THE ROMAN IMPERIAL CULT  
TEMPLE OF THE DIVINE EMPEROR ZENO

9 February 474 - 9 January 475 AD

 August 476 - 9 April 491 AD

 
       
Welcome to the Temple of the Divine Emperor Zeno
 
Historical information on
Emperor Flavius Zeno Augustus
 
 
 
Sacred Days:
 
February 9 - 1st Coronation
January 9 - Left Constantinople during first reign
April 9 - Divine Apothesis
 
 
 
Classical Prayer and Offering:
 
Items Needed, Altar space, an image of the Emperor Zeno (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 Flavius Zeno Augustus.
May his Imperial legacy be honored and increased.
"
 
Focus for a moment on the Divine Genius (spirit) of the Emperor Zeno shining with light.*
 
Next, light the incense, saying:
 
"Divus Zeno 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 Zeno 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 Zeno 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 Flavius Zeno 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.

 

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