✧ THE GARDENS OF LIGHT ✧

Regarding conversion, you are required to stand as though you were saying a prayer, facing the Sun or Moon. In doing so, God himself may stand witness to your solemn vow and swearing to join the holy teaching of the Paraclete Mani.

If you have access to or the capability to recite the creed with the church and community, it is greatly encouraged. If the Sun or Moon are not visible due to weather, being indoors, or any other extenuating circumstance, you must face North to recite the creed.

I believe in the Two Eternal Principles, Light and Darkness, Spirit and Matter. I affirm the teachings of the Prophet Mani, our Illuminator, who showed us the path of redemption through Gnosis.

I believe in the Three Times:

• ★ The Time before Mixture
• ★ The Present Time of Mixture
• ★ The Future Time when Light and Darkness will be separate

I believe that the Prophet Mani is the seal of the prophets, and the Religion he founded, the Religion of Light, is the final Religion and the one best suited to accomplish the restoration of Light.

I recognize our universe as a battlefield, where Light and Darkness wage their eternal war. The World of Light, our spiritual home, is beleaguered by the Prince of Darkness, resulting in an entanglement of light particles within the constraining material world.

I acknowledge the ongoing cosmic conflict, detailing the entrapment of particles of Light within the Darkness of materiality, induced by the machinations of the Prince of Darkness. I understand humanity as the primary venue for this struggle, every individual containing both Light and Dark elements.

I uphold the teachings of Mani, proposing a path to salvation through enlightenment and understanding—a Gnosis. I believe that through adherence to the Three Seals, the soul can be liberated from the shackles of worldly Matter:

I believe the veneration of the past unsung heroes of Manichaeism to be very important. Upon conversion, you have the opportunity to choose a saint you wish to honor—a way to honor our suppressed predecessors and live up to their legacies.

✧ Mani's Apostles & Early Disciples ✧

MAR PATIQQ – The Father of Light
One of Mani's most important disciples and confirmed apostle. Went to Rome to spread the faith. Possibly Mani's father.

MAR GABRYAB – The Healer
Notable for many healing miracles. Blessed oil and water to cure diseases.

MAR KUSHTAI – The Chronicler
Travelled alongside Mani extensively as his secretary. Witnessed the crucifixion of Mani. Responsible for creation of the Kephalaia.

MAR ADDA – The Wielder of Wisdom
Founded many communities and monasteries. Prolific writer who "made wisdom his weapon." Author of the Disputations.

MAR AMMO – The Bringer of True Religion
Disciple to the East who spread Manichaeism extensively. Stood by Mani until the end. Author of many hymns.

MAR SALAMAI – The Ascetic
Early disciple known for his ascetic practices. Witnessed miracles of Mani.

MAR PAAPI (PAPPOS) – The Resilient
Deacon throughout Mesopotamia. First Manichaean missionary to Egypt. Endured persecution.

LORD SYRUS – The Eloquent
Hastened to the scene of Mani's death. Well-spoken individual who detailed Mani's final days.

MAR BAHRAYA (Barais) – The Steadfast
One of Mani's earliest disciples. Received epistles from Mani to endure persecutions.

MAR ZAKU (Akouas) – The Patient and Kind
Influential missionary in Syria and South Palestine. Known as "The Great Caravan Leader." Highly venerated in the East.

MAR OZZEOS (Uzzi) – The Faithful Witness
Beside Mani in his final days. Brought Mani's oral commands to the whole community.

MAR HEREKLEIDES – The Psalmist
One of Mani's Apostles and author of beautiful psalms. Lived over a century, passing in 390-391 CE.

✧ The Archegoi (Teachers) ✧

MAR SISIN – Holy King of the Law
First Archegos after Mani. Martyred by Vahram II. Known for gentle and kind demeanor.

MAR INNAIOS – Archegos of the Dogma
Succeeded Mar Sisin. Skilled medic who healed the king who executed his predecessor.

MAR YAZDANBAKHT – The Gift of God
Prolific writer from Baghdad. Wrote refutation of Christians. Secured pledge of safety from al-Ma'mün.

The primary religious requirements for Hearers (laity):

The Ten Commandments:

1. Renouncing idolatry
2. Upholding Truthfulness
3. Renouncing avarice
4. Renouncing killing
5. Renouncing adultery
6. Renouncing Theft
7. Renouncing blasphemy
8. Renouncing doublemindedness about the faith
9. Renouncing slothfulness
10. Renouncing the practice of magic

Prayer Times:

Hearers observe prayers at:

• ☀ Morning (Dawn or Sunrise)
• ☀ Noon
• 🌅 Evening (Sunset)
• 🌙 Night (After sunset)

During prayer, face the Sun or Moon (ships of Light), or face North if neither is visible.

Fasting:

Weekly fast on Sunday (day of the Sun). Fasting consists of eating one meal after dark and avoiding sexual relations on fast days.

Confession:

Weekly confession on Monday (day of the Moon). Can be done communally, directly to an Elect, or through modern Monday ceremonies.

The Manichaean calendar includes several sacred festivals (Yimkis) throughout the year:

YIMKI OF MAR SISIN

When: Lunar New Year (2 days)
Honors: The first Archegos after Mani
Themes: His life and legacy

YIMKI OF THE THREE PRESBYTERS

When: 8th-9th days after Lunar New Year
Honors: The holy presbyters
Themes: Their service to the Church and heavenly lives

THE BEMA & YIMKI OF MANI

When: 26th-27th days after Yimki of Presbyters (+ 2 more days for Bema)
The Holiest Time for Manichaeans
Commemorates: The death and passion of the Prophet Mani (274 AD)

The Bema Festival is four days of prayers, hymns, confession, and sacred meals. It includes:

• ✦ Day 1: The suffering and death of Mani
• ✦ Day 2: Mani's death compared to Jesus's crucifixion
• ✦ Day 3: The life of Mani
• ✦ Day 4: Mani's ascension to the World of Light

YIMKI OF OHRMAZD/XORMUZTA

When: First full moon after Sun enters Sagittarius
Honors: The First Man (Primal Man)
Themes: The cosmic battle against Darkness

YIMKI OF JESUS

When: Full moon closest to Sun entering Capricorn
Honors: Jesus the Messiah, the Suffering Jesus
Themes: The Cross of Light, compassion for all life

"Look at me and satiate yourselves with me, my children, for I shall go away from you bodily."

"Pay attention to my books... look after my widows and orphans..."

"Be strong and firm of heart, do good for the world, continue your learning of the holy texts and the Psalms and prayers."

"Guard my writings, so that they will be handed to him: my great Gospel from A to Ω and the Treasure of Life and all the Psalms and the Book of Mysteries, The Epistles, and the exalted Pragmateia, and the Book of Giants..."

"Help and comfort one another, for the catechumen who stays true is the one who has never yet strayed from the path."