Freemasons, Masons, Masons... Today this word is often used, especially in newspapers that call themselves "patriotic". Masons are blamed for everything - for the collapse of the USSR, for the collapse of the economy, for the impoverishment of people, although it is worth seriously starting to understand everything, then no one can even find signs of "Masonic intrigues" anywhere.
So who are these Masons? Where did they come from, what do they do and what do they strive for? Why does their existence cause so many rumors? Why, despite the most fantastic accusations against them, many worthy and outstanding people belonged to them, not only in other countries, but also in Russia?
In fact, in today's world it is difficult to find a country where there would not be people who call themselves "freemasons". Whether in Europe, America, Asia or Africa - everywhere you can find buildings with a compass and a square on the pediment. These are Masonic temples, where for almost 300 years invisible Masonic work has been going on by candlelight. People who gather in these houses can be black or white, have Asian slanted eyes, profess Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, any other religion, and yet feel united. What brings them under the shadow of the Masonic temples, how could they not only maintain their brotherhood for centuries, but also spread its ideas throughout the world?
Today we are rediscovering our own history and see that what has been passed off as history for 70 years has little to do with reality. Some historical characters, which were previously mentioned only in passing, grow into outstanding figures of the Fatherland, while others, on the contrary, become smaller. New, or rather, old facts make the past voluminous, fill it with living people.
Origin of the Order of Freemasons
Freemasons (Masons)- members of the oldest and most numerous fraternal secular societies existing in the modern world, which has its roots deep in the past.
The range of opinions about the origin of the Order of Freemasons is extremely wide. Many researchers believe that the history of the old Masonic organizations is closely connected with the general history of craft guilds and brotherhoods in England, and that modern Freemasonry was formed directly from the organizations of builders - masons and architects, which had many branches throughout Europe of the Middle Ages. Others trace a direct connection between the Order of Freemasons and the "Order of the Poor Brothers - Warriors of Christ and the Temple of Solomon", which went down in history under the name "Order of the Knights Templar". Some Freemasons sincerely believe that the history of the Order began with the advent of a new era, and the first Freemason was Jesus Christ. Others go even further, attributing the beginning of the movement to Pythagoras, Moses, Abraham, and even to the mythical Enoch.
One way or another, Freemasonry is certainly related to the initiatory Brotherhoods of the distant past. Such communities, of course, always bore the stamp of their time. They were born and died, changed their organizational structure, tactics. The original goals were forgotten, formulated and understood in different ways, new ones. But the carriers of the original Idea survived and the unions were revived. So it was with those who now call themselves Freemasons, for whom the desire for Self-improvement, for the highest Truth, the highest Justice has always remained unchanged. That is why Freemasonry is of ancient origin. In essence, as a way of thinking and behavior, as a "state of mind" Freemasonry, in one form or another, has always existed.
The modern Order of Freemasons took organizational shape at the beginning of the 18th century. On the day of Christmas, St. John the Baptist June 24, 1717 in the London tavern "Goose and Spit" was established the world's first "Grand Lodge", which united the four "Small Lodges" that had previously gathered in other city taverns. Thus, the Masonic organization of the new time was created, which laid the foundation for the institution of modern Freemasonry, which spread a couple of decades later throughout the European continent. In 1723 the "Book of Constitutions" by James Anderson (1680-1739) was published under the title "Constitutions of Freemasons, containing the history, duties and rules of this ancient and highly respected brotherhood", which was approved and adopted as the basic law by the Freemasons. The "Constitutions", among other things, contained the mythical history of Freemasonry from the Garden of Eden to 1717. The goal of the Freemasons Union was designated as the desire for moral self-improvement, knowledge of the Truth and oneself, as well as love for one's neighbor.
And in our days, the Brotherhood sets as its main task to promote the moral and spiritual improvement of a person, the development in him, in an atmosphere of fellowship and mutual assistance, of high spiritual qualities - the basis of both his personal happiness and his greatest usefulness to his neighbors. The Brotherhood is actively engaged in education, charity, promotes a high level of education and social responsibility, while setting the highest standards of moral principles.
Skin color, nationality, political or religious beliefs cannot become an obstacle to membership in the Order, since in the lodges of the Brotherhood it is forbidden to discuss what can divide people. One of the most amazing aspects of Freemasonry has always been that so many different people from completely different walks of life can communicate peacefully among themselves, never discussing politics or getting into religious debate, in mutual harmony and friendship and address each other as "Brother" . Regardless of their position in society, Freemasons treat each other as "equal among equals."
In their work in the Lodges, the Brethren learn to focus on what unites them. They step by step deepen their understanding of morality and find that the circle of values that unites them has expanded. This makes the brethren more open and able to learn from each other what each one needs to advance on their own path. “We are interesting to each other because we are different”, “Always do to others as you would like to be done to you” and “Never do to another what you would not like to be done to you” - axioms for true Freemasons .
The Order of Freemasons (Masons, Freemasons, from the French Franc-Maçon - freemason) is a traditional universal initiatory Order based on the Brotherhood.
It is a union of people of free and good morals, of all races, of all nationalities and of all creeds. It unites those for whom the preservation and development of the spiritual values of mankind is a task of paramount importance.
"Masonry" is traditionally defined as "a moral and ethical system hidden in allegories and illustrated by symbols." But it is, at the same time, the school of Morality, and the Code of Ethics, and the method of Cognition. It's authentic "Royal Art".
The purpose of the Order of Freemasons, i.e. the main spiritual task that the Brothers set themselves and solve is formulated as "self-improvement and enlightenment of people for their improvement."
To do this, Freemasons work diligently in the Lodges, improving themselves spiritually, setting examples of morality, promoting education, and conducting extensive charitable activities.
Personal spiritual self-improvement of each and fraternal unity are the core ideas of Freemasonry. This is the path to a single universal morality built on the idea Of good. To human relations based on the principles of brotherhood, love, cooperation and harmony. to a single higher Wisdom, leading all the disparate phenomena of the world to the highest Harmonies.
The duty of spiritual self-improvement commands the Freemason to be wise, virtuous and fair both in his personal life and in the world around him. He unwittingly becomes a worthy and attractive role model.
Freemasonry is based on a sense of the unity of Life and the Highest Moral Law. The rules: “Do to others as you would like to be treated to you” and “Do not do to another what you would not like to be done to you” - the law for a Freemason. The brethren must strictly follow him both in the Lodge and in the world of the profane.
Freemasons recognize themselves as Brothers and must provide each other with help and support, even in case of danger to their lives. They are also obliged to provide assistance to any person in danger.
In a relentless search Truths And Supreme Justice Freemasons do not recognize any obstacles and restrictions.
They are absolutely committed to respecting the personality and freedom of another person, recognizing the right of everyone to their own opinion and its free presentation.
They always strive to reconcile opposites and unite people on the basis of universal morality and respect for the individual.
They consider work their duty and right.
Freemasons are required to respect the laws and legitimate authority of the country in which they live and assemble freely. These are enlightened and disciplined citizens, otherwise guided by the imperatives of their conscience.
By practicing the "Royal Art", they respect the traditional rules, manners and customs of the Order.
Freemasons recognize each other by the words, signs and light touches with which they traditionally communicate in the Lodge during initiation ceremonies.
These words, signs and light touches, as well as rites and symbols, are the subject of an indestructible secret and cannot be communicated to anyone who does not have the appropriate status to know them.
Each Freemason is free to reveal or not to reveal his status, but he cannot reveal the status of a Brother.
Freemasons unite among themselves to form - according to the Masonic tradition - autonomous groups called Lodges.
Any Lodge is governed by the decisions made by a majority of Master Freemasons, properly attired, but cannot deviate from the general principles of Freemasonry and from the laws of the Obedience to which it belongs.
Lodges are grouped into Grand Lodges - independent national structures, keepers of tradition, exercising exclusive and undivided jurisdiction within the framework of "symbolic Freemasonry", i.e. above the three symbolic degrees: Apprentice, Journeyman and Master.
The Grand Lodges are governed by tradition, the Ancient Obligations, and their own Constitutions and Laws.
They respect the sovereignty and independence of other Masonic structures and avoid any interference in their internal affairs.
They maintain among themselves the necessary relations for the unification of the universal Order.
They, at their discretion, conclude treaties and fraternal alliances among themselves, but do not recognize any higher national or international Masonic authority.
They independently regulate their legislation and administration, justice and internal discipline.
Thus, through respect for the personality of each Masonic national entity, the autonomy of each Lodge and the individual freedom of each Brother, the universality of the Order of Freemasons is preserved, so that among all Masons reigned Love, Harmony and Accord.
The fundamental principles of Freemasonry in the historical literature were formulated as follows:
Masons have identification marks and words.
Symbolic Freemasonry is divided into three degrees.
The legend of Hiram in the third degree.
The brotherhood is managed by the Grand Master, who is elected from among the brothers.
The Grand Master has the right to preside over any meeting of the Brotherhood, wherever and whenever it takes place.
The Grand Master has the power to bestow the right to open a Lodge and carry out work in it.
The Grand Master has the right to give permission for the initiation of any brother in any degree without observing the deadlines stipulated by tradition.
The Grand Master has the right to conduct an initiation into the Brotherhood without following the normal procedure.
Freemasons must meet in lodges.
When brethren meet in a Lodge, they should be led by the Venerable Master and two Overseers.
During the meeting of any Lodge, it must be adequately guarded.
Every Mason has the right to be represented in any general meetings of the Brotherhood, and to instruct his representatives accordingly.
Every Mason has the right to appeal the decision of his brethren to the Grand Lodge or the General Assembly.
Every Mason has the right to attend and attend the meetings of any Regular Lodge.
No visitor who is not known to the brethren present, or to any one of them, is allowed to enter the Lodge until he has been questioned or examined in accordance with the ancient traditions.
No Lodge has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of another Lodge or to assign degrees to fellow members of other Lodges.
Every Mason is obliged to obey the Masonic laws of his jurisdiction (where he lives), regardless of whether he is a member of any Lodge or not.
Candidates for initiation into the Brotherhood must meet certain requirements.
Belief in the existence of God, called the "Great Architect (Builder) of the Universe."
Belief in the Resurrection for the Life to Come.
The Book of the Sacred Law is an invariable, indispensable and integral part of the decoration of any Lodge.
The equality of Masons is recognized.
The secret of the organization is respected.
The basis of speculative (speculative) science on operational (effective) principles.
The symbolic use and explanation of the terms of a given craft for the sake of teaching religious and moral principles.
Freemasonry in Russia
Like any significant social and cultural phenomenon, the Brotherhood of Freemasons of Russia absorbed its spirit, its centuries-old history, religion and culture. Being unconditionally and inextricably linked with the history and traditions of the world Masonic community, it was permeated with purely Russian high spirituality and sacrifice, the desire to comprehend God and merge with him in the process of spiritual search and service to humanity.
The Russian Freemasons determined as their goal the religious and moral education of a person and worked on cleansing from the vices of sin. They have always sought to actively participate in shaping people's ideas about the Highest Values, about Man and his place in this world, by no means claiming a "monopoly" in the formation and definition of views. The moral lights of Freemasonry - Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Faith and Honor - were for them guiding stars in the ocean of life, and they offered these guidelines to the society of that time, when choosing the path of their development.
Freemasonry for a long time remained the first and, in fact, the only secular ideology in Russia, which gave the country and the world many of the brightest names - writers, artists, composers, military men, public figures, lawyers, scientists ...
The great Russian philosopher Nikolai Berdyaev stated: “Masonry was our only spiritual and social movement in the 18th century, its significance was enormous ... The best Russian people were Freemasons ... Freemasonry was the first free self-organization of society in Russia, but it was not imposed from above by the authorities.
The Order of Freemasons came to Russia, apparently, during or immediately after the reign of Peter the Great. There is a legend, not confirmed, however, by any documents, that it was Tsar Peter Alekseevich who was the first Russian Freemason who was initiated in 1699, during his stay in England with the Great Embassy from Christopher Wren himself, an outstanding English architect and one of the fathers of New England Freemasonry. According to the legend, the box, in which Peter I allegedly took part, was called "Neptune". It is hardly possible to confirm or refute these legends, however, it is known and documented for certain that the great reformer enjoyed great respect among Russian freemasons and Russian Masons preferred to trace their genealogy precisely from Peter the Great, to whom many Masonic hymns are dedicated, in particular the famous “Song of Peter the Great" Derzhavin. So, the ideological and spiritual connection of Russian Freemasons with Peter's reforms is beyond doubt.
The earliest historically reliable information about Freemasonry in Russia dates back to 1731, to the era of Empress Anna Ioannovna, when, as the official English source says, Lord Lovell, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of London, appointed Captain John Philips as a provincial Grand Master "for all of Russia." Ten years later he was replaced by General James Keith, a Scot who was in the Russian service. Thus, the original freemasonry came to Russia, as elsewhere on the continent, from England. Probably, in the early years, the teachings of the order spread only in a close circle of fellow tribesmen of John Philips, who moved to Russia. Russian Freemasonry began to develop in the forties, during the reign of Elizabeth Petrovna, and among the Russian Freemasons there appeared the names of the most prominent Russian nobles themselves, representatives of old noble and even princely families (Count Nikolai Golovin, Counts Zakhar and Ivan Chernyshev, Kirill Razumovsky, favorite of the Empress Ivan Shuvalov and etc.). The future Emperor Peter III was also a Freemason.
The real dawn of Freemasonry in Russia falls on the first decades of the reign of Catherine II the Great, when lodges of two Masonic systems - Elagin and Zinnendorf (Swedish-Berlin) - were simultaneously launched in Russia, which were very popular. The favorite of the Empress Grigory Orlov, and the head of the foreign collegium, mentor of the future Russian emperor Count Nikita Panin, generals I.N. Boltin, N.M. Borozdin, counts A.A. Bryus, A.K. Razumovsky, A.S .Stroganov, princes Yu.V.Dolgoruky, G.P.Gagarin, A.B.Kurakin, M.M.Shcherbatov and others.
An outstanding role in this period in the history of Russian Freemasonry belongs to Ivan Perfilievich Elagin - a writer, senator, manager of the imperial theaters, one of the most active promoters of Freemasonry in our country, the founder of a number of Masonic lodges in St. Petersburg. It is impossible not to recall Nikolai Ivanovich Novikov - the great Russian educator, thinker, writer, journalist, publisher, public figure and philanthropist. He became a Freemason in 1775, having been initiated into the Astrea lodge in St. Petersburg.
Even in the last years of the reign of Elizabeth Petrovna, one of the first Russian Freemasons was the great Russian commander Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov. He was initiated and raised to the third degree of a master in St. Petersburg in the Three Stars Lodge. Being later, during the Seven Years' War in Prussia and visiting his father in Koenigsberg, on January 27, 1761, he was promoted to the Scottish masters in the box "To the Three Crowns". From that day until his departure from Konigsberg at the beginning of 1762, Suvorov was listed as a member of the lodge. In the list of its members, presented on March 16, 1761 to the Lodge of Three Globes, Alexander Suvorov is listed as number 6.
Another great Russian commander, Field Marshal Prince Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov (Smolensky), joined the sacraments of the Order in 1779 in Regensburg, in the lodge “To the Three Keys”. Subsequently, he reached the highest levels and was one of the most influential members of the Russian brotherhood of freemasons.
The names of Masons are inscribed in gold letters in the history of Russia: Mikhail Matveevich Kheraskov, Alexander Nikolaevich Radishchev, Mikhail Mikhailovich Speransky, Fyodor Petrovich Gaaz, Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin, Alexander Sergeyevich Griboyedov, Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, Vasily Lvovich Pushkin, Pavel Ivanovich Pestel, Mikhail Alexandrovich Bakunin, Pavel Nikolaevich Yablochkov, Maximilian Alexandrovich Voloshin, Mikhail Andreevich Osorgin (Ilyin) and many, many others. Many more well-known and famous names can be named.
The history of the Order of Freemasons in Russia is full of drama. The brothers experienced periods of prosperity and stagnation, the rise and fall of the Order, which occurred both as a result of their own mistakes and external circumstances. Masonic lodges in Russia were repeatedly persecuted and banned three times by special imperial decrees.
Catherine II, who treated Freemasonry with favor, if not with sympathy, in 1792 accused the Freemasons of all mortal sins, including the fact that they “used various methods ... to trap a person known from their papers into their sect ( that is, the heir to the throne, Pavel Petrovich). Many of the Brothers, and among them Nikolai Novikov, were arrested, interrogated "with prejudice" and convicted. Others, like I.V. Lopukhin, N.N. Trubetskoy and I.P. Turgenev, “after the true repentance of those interrogated” were forgiven by the mercy of the empress, who commanded: “out of the same philanthropy, freeing them from the cruel punishment they deserved, ... go to distant places from the capitals of their villages and there to have a sojourn.” The Russian Lodges were dispersed by decree of 1794.
Pavel I Petrovich, who was solemnly admitted to the Freemasons while still a Tsarevich - in 1784 and even later accepted the title of Grand Master of the Order of Malta, a year after accession to the throne in 1797 (according to other sources in 1799), issued a decree ordering to apply law 1794 (prohibiting Masonic lodges) "with all possible severity."
Alexander I, who actively collaborated with the Freemasons, openly allowed the activities of Masonic lodges, and, perhaps, himself was initiated in 1803, on August 13, 1822, he issued a rescript banning all secret associations, including Masonic lodges.
However, despite the prohibitions of the authorities, Masonic lodges in Russia continued to operate until 1918, when they were already banned by the Soviet government.
Unfortunately, totalitarian regimes, with the rarest exceptions, like modern Cuba, cannot afford to tolerate the existence of a society of free people in their countries, even if it is purely spiritual. Freemasonry was persecuted both during the dominance of the Catholic Church in Europe, and much later, under communist and fascist regimes. After the revolution of 1917, the Russian brothers transferred their work abroad, primarily to France, where the work of Russian lodges was not interrupted for a single day for the entire time that had passed since then until the early 1990s, when the first citizens of the USSR and, after a break of more than seventy years, freemasonry in Russia was revived.
The first Masonic Lodge "Northern Star" was opened on April 28, 1991 by the Grand Orient of France, representing the so-called liberal Freemasonry. In April 1992, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Orient of France, the Free Russia lodge was founded, on July 11, 1993, the Nine Muses and Northern Brothers lodges were opened, and on June 12, 1994, in Arkhangelsk, the Polar Star lodge. In August 1991, a delegation of the Grand Lodge of France arrived in Moscow and the opening ceremony of the Nikolai Novikov Lodge took place. In 1992, the Sphinx Lodge in St. Petersburg and the Geometry Lodge in Kharkov were opened by the Grand Lodge of France, and in 1993 the Lutetia Lodge in Moscow. The Grand National Lodge of France in Moscow on January 15, 1992 founded the Harmony Lodge, and in October 1993 the Lotus Lodge.
The First Grand Lodge of Russia (VLR) was founded on June 24, 1995 by the Grand National Lodge of France. It included 5 legally established symbolic workshops. In 2000, a significant part of the Brethren, who did not agree with the internal policy of the leadership of the VLR, formed the Russian Regular Grand Lodge, which, having united in 2007 with the part of the Freemasons who again left the VLR, became part of the United Grand Lodge of Russia.
On October 11, 2008, at its Representative Assembly in St. Petersburg, the United Grand Lodge of Russia was finally formed and acquired its new Constitution and General Regulations.
Gallery "Famous Freemasons"
ARENDT Nikolai Fedorovich (1786-1859) - surgeon
As a military doctor, a participant in the wars of 1805-1807. and 1812-1814, the chief physician of the Russian occupation corps in France, the life physician of Emperor Nicholas I. On behalf of the emperor, he operated on the mortally wounded A.S. Pushkin. In 1847 he was appointed inspector of all institutions of the Office of Empress Maria Feodorovna. Founding member of the lodge "St. George the Victorious", 1818-1819, 3 gr.
ATATURK (Mustafa Kemal Pasha)
(1881 - 1938) Founding father of the modern Turkish state. Prominent public and political figure. Until his death, he was a member of the Italian lodge "Macedonia resorta et veritas" (Rebellious Macedonia and Truth).
BAZHENOV Vasily Ivanovich (1737-1799) - an outstanding Russian architect.
Bazhenov was a link between the Moscow Freemasons and N.I. Novikov (Moscow Rosicrucians) and the heir to the throne, Pavel. Through Bazhenov, Masonic books published in Moscow printing houses were transferred to the Tsarevich. Upon accession to the throne, Paul I promoted Bazhenov from collegiate councilors immediately to full state councilors, awarded him the Order of St. Anna of the 2nd degree and 1000 souls of peasants. By a decree of February 26, 1799, he was appointed the first vice-president of the Imperial Academy of Arts. Initiated in the lodge "Latona" or "Deucalion" not earlier than 1774. Rosicrucian.
BATENKOV, Gavriil Stepanovich (1793-1863)
Lieutenant Colonel of the Corps of Railway Engineers. Poet. Member of the Patriotic War of 1812 and foreign campaigns of 1813. While serving in the city of Tomsk (1813-1817), he became close to M.M. Speransky and became his closest collaborator. Decembrist, member of the Northern Society. After the Decembrist uprising, he spent about twenty years in solitary confinement, demonstrating rare courage and self-control. Left "Masonic Memoirs". Participated in the development of a plan for the uprising on December 14, 1825, speaking in favor of decisive action and involving the masses in the uprising. He was scheduled as a candidate member of the Provisional Government. During the investigation, he presented a statement about belonging to a secret society and agreement with its plans, wrote that the speech on December 14 was “not a rebellion, as I shamefully called it several times, but the first experience of a political revolution in Russia, an experience venerable in everyday life and in the eyes of other enlightened peoples. Of the surviving Decembrists, he suffered the most severe punishment: he was sentenced to eternal hard labor, but was kept from 1827 to 1846 in solitary confinement of the Alekseevsky ravelin of the Peter and Paul Fortress. In the fortress he was not allowed to communicate with anyone, from the books he was allowed to read only the Bible. Member of the lodge "Chosen Michael" in 2 gr. Founding member and Grand Secretary of the Lodge of the "Eastern Sun" in Tomsk, 1818-1819
BONAPARTE, Napoleon (1769 - 1821)
It is claimed that he was initiated into the Masonic Order around 1765. Four of his brothers (Joseph, Jerome, Louis and Lucien) were Freemasons. The Empress Josephine was initiated into the Adoptive degree at the Lodge of Free Knights (Les Francs Chevaliers) in Paris in 1804.
WASHINGTON, George (1732 - 1799)
An outstanding public and political figure of the American colonies, later the United States, the first President of the United States (1789 - 1797). Initiated into the Brotherhood in the "Lodge of Friedrichsburg" in Virginia, November 4, 1752. For the initiation he paid 2 pounds and 3 shillings. Became an apprentice on March 3, 1753, and elevated to the degree of Master on August 4, 1753. Washington was a founding member and first Worshipful Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22 of Virginia, a post he held for two terms, from April 28, 1788 to December 27, 1789 Served as Worshipful Master until his inauguration as President of the United States on April 30, 1789. Since 1805, after the death of Washington, this Lodge has been called "Alexandria-Washington" No. 22 to this day.
GOETHE, Johann Wolfgang von (1749 - 1832)
German poet, who significantly influenced the development of German literature in his time. Author of "Faust" and the Masonic novel "Wilhelm Meister", the best Masonic narrative of that time, as well as the poem "The Way of the Mason". Erected in the Amalia Lodge in Weimar in 1782
DE MOLAY, Jacques (circa 1243 - 1314)
Grandmaster of the medieval Knights of the Temple on the island of Malta. The King of France authorized him, along with other knights, to come to France to discuss a new Crusade, but upon arrival they were arrested and their property confiscated and divided by the King and the Pope. De Molay and others were burned in the square. The Order of De Molay for Boys was named after this venerated martyr.
ELAGIN Ivan Perfilievich (1725-1793)
Privy Councilor, senator, chief chamberlain, writer, playwright, translator. Prominent figure of Russian Freemasonry; in the early 1770s. headed the Russian Masonic lodges united and reorganized by him, creating the so-called. Yelagin Freemasonry. He played a significant role in Russian Freemasonry, to which he belonged from a young age; towards the end of his life, this changed Catherine's attitude towards him for the worse, once jokingly signing: "Mr. Elagin's chancellor." In the St. Petersburg provincial lodge of the English system, opened in 1770, Elagin was the first to receive the title of Grand Master. In 1777, Elagin took part in the introduction of the Swedish Masonic system of "strict obedience" among Russian Freemasonry. Being carried away at one time by the secret sciences, he was an ardent adept of Cagliostro. He left behind a curious (unfinished) note on Freemasonry, predominantly Russian (published in 1864). In 1766-79 director of the court theater. Author of satires, translations from French, historical work “Experience of Narrative about Russia”
Truth/falsehood about Freemasonry
Freemasonry - a collection of old people? Isn't Freemasonry already dead?
Freemasons include many people of all ages, starting at 21 (or 18 depending on jurisdiction). Masons are millions of people in the world and hundreds in Russia. The spiritual and moral light of Freemasonry has not gone out and attracts people who are looking for their place in the world, looking for the place of Man before God. As an addition, it can be added that almost half of the brothers initiated into Freemasons in Russia in 1999 are younger than 30 years old.
Freemasons racist or elitist?
Freemasonry declares the equality of people regardless of their skin color, religion, nation, social origin and social status. Freemasonry not only declares, but professes this principle. Among the brothers there are people of all races and nations. At no time can a person's access to a Lodge be restricted by national or racial criteria. In many ways, the principle of equality of people has spread throughout the world thanks to the Order of Freemasons.
Elitism is a rather difficult term to define. If you are referring to the question of whether Freemasonry imposes strict requirements on its members, then the answer is yes. These requirements are known to all and clearly declared by the order: faith in God and the fulfillment of his Testaments, high spiritual and moral development, constant concern for others, unwavering loyalty to the ideals of the family and the state. Do most people meet these requirements? If you think not, then Freemasonry is elitist.
Rumors that Freemasonry is open only to the "upper classes" for businessmen and politicians of high rank are not true. The source of these rumors is false ideas about the goals of Freemasonry, unfounded suspicions that the order is striving for world domination.
Is the lodge a place for businessmen to conduct common affairs?
No. Moreover, most Freemasons believe that preference in the conduct of business given to someone because he is a Mason is a non-Masonic act. A person who tries to become a Freemason because he hopes to gain economic or political benefit from it will never become a Freemason.
If you are interested in organizations or partnerships created for the joint conduct of business, we recommend joining the Rotary Club.
In Freemasonry, the titles "Venerable Master" and others are used. Is Freemasonry a sect or some kind of religious organization?
No. The titles used in Freemasonry are simply full of beauty, grandeur, ancient symbolism. And they are preserved due to these reasons, but they do not carry the meaning of worshiping their owners, or recognizing their secular power over other members of the Brotherhood. The fact that a brother is a Worshipful Master or someone else speaks only of his role in the rites of Freemasonry and may be in the administration of the Order. Achieving a degree by a person gives him authority, because Freemasonry is very scrupulous and strict in establishing the conformity of the merits of a brother and their official recognition.
Freemasonry contains many mechanisms to prevent degeneration into a sect. One of the important principles of Freemasonry is the constant rotation of leading officials. So, the head of the lodge, the Venerable Master, cannot hold this position for more than 3 years in a row.
Freemasonry - a secret organization? What is a Masonic secret, and what can be said publicly?
Freemasonry does not hide the fact of its existence. Separate lodges also do not hide the fact of their existence. For example, on the Russian Web you can find the names of almost all Russian lodges operating under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Russia. Over time, many of them will be presented separately on our website.
At the same time, the brothers consider it inappropriate to discuss deeply personal issues related to the sphere of spiritual development in public. This position is at least worthy of understanding. According to our traditions, each brother has the right to declare his belonging to the Order without any consent. However, he does not have the right to name the names of other members of the Order without obtaining their express consent.
So far, Masons in Russia cannot speak so widely and openly about their belonging to the organization, as in the USA or in Europe. This is a consequence of the negative attitude towards the Order of a small but extremely aggressive part of our fellow citizens. We also remember that we have a lot of experience of persecution by the authorities.
In addition to the lists of members of the order, the secret is Masonic rituals, secret words, identification marks.
Why are Masonic rituals secret?
The process of initiation has an esoteric side. The brother gets acquainted with the ritual of each degree only at the moment of initiation into this degree. Thus, the maximum effect is achieved from initiation. This provides material for deep reflection, creates inner spiritual tension.
Freemasonry - a religion?
No. Freemasonry requires its members to believe in God. But Freemasonry does not force a person to adhere to a certain faith, does not impose on him any of his own system of performing religious rites, and does not even require a certain confessional affiliation.
All the rituals of Freemasonry and its symbols are means of spiritual improvement of a person, but we avoid judgments about God. Such judgments for a brother are determined by confessional affiliation (if any) or an inner spiritual feeling. The Order only contributes to the disclosure of a person's inner religiosity, strengthens his faith, making it deeper and more sincere. But Freemasonry does not add any coloring to personal religious convictions.
But do you consider the Great Architect of the Universe to be your God?
Everything is just the opposite. We call God the Great Architect of the Universe, since He created everything that exists. You have probably heard how He was called the Creator. Agree, there is a difference: to consider God the Builder or the builder - God!
Freemasons control the world?
No. Authors who put forward such theses need the immediate help of a psychiatrist. We recommend you to read Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco. This book, in particular, shows how people reach such mental deviations. This thesis is completely frivolous. Therefore, it is not specifically considered here. Also, the theses of authors like S. A. Nilus, Leo Taxil, O. Platonov that Masons allegedly worship Satan, that he is present in the form of a goat at every lodge meeting and constantly beats the table with a hammer, etc., are not considered here. The reputation of such people is the best refutation of everything that they have written. The works of these people are full of deliberate falsifications. The "lists of Russian Freemasons" published in these works are an absolute lie. The Masonic rituals published there are nine-tenths of a lie.
Are Masonic rituals humiliating for a candidate?
No. Nothing is further from the truth. The purpose of the rituals is to teach a person the virtues of Freemasonry and this cannot be achieved by means of humiliation. Our rituals are very beautiful and full of symbolism. Their origin is overshadowed by the glory of the great mysteries of various religions of many peoples of the Earth throughout its history, with the only amendment that modern Masonic rites in no way threaten the life, physical and mental health, honor and dignity of the candidate and his relatives.
Have Masonic rituals been simplified lately?
The United Grand Lodge of Russia uses rituals that have basically not changed for the last hundred years. A number of jurisdictions, primarily in the US, use simplified rituals. To a greater extent this applies to the degrees of the Scottish Rite.
Freemasons call the buildings they own Temples. Are religious ceremonies performed there?
No. According to the definition of many dictionaries, the Temple is a building that serves for the special purposes of an organization. For example, for holding meetings of the Lodge. In addition, according to the ritual, the Lodge symbolically sits on the site of the construction of the Jerusalem Temple, that is, before its consecration, therefore, it is still, strictly speaking, not a religious building.
Masons control the tripartite commission or does it control them? Is Freemasonry related to the Bilderberg Conference?
Trilateral Commission. Created in 1973. Three leading industrial formations in the world - the European Union, North America (USA and Canada), Japan - form it. The members of the commission are 330 citizens of these countries who have distinguished themselves in business, science, politics (but not in government organizations), and in the media.
The entire commission meets once a year. During the meeting, issues of vital importance for the regions covered by the commission are considered.
Neither the organizers of the commission, nor its current administrative staff were and are not Freemasons.
The Bilderberg Conference was founded by Prince Bernhard in 1954 in Oosterbeek, the Netherlands. An annual three-day conference attended by about 100 bankers, economists, politicians, and government officials. Members are elected by a commission committee in The Hague.
An idea of the commission's work can be given by the following document: A public statement by the Bilderberg Conference. This commission also has nothing to do with Freemasonry.
Already in modern times, Masons created texts where they proved the ancient origin of their order. If you ask who the Freemasons are and what they do, you will notice that they are seriously different from their predecessors. The first texts, written in England in the late Middle Ages, told of the ancient craft of masonry and the discovery of its secret by English craftsmen. After the formation of the London lodge, the history of the order was counted from biblical times. The appearance of Freemasons (experts in the secret of masonry) in England was attributed to the era of King Athelstan (X century).
In England in the XIII - XIV centuries, the appearance of the name "Masons" as a designation of masons is recorded in documents. The documents also refer to them as "Freemasons", which may mean that the masons were not bonded or serfs.
A master mason had to get a good education in his teens: learn Latin, serve as a page to a knight in order to learn manners. After he studied the profession of a bricklayer and geometry. As a young man, a Freemason received the status of apprentice and had to present a "masterpiece" (do a building or design job) in order to receive the status of a skilled worker.
To become a master, a bricklayer had to complete some large and meaningful project. Master Masons are mentioned in documents as leaders of works with a high social status. The recipient of this status went through an initiation rite, the details of which were kept secret.
Already in the Middle Ages, Masonic lodges are mentioned as organizations of masons. In the 16th - 17th centuries, people who had nothing to do with the craft of masons became their members. Among them were philosophers, alchemists, and also the nobility (“noble disciples”).
Gradually, those admitted to the fraternities became the keepers of the traditions of the lodges of freemasons. Practicing masons, on the contrary, forgot them, concentrating on their direct activities. The traditions and teachings of medieval masons began to be interpreted in a new way and laid the foundations of the esoteric society of Freemasons.
The Beginning of Speculative Freemasonry
In 1717, four London lodges, whose names were derived from the taverns where their members met, united to form the Grand Lodge of London. Its members began to collect materials on the history of Freemasonry. In 1723, the "Book of Statutes" was published, which included a list of the duties of Masons and information on the history of the brotherhood.
Most of the English lodges continued to be independent of the London lodge and even criticized it. In 1753, the opposition created their own "Grand Lodge". They showed respect for the old rules, and their charter was a pamphlet against the "Book of Rites" of the Londoners. In 1813, both organizations created the United Grand Lodge and two years later - a new charter.
Under the influence of the British, Masonic lodges appeared in Ireland and Scotland. After 1649 Freemasonry entered France with English emigrants.
In the XVIII century in France there were lodges of the "Scottish" type and new ones, subordinate to the Great London. The number of Masonic societies in the kingdom grew throughout the 18th century - by 1771 their number exceeded 300. Only a few of them were recognized by the Grand Lodge of London. In 1738, the French aristocrat Ludovic de Pardalyan was elected Grand Master of the French Kingdom. In 1773 French Freemasons founded a national lodge, the Grand Orient de France.
Freemasons were not persecuted and enjoyed the interest of society. The members of the lodges were representatives of the most noble families, including the counts of Provence and Artois, who would later become kings Louis XVIII and Charles X. It was said that King Louis XV himself was a member of the lodge.
In the 1720s, Masonic lodges appeared in Spain, in the 1730s in Italy, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Portugal and India. In 1733, the Great American Provincial Lodge began operating in Boston. In the Netherlands, their activities were soon banned.
In 1756 mainland Freemasonry was organized into what is known as the orthodox system. The territory of the order was divided into nine provinces and covered the whole of Europe. Members of the order were divided into six degrees. In addition to them, in the 1760s and 1770s, there were the highest degrees of initiated Masons and great ones who made a vow. They managed the affairs of the order, remaining unknown to ordinary members.
Lodges appeared in Russia after the era of Peter I. In 1731, the first great master was appointed in the country. In 1792 and 1822, the activities of Freemasons in Russia were banned by imperial decrees. The revival of Freemasonry in the country began at the beginning of the 20th century.
Who are the Freemasons and what do they do today
Freemasonry is first and foremost an ethical system. Membership in a Masonic lodge implies that a person is a believer in one of the world's religions. Some Masonic legends are based on the Old Testament.
Members of the Masonic organization should engage in moral self-improvement. The Mason must be perfected as a member of a religious denomination. Worship of God, whom they call the Great Architect of the Universe, has been at the core of the ideology since the 18th century. Religious discussions are prohibited among Freemasons.
Another principle of Freemasonry is a loyal attitude towards state power. Freemasons should not oppose the authorities of the country where their lodge is located.
The main task of this society is charity. Members of Masonic lodges collect money that goes to help orphanages, medical and educational institutions. Members of the fraternity found charitable organizations.
There is a medical research laboratory in the United States, which was founded by the Grand Lodges of the United States. It appeared in 1918, when the United States entered the First World War. After the war, the organization began to open its centers throughout the country and abroad.
The origin of Freemasonry dates back to the 13th century. It arose in Germany from a society of stonemasons who pursued not only purely craft goals, but also the goals of moral perfection. These societies gradually lost their ecclesiastical and craft character, and in the 16th century they were transformed into a purely spiritual institution. In England, in the first half of the 18th century, Freemasonry takes its final form and cosmopolitan character. Since the Masons originated from the society of stonemasons, their symbols are also borrowed from the art of building. In the 18th century, Freemasons had a negative attitude towards the French encyclopedic philosophy, gave preference to the suggestions of feeling over the fabrications of the mind, and contrasted mystical faith with unbelief.
The goal of the society was the moral perfection of mankind and individuals in the principles of truth, equality and brotherly love. Each brotherhood or society represented a closed society, in which all adults and equal citizens were admitted, if their name was impeccable. The admission of members was accompanied by special ceremonies, which are reproduced in our drawings. According to moral perfection, the members were divided into students, apprentices and masters. At the head of the lodge was the master of the chair, who conducted the affairs of the lodge with the help of an elected or appointed by him administration. The lodges of a particular locality, and sometimes of a whole country, constituted a grand lodge, i.e. a free union of Masonic societies, managing relations with other lodges and resolving misunderstandings between them. At the head of the Grand Lodge is the Grand Master and a council of elected administrators. The representatives of the individual lodges on the council were either their chair masters or elected commissioners.
All members of the lodge had to keep the secret of the meeting and were bound by a vow of mutual assistance on demand. Freemasons recognized each other by special signs and, above all, by a handshake. Freemasonry was especially developed in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Masonic lodges were also in Russia. Now they exist only in Western Europe, and, by the way, there are 3 Grand Lodges in France.
One of these grand lodges was located in the Rue Cadet in Paris. This house will be broken into disrepair as it was built two centuries ago. Their museum was located in this house, people with the loudest names and even monarchs stayed in it - Louis XVI, Louis XVIII and Charles X. Joseph Bonaparte, King of Spain, was a senior master for an hour in the era of the first empire. Subsequently, this title fell into disuse, it was replaced by the title of chairman of the supreme council.
Secret meeting of Freemasons
A lot of interesting things have been preserved in the museum to this day: banners of masons, Bonaparte's bed, historical swords, including Philippe Egalite's sword with lines and Masonic emblems on the hilt. Pictures depicting meetings of freemasons and their rituals are painted on silk wallpaper. The watch of Cagliostro is also stored here in a fancy wooden case, that sorcerer Cagliostro, who predicted Marie Antoinette her fatal fate, showing her a bloody human head in a decanter of water. In the large halls of the dilapidated house, pale vigils took place, that is, such that even the uninitiated were allowed to attend. Marriage ceremonies were sometimes performed there - the crossing of swords over the heads of the young and the breaking of glass as a sign of the indissolubility of bonds.
All this has now receded into the image of history. Freemasons seek to reduce all rituals almost to their complete abolition. Conventional signs have long lost their mystery, but in a historical sense they are always interesting, especially at the present time, rich in memoir literature, which revealed that only its mystery was interesting in mystery.
Freemasons (Masons)- members of the oldest and most numerous fraternal secular societies existing in the modern world, which has its roots deep in the past.The range of opinions about the origin of the Order of Freemasons is extremely wide. Many researchers believe that the history of the old Masonic organizations is closely connected with the general history of craft guilds and brotherhoods in England, and that modern Freemasonry was formed directly from the organizations of builders - masons and architects, which had many branches throughout Europe of the Middle Ages. Others trace a direct connection between the Order of Freemasons and the "Order of the Poor Brothers - Warriors of Christ and the Temple of Solomon", which went down in history under the name "Order of the Knights Templar". Some Freemasons sincerely believe that the history of the Order began with the advent of a new era, and the first Freemason was Jesus Christ. Others go even further, attributing the beginning of the movement to Pythagoras, Moses, Abraham, and even to the mythical Enoch.
One way or another, Freemasonry is certainly related to the initiatory Brotherhoods of the distant past. Such communities, of course, always bore the stamp of their time. They were born and died, changed their organizational structure, tactics. The original goals were forgotten, formulated and understood in different ways, new ones. But the carriers of the original Idea survived and the unions were revived. So it was with those who now call themselves Freemasons, for whom the desire for Self-improvement, for the highest Truth, the highest Justice has always remained unchanged. That is why Freemasonry is of ancient origin. In essence, as a way of thinking and behavior, as a "state of mind" Freemasonry, in one form or another, has always existed.
The modern Order of Freemasons took organizational shape at the beginning of the 18th century. On the day of Christmas, St. John the Baptist June 24, 1717 in the London tavern "Goose and Spit" was established the world's first "Grand Lodge", which united the four "Small Lodges" that had previously gathered in other city taverns. Thus, the Masonic organization of the new time was created, which laid the foundation for the institution of modern Freemasonry, which spread a couple of decades later throughout the European continent. In 1723 the "Book of Constitutions" by James Anderson (1680-1739) was published under the title "Constitutions of Freemasons, containing the history, duties and rules of this ancient and highly respected brotherhood", which was approved and adopted as the basic law by the Freemasons. The "Constitutions", among other things, contained the mythical history of Freemasonry from the Garden of Eden to 1717. The goal of the Freemasons Union was designated as the desire for moral self-improvement, knowledge of the Truth and oneself, as well as love for one's neighbor.
And in our days, the Brotherhood sets as its main task to promote the moral and spiritual improvement of a person, the development in him, in an atmosphere of fellowship and mutual assistance, of high spiritual qualities - the basis of both his personal happiness and his greatest usefulness to his neighbors. The Brotherhood is actively engaged in education, charity, promotes a high level of education and social responsibility, while setting the highest standards of moral principles.
Skin color, nationality, political or religious beliefs cannot become an obstacle to membership in the Order, since in the lodges of the Brotherhood it is forbidden to discuss what can divide people. One of the most amazing aspects of Freemasonry has always been that so many different people from completely different walks of life can communicate peacefully among themselves, never discussing politics or getting into religious debate, in mutual harmony and friendship and address each other as "Brother" . Regardless of their position in society, Freemasons treat each other as "equal among equals."
In their work in the Lodges, the Brethren learn to focus on what unites them. They step by step deepen their understanding of morality and find that the circle of values that unites them has expanded. This makes the brethren more open and able to learn from each other what each one needs to advance on their own path. “We are interesting to each other because we are different”, “Always do to others as you would like to be done to you” and “Never do to another what you would not like to be done to you” - axioms for true Freemasons .
The symbol of freemasons.
Each Freemason honors God while in Freemasonry, he is addressed as the "Great Builder (Architect) of the Universe", and any traditional religion is allowed. Freemasonry is not a religion or a substitute for religion, Freemasonry does not have its own theology, and discussions on religious matters are excluded from Masonic meetings. Each Mason continues to profess the religious views with which he came into the lodge, and his greater attention to his religion is welcome. The recognition of faith in God, as the basis of Freemasonry and its principles, goes back to the founders of modern speculative Freemasonry at the beginning of the 18th century, and this is followed by the dominant majority of world Freemasonry (the so-called regular or Conservative Freemasonry), there is an emphasis on compulsory monotheism.
Freemasonry is positioned as a moral and ethical system, expressed in allegories and illustrated by symbols, most of the symbols are borrowed from other cultures, legends with biblical characters are played out in rituals. The attention of Masons is drawn to the need for moral self-improvement, as well as spiritual growth within the framework of the religion that each of them professes. The philosophy of Freemasonry includes external elements from both Christianity and other religions.
The radiant Delta reminds the mason of the all-penetration of the Creator, the Higher Being. This is the main Masonic symbol of the first degree, the degree of the disciple. Stylistically, the eye is often replaced by a circle inscribed in a triangle. In liberal Freemasonry, the Radiant Delta is considered a sign of enlightenment or the principle of consciousness.
One of the symbols of Freemasonry is also the acacia, which is considered one of the main symbols used in Freemasonry and is associated with the so-called Legend of the Death of Master Hiram - the thematic base of the Master Mason degree. Further: a plumb line is a symbol of striving for perfection, a level is a symbol of equality, a square is a symbol of poise and reconciliation of the unchanging striving for perfection with what is really achievable, a symbol of the earthly, a compass is a symbol of moderation and prudence, as well as striving for the higher and spiritual, a trowel is a symbol of strengthening fraternal ties, etc. The biblical legend about the construction of the Temple of Solomon is widely used in Freemasonry.
Loyalty to the authorities of those countries and territories where Freemasonry exists is one of the Masonic principles. Working for the benefit of society is considered one of the Masonic virtues. For the majority of Freemasons in the world, this is realized by their participation in charitable activities.
Regular Freemasonry
Regularity (see also Freemasonry, Regularity) is the mechanism by which relationships in Freemasonry (brotherhood) are established. It is implemented practically with the help of a system of recognition of the Grand Lodges (VL) by each other on a reciprocal basis.
The concept of regularity in Freemasonry is relatively young, it arose at the beginning of the 20th century, as a result of the spread of Freemasonry in the world. For the first time, the principles of regularity (Basic Principles) (English) (see also) were published by the United Grand Lodge of England (UKLA) in 1929, and later confirmed by it in 1938 in the document Aims and Relationships of the Craft (English). Other Grand Lodges of the world, with minor variations, have adopted similar principles and standards of regularity. At present, the adherence to regularity and its recognition allow, with the autonomy of the national Grand Lodges and mutual respect for their sovereignty, to be world regular Freemasonry in an integrated state and create conditions for the preservation of Masonic traditions, testify to the commitment to basic Masonic values.
Regularity standards include:
With organizations that are not recognized as regular, but, nevertheless, consider themselves Masonic, relations in regular Freemasonry are excluded, regular Masons are not allowed to attend their meetings. Grand Lodges usually publish in special editions lists of Masonic jurisdictions (Grand Lodges, Grand Orients) that are in a relationship of recognition with them (see, for example, UGLE Recognized Grand Lodges).
Issues of recognition and relations are often dealt with by special commissions (which systematize information and develop expert opinions regarding the compliance of a particular Grand Lodge with regularity standards), in the USA, where there are Grand Lodges in each state, and recently Prince Hall Grand Lodges (created by African Americans), there is a general recognition commission that meets annually.
In many countries (including Russia) there is a principle that there can be only one regular Grand Lodge within a country or territory, however, historically and at present there are countries in the world where more than one overhead line operates in one territory, if there are between these VL agreements on the so-called. "division of territory" or mutual recognition.
Regular Freemasonry is the strongest and most numerous in the world. In modern Russia, it is represented by the Grand Lodge of Russia (VLR). This is the only organization in Russia related to regular Freemasonry.
Requirements for candidates
The main requirements for candidates follow from the general principles of the movement. The candidate confirms his faith in God, the Supreme Being. In The Book of Constitutions, compiled by the London preacher James Anderson, the Mason was ordered not to be "neither a stupid atheist nor an irreligious freethinker", to support civil authorities. The candidate must be of mature age (at least 21 in most Grand Lodges of the world), decide to become a Freemason of their own free will, be of good repute, be "free and of good morals".
The traditional rule when joining the Order sounds like "to be a Mason, ask a Mason about it", "2 be 1 ask 1", the initiative for admission to the lodge must come from the candidate. The candidate may apply to the Lodge at the place of residence. To join the lodge, you need the recommendations of its full members, one way or another, the entry is preceded by a certain period of acquaintance with the Masons, who recommend the candidate. Some jurisdictions require an applicant to apply for membership 3 times, however this is becoming less common. In some jurisdictions, entry information is open so that a potential candidate knows where to find more information.
The decision on his entry into the lodge is made by secret ballot. Members voting to join use white stones (balls are most commonly used in the ritual); those who are against are black. The number of nay votes required to reject a candidate's application is set by the local Grand Lodge, and is 1 vote in some jurisdictions.
Lodge membership and religious beliefs
The religious beliefs of the candidate are the subject of his conscience. When joining, the candidate brings an obligation to the Holy Book of the faith that he professes, and which embodies the Revelation above his faith, it can be the Bible, Koran, Torah, etc. Usually the candidate belongs to one of the traditional confessions, respectively, Christianity, Islam, Judaism , etc. (in lodges that are recognized as regular), however, in irregular lodges of continental European Freemasonry, the requirements for the candidate’s faith are weakened, the candidate is allowed to accept the philosophy of deism or God - the “Great Architect of the Universe” as an abstract idea-symbol, or are canceled altogether , and atheists and agnostics can enter the box.
Rite of passage
Rite of passage
At the beginning of the rite, a candidate for Masons is taken to the Reflection Room, painted black, the furnishings of which correspond to the name, it may contain objects that remind the candidate of the frailty of being. In it, the candidate will write on paper a moral and philosophical testament, his wishes and vows regarding himself and other people, his country, family and humanity as a whole. Then he will be asked to reaffirm his faith in God.
Before entering the temple where the initiation takes place, the candidate is blindfolded. As a sign of humility, the candidate is “neither dressed nor undressed” (partially undressed, and the left chest is bare as a sign of openness of the heart), all valuables (“metals”) are taken away from him, his right leg is rolled up and his left shoe is removed. A rope is put around his neck, symbolizing the bonds of human imperfection. The candidate is taken to the temple premises (lodge meeting room), where he goes through ritual trials, listens to moral and philosophical instructions, participates in small scenes and dialogues, the purpose of which is to visually present the moral instructions of the ritual. At the end of the ceremony, he makes a solemn commitment to the Holy Book of the religion he professes (usually the Bible, a compass and square are also placed on it). Then the bandage is removed for the candidate, saying that he has now “passed the tests and is worthy of the Light”, they put on a Masonic apron, and after that the presiding officer of the ceremony (Venerable Master) announces to those present that they have now found a new brother and calls to help him in difficulties, being sure that he will help them in difficult times. Often the initiation ceremony is accompanied by musical accompaniment, which further enhances the impression of the candidate.
The initiation rite is described by L. N. Tolstoy, who himself was initiated into the first degree, in "War and Peace" (an episode with the initiation of Pierre Bezukhov), but there are also more modern sources of a scientific nature about Masonic rituals.
Freemasonry in Russia
Freemasonry appeared in Russia in the middle of the 18th century. In Masonic legends, Peter I and his associates Franz Lefort and Patrick Gordon are often referred to as the founders of Freemasonry in Russia. This version, however, has no documentary evidence. The first reliable news of the beginning of Freemasonry in Russia dates back to 1731, when the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of London, Lord Lovell, appointed Captain John Philips as Provincial Grand Master for Russia. Freemasonry became widespread in Russia with the founding of several lodges in the 1740s by General of the Russian Service James Keith. The documents of the Grand Lodge of England indicate that in 1740 he was appointed provincial Grand Master for Russia. Initially, most of the members of Russian lodges were foreigners - officers in the Russian service and merchants, but soon the number of Russian-born Masons began to grow. In the 1750s, a lodge under the leadership of Count R. I. Vorontsov worked in St. Petersburg.
An alternative Elagin Masonic system was the so-called Swedish or Zinnendorf system, founded by the former chamberlain of the Braungschweig court P.-B. Reichel. In 1772-1776, Reichel founded several more lodges: Apollo (St. Petersburg), Harpocrates (St. Petersburg), Apollo (Riga), Isis (Revel), Horus (St. Petersburg) , "Latons" (St. Petersburg), "Nemesis" (St. Petersburg) and "Osiris" (St. Petersburg - Moscow). In 1776, after negotiations, the Elagin and Reichel lodges merged into a single system.
A new stage in the development of Russian Freemasonry is associated with the name of N. I. Novikov, who joined the Freemasons in 1775 in one of the Elagin lodges. Together with Johann Schwartz, Novikov launched a broad propaganda campaign in Moscow, where the center of activity of Russian Freemasonry had shifted. On August 1, 1822, Masonic lodges were officially closed by the imperial rescript of Alexander I.
A new stage in the spread of Freemasonry in Russia dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when lodges of the so-called “Great East of France” became widespread in Russia - then transformed into the “Great East of the peoples of Russia”. Freemasonry at the beginning of the 20th century was openly political in nature.
After the October Revolution of 1917, Masonic organizations were banned, Masons were persecuted by the VChK-GPU-NKVD.
A small number of Russian lodges worked in exile, primarily in France. Over time, the number of Russian Freemasons decreased due to the aging of emigrants. During the German occupation of France during World War II, the remaining Russian lodges were closed along with all French lodges.
Historians of Freemasonry
- Sergey Karpachev
Freemasonry in film
- The mystery of the villa "Gretta" ()
- Bankers of God / The Bankers of God ()
"All-seeing eye" on banknotes
The All-Seeing Eye is depicted on the banknotes of several countries. So on the reverse side of the 1 US dollar bill since 1935, the Great Seal of the United States has been placed, which depicts a truncated pyramid with an eye. The initiators of the banknote change were G. Wallace and F. Roosevelt, its designer was Edward M. Wicks, supervisor of the Engraving Department of the Bureau for the Issue of Banknotes and Securities under the US Department of the Treasury (the artist Nikolai Roerich, to whom some authors mistakenly attribute the idea of drawing the banknote, did not has nothing to do with it). The All-Seeing Eye is also depicted on the Nicaraguan banknote (1 cordoba) and on the Ukrainian banknote of 500 hryvnia (the author of the drawing is Grigory Skovoroda).
Miscellaneous links
Notes
- After amalgamation in 1813 with another Grand Lodge of the Ancients which had arisen in 1751, see GVLA History, 18th/19th century.
- which in turn allude to an older origin for this and other basic Masonic principles, see for example Anderson's Constitutions of 1823.
- T. A. Sherkova. "Eye of Horus": eye symbolism in pre-dynastic Egypt. "Bulletin of Ancient History", No. 4, 1996
- Amulets and symbols of the Egyptians
- Pendant "Eye of Horus"
- Landmarks are ancient commandments, a set of traditional principles of Freemasonry, a Masonic lodge, "landmarks" that separate Freemasonry from what is not. The most famous collection of landmarks is the landmarks of Makei. Landmarks are reflected in the constitutions of modern lodges, the principles of regularity.
- http://www.gumer.info/bibliotek_Buks/History/masony/4.php
- S. P. Karpachev, Secrets of the Masonic Orders, M., Yauza Press, 2007.
