THE ROMAN IMPERIAL CULT
TEMPLE OF THE DIVINE EMPEROR ANTHEMIUS
April 12, 467 - July 11, 472 AD
Welcome to the Temple of Divus Procopius Anthemius Augustus
Sacred
Days:
January 1st - Became Consul
March 25th - Chosen as
Emperor
April 12th - Officially Proclaimed Emperor
July 11th - Divine
Apotheosis
Emperor Anthemius is
remembered as
"The last of the capable Western Roman Emperors."
He was educated in
Neoplatonic philosophy and was
the last pagan Roman emperor,
although he was not
public in proclaiming his
faith. It is believed he was
planning a revival of the
ancient religions in Rome
but this goal went unfulfilled with his passing.
Classical
Prayer and Offering:
Items Needed,
Altar space, an image of the Emperor Procopius Anthemius Augustus, (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 Procopius Anthemius Augustus.
May his Imperial legacy be honored and increased. "
Focus for a
moment on the Divine Genius (spirit) of the Emperor Procopius Anthemius Augustus shining with
light.*
Next, light
the incense, saying:
"Divus Procopius
Anthemius 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 Procopius
Anthemius 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 Procopius
Anthemius 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 Procopius Anthemius 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.
