**Canonical Soterianity** ---- | {{:wiki:volscic_cross.png?nolink&200|}} || ^ The Volscan Cross is commonly used by Canonical Soterians. ^^ ^ Classification | [[Enochian religions|Enochian]] | ^ Scripture | Canonical Diatheca | ^ Theology | Canonical theology | ^ Region | Worldwide | ^ Founder | Soter, according to sacred tradition | ^ Primary religious body | Canonical Soterian Church | ^ Headquarters | Ecclesiastical Quarter, Iria | ^ Head of faith | Archipater Eleutherius VI | **Canonical Soterianity**, also referred to as the **Irian Canonical Church** or simply the **Canonical Church**, is considered the first of the major churches of [[Soterianity]], proclaiming itself as the original and true church "as founded by the Apostles of [[Soter]]". Being the largest of the Soterian denominations, it has members from all across [[Plateia]] and the wider star system. The faith has numerable rites beneath it, increasing thanks to humanity's colonization of space and a newfound resurgence in theological debate and dispute as technologies and innovations grow. Headquartered in the [[Volscia|Volscian]] capital of [[Iria]], the Canonical Church is allowed to effectively run themselves without state interference. It is headed by the Archipater, who doubles as the bishop of Iria, and typically serves for life. Canonical Soterianity's core beliefs are defined by the Synaitic Creed, defined by the Council of Synaus of 1 S.C.. It exists as one of three major Soterian churches claiming direct apostolic succession. The Canonical Church itself proclaims that is the sole, holy apostolic church that still follows the canons outlined in the Holy Diatheca and founded by Soter himself in what is referred to as the Great Pronouncement. The institution is seen as instrumental in the evolution of Western culture, having influenced the continent of [[Eurysia]] and subsequently the rest of Plateia through proselytization and colonization by the Eurysian powers. Authoritatively, the Archipater claims direct succession from the apostle [[Ancor]], who is biblically ascribed as the possessor of the Keys of the Gates of Heaven. With Ancor's historical bishopric being consecrated in Iria, it is to this office and subsequent succession of archipaters that the Canonical Church's legitimacy hinges upon. The seat for the Canonical Church has historically been its grounds within Iria proper; however, the Ecclesiastical Quarter in which it modernly operates in an autonomous fashion is in itself a relatively recent invention following the Church's negotiations with Volscia in the past over sovereignty. {{tag>religion soterianity canonical_soterianity}}