The Gnostic Mass is the central public and private ritual celebration of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica (E.G.C.) under the auspices of the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.). The E.G.C. is the ecclesiastical aspect of the O.T.O. and the theology, doctrines and sacramental theory of the E.G.C. are based on the principles of Thelema.
The Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica (E.G.C.), the Gnostic Catholic Church, originally brought into relation with O.T.O. by Dr. Gerard Encausse in 1908. The principal ritual of E.G.C. is the Gnostic Mass.
Membership in E.G.C. is available through baptism and confirmation. Members of O.T.O. in good standing are eligible for clerical ordination in E.G.C. Members of II* and higher are eligible for ordination as Deacons, and those who have reached K.E.W. are eligible for ordination as Priest or Priestess.
E.G.C. also celebrates seasonal festivals, commemoration of vital events and other religious functions. Many O.T.O. bodies also host E.G.C. temples and sanctuaries and celebrate the Gnostic Mass on a regular basis. In most locations, no formal O.T.O. affiliation is required to attend the Mass.
