Happy New Year to all Freemasons in the world!
Wednesday, 24 December 2014
Merry Christmas to all Brethren in the world!
To all our Brethren in the world,
to those to whom home is far away during the Holy Christmas,
to all in need and to all without hope...
We wish them a most Merry Christmas
and may the GAOTU grant them peace and happiness.
Bless you all!
Tuesday, 23 December 2014
Christmas message of Alun John Leyshon, MWGM of the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan
Brethren all,
Although many creeds and faiths celebrate this time of year in their own way, Christmas is special to everyone. To Christians it is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but to everyone it is a time for children and family. It is a time for love and giving. A time to see the look of awe and excitement in the eyes of little children as they anticipate a visit from Santa Claus. A time for families to get together in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. A time to eat too much and (possibly) drink too much without worrying about calories.
It is also a time when we think of those less fortunate than ourselves and exercise charity with an open and generous heart. It is a wonderful time of year!
May I - as your Grand Master, and personally to all that know me - wish you all a pleasant and Merry Christmas, (or any other holiday you may or may not be celebrating) and express a wish that you should have a happy, peaceful, and profitable New Year.
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| www.saskmasons.ca |
M.W.Bro. John Leyshon
Grand Master
Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan A.F. & A.M
Sunday, 21 December 2014
Thursday, 27 November 2014
Friday, 7 November 2014
Monday, 3 November 2014
Tuesday, 14 October 2014
Monday, 13 October 2014
While preparing for the next European Conference of Sovereign Grand Commanders a new AASR Supreme Council was founded in France
According to the Masonic Press Agency, following the Masonic effervescence within the Hexagon, the National Supreme Council of France was founded this year. The birth of the SCNdF is due to the wish of GLNF Brethren who wanted to continue their works in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Jacques Prats was elected Sovereign Grand Commander.
In meanwhile Romania prepares, for the first time in history, to host in 2016 the 52nd European Conference of Sovereign Grand Commanders. The Supreme Council of Romania is a founding member of the Confederation of European Supreme Councils and Constantin Iancu is the Secretary General of the organization based in Geneva. Iancu also holds the chair of Vice President (2013-2016) of the European Conference of Sovereign Grand Commanders.
Therefore we have now two AASR Supreme Councils in France: one related directly with GLNF, not recognized yet, and another (Supreme Council for France) which is recognized by all AASR Supreme Councils in the world and whose Sovereign Grand Commander, Jean Luc Fauque, 33°, is the President of the Confederation of the Supreme Councils of Europe.
With Romania hosting this event we remind that Fauque's Supreme Council is related whth that of Constantin Iancu , 33°, Sovereign Granc Commander and Secretary-General of the Confederation and that GLNF has an Amity Treaty with the National Grand Lodge of Romania.
Thursday, 9 October 2014
Masonic symbols in Los Angeles, California | Century City
Century City is a 712,000 square meters commercial and residential district in the Los Angeles Westside, State of California with over 6.000 residents. The land of Century City belonged to cowboy actor Tom Mix (1880-1940), who used it as a ranch. It later became a backlot of 20th Century Fox, which still has its headquarters just to the southwest.
Century Plaza Towers are two 44-story, 174-metre twin towers located at 2029 and 2049 Century Park East in Century City, Los Angeles, California. According to the official website, it was designed by renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki.
National Supreme Council of France
The Masonic Press Agency announced yesterday that in France appeared a new Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Supreme Council leaded by Most Powerful and Illustrious Jacques Prats, former member of the Supreme Council for France: "Following the Masonic effervescence within the Hexagon, the National Supreme Council of France was founded this year. The birth of the SCNdF is due to the wish of GLNF Brethren who wanted to continue their works in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Jacques Prats was elected Sovereign Grand Commander."
Sunday, 28 September 2014
Wednesday, 24 September 2014
Annual Communication of the York Grand Lodge of Mexico
From 13 to 14 March 2015 will take place the Annual Communication of the York Grand Lodge of Mexico. The event will be hosted by the municipality of Puerto Vallarta.
According to the Grand Lodge "Freemasonry came to México sometime in the last twenty years of the 18th century. The scarcity of documentation is not surprising if we remember that our early brethren worked under the shadow of the Holy Inquisition. When independence came in 1821, many of the main actors are known or believed to have been Masons, but there was no Grand Lodge organization as such".
Monday, 15 September 2014
UGLE's statement on photography, mobile telephones and social media in Freemasonry
"Over the last twelve and a half years the Board has found it necessary to draw attention on three occasions to the misuse of cameras, mobile telephones and other electronic devices (e.g. tablets) during or in connection with masonic meetings. In 2009 the Grand Lodge approved a consolidated statement on the matter (which was modified slightly the following year). The Board regrets that it appears necessary to revert once more to the subject. The last few years have seen significant technological advances, with the result that the use of such devices is less obtrusive – and therefore less easily detected – than was previously the case.
The Board, however, remains firmly of the view that any objection to the use of such devices is based on the impropriety of taking an electronic record of proceedings in open lodge at least as much as on any distraction that the process may afford to the individual and others in his vicinity.
At the same time social media, such as Twitter, have evolved, enabling the almost instantaneous transmission of information to a wide range of recipients. The Board considers that relaying information by such means from within a meeting while that meeting is in progress falls within the scope of Rule 177 of the Book of Constitutions.
Grand Lodge then approved the following new consolidated statement:
(a) All mobile telephones must be switched off during meetings of the Grand Lodge, Metropolitan, Provincial or District Grand Lodges or private lodges. If an urgent call is expected, arrangements should be made for it to be received by the Tyler.
(b) Whilst there is no objection to the taking of group photographs in a lodge room in connection with a special meeting after the lodge has been closed, the taking of photographs during meetings (including any procession immediately before or after a meeting of a private lodge) is prohibited. The prohibition extends to any purported reconstruction after a lodge has been closed of any part of the proceedings while the lodge was open, but does not, subject to compliance with (c) below, preclude the taking of a photograph of a procession into or out of a Metropolitan, Provincial or District Grand Lodge by the express permission and under the control of the Metropolitan, Provincial or District Grand Master.
(c) Within Freemasons’ Hall such specially posed group photographs may, subject to the permission of the Grand Secretary, be taken in a lodge room, but photographs in or of other parts of the building, and in particular in or of the Grand Temple, must not be taken unless special permission has been given by or on behalf of the Board of General Purposes.
(d) The transmission of any photograph or information (whether in the form of text, images or otherwise) by electronic means from within a lodge room relating to a meeting in progress there, whether transmission is to a single individual or to any group of individuals, is also prohibited.
(e) Brethren are reminded that Rule 177 of the Book of Constitutions imposes a prohibition on the publication of the proceedings of any lodge (which includes the Grand Lodge and any Metropolitan, Provincial or District Grand Lodge) and that the taking of any photograph during a meeting is likely to lead to a breach of that Rule. The submission of any such photograph for inclusion in Freemasonry Today will be met with a curt rejection, and it is expected that those responsible for the publication and content of Provincial or District magazines or newsletters will adopt the same policy.
(f) Disciplinary action is likely to be taken against the Brethren concerned in cases of failure to comply with the above policy in respect of photography or use of social media.
(g) Whilst the taking of photographs during the after proceedings of a lodge (and, less importantly, during a reception between a meeting and dinner) is unlikely to offend against any Rule of the Book of Constitutions, it can nevertheless be intrusive and distracting. Accordingly Brethren are reminded that good manners dictate that the agreement of the individuals concerned should be obtained before they are photographed informally in such a context, and that such photographs be taken during the after proceedings only with the permission of the Master or whoever presides at the dinner."
Friday, 12 September 2014
2014 Annual Communication of the AASR Supreme Council of Canada
The Supreme Council of Canada of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite celebrates the Annual Communication during September 9 to 13, 2014. This year the sessions are hosted by the Valley of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Monday, 8 September 2014
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
Monday, 18 August 2014
Thursday, 14 August 2014
The "Berlin Declaration" might produce convulsions and schism within the European Masonic Jurisdictions and elsewhere in the world
It never ends, one might say looking at the French Masonic community and its Masonic Jurisdiction. As GLNF's recognition(s) finds its way back to Paris and Grand Master Servel strives in offering French Brethren a fresh start, something rather bizarre happens in Central Europe. Five Grand Lodges (meaning Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg) are trying to reshape not only French Freemasonry, but also the European one, by creating a dangerous precedent in Masonic jurisprudence.
Thus, after the Berlin Declaration the Grand Master and Grand Chancellor of the French National Grand Lodge issued a world-wide circular.
According to the Masonic Press Agency, Grand Master Servel asked his counterparts around the world how would they react when someone would try to impose a new "Masonic landscape" in their jurisdiction, showing his outrage regarding the way in which those five Grand Lodges in Central Europe are acting. GLNF's Grand Chancellor also announced his counterparts in other jurisdictions and draws attention regarding the dangerous precedent that could lead to the destabilization of various jurisdictions in the world, causing chaos, stating that the basic principles of Universal Freemasonry can not be negotiated.
A week after the world-wide letters of the two GLNF officials, the F. & Secretary-General of the Masonic Press Agency issued a what was called: internal brief analysis. This analysis in 9 points makes references to both documents: the Berlin Declaration and GLNF's world-wide circular, stating also its point of view and appealing to calm and Masonic discipline.
The first article states that the Basel Declaration actually offered to several GLNF factions the courage to break away from the central (Masonic) body and to form new Grand Lodges, which clearly indicates the emphasis of GLNF's disintegration.
The second article explains the basic concept of a Masonic Obedience (Grand Lodge/Grand Orient) and that of a Masonic Confederation composed of Grand Lodges and not Symbolic Lodges, the conclusion being a rhetorical question: how can we recognize a Masonic Confederation (composed of Grand Lodges) in which none of its members (the Grand Lodges) were individually recognized as regular? The article talks about the classic Masonic actors: Obediences (Sovereign and Independent Symbolic Masonic Powers with their own Masonic Grand Jurisdiction).
In the third article the Agency draws attention regarding the danger of a serious precedent in Masonic jurisprudence (...) which might produce convulsions and schism within the European Masonic Jurisdictions and elsewhere in the world.
In the sixth article there are references to the fact that it is hard for GLNF to recognize GLAMF and GLIF, two factions departed from GLNF (which are now Grand Lodges acting, together with the Grand Lodge of France, within the French Masonic Confederation), given the fact that after order was restored in GLNF those Brethren never wanted to join forces and to be part of the same Grand Lodge, namely GLNF.
In the 9th and final article the Agency agrees with GLNF's Grand Chancellor regarding the fact that: "the Basic Principles of Universal Freemasonry can not be negotiated".
Given this brief overview and analysis, the Agency considers that the risk of such serious precedent in Masonic jurisprudence will be a major one and will have a destabilizing role in the current order and customs inherited over time, risking that our Masonic customs to fall into disuse and thus to upset the internal affairs of each Masonic Jurisdiction. The Agency believes that Freemasonry should be characterized by unity and not division, by singularity at an organizational level and and plurality at an individual level; plurality representing the essence of the Masonic spirit, an essence in which diversity should be an integral and active part of the unity. This is how the Secretary-General ends the analysis and overview of the Masonic Press Agency on the current situation of French Freemasonry in relation with the Berlin Declaration and GLNF's world-wide circular.
Tuesday, 12 August 2014
Metropolitan Masonic Concert Series in London, U.K.
Starting with 7 p.m. on 7 October 2014 will take place the Metropolitan Masonic Concert Series in London Freemasons' Hall (60 Great Queen St London WC2B 5AZ United Kingdom) in Covent Garden. Among the performing artists we find pianists Samson Tsoy and Pavel Kolesnikov (with a repertoire based on Saint-Saens, Ravel, Tchaikowsky and Rachmaninov).
The event will be attended, among other, by the Metropolitan Grand Master and David Williamsn, Past Assistant Grand Master, President of the Universities Scheme of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). All the benefits will go to charity.
Monday, 4 August 2014
Armenia and Azerbaijan have two new Grand Masters
The Masonic Press Agency announced on June 29th and July 25th that the Grand Lodges of Azerbaijan and Armenia have new Grand Masters: Aras Kazaz and Gilbert Stepanian. According to the Masonic Agency, the Annual Communication of the National Grand Lodge of Azerbaijan was attended by the Grand Master of Russia, Andrei Bogdanov, and Germany's Rüdiger Templin. Robert B. Heyat, Honorary Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Romania and Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington DC. On this occasion took place the Installation Ceremony of Grand Master Aras Kazaz.
Regarding Armenia reports that the new Grand Master of Armenia was in 2010 Worshipful Master of Mithras Lodge of Perfection in Washington. In the morning, before the convention, the Grand Masters visited the Genocide Memorial in Yerevan. In the following days also took place the Annual Communication of the Supreme Council of Armenia.
Saturday, 2 August 2014
Friday, 25 July 2014
Past Sovereign Grand Commander of Italy awarded by Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
According to an internal communication of the Secretary-General of the Masonic Press Agency citing the Grand Orient of Italy and the Chancellery of Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano, Corrado Balacco Gabrieli, Italy's Past Sovereign Grand Commander, received the title of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
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photo: www.affaritaliani.it
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Born in 1938, Balacco Gabrieli was leader of the Scottish Rite from 2001 to 2009 and he directed for over twenty years the Department of ophthalmology of the University La Sapienza, second largest in Europe after that of London. He is the author of over 800 scientific papers published in national and international journals, and in collaboration with other scientists he published 3 scientific volumes.
Friday, 4 July 2014
Happy 4th of July to all Freemasons and Scottish Rite Brethren in the United States
We wish all of you a Happy Independence Day
and we thank our American readers, Freemasons or not,
for their comments, critics and appreciation!
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
Happy Canada Day to all Freemasons!
We wish to all our Canadian readers
and especially to all Canadian Freemasons and Scottish Rite Brethren
a Happy Canada Day!
We THANK them for their support and appreciation!
Sunday, 29 June 2014
Seychelles: 25 years of Freemasonry
Located in the Indian Ocean, whose capital, Victoria, lies some 1,500 kilometers (932 mi) east of mainland Southeast Africa, northeast of the island of Madagascar, the republic of Seychelles has its own Masonic community and this year they celebrated 25 years of Freemasonry, as reported by the Masonic Press Agency in one of its reports send to all its foreign collaborators.
The first masonic Lodges was founded 25 years ago and this year's ceremony was conducted by Jayantilal Keshavji Chande, District Grand Master of the District Grand Lodge of East Africa (covering the jurisdictions of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Seychelles). This District Grand Lodge gathers around 3000 Freemasons spread in 49 Masonic Lodges. In the country there are 3 Lodges composed of 90 Brethren Freemasons: Seychelles Lodge, Mt Simpson Lodge and Installed Masters Lodge. The event was attended by Freemasons from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Wednesday, 11 June 2014
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
Head of Freemasons in Chile met with the country's President to talk about the current political agenda
In a news issued by the Masonic Press Agency a few days ago we learned that the Grand Master of Chile held official talks with Chile's President Michelle Bachellet. According to the same source, they discussed, among other things, the current political agenda. According to the official agenda, the meeting was supposed to last for 30 minutes, but it took more than an hour. The Grand Master asked the Catholic Church to disclose interests regarding public education in Chile.
Lawyer and Historian of Freemasonry to assume the office of Grand Master of Argentina
Two days ago was elected a new Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Argentina. Nicolas Breglia, lawyer and historian of Freemasonry, will assume the three years term as Grand Master, succeeding Angel Jorge Clavero at the head of Argentine Freemasonry.
According to the Masonic Press Agency, Breglia is an Argentine lawyer and historian of Freemasonry. He graduated from the Faculty of Law, a former adviser to several unions and is the author of several books on Freemasonry. The installation ceremony will take place on June 28, 2014 in Buenos Aires.
Grand Lodge of Ireland restored GLNF's Masonic recognition
Last week during its Annual Communication the Grand Lodge of Ireland restored GLNF's Masonic recognition. French Freemasons hope that tomorrow UGLE shall grant recognition and following that the Grand Lodge of Scotland to do the same. UGLE's QC takes place tomorrow and the announcement regarding the French National Grand Lodge will be communicated officially in a few days if not on 11 June 2014.
Wednesday, 28 May 2014
Italy's President meets the Grand Master of the Order of Malta
According to a press release of the Order of Malta, on 26 May 2014 (in the morning) the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, made a private visit to the Magistral Villa, the Order of Malta’s institutional Headquarters. The Head of State was received by the Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing. After visiting the Church of St. Mary on the Aventine and the villa’s gardens, President Napolitano and the Grand Master enjoyed a cordial conversation.
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Honorary President of the World Conference of Grand Lodges for the first time in the Republic of Moldova
Thomas Jackson, former leader and current Honorary President of the World Conference of Grand Lodges, visited last week the Republic of Moldova where he was received by Grand Master Iurie Sedleţchi. According to the Masonic Press Agency both Masonic leaders granted an exclusive interview for a local TV station.
The Grand Master of Moldova talked about the openness of Moldavian Freemasonry in society and stated that there are members of Parliament and Government in Chisinau which are Freemasons, but their identity can be disclosed only with their approval.
Thomas Jackson spoke about democracy and freedom and the relationship of these two concepts with Freemasonry, saying that where there is no democracy there is no Freemasonry. In this context he said that unfortunately no one talks about the fact that Hitler persecuted people because they were Freemasons or that in countries like Japan and Iran (during history) Freemasons were persecuted. Moreover, Jackson said that proof of this is that the Grand Lodge of Iran works in exile in the United States: "The great enemies of Freemasonry are people like Khomeini, Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini, Franco etc."
Finally, Thomas Jackson talked about an important aspect of the Freemasons: philanthropy. "American Freemasons donate a million and a half dollars daily, 365 days a year," said the President of Honour of the World Conference of Grand Lodges. Other topics were women in Freemasonry, Masonic history, Freemasons' role in society, mistakes made by Freemasons and attacks of anti-Freemasons on the Craft etc.
Monday, 19 May 2014
Executive Secretary of the World Conference of Grand Lodges: "I think organizing the World Conference was the most important moment of lobbying that regular Freemasonry ever did for our country"
The Masonic Press Agency announces that the recently elected Executive Secretary of the World Conference of Grand Lodges already granted his first interview for an online TV edition of a Romanian newspaper.
Radu Balanescu said that "organizing the World Conference is the highest honor possible because it is the most important event in the Masonic world." Regarding this event he said that: "I think organizing the World Conference was the most important moment of lobbying that regular Freemasonry ever did for our country."
During the one hour interview he also talked about the strategies of the National Grand Lodge of Romania, mentioning that the "National Grand Lodge of Romania has a very clear strategy of action in civil society on three areas that we have considered deficient: culture, education and medical system."
Thomas W. Jackson, Honorary President of the World Conference of Grand Lodges: Romania will become one of the pillars of Europe
Thomas W. Jackson (Honorary President of the World Conference of Grand Lodges and former Executive Secretary of this Masonic world organization) said today on a televised interview that: "The educational level of the people (Romanians) is extraordinary. When I first came here I said that if Romanian will ever built infrastructure, Romania will become one of the pillars of Europe. The country has great potential, mountains and seaside, has an ancient history and ancient ruins. All these are forces that would attract tourists to the country. And I want to congratulate the Government of Romania and its people who are trying to develop Romania."
Rüdiger Templin, Grand Master of German Freemasons: "We, German Freemasons recognize that Romanian Freemasonry was the strongest in Eastern Europe"
According to Jurnal Masonic, under the patronage of the Masonic Press Agency, the German Grand Master stated in a televised interview in Bucharest that "We, German Freemasons recognize that Romanian Freemasonry was the strongest in Eastern Europe."
Also, Rüdiger Templin declared that "the Masonic society is a society of the twenty-first century and Romania is an important part of the social and cultural Masonic network; and this was highlighted by the visit of the Secretary of the (Romanian) Parliament at the World Conference who said what I said, Romanian Freemasonry is an important part of society, growing step by step and it was expressed in the election of Radu Balanescu as Executive Secretary of Radu Balanescu. We note that Romania has a well structured organization."
The Grand Master of Germany said that last year he visited a monastery where he spoke with the Romanian monks, adding that "we have a responsibility to the Romanian Orthodox Church."
Saturday, 17 May 2014
California's Grand Master (John Cooper) takes over as Executive President of the World Conference of Regular Masonic Grand Lodges
On this 17th of May, 2014, ended the 13th World Conference of Regular Masonic Grand Lodges in Bucharest, Romania. According to the Masonic Press Agency, the session was held at the Parliament Palace in the presence of all Grand Lodge delegations Grand Lodges attending the event.
On this occasion, the Grand Master of California took over as Executive President and Radu Bălănescu was elected Executive Secretary of the World Conference of Grand Lodges. For more than a decade and a half this office was held by Thomas Jackson, Past Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The 14th World Conference of Regular Masonic Grand Lodges will be hosted by the Grand Masonic Lodge of California in 2015.
Romanian at the helm of the World Conference of Regular Masonic Grand Lodges
According to the Masonic Press Agency, Most Worshipful Grand Master Radu Balanescu of the National Grand Lodge of Romania was elected Executive Secretary of the World Conference of Regular Masonic Grand Lodges during its 13th assembly in Bucharest.
Tonight the World Conference banquet will be held at Parliament Palace, and tomorrow will take place the Annual Communication of the National Grand Lodge of Romania.
Wednesday, 14 May 2014
Cuban government: exiled Cuban Freemasonry infiltrated by U.S. intelligence
The accusation was made by the Cuban Government in Havana who said that exiled Cuban Freemasonry was infiltrated by U.S. intelligence. In a TV show, Gustavo Perez said that the unification process of the Cuban Freemasonry suffered a failure, stating that they wanted to destroy the North American Freemasonry, as they want to do also with the exiled Cuban Freemasons.
Were also made serious allegations against the Cuban Freemasonry, stating that Cuban Freemasons live as slaves (of the communist regime). Manny Olmedo (Secretary of the Federation of Cuban Freemasons in exile) also attended the TV show, saying that the exiled Cuban Freemasons are those who represent those of Cuba and speak on their behalf internationally because the Grand Lodge of Cuba was infiltrated long ago by the communist regime.
The START was given for the 13th World Conference of Grand Lodges in Romania
A few hours ago in Bucharest (Romania) took place the official opening ceremony of the 13th World Conference of Masonic Regular Grand Lodges at the Romanian Parliament. In the evening will take place an official dinner gala reserved only to the leaders of the international Masonic delegations attending the event.
According to the Masonic Press Agency, the Grand Lodge of Cuba proposes that the mediation of the conflict with the Grand Lodge of Florida to take place in Bucharest, in the framework of the XIII World Conference of Grand Lodges. It also demanded to have as mediators Thomas Jackson and Tomas Alvarez (Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Masonic Confederation). We recall that the Grand Lodge of Florida has withdraw the recognition of the Grand Lodge of Cuba.
Monday, 12 May 2014
XIII World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges
From 14 to 17 May 2014 will take place the XIII World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges in Bucharest, Romania. The event is hosted by the National Grand Lodge of Romania. The event will be attended by delegations from Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa. The last meeting took place in India. Romania received the right to host this event in 2011, in Columbia, when it won against Russia.
According to the Masonic Press Agency, Grand Lodges delegations attending the XIII World Conference are arriving today and tomorrow in the Romanian capital. Registrations are held at Phoenicia Grand Hotel from 9:00 to 18:00. The official opening ceremony of the World Conference of Grand Lodges will be held on May 15, 2014 at the Parliament Palace.
To follow the news regarding this year's largest Masonic event search the hashtag #Romania2014 both on Twitter and Facebook.
Friday, 9 May 2014
Former Chief of the Philippine National Police was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines
According to the Masonic Press Agency, Alan La Madrid Purisima (born on November 21, 1959) became the 97th Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. Until on February 4, 2014, Alan Purisima was Director General of the Philippine National Police (Chief of Police). He was initiated on June 25, 1983.
Purisima grew up in San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur, being the son of a Technical Sergeant (Rodolfo R. Purisima), a retired member of the Philippine Constabulary, and Mrs. Josefina La Madrid Purisima, a retired public school teacher. After finishing high school, Purisima entered the Philippine Military Academy in 1977 and graduated from the academy in 1981. After his graduation from military academy he joined the Philippine Constabulary. He graduated from the Manuel L. Quezon University in 1995. Alan Purisima is married to Maria Ramona Lydia Isidoro Purisima and has four sons with her (Eumer Von Andrei, Rainier Van Albert, Alan, Jr. and Jason Arvi).
He is a member of Gen. Mariano Llanera Memorial Lodge Nr. 168 (Gapan, Nueva Ecija) having been initiated on June 25, 1983, passed on September 03, 1983 and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on September 22, 1983. He is a Charter and Dual Member of San Leonardo Lodge No. 386 in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija; Charter Member of Isaac Puno, Sr Memorial Lodge No. 401, as well as Honorary Member of Zaragosa Lodge No. 263, Palayan City Lodge 331; AR Lamson Lodge No. 290; MS Garcia Memorial Lodge No. 306 and Kagitingan Lodge No. 286 in Makati City.
He served as the Worshipful Master of Gen. Mariano Llanera Memorial Lodge No. 168 in 2005. He also served as Grand Lodge Inspector of Zaragosa Lodge No. 263 in 2006, as District Grand Lecturer of Masonic District RIII-D in 2007, and as District Deputy Grand Master of the same District in 2010 during which he was nominated to the position of Junior Grand Warden and overwhelmingly won during the election at the Annual Communication 2011 held in Davao City.
His labors are not only evident in the confines of the Blue Lodge but also in Shrinedom and various Appendant Bodies of Freemasonry. He is a 33nd Degree of the Ancient Scottish Rite Freemasonry (Cabanatuan Bodies). He is also a York Rite Mason being a member of Manila York Rite Bodies. He served as the President of Saigon Shrine Club in 2012 and the incumbent Illustrious Potentate of the Mabuhay Shriners Philippines.
Sunday, 20 April 2014
Thursday, 17 April 2014
A new Constitution and future for the French National Grand Lodge (GLNF)
According to the Masonic Press Agency, on April 12, 2014 took place the Annual Communications of the French National Grand Lodge. The event took place in the "Grande Arche à La Défense". This event is an important one in the history of the Grand Lodge. Also on April 12, 2014, were adopted, among others, the following measures (approved with 99.89% of votes):
1. The mandate of the Grand Master is of 3 years and may be reelected only once;
2. Grand Master is the President of the Association;
3. All regulations will be published in a single book;
4. The Council of the Wise may initiate the impeachment procedure of the Grand Master;
5. It was establish the procedure for voting by mail or online;
6. Etc.
The French National Grand Lodge will operate now under a new constitution, which will lead to the final restoration of its status as sole Regular Grand Lodge (recognized) in France.
Grand Lodge of Virginia says NO for transsexual Freemasons
The Grand Master (Wayne S. Flora) of the Grand Lodge of Virginia issued an edict through which decrees: "Freemasonry traditionally being a Fraternity of good men, no person shall become or remain a Mason who does not continue to remain both physically and legally a male or who does not continue to present and conduct himself as such."
Wednesday, 16 April 2014
The Vatican will publish the Masonic Treaty of Francesco Longano after two centuries
The "modernization" of the Catholic Church starts to be felt publicly. Catholic priest, a Freemason whose works were banned by the Vatican, Longano Francesco (1728-1796) comes to light after two centuries.
According to the Masonic Press Agency's satellite online publication, in the new issue of "Miscellanea Bibliothecae Apostolicae Vaticanae" (which will appear in early May of this year) will be published the treaty called "Il Purgatorio ragionato" (curated by Francesco Lepore) by Francesco Longano.
Monday, 14 April 2014
Open Forum on the Development of Mark Freemasonry in Ghana
On 10 April 2014 took place the "Open Forum on the Development of Mark Freemasonry in Ghana". The invitation was launched by the Right Worshipful District Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons led by Right Worshipful Eddie Hayford. The event was hosted at William Galloway Memorial Temple in Accra, informs Brother Abraham Gyesie, Assistant District Grand Master, according with Masonic Times of Africa.
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Greek Freemasons and members of the Supreme Council for Greece threatened with excommunication from the Orthodox Church
According to the Masonic Press Agency, the Archbishop and Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus attacked a the AASR Supreme Council for Greece, asking for the identity of the high ranking Greek Bishop which was initiated into the 18° Degree.
His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim (Mentzelopoulos) of Piraeus accused the Supreme Council and its members of heresy, threatening the Sovereigns Grand Inspectors General with the excommunication from the Greek Orthodox Church.
In 2009 Metropolitan Seraphim was one of six bishops who signed the manifesto A Confession of Faith Against Ecumenism. In 2010 he asked Queen Elizabeth II to divest pop singer Sir Elton John of his knighthood for uttering blasphemy. The Metropolitan sent a letter to Queen Elizabeth II and the British Ambassador to Greece after Elton John said that Christ was a homosexual. In December 2010 he made strongly anti-Semitic remarks in a televised interview. Among the opinions expressed, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported that he said "that there is a conspiracy to enslave Greece and Christian Orthodoxy. He also accused international Zionism of trying to destroy the family unit by promoting one-parent families and same-sex marriages."
Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church condemns Freemasonry
On 19 March 2014 the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church gathered under the presidency of His Beatitude the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Hieronymus II. At the proposal of the Synodal Commission on Heresies, the Holy Synod decided to send a circular whereby it is renewed the excommunication from the Orthodox Church of Orthodox Freemasons.
The Masonic Press Agency announced that the Holy Synod approved the proposal of the Synodal Commission on Heresies, issuing a circular announcing that no monk, priest or bishop can not be part of a Masonic Lodge. The Greek Orthodox Church considers incompatible the status of Freemason with that of Orthodox.
International Conference on Freemasonry | Freemasonry, Aesthetics and Civil Society
On March 22, 2014, the Institute for Masonic Studies and the History Department at the University of California, Los Angeles hosted the Third International Conference on Freemasonry, bringing together a panel of prominent Masonic scholars covering unique perspectives on Freemasonry, Aesthetics, and Civil Society.
The Third International Conference was co-sponsored by the Grand Lodge of California's Institute for Masonic Studies and the History Department of the University of California, Los Angeles.
Tuesday, 18 March 2014
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
The National Electoral Commission validated Stefano Bisi as the new Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Italy
According to the Masonic Press Agency, the National Electoral Commission validated Stefano Bisi as the new Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Italy (largest Masonic body in Italy). On March 2, 2014, elections were held for the office of Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Italy. Of the total Freemasons with right of vote (16,252 Master Masons), voted only 11,490 (71.55%).
He will take the oath in April 4 to 6, 2014, during the Annual Communication in Rimini. Stefano Bisi got 5,315 votes (46.26%), Silverio Magno 3,468 votes (30.18%) and Massimo Bianchi 2,716 votes (23.64%). The National Electoral Commission will validate the election on March 8, 2014.
Gran Lodge of Spain (Regular) swear allegiance to King Juan Carlos I of Spain
During its Annual Communication, the Grand Lodge of Spain issued a resolution sweating allegiance to His Majesty Ling Juan Carlos I of Spain. All regular Spanish Freemasons adhered to this resolution which was sent to the Royal Household of Juan Carlos at Prado Palace (official residence of the Spanish Crown).
The current Grand Master of Spain was reelected for a second term of 4 year with 92% of the votes. The Installation Ceremony was attended by Grand Masters and Representatives from Africa and Europe.
Thursday, 6 March 2014
Monday, 3 March 2014
United Grand Lodge of Cubans in the Exterior should seek approval with the Grand Lodge of Florida for sharing Masonic Jurisdiction
United Grand Lodge of Cubans in the Exterior should seek approval with the Grand Lodge of Florida for sharing Masonic Jurisdiction, indicates the annual report of the Conference of Grand Master Masons in North America.
On February 23, 2014, was held the consecration ceremony of the United Grand Lodge of Cubans in the exterior. The event is part of the unification process of the Cuban Freemasonry. For more information on this issue check the interview granted by Cuba's Grand Master for the Masonic Press Agency.
Grand Lodge Valle de Mexico does not meet the standards of Masonic recognition
The Masonic Press Agency informs that the report of the Conference of Grand Masters of North America on Grand Lodge Valle de Mexico states that this Grand Lodge does not meet the standards of Masonic regularity. The report notes that in the last decade this Grand Lodge has invaded many Masonic jurisdictions.
The same source indicates that the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Quintana Roo does not appear in the list of Regular Grand Lodges which has been issued by the Confederation of Regular Grand Lodges of the United Mexican States.
Sunday, 2 March 2014
Italian Grand Master Gustavo Raffi: We are concerned about Ukraine and the massacre taking place there
The Masonic Press Agency announced that the Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Italy expressed his grief and concern about the events taking place in
Ukraine. "The Grand Orient of Italy joins the Ukrainian people," said
Gustavo Raffi, adding that "It is impossible to remain indifferent to
the massacre (...)."
Gustavo Raffi was elected Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Italy in 1999 (for the first time) and this year will step down. Today are held elections in Rome. There are three candidates, among them Massimo Bianchi, current Deputy Grand Master.
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Freemasons give £20,000 emergency grant for UK flood relief efforts
Freemasons’ Grand Charity continues to support the British Red Cross. Freemasons donated £30,000 to support relief and recovery efforts in the badly hit area of Somerset. According to Freemasonry Today: "The Somerset Community Foundation received £28,500 and the Burnham-on-Sea Area Rescue Boat received £1,500."
2014 London Fashion Week at Freemasons' Hall (UGLE)
During February 14th to 18th, 2014, Freemasons Hall hosted the 2014 London Fashion Week. It seems that the most emblematic Masonic building in Europe, and perhaps in the world, gains more and more popularity.
Wednesday, 5 February 2014
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