences.

Brussels, heart of Europe, land of welcome with a thousand faces, most remarkable and charming of cities, with such special vibrations. And this Lodge, also with its life story, its experiences, its changes, its happy and unhappy events . . .

More than half a century of mystical work, meetings, discussions, and communion, under the aegis of the Rose Cross and our presence here today.

All of thisit is you, it is me, it is us! Fratres and sorores, you know the affection I have for your country and for this city, and therefore how emotional I feel at this moment. I remember our first premises, and then moving into the Galerie Saint Hubert. I also remember all the searching we did for premises to acquire, going back to the 1970s. And here we are at last, owners of a place that, if you all wish it to be so, will be a beacon for Rosicrucians not only of the French Language jurisdiction, but of the Dutch Language jurisdiction as well.

In this Belgium that is often divided into two languages and two cultures, our Order can and must achieve unification. There are no Walloon or Flemish Rosicrucians, there are just Rosicrucians, souls in search of light, brothers and sisters with an ideal in their hearts and a particular view of life.

A very short while ago, I was in the Ivory Coast to be with our fratres and sorores who had been battered by months of a bloody fratricidal war. The worst of the conflicts took place right in the area where the Rosicrucian Domain in Abidjan is situated.

Our fratres and sorores joined together in order to protect this place, in spite of their different political convictions and ethnic origins. From the very beginning of the conflict, I urged them to remain united and to disregard politics. They heeded my advice,

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were able to rise above the troubles, and conducted themselves above all else, as Rosicrucians. Thanks to their attitude, unity was maintained and our premises were spared.

Some years ago in South Africa, at the height of apartheid, Rosicrucians of all races met and worked together. The same occurred in America between the 1930s and 1960s, when segregation was still the order of the day.

I could list one hundred similar examples of tolerance, and I remain convinced more than ever that, if each person strives to respect the rules and code of ethics of our Order, then living together in harmony and Peace Profound is ever possible.

The members of AMORC from Belgium, and no doubt from other countries as well, are going to share these premises and carry out their spiritual work in this Temple, but you must cross the threshold of this sacred space as Citizens of the World. The long-term survival of our Order and of this Rosicrucian place will depend on such friendly relations.

You are aware, for I often refer to it in the annual letter I send to you, that as Imperator I am very keen on the international aspect of our Order. This is why I give myself leave today to emphasize this principle of unity, because the past and present situation in Belgium makes it necessary for me to do so.

In summary, my heartfelt wish, fratres and sorores, is for mutual understanding and brotherly and sisterly love between you all to carry the day, and for one single heart to beat, and one single spirit to prevail within these Rosicrucian premises. In hope and with confidence, I ask that this may be so!

Also in June, on the Summer Solstice, the eighth issue of the Rose+Croix Journal was published. This issue includes many interesting papers from the esoteric conference, Hidden in Plain Sight, held at Rosicrucian Park in July 2010, as well as other fascinating papers. This online, peer-reviewed journal is available at www.rosecroixjournal.org.

In August, the event that we had been awaiting for four years took place: our World Convention in Curitiba, Brazil. Organizing it required

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much energy on the part of Grand Master Helio de Moraes e Marques and his team. The outcome was as good as their excellent work, and the 2,200 fratres and sorores from over fifty countries experienced several days of vibrations and colors abound. The warm and welcoming spirit of Brazil was indeed present at the gathering, and mystical work plus magnificent artistic and cultural presentations were also in the program.

Each Grand Master and Administrator gave a talk on various themes, but with a common focusthe Primordial Tradition.

During one of the Lodge Convocations, I carried out the installation of Frater Iakovos Giannakopoulos to the office of General Administrator for Greece.

As the closing of this Convention, a special ceremony took place during which, formally and with great dignity, our Order was recognized and honored through the presentation of the medal and certificate by the Representative from the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro. This award, the Medalha Tiradentes, had been bestowed on me in June 2011 by the Assembly, following the recommendation put forward by Deputy Domingos Brazo. This honor is the highest awarded by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Tiradentes was a Brazilian political activist executed in 1792; he is now considered one of Brazils historically great figures, and the date of his death, April 21, is a national holiday.

The honor is only awarded a maximum of three times in any one year. It has been given, for example, to the current President of Brazil, Madame Dilma Rousseff, to Popes John-Paul II and Benedict XVI, to various heads of state, ministers, and international diplomats. I give my thanks to those whose work made possible the honoring, through my person, of the Ancient and Mystical Order of the Rose Cross in 2011. With my thoughts on Brazil, I shall continue and give you some news from this jurisdiction.

It is a particularly dynamic jurisdiction, and very fortunate to have many young Rosicrucians, which unfortunately is not the case everywhere. The major event for our fratres and sorores was, of course, the World Convention with its many ceremonies, including the inauguration of a sphinx, a reduced-scale replica of the one at Giza. This is a work created by

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Frater Eduardo Vilela, with the guidance of Professor Moricio Schneider, Doctor of Egyptian Archaeology at the University of So Paolo.

Since 2004, the Grand Lodge has produced a weekly program on Brazilian TV, called Presena e Harmonia. It is based on Rosicrucian thought, and is relayed by the Grand Lodges website www.amorc.org.br as well as on http://www.cwbtv.net/espiritualidade/presenca-e-harmonia/.

The Grand Lodges printing room has been renovated and powerful new equipment installed. The record-keeping system for members files has also been modernized and now provides many more options. The library, also modernized, now has a system that allows for better organization and integration with the worldwide library network. It would take too long to list all the progress in this jurisdiction, which, as I was saying before, is very dynamic and up-to-date with technological advances.

RCUI is very active here as well, and will be offering two courses in 2012 geared mainly toward education and health professionals. There will also be an event held in partnership with some other organizations recognized for the services they provide in the fields of science, education, ethics, and the environment: The aim is to make our Order, and what it does, better known in the world.

One of the Grand Masters most ambitious projects is to relaunch the Junior Order of Torchbearers. I have given my agreement to proceed with its restructuring, and will keep you informed on how this turns out.

There are still trips planned, and Frater Helio led many during 2011 (to India, Nepal, Portugal, Angola, and Egypt, among other places). Along with all the Grand Masters, he took part in the Supreme Council meeting in Lachute, Canada. He also honored numerous Affiliated Bodies by attending, and took part in various initiations, both Martinist and Rosicrucian. This jurisdiction is very spread out, and every journey is quite an event.

Earlier I referred to Greece, and the installation of its Administrator, Frater Iakovos Giannakopoulos. You will be aware, through my having written about it in previous letters, that Frater Sven Johansson, Grand Master of the English Language jurisdiction for Europe, the Middle

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East, and Africa, has had the task of supervising our Orders activities and its teachings, in the Greek language. Various difficulties, particularly administrative ones, had forced the Grand Lodge of Greece to go dormant a number of years ago. But a number of good-willed members always maintained hope, and after several years of work and various measures, our activities are gradually starting again. Three Atrium Groups have now been established. The Rosicrucian and Martinist monographs are printed in Greek, but for the moment are sent out from the U.K. The Greek Administration does have its own premises in Thessalonika however, and the members meet here twice monthly. The Pronaos in Alexandropoulos continues its work, and during 2012 a Pronaos in Cyprus should be commencing its activities.

Within his Grand Lodge, Frater Sven Johansson has had to deal with major challenges caused by the economic slowdown. This is a problem affecting our Rosicrucian activities, and is also faced by most of the Grand Masters and Administrators. However, Frater Johansson is demonstrating great enthusiasm and commitment, valiantly taking on the situation.

As you might know, part of Cameroon is English-speaking, and so a Grand Councilor for this country was installed at Francis Bacon Lodge in London. There are four Affiliated Bodies meeting regularly, and a Heptad has just been opened in Bonabri. Frater Johansson has taken part in several mystical weekends, seminars, convocations, and the like, both in the U.K. and in South Africa.

In July a new website was launched, and this has created much interest among members and non-members alike. The purchase of books and articles is also now possible online. Those of you who speak English can now visit this site, whatever country you live in, and place orders: www.amorc.org.uk/collection.

An online magazine, Rosicrucian Beacon Online, has been launched, and two color editions have been published. This publication is in addition to the Rosicrucian Beacon magazine, which is also available online, and is sent quarterly to all members and to over five hundred libraries in Europe and Africa.

Online membership has been launched on a trial basis, so from now on members will be able to access their monographs via the internet.

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The Rosicrucian library has continued to grow, and in 2011 the book, Unto Thee I Grant, was republished. The new edition contains the English version of 1750 plus a translation into more modern English.

While the economic situation is causing many challenges throughout the world, our Order remains very active in Nigeria, thanks to the work of Grand Administrator Kenneth Idiodi. For his unswerving loyalty, courageousness, and unfailing goodwill, I decided to propose his election to membership on the Supreme Grand Lodge Board of Directors. This distinction is a first, but to me it seemed perfectly merited, and it brings honor to the African Continent as a whole. Our Frater will therefore be joining the officers and Grand Masters of the Supreme Grand Lodge annually in Quebec for our meeting. He will take part in the discussions and has the same voting rights as the Grand Masters.

During his address at the World Convention, Grand Master Atsushi Honjo moved all those present when he spoke of the catastrophe experienced by his country, Japan, in March 2011. He also told of his Grand Lodges economic difficulties. Spontaneously, Grand Masters Serge Toussaint and Helio de Moraes e Marques announced that their Grand Lodges were making a donation. A number of fratres and sorores then proceeded to do the same. I invite you to do so too, if you can. You may send your donation directly to Japan, to the following address:

AMORC

53-2-101, Nakajuku, Itabashi-ku

Tokyo

JAPAN 173-0005

All payments must of course be made out to AMORC.

Continuing on the subject of the terrible earthquake and tsunami that followed, we were relieved to learn that none of our fratres or sorores lost their lives or were injured. As soon as the disaster was announced, the Council of Solace set to work across the world, and I am sure, fratres and sorores, that your good thoughts played a part in things not being even more disastrous. I am told by the report Frater Honjo has given to me that Rosicrucians took an active part in the efforts made for the people and the members in the stricken areas. Near the damaged nuclear

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reactors, one of our members carried on, ensuring the hospital could function. Another worked on the repair and maintenance of the railway line, while another gave shelter to people who had lost their houses. The Japanese Grand Lodge was very moved by the accounts of help given and that it received during this period.

The year 2011 saw the Japanese Grand Lodge launching two Facebook pages: one for the Grand Lodge, and the other for presenting public lectures. There was a new round of monthly public lectures in Nagoya, which was well received and had themes including Benjamin Franklin, Michael Faraday, meditation, mystic symbols, and the human virtues.

The Japanese Grand Lodge mourned the transition in June of Frater Kinya Iwadate, a member of its Administrative Council. He was regarded by the Grand Master as indispensable, and it was he that worked on the publishing of the magazine and the monographs. A Rosicrucian Funeral Ceremony was held in Tokyo. I was not able to attend this, but was able to pay respects to our Frater by means of a message.

In July, twelve new members were initiated into the First Temple Degree of our Order. Frater Honjo delivered a message at the World Convention entitled Chinese Characters Reveal Ancient Chinese Spirituality. This was very well received, as was the attendance of the Japanese fratres and sorores at the dinner, dressed in their traditional kimonos.

The first week in October was dedicated, as it is each year, to the meeting of the Supreme Council at the Rosicrucian Domain of Lachute, in Quebec. This part of Canada is always so very beautiful, and our Domain, in its forest setting, adorns itself in incredible colors in autumn. We are very fortunate that we can be in this place that is appreciated by everyone for how subdued and quiet it is, in spite of the long journeys we have to make in order to meet.

In the course of the days spent there, each of the Grand Masters gave a summary of the activities in their jurisdiction. Plans were announced, some beneficial changes suggested, and a multitude of subjects addressed. You will appreciate that it is impossible for me to give you an in depth report on this meetingbut it was all very positive.

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One matter however, may be of direct interest to you: specifically, the option you have of being a member of two jurisdictions. There are in fact a growing number of members who would like to have access to the members websites of each Grand Lodge in order to obtain information that might be of use to you. You have not been allowed to do this up until now, but this change will make it possible. A growing number of you also speak more than one language and are traveling throughout the world, coming into contact with other cultures. You know the importance I attach to the international aspect of our Order, and so I am happy that we can make this possible. However, you will understand that it would be impossible for Grand Lodge Administrations to deal with individual cases. Codes for access to information are given out by means of the information bulletins, and dealing with members outside the jurisdiction is impossible. This is the reason I proposed this particular change, which was adopted by the whole of the Supreme Councilbut there are certain conditions.

To give an example: You are a member of the English Grand Lodge for the Americas, but you would like to have access to the Rosicrucian teachings in French, in addition to the monographs and information you receive in English. When they receive your request, the French Grand Lodge will make the necessary enquiries with the English Grand Lodge to see that this presents no problem; all things being well, authorization will be given and you can be a member of the two jurisdictions more or less right away.

And so in summary, from now on you can be a member of two jurisdictions at a time. If you want to resign from one of them in the future, you can do so according to your choice. The only exception regards the members who belong to two English Language jurisdictions. Should they wish to resign from one of them, they can only belong to the one covering the continent where they live.

It goes without saying that in choosing to become a member of a second jurisdiction, you will have to fulfill the same obligations and pay the dues that are in force in the Grand Lodge you are requesting to join. The aim is simply that of having additional information, or indeed setting up further international linksbut is in no way, whatsoever, that of comparing, judging, or demanding that this or that activity should

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take place within your Grand Lodge, or requesting your Grand Master to do the same things as other officers of our Order. This is to be a positive change and not a negative one. If it were to cause too many problems, we would naturally revert to the previous rules. I hope that I have explained myself clearly, and that the translation of this letter into your language will fully make sense, properly reflecting the spirit of what I am saying.

Still at the meeting in Quebec, Frater Roland Brisson was elected to the office of Grand Master of the Spanish Language jurisdiction for the Americas. As I mentioned earlier, Frater Kenneth Idiodi was elected a member of the Supreme Grand Lodge Board of Directors. Frater Maximilian Neff, Frater Atsushi Honjo, and Soror Live Sderlund were also reelected to their offices of Grand Master.

Also in October, I met three groups of Rosicrucians in Egypt, one from France, another from Benin, and the third made up of fratres and sorores from Spain and Latin America.

In November, a Convention was held in the Dominican Republic, during which Frater Roland Brisson was officially installed as Grand Master. It had been a long time since a Convention in the Hispanic Grand Lodge had brought together so many fratres and sorores (more than three hundred!). It is my heartfelt hope that this event will signal a new beginning for this jurisdiction.

During 2011, the same jurisdiction took over the task of printing the monographs and all other documents for itself. The consecration of the Grand Heptads Temple was conducted by the interim Grand Master, Hugo Casas; sixty Martinists took part in this event. Before even being installed into his office, Frater Roland Brisson, then Grand Administrator, had visited most of the countries in his jurisdiction. He established communication with all the Grand Councilors and took part in various Regional Conventions. In April, the Grand Lodge opened a Facebook page, which is proving very successful. Members should be able to join online shortly and access our teachings via the internet. There are still many things to be set up in this jurisdiction, and I know that our fratres and sorores will put their hearts into supporting their Grand Master.

At the beginning of December, I visited our fratres and sorores in Mali. Everything went very well there, and it was a pleasure to see our

No. 1, 2012 Page 17

fratres and sorores again. This trip also gave me the opportunity to visit the grave of a friend of mine, Frater Demba Diallo, who was a loyal member of our Order and a Grand Councilor. His public renown remains as great as ever, as he was a major figure in Malis process of independence and one of the principal authors of the countrys current Constitution.

Three days after my return from Africa, I went to Hungary for a Funeral Ceremony that was taking place in memory of Soror Katalin Bartha, who passed through transition on November 2. For six years she held the office of Administrator, enabling our Order to expand its activities in this country. The headquarters of AMORC is in the town of Tata, where initiations have been given regularly. She was a true light for our Order and I thank her for the time she devoted to it. Along with the fratres and sorores of Hungary and the officers of our Order to whom she was known, I shall retain a poignant memory of her, one that is imbued with love and respect. This brief stay in Hungary enabled me to meet a number of fratres and sorores, as well as Soror Live Sderlund, Grand Master of the Scandinavian jurisdiction that supervises the Hungarian Administration, accompanied by her husband, Frater Irving, and Frater Maximilian Neff. I have appointed Frater Akos Ekes, current Grand Councilor, as General Administrator for Hungary. His appointment will of course need to be officially ratified at the next Supreme Council meeting. Our relations have been very positive, and I know that our Order can depend on him.

In spite of Soror Barthas state of health, all the planned activities were successfully completed. Several new Colombes were installed into office, as were a Grand Councilor and a Regional Monitor. A Rosicrucian retreat was organized as well as several meetings combining both administrative and mystical matters, including a mystical day attended by Grand Master Live Sderlund. In August, fourteen volunteers took part in maintenance work at the Administrations headquarters.

I will now give you some information on the jurisdictions and Administrations to which I have not yet referred in this report pertaining to the year 2011.

In Poland, Soror Maria Metzler is still running our Administration from Krakow. It is twenty years since our Order started its activities in

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this country. The Grand Master of the German Language jurisdiction, Frater Maximilian Neff, who supervises the Polish Administration, was invited to give a talk on AMORC at a major symposium held in Warsaw. There were mystical days organized in the course of the year, one of which enabled a visit to be made to Krakows historic area. Triad Lodge has continued with its convocations and initiations. In June, Grand Master Maximilian Neff took part in the National Convention. In August, Soror Metzler took part in our International Convention in Brazil. A voyage is planned to France in 2012, when our Polish fratres and sorores will have the chance to visit our Orders Headquarters for the French Language jurisdiction.

The Italian Grand Lodge is enthusiastically continuing its work of disseminating the Rosicrucian philosophy within its territory, under the effective and steadfast direction of Frater Claudio Mazzucco. Although it is a small Grand Lodge, the members of this jurisdiction are extremely committed. A short while ago Italy experienced an earthquake that damaged the Grand Lodges Headquarters. Thanks to a number of donations, it has been possible for the repairs to be carried out. Fifty-five new officers gathered there for the first time in 2011, an event much appreciated by the participants. The Memorial Ceremony saw a gathering of eighty-five people, members and non-members, some of whom were visiting the premises for the first time. The consecration of the Grand Temple is planned for the summer of 2012.

The Finnish Administration, run by Frater Ilkka Laaksonen, is stablenow owning its own premises, our activities are continuing peacefully. Various activities were organized, for both members and non-members. A new Colombe was installed into office, there was a special day for neophytes, and the initiations into the First and Tenth Temple Degrees were conferred. The work of translation continues, as does the biannual publication of the magazine Rose-Croix. The Helsinki Pronaos and Tampere Atrium Group continue their regular activities.

Grand Master Michal Eben continues to direct the Czech and Slovak Grand Lodge situated in Prague. Initiations are conferred by an initiatic team at the Grand Lodge as before. The one Chapter in this jurisdiction has now become a Lodge. The initiatic officers went to the Scandinavian Grand Lodge to receive the Twelfth Temple Degree Initiation, and so

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it will now be possible for our fratres and sorores to receive the benefit of this. There were also two Appellation (baby naming) Ceremonies performed in the Grand Temple. Frater Michal Eben, with Regional Monitor Eva Presov, wrote an article which was published in an esoteric magazine.

In the Scandinavian Languages jurisdiction, Grand Master Live Sderlund organized various activities at the Headquarters of the Grand Lodge: Temple Degree initiations, seminars, the General Meeting, the annual Convention, weekends for the Illuminati, and also for Martinists. As happens each year, several Affiliated Bodies presented a seminar, with the theme for 2011 of Being a Rosicrucian in Everyday Life. Thanks to some new computers and the development of new accounting software, the Grand Lodges administrative load has been reduced. The administrative building, a part of which is several hundred years old, is not in good condition, and has been damaged by the last two winters that have been particularly severe. A restoration and maintenance project is planned in which our fratres and sorores will take part. In June, Open Door days were organized, not only for members, their families, and friends, but for the wider public. During the summer, a pilgrimage on foot took our fratres and sorores to the medieval city of Vadstena, in Sweden, the home town of Brigitte, who was canonized as Saint Brigitte in 1391. This was a hiking trek interspersed with meditations, discussions, and talks. Then came the Curitiba Convention, following a week touring Peru.

In the autumn, a number of Czech and Slovak fratres and sorores were welcomed at the Grand Lodge in Sweden, and the Grand Master, together with the President of the Administrative Board, Frater Karl-Arne Gustafsson, led a weekend of seminars in a medieval monastery in Norway, on the theme of the Fama Fraternitatis. As in other Grand Lodges, a project to develop online instruction is in progress, and the members area on the official website is regularly updated.

In the French Language jurisdiction, Grand Master Serge Toussaint headed a number of Conventions and official visits, as he does each year; throughout a jurisdiction that, it should be remembered, covers France, including its overseas Dpartements and Territories, Switzerland, Belgium, the Canadian province of Quebec, and French-speaking Africa. He also took part, of course, in the Curitiba World Convention.

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Frater Toussaint has worked on the production of an 18-minute DVD documentary entitled, The Rosicrucians of the Past and Present. An international version will be available soon.

A website has been developed for the Friends of AMORC, to give it a greater public profile. So far there are three hundred members of this group in the French Language jurisdiction.

Still with the internet, a short video called Who are they? was produced. This was written by the Grand Master, speaking about the Rosicrucians through protest poetry, a form of expression very popular among the young people of today.

The number of members accessing their monographs via the internet is continuing to grow. It is worth noting that the average age of members opting for this method of study is fifteen years younger than members choosing to receive their monographs in hard copy.

As it always does, the French Grand Lodge received many guests throughout the year 2011, both members and non-members; indeed, being only an hour and a half from Paris, the Chteau dOmonville is not a long or difficult journey.

Also worthy of mention is the success of a booklet written by Grand Master Toussaint, entitled Imaginary Conversations with God, that gives simple answers to the questions we all ask ourselves. This is on the Grand Masters blog, as is his article entitled The Prophecy of the Rose-Croix.

It would be difficult, indeed impossible, for me to list all the activities taking place in the French Language jurisdiction, as it is an extremely dynamic one. This is illustrated by the fact that, during 2011, there were a total of 153 informational or RCUI lectures; in addition, there were thirty-two Temple Degree seminars, fifty-one RCUI seminars, mystical days, and all the activities connected with the Traditional Martinist Order.

The Russian Language jurisdiction experienced tests and trials throughout 2011, but it was also the year when an important legal problem was resolved. Our Order was officially registered in Russia in 1996, in accordance with the law governing non-profit organizations. The law was then amended, which necessitated many measures and legal procedures in order to protect our status. Happily, Frater Vladimir

No. 1, 2012 Page 21

Koptelov, with the support of the Supreme Grand Lodge, has been able to find a solution, and our Order can continue with its activities in Russia. In the spring, the monograph mailings had to be stopped. But in the autumn, things returned to normal. In spite of this official suspension, our fratres and sorores continued their work in the Affiliated Bodies in Moscow, Ekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Voronezh, and Riga. It was also possible to present the Peace Day Ceremony and the Memorial Ceremony. Despite this difficult spell, the members have continued to display commitment and loyalty, and the Administration is hopeful that membership numbers will increase.

In the Dutch Grand Lodge, despite the recession and economic crisis, all remains more or less stable. Even if the membership numbers are going down slightly, the main features of Frater Klaas-Jan Bakkers jurisdiction are a positive attitude, energy, and goodwill. We experienced a challenge rather like the one in Russia: the revenue authorities decided in 2008 to remove AMORCs status as a public interest organization, with the result that bequests and donations became taxable, which had never been the case before in Holland. The Grand Lodge appealed this ruling and the Fiscal Court then announced in favor of AMORC on the second hearing. The revenue authorities immediately appealed against this ruling that was in favor of our Order, but the coming to office of a new Council of Ministers in the Netherlands resulted in this appeal being rejected, and AMORC had its status restored. So this is very positive news I wanted to share with you. The defending of our Orders interests is often difficult, but we do everything possible to uphold our just rights.

At the start of 2011, an evening on Egyptian magic and wisdom was organized in collaboration with the Museum of Antiquities in Leyden; this proved very successful. As in 2009, there was a symposiumon this occasion, in collaboration with a Sufi organization: There was a diverse audience for this gathering, which took place in The Hague, and the theme of the message delivered by the Grand Master on behalf of AMORC was Mystical Initiation as a Path to the Realization of Self. On the subject of symposiums, Frater Bakker is in charge of organizing a large international forum in November 2012 on the theme Science and Spirituality. You will of course be informed of the date and the details of this event, which is to be held under the aegis of our Order, and will have

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various international experts, both Rosicrucian and non-Rosicrucian, as invited speakers. You will all be welcome to attend.

The number of Affiliated Bodies remains stable. In the West Indies, though, the Affiliated Body on the island of Saint Martin has its restarted activities, after a number of dormant years. And a new Pronaos and a new Martinist Atelier have started up in Brussels, both sharing premises with the French-speaking Pronaos and Atelier. As I was saying before, it is my heartfelt hope that this will be a positive cohabitation.

Fratres and sorores, I know that the world economic situation means everyone has to be cautious, and that it is quite possible that some choices are not made willingly. I hope, however, that you will not sacrifice your Rosicrucian membership, and that you will do everything to remain loyal, active members, and so contribute to the long-term survival of the Rose Cross and its values. In one way or another, it is certain that you have all received the aid of our Order, benefited from its grgore, experienced moments of unity and community, and of course been helped by the work of the Council of Solace, for yourselves and for those close to you. When times are tough, you should remember this, and be aware that without you, our Order will not be able to continue its Mission of Light. I hope that at the end of 2012, we will be meeting again, if not in increased numbers, then at least in the same numbers. Let us not give up, but instead, let us face the difficulties, let us remain confident and positive, and not allow ourselves to be influenced by a climate of gloom fostered by politicians and the media.

Time sets events in their proper place!

I send you dear fraters and sorores, all my best wishes for Peace Profound.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Christian Bernard Imperator

No. 1, 2012 Page 23

The ImperaTor proclaImsRosicrucian New Year 3365

Rosicrucian New Year 3365 officially begins at the time of the Spring Equinox on March 19, 2012, at 9:14 p.m. Pacific Time, when the Sun enters the zodiacal sign of Aries. Thus begins a new cycle when Rosicrucians reflect on the ideals that have kept our Order alive and distinctive for centuries. This glorious event is celebrated with the traditional New Year Ceremony and Feast conducted in all Rosicrucian affiliated bodies throughout the jurisdiction as close as possible to March 19.

New Year ceremoNY aT rosIcrucIaN park

Imperator Christian Bernard will be presiding at the Rosicrucian New Year

Ceremony in the Grand Temple at Rosicrucian Park on Monday, March 19, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.

All members are welcome.

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Roland Brisson was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on April 10, 1957 and immigrated to Mexico in 1973. He is a professional architect.

Frater Brisson requested admission to the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC in 1983 and actively participated as a member of the Monterrey Lodge, and later as Regional Monitor and Grand Councilor. He also served as Provincial Master in the Traditional Martinist Order.

Elected as Grand Master during the Supreme Board Meeting in October 2011, Frater Brisson was installed as

Grand Master by Imperator Christian Bernard during the Convention held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in November.

Grand Master Roland Brisson

Grand Master Iakovos GiannakopoulosIakovos Giannakopoulos was born

on May 11, 1963 in Thessaloniki, Greece. Married and the father of three children, he runs his own jewelery stores. Grand Master Giannakopoulos joined the Rosicrucian Order in 1985 and has served in numerous capacities as both a ritualistic and administrative officer. He has been an active member of the Traditional Martinist Order since 1986.

In October 2010, he was unanimously appointed by the Supreme Board as General Administrator of AMORC for Greece, and during the Rosicrucian World Convention in

Curitiba, Brazil, in August 2011, he was installed as Grand Master by Imperator Christian Bernard.

No. 1, 2012 Page 25

Remaining Hierarchy Dates for 2012

May 17

August 16

November 15

Board Director Kenneth IdiodiOn October 3, 2011, at the annual

Supreme Board meeting in Quebec, Canada, Frater Kenneth Idiodi was elected as a Director of the Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC. Frater Idiodi remains the Grand Administrator for Nigeria in the English Grand Lodge for Europe, Africa, and the Middle- East, with Frater Sven Johansson as the Grand Master.

Frater Idiodi was born on December 20, 1946 in Delta State of Nigeria. After his early education, with a degree in Mathematics, he trained and fulfilled his childhood ambition to become a professional Aviator. He

joined the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC in1965 and has remained very active ever since.

Since June 1975, Frater Idiodi has been happily married to Soror Gbubemi Bridget Idiodi (nee Metseagharun), a professional nurse and midwife as well as a long-standing member and officer of the Order. Soror Bridget has been a diligent mystical companion to her husband in the creation of the Light Bearers Organization (for young people) and the Sisters of the Rosy Cross (SIROC) - the female members and friends of the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC in Nigeria. Frater and Soror Idiodi have four children (all Rosicrucians) and five grandchildren.

Born of Royal lineage to parents who were professional educators and Christian missionaries, both Frater Kenneth and Soror Bridget Idiodi are honored with Chieftancy titles.

Printed on 100% recycled post-consumerfiber using soy-based ink.

North American ConventionAncient Mysteries: Illuminating the

Portal into the New Age

June 20 24, 2012

Turnberry Isle Miami Miami, Florida, USA

Join Imperator Christian Bernard, Grand Masters Julie Scott, Klaas-Jan Bakker, and Roland Brisson, EGL Board Vice President Lonnie Edwards, M.D., and other fratres and sorores at this tri-lingual convention (English, French, and Spanish) at the beautiful Turnberry Isle in Miami, Florida.

To register, visit: www.rosicrucian.org.

www.rosicrucian.org