Eulogia apo tin Agio Timaeus
While the archaeologists of Makadelos are generally regarded as scientists, as a group they still manage to maintain their faith. Before any expeditions or delving into some vault or ruin it is common practice of archaeologists to offer a prayer to Saint Timaeus, seeking a blessing from the patron of archaeology, discovery, and travel. Usually done with the help of a priest of Saint Timaeus, these prayers seek to bring expeditions safety and discovery, while warding off danger and misfortune.
History
Praying to the various saints of the Panagion has been common practice for as long as people worshiped the saints, though the practice of praying to saint Timaeus in this way emerged recently with the development of the Makadelian archaeologists. Archaeology as a profession began shortly after the discovery of the Hieron tou Xenos about 200 years ago when it was discovered that the ruins of old Sovrano contained powerful secrets related to technology and alchemy, with the Sebastine Academy of Archaeology being founded about a decade later. Because of its recency, there hasn't been much in the way of more unusual traditions like the prayers for other saints.
Execution
There isn't much of a unified process for the prayer to Saint Timaeus, with each ceremony playing out a little differently from the last. It generally begins with a speech from the expedition leader, stating the intent of the expedition, where they're traveling, and what they seek to accomplish. Then the Priest of Timeaus draws a symbol of Timeaus (usually the stars of the constellation "The Explorer") and recites a prayer to the saint in the Old Church Makadelian.
Participants
The main participants are all the members of a given expedition, which depending on the scale of the expedition can be as few as three members and upwards of a hundred members. The primary roles, however, are fulfilled by the Priest of Timeaus and the expedition's leader.
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