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Church of Seiros
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| “ | Long ago, the divine Seiros received a revelation from the goddess. A gift, to help guide the lost. The goddess is always watching over Fódlan from her kingdom above. However, in ancient times, the goddess graced this world with her presence and offered salvation to the people here. She is the mother of all life, the arbiter of every soul. | ” | — Rhea |
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TheChurch of Seiros (Japanese:セイロス聖教会Seiros Holy Church) is a religious organization that holds power over the continent ofFódlan[1] inFire Emblem: Three Houses. It is served by theKnights of Seiros.
History
The Church of Seiros was founded by the people ofFódlan 41 years prior to the establishment of the Imperialcalendar afterRhea, under the name Seiros, performed miracles to help the people of Fódlan.[2] In Imperial Year 1, theAdrestian Empire was founded by Wilhelm Paul Hresvelg with the support of Seiros. At the same time, Seiros recruited four survivingNabateans who would go on to be known as theFour Saints. In Imperial Year 32, he raised an army, starting theWar of Heroes which ultimately led to the deaths ofNemesis and the10 Elites. Following the War of Heroes, Seiros spread a false narrative that depicted Nemesis as a hero that was corrupted and had to be stopped by her.[3]
In the Etherial Moon of Imperial Year 185,Garreg Mach Monastery was completed,[4] and would serve as the headquarters for the church's main branch from then on. Shortly afterward, Seiros and theFour Apostles attempted a ritual to resurrect thegoddess that would be known as the Rite of Rising. The ritual failed, and the Four Apostles disbanded.[5]
The Church of Seiros served asFódlan's primary religious institution throughout the next millennium, and also acted as peacekeepers in times of conflict; the Church is notably credited with negotiating the end of the War of the Eagle and Lion that resulted in the legitimization of Faerghus as an independent nation in exchange for the Church being declared the state religion.[6] Over time, three smaller branches of the Church of Seiros were established: The Southern Church, the Western Church, and the Eastern Church. In approximately 1065, the bishop of the Southern Church was involved in an attempted insurrection,[7] that lead to the Southern Church being disbanded and the relationship between the empire and the church being strained.
By the year 1180, Seiros had become archbishop of the Church under the pseudonymRhea. Throughout 1180, the Central Church came under attack by a conspiracy involving the Western Church, a cult known as "those who slither in the dark", and a masked individual calling themself theFlame Emperor. Conflicts with the Western Church were eventually resolved when Rhea and theKnights of Seiros executed the Western Church's bishop, forcing them to choose a new one in his stead.[8] At the end of 1180, the Flame Emperor was unmasked as newly crowned Adrestian emperorEdelgard von Hresvelg, who blamed the Church for propagating the Crest-based society that led to her siblings being killed in experiments that imbued her with the Crest of Flames. She formally declared war on the Church and won the opening battle at Garreg Mach. The outcome of the war would be determined by the actions of a mercenary namedByleth.
On non-Crimson Flower routes, where Byleth either taught the Blue Lions or Golden Deer, or taught the Black Eagles and sided with the Church, Rhea was captured by the Empire after the Battle of Garreg Mach, and the Knights of Seiros scattered to the four winds to find her and the missing Byleth. In 1185, Byleth awoke from a five year coma and returned to Garreg Mach Monastery. Once word of their return reached the remnants of the Church, Rhea's former second-in-commandSeteth rallied them, returned to the monastery, and joined Byleth to help form a Resistance (Silver Snow)/Kingdom (Azure Moon)/Alliance (Verdant Wind) Army. The Church lent military support to Byleth throughout the conflict with the Empire, and ultimately helped them emerge victorious. Afterwards, the Church helped to restore order to Fódlan and reformed the policies that led to Edelgard declaring war in the first place. On the Silver Snow route, if Byleth married Rhea, she returned to her role as archbishop after recovering from her imprisonment and personally spearheaded reform efforts. On the Azure Moon route, Rhea named Byleth her successor as archbishop before retiring to Zanado.
On the Crimson Flower route, where Byleth taught the Black Eagles and sided with Edelgard, Rhea and the Church escaped to Faerghus after the Battle of Garreg Mach, and PrinceDimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd ascended the throne, granted them asylum, and forged a military alliance against the Empire. The Church spent the next five years locked in a bitter stalemate with the Empire, until Byleth's return decisively tipped the war in the Empire's favor. After the Empire conquered Leicester, the Knights of Seiros launched a counterattack in an attempt to retake Garreg Mach Monastery, but were repelled. The Empire invaded the Kingdom, slew Dimitri, and cornered Rhea in the capital city, Fhirdiad. Rhea set Fhirdiad on fire in a last attempt to wipe out Imperial forces, but Byleth led the Empire in battle and slew her, bringing an end to Church dominance over Fódlan. The Church was then reformed under the Empire.
Branches
Central Church
The Central Church is the main branch of the Church of Seiros. Located atGarreg Mach Monastery, it is led by an archbishop and has its own military organization, theKnights of Seiros.
Western Church
The Western Church is an offshoot of the Church of Seiros that was originally responsible for overseeing westernFódlan. Their headquarters are located in Elidure territory in theHoly Kingdom of Faerghus, at the border to theAdrestian Empire. However, followers of the Southern Church eventually began considering the Central Church as an organization using the goddess's name for their own interests.[9] According to a report found in the Shadow Library ofAbyss, the Western Church suspected the Central Church to have been involved in theTragedy of Duscur.[10]
In Imperial Year 1180, the conflicts with the Central church escalate into open conflict as the Western Church convinces LordLonato, a minor noble of the kingdom, to raise an army against the church. He is found carrying a note detailing a fake plan to assassinateRhea, which is later revealed to be a cover-up to break into theHoly Mausoleum. After the attempt fails,Rhea has the captured members of the Western Church executed. As retribution, she andCatherine later seek to kill the bishop of the Western Church, forcing them to install a new bishop in his stead.
Eastern Church
The Eastern Church is an offshoot of the Church of Seiros. Its headquarters are located in Nilsson territory, in the east of theLeicester Alliance. Its influence is comparatively small due to both the Central Church's influence and the political structure of the Alliance. Because of this, it does not maintain a standing army, and instead relies on the aid of the Central Church and theKnights of Seiros when it comes to security matters.[11] It spreads the Seiros faith much less than the Central Church, leading to the people of the Alliance being less religious than the people of the kingdom.[12]
Southern Church
The Southern Church is an offspring of the Church of Seiros. It is located inEnbarr, and its influence is centered around the Adrestian empire. At one point, it had its own independent region that was later assimilated into Varley territory,[13] and its own faction of knights known as the 'Crimson Knights'.[14] Over 100 years prior to the games' events, its bishop was involved in an attempted insurrection[15] that ultimately led to him being exiled and the Southern Chuch losing its influence.[16] This resulted in the relationship between the empire and the Church of Seiros being strained for the following century.[17][18][19]
InWarriors: Three Hopes,Edelgard reestablishes the Southern Church after ascending the throne in 1180. She makes the empire's minister of religious affairs,Count Varley, the new bishop, making him the target of an attempted assassination through the Central Church.[20] After seizingGarreg Mach Monastery, Count Varley is moved to the monastery. The reestablishment of the Southern Church helps the believers among her soldiers to accept the now open war against the Central Church.[21]
Rituals
Rite of Rising
- "Rite of Rising" redirects here. For the chapter from theCindered Shadows side story, seeThe Rite of Rising. For the mission of the same name, seeReturn to Me.
The Rite of Rising was a ritual that was conducted shortly after the completion ofGarreg Mach Monastery. It involved theFour Apostles, who would pour their blood into theChalice of Beginnings in an attempt to resurrect theGoddess. The ritual failed, and the Four Apostles disbanded.[5] In Imperial Year 1180, the monkAelfric attempted to repeat the Rite of Rising in an attempt to resurrectSitri. The ritual failed once again, and Aelfric was transformed into anUmbral Beast.
Rite of Rebirth
The Goddess's Rite of Rebirth is a sacred rite that is held anually[22] on the 26th of the Blue Sea Moon. It is said to celebrate the daythe goddess will return to the people of Fódlan.[23] The day it is held is the day the star she is said to live on becomes visible again.[24] It is the only day of the year where theHoly Mausoleum is open to the public.[25]
Members
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Rhea | Seteth | Flayn | Tomas | Aelfric | Cyril | Byleth    |
Flavor text
| Game | Text (English) | Text (Japanese) |
|---|---|---|
| Three Houses (Church of Seiros) | An institution devoted to the goddess. It both guards and spreads the teachings of Saint Seiros. | 女神を信仰し、聖者セイロスの教えを 守り伝える人々の団体。 |
| Three Houses (Western Church) | A faction of the Church of Seiros that is situated in western Fódlan. | フォドラの西部に広がる、 セイロス教の一派。 |
Etymology and other languages
| Names, etymology, and in other regions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Language | Name | Definition, etymology, and notes |
| English | Church of Seiros | Seiros may be derived from the ancient Greekσείριος,[26] which means scorching or destructive, and is the origin of the name of the starSirius (which is a latinization of the Ancient GreekΣείριος). In-universe, Seiros is the name of a prominent figure in the faith's doctrine. |
| Japanese | セイロス聖教会 | Seiros Holy Church |
| Spanish | Iglesia de Seiros | Church of Seiros |
| French | Église de Seiros | Church of Seiros |
| German | Kirche der Seiros | Church of Seiros |
| Italian | Chiesa di Seiros | Church of Seiros |
| Portuguese | Igreja de Seiros | Church of Seiros; used inHeroes. |
| Korean | 세이로스 성교회 | Seiros Church |
| Simplified Chinese | 赛罗司圣教会 | Seiros Holy Church |
| Traditional Chinese | 賽羅司聖教會 | Seiros Holy Church |
Gallery
Emblem of the Church of Seiros.
Painting associated with the church.
References
- ↑"The game takes place on Fódlan, where the Church of Seiros exercises great power over the land and its people." —Fire Emblem: Three Houses revealed for Nintendo Switch, rpgsite.net,Published: June 12 2018,Retrieved: June 12 2018
- ↑"- 41 Years Before the Founding of the Adrestian Empire -
Saint Seiros appeared in the land of Enbarr and, through the many unfathomable miracles she performed, spread light across the land. In doing so, she joined the shattered hearts of the purest people of Fódlan, who went on to form the Holy Church of Seiros." —The History of Fódlan, Part I at the library ofGarreg Mach Monastery,Fire Emblem: Three Houses - ↑"Edelgard: Professor... Do you know the true story behind the legend? The Relics were created by the hands of mankind. Seiros collected them after killing the 10 Elites. Seiros manipulated the people of the world and defeated the all-powerful King Nemesis.
Byleth: Why would she do that?
Edelgard: The church maintains the false history that he was corrupted and turned evil. However, it was little more than a simple dispute. Should the one leading the people of the world be someone with humanity or a creature that can merely masquerade as a human at will? In the end, Seiros was victorious. The Immaculate One and her family then took control of Fódlan. I know this because that knowledge is passed down from emperor to emperor. And that is because the first emperor is the human who cooperated with Seiros, allowing humanity to be controlled in secret." — Edelgard inCrimson Flower Chapter 14,Fire Emblem: Three Houses - ↑"Garreg Mach Monastery is said to have been completed during the Ethereal Moon. Why, 995 years ago as a matter of fact. That's rather a long time ago, don't you think?" —Hanneman at the monastery duringChapter 9,Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑5.05.1"In the Imperial year 185, the construction of Garreg Mach was completed. Saint Seiros held a sacred ritual to honor the occasion. Four saints, known as the Four Apostles, we led to a tranquil place to perform the ritual. They poured their holy essences into the Chalice of Beginnings - a gift from the goddess herself - in hopes of bringing about her second coming. Alas, the Rite of Rising failed... Bearing the blame for the ritual's failure, the Four Apostles left the monastery, all but vanishing from the land." — The opening narration forCindered Shadows Chapter 1,Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑"- Imperial Year 751: The Founding of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus -
Loog and his resistance army were victorious over the Imperial forces. The Holy Church of Seiros mediated between the two, and Faerghussecured its hard-won independence as the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus." —The History of Fódlan, Part II at the library ofGarreg Mach Monastery,Fire Emblem: Three Houses - ↑"When the previous emperor fell ill and died, the count took the opportunity to renege on the deal. Still, Victoria conspired with the southern bishop to cause the current unrest. That cannot be treated lightly." —Piece of an Old Note at thebase camp,Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
- ↑"The church will have to choose a new bishop, and do whatever else is necessary to rebuild the Western Church." —Catherine at the end ofFalling Short of Heaven,Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑"There she is—the sneaky little witch trying to pass herself off as the goddess's envoy... Archbishop Rhea! I'll bring judgment upon you in the goddess's stead!" — A Western Church bishop duringFalling Short of Heaven,Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑"...the Tragedy of Duscur, after which more members of the Western Church are strongly criticizing the Central Church. Among them are those who claim the incident in Duscur was the work of the shadowedorder of the Knights of Seiros. It seems a confrontation over the dogma's legitimacy is inevitable. Soon, the child of House Gaspard..." —Burnt Remnants of a Report in theShadow Library ofAbyss,Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑"They don't have a standing army like we do. So, for incidents like this, they customarily ask for help from the Central Church." —Alois duringSword and Shield of Seiros,Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑"It is undeniable that the people in Alliance territory are less religious than those in the Kingdom. The Eastern Church presides over Leicester, yet they do not appear particularly enthusiastic in spreading the faith. On the other hand, the Western Church's fanatical leanings are another cause for concern..." —Seteth at thebase camp duringAzure Gleam Chapter 10,Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
- ↑"At one time, the Southern Church had its own independent region on the border with Hresvelg, but it has since been assimilated into Varley." —Imperial Territories of Adrestia: Book One at thebase camp,Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
- ↑"15th day of the Lone Moon
A report says the Southern Church's Crimson Knights may be up to no good. But the Imperial coronation was only last month, or is that why? What are they after? Is the Central Church involved? They were originally Knights of Seiros. With the archbishop absent..." —Imperial Territories of Adrestia: Book One at thebase camp,Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes - ↑"When the previous emperor fell ill and died, the count took the opportunity to renege on the deal. Still, Victoria conspired with the southern bishop to cause the current unrest. That cannot be treated lightly." —Piece of an Old Note at thebase camp,Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
- ↑"It has been decided. The southern bishop will be exiled and the Southern Church crushed. This has sent shockwaves through the entire Empire." —Piece of an Old Note at thebase camp,Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
- ↑"The Central Church will surely make their objections known, but the emperor wished to put distance between them anyway." —Piece of an Old Note at thebase camp,Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
- ↑"In Enbarr, there was once a Southern Church, and apparently a bishop was dispatched to it. A hundred years ago, the Southern Church became entangled in an insurrection. Until five years ago, the Empire and the church maintained a certain distance from one another." —Linhardt at the monastery duringSilver Snow Chapter 18/Verdant Wind Chapter 19,Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑"But you probably don't know about the Southern Church. It used to exist a long time ago, in Enbarr. About 120 years ago, they had a massive insurrection. The bishop of the Southern Church who participated was exiled by the furious emperor. After that, the Empire reconciled with the Central Church, but relations continued to be strained. That history has probably laid the groundwork for the current antagonism among the Empire's citizens." — A Scholar duringCrimson Flower Chapter 16,Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑"A shame our bishop has become the target of relentless censure as a result. Why, the Central Church even targeted him for assassination! Poor Count Varley. It could not have happened to a finer man." —Hubert duringScarlet Blaze Chapter 4,Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
- ↑"I've always thought of myself as a devout believer. So when I heard we were attacking Garreg Mach, I couldn't help but be taken aback. But when I learned of the Central Church's corruption and how Her Majesty revived the Southern Church to correct it? Well, let's just say I'm glad I was born in the Empire." — An Imperial Soldier at thebase camp duringScarlet Blaze Chapter 4,Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
- ↑"Not to be disrespectful, but the Rite of Rebirth seems kinda silly. What, the goddess is reborn every year?" —Hapi at themonastery duringChapter 4,Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑"The Goddess's Rite of Rebirth is an important event for the Church of Seiros. They say it's the day when the goddess will return to walk among us." —Jeralt at themonastery duringChapter 4,Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑"The goddess's home is in the sky! She lives on a bright and shining star! But in the spring, you can't see that star. That means she can't protect Fódlan. That's why we all celebrate the day when her star returns to the sky! That's the day of the Rite of Rebirth! See, see? I've been studying! I know just about everything!" — A squire at themonastery duringChapter 4,Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑"Oh, but more importantly, this place is off limits, Professor. It is only open to the public on the day of the Goddess's Rite of Rebirth." —Flayn at themonastery duringChapter 4,Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- ↑wiktionary:Σείριος#Ancient Greek
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