A
Warden is an ordained religious and community leader of the
Mevhan? faith, presiding over a
Ward of local parishioners for spiritual services, secular guidance and education in their Wardhall. Typically a member of the community for many years or from birth before their consecration as a living examplar of moral life and fulfillment, a Warden-to-be is most often trained and educated beyond their peers by a prior Warden as a successor in youth and early adulthood. Adult dedication is somewhat less common, but equally respected as a life path for adults and elders seeking a new purpose and sanctity in cultivation of the next generations.
Ordination
After cachetism in the songs, writings and spirit of faith through upbringing in the laity and dedicated study as a laywarden, an aspirant is nominated to journey on a pilgrimage between Wards for review and confirmation by Wardens of other communities, maintaining the greater unity of faith between differing sects. Once confirmed by these peers, the laywarden is to submit a thesis on their personal interpretation of the articles of faith and principles, for certification by the
Continental Congress as properly devout and suitable to guide their shared people. Ordination itself is a smaller, deeply personal yet public ritual within the Ward of their origin, the laywarden taking the blessing of their elders, kin and fellow congregants one by one, and finally anointment by oils, salt and flame, their last cleansing by sacred waters from the laity into the fraternity of faith.
Duties
Wardens are to live an exemplary life of piety and moderation in all things, though not to the degree of abstinence, denial of the self considered equally unhealthy to the spirit as gluttony. Simple pleasures and fulfillment without excess, love and charity for their family and Ward, and raising their Ward's young as moral, educated and mindful Mevhan.
Serving as the primary educators of their Ward, teaching literacy, mathematics and shared culture in songs and stories, as well as leading services and officiating sacrifice. A life lived in labours of love and service to their people, a pious shepherd among their flock, a Warden is to be a trusted voice of wisdom in all things, an ideal to aspire to, and close kin of the heart to all they know.
