THE REVISED ANCIENT NYAHBINGHI ORDER GUIDELINES
THE NYAHBINGHI ORDER IS THE MOST ANCIENT ORDER OF RASTAFARI.
AS FROM THE EARLIEST TIME, WHEN CHERUBIMS AND SERAPHIMS CHANTED SONGS OF PRAISE AROUND THE RAINBOW CIRCLE THRONE OF Q’DAMAWI HAILE SELASSIE (THE ALMIGHTY OMNIPOTENT I
TO THIS PRESENT DAY I&I BRETHRENS AND SISTRENS OF THE, JAH RASTAFARI EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE I THEOCRACY REIGN, ORDER OF THE NYAHBINGHI, DO UPHOLD THIS IVINE ORDER AND TRUST THAT THIS MESSAGE OF TRUTH TRANSCEND ALL BOUNDARIES AS WATERS COVER THE SEA.
WITH THESE ASPIRATIONS I&I THE PATRIARCHS & MATRIARCHS OF THE ANCIENT NYAHBINGHI ORDER have documented the following guidelines to bring about more commitment, trustworthiness and itegrity within ones and ones who are true defenders of the faith
(DO SEE IT NECESSARY) TO DOCUMENT THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES SO THAT I&I BROTHERS AND SISTERS CAN BE AWARE OF THE COMMITMENTS,)
Always remember that righteousness, exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach.
NYAHBINGHI CREED
THE NYAHBINGHI CREED IS OPENED WITH THE RECITING OR READING OF THE FOLLOWING PRAYERS TO WHICH ALL MUST STAND WITH DUE RESPECT
TO H.I.M.
Seven Prayer/Ises (7) inclusive of Rastafari daughters
PRINCES AND PRINCESSES MUST TROD OUT OF BABYLON.
ITHIOPIANS MUST STRECH FORTH THEIR HANDS TO JAH.
O I JAH OF ITHIOPIA, I&I IVINE MAJESTY
THY IRITS TROD INTO I TO DWELL IN THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, LEAD I&I. HELP I&I TO FORGIVE THAT I&I MUST BE FORGIVEN
TEACH I&I TO LOVE, LOYALTY ON EARTH AS IT IS IN ZION
ENDOW I&I WITH WISE MIND, KNOWLEDGE AND OVERSTANDING TO DO THY WILL. THY BLESSING TO I&I O JAH
LET THE HUNGRY BE FED, THE NAKED CLOTHED, THE SICK NOURISHED, THE AGED PROTECTED, AND THE INFANTS CARED FOR
DELIVER I&I FROM THE HANDS OF OUR ENEMIES
THAT I&I MUST PROVE FRUITFUL IN THESE PERILOUS DAYS
WHEN OUR ENEMIES ARE PASSED AND DECAYED, IN THE DEPTHS OF THE
SEA, IN THE DEPTHS OF THE EARTH OR IN THE BELLY OF A BEAST.
O’ GIVE I&I A PLACE IN THY IVERLIVING KINGMAN
THROUGH THE POWER OF THE KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS,
CONQUERING LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH
ILECT OF HIMSELF AND LIGHT OF THIS WORLD, I&I IVINE MAJESTY EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE I, JAH RASTAFARI FIRST ICIENT KING OF IRATION JAH FORIVER, THE PROTECTORATE OF ALL HUMAN FAITH AND THE RULER OF THE INIVERSE, SO I&I HAILE TO OUR JAH AND KING EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE I JAH RASTAFARI
ALMIGHTY I JAH RASTAFARI
GREAT AND THUNDERABLE I JAH RASTAFARI.
ITHIOPIAN ANTHEM
The Ethiopian Anthem is chanted at the opening and sealing of all ceremonial occasions and gatherings and at the hoisting of the Ithiopian flag (Emblem)
Ithiopia the land of our father
The land where our JAH loves to be
As the swift cloud are suddenly gathered
Thy children are gathered to thee
With our RED,GOLD and GREEN floating o’ver us
With our Emperor to shield us from wrongs
With our JAH and our future before us
InI hail, InI shout, InI chant
(Chorus) JAH is our NEGUS NEGUS I
Who keeps Ithiopia free - to advance
To advance with truth and rights-truth and right
To advance with love and light –love and light
With righteousness leading
InI hail to InI JAH and King
Imanity pleading one Jah for us all
O Iternal JAH of al lAges
Grant unto us sons that lead
Thy wise mind thou hast given the ages
When Blackman was sore in need
Thy voice through the dim past has spoken
Ithiopians now stretch forth her hands
By JAH shall all barriers be broken
And Mount Zion bless our dear Motherland
Ithiopians the tyrants are falling
Who smote thee upon thy knees
The children are lovingly calling
From over the distant seas
RASTAFARI the Great one has heard us
JAH noted our sighs and our tears
With the Irits of love Jah has brought us
To be one through the trodding years
CONCERNING THE EMBLEM
AT THE HOISTING OF THE EMBLEM PSALMS 20 IS RECITED
THE NYAHBINGHI EMBLEM IS THE ANCIENT ITHIOPIAN EMBLEM WHICH CONSISTS OF RED AT THE BOTTOM, GOLD IN THE MIDDLE AND AN UPPERMOST GREEN. (IN ACCORDANCE TO ARTICLE 124 OF THE ITHIOPIAN CONSTITUTION)
THE GOLD IN THE MIDDLE CARRIES A LION BEARING AN EMBLEM OF ITHIOPIA WITH A MASKAL OR CROSS
THE RED REPRESENTS THE BLOOD OF ALL ITHIOPIANS THAT WAS SHED TO MAINTAIN THE INDEPENDENCE OF I&I ANCIENT LAND.
THE LION IS THE IMPERIAL SYMBOL OF ITHIOPIA AND REPRESENTS I&I IVINE MAJESTY HAILE SELASSIE I. THE LION OF JUDAH
THE GREEN REPRESENTS THE GREEN FIELDS OF ITHIOPIA THE GARDEN OF EDEN.
THE EMBLEM SHOULD BE HELD HIGH AT ALL TIMES AND SHOULD NOT BE TORN OR MISUSED.
IT MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL GATHERINGS, HOMES AND BE BORNE WHENEVER REPRESENTING I&I IVINE MAJESTY EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE I.
CONCERNING THE NYAHBINGHI DRUMS (HARPS)
THE NYAHBINGHI DRUMS ARE PLAYED BY CAPABLE RASTAFARI BRETHRENS DURING THE HOUR OF CHANTING.
A BALD HEAD OR NON RASTAFARIAN IS NOT PERMITTED TO PLAY THE DRUMS.
RINGS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE FINGERS, ALSO SPLIF MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE MOUTH OF ANY SUCH PLAYER OF DRUMS NAMELY THE FUNDEH AND REPEATER SO AS TO PROTECT THE SKIN OF THE HARPS-(DRUM;
PLAYERS OF INSTRUMENTS MUST BE ON ONE ACCORD AT ALL TIMES ENSURING PERFECT HARMONY.
THE THREE TYPES OF DRUMS ARE:
(1) THE BASS (2) THE FUNDEH (3) REPEATER
THE BASS CARRIES THE TWO BEAT OR A HEART BEAT 1, 2 IN ACCORD WITH THE FUNDEH THAT SAYS “DO GOOD” OR 1, 2.
THE REPEATER REPEATS THE NOTES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BASS AND FUNDEH.
CONCERNING THE PRIESTHOOD
THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE NYAHBINGHI ORDER IS APPOINTED BY THE ESTABLISHED COUNCILS OF THE ORDER ALONG WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE CONGREGATION
THE PRIESTHOOD IS ADMINISTERED BY SEVEN (7) PRIESTS OF WHICH THE HIGH PRIEST IS THE HEAD
THEIR CONSISTENCY IN MAINTAINING AN IVINE LIVITY OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS MUST BE NOTED
..
ALL PRIESTS MUST POSSESS HUMILITY, KNOWLEDGE OF THE ORDER AND VERSE IN THE TEACHINGS OF HIS MAJESTY .The over standing of scriptural matters is also imperative (ALONG WITH SCRIPTURAL MATTERS.)
THE PRIESTS CAN HAVE A QUEEN AS HAILE SELASSIE DOES, BUT SHE MUST BE ONE OF IVINE QUALITIES, ABIDING BY JAH LAWS.
ALL PRIESTS MUST BE ONES OF JUSTICE WHO CARRIES OUT THEIR WORK WITHOUT PARTIALITY.
THEY MUST ALL MAINTAIN AN “ITAL LIVITY” MAKING SURE THEY DO NOT DEFILE THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING JAH WITH ABOMINABLE FLESH.
THE PRIESTS MUST BE:
• SOBER IN BEHAVIOIUR
• PATIENT
• HUMBLE
• RESPECTFUL
THE PRIESTS MUST NOT BE
• GREEDY
• GIVEN TO WINE
• A NOVICE
• DOUBLE TONGUE
• PRONE TO FILTHY LANGUAGE
• COVETIOUS
THE NYAH BINGHI PRIEST MUST RULE HIS OWN HOUSE.
THE SIGNATURE OF THE HIGH PRIEST MUST BE AFFIXED TO ALL OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS OF THE ORDER OF THE NYAHBINGH TOGETHER WITH THE SEAL.
A PRIEST WHO VIOLATES THE ORDINANCES OF HIS OFFICE AND THE NYAHBINGHI ORDER IS SUBJECTED TO DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS BY THE ANCIENT COUNCIL.
IT IS ADVISABLE THAT ONE AMONG THE PRIESTHOOD BE LEGALLY CERTIFIED
CONCERNING THE FIRE KEY
THE FIRE KEY IS LIGHTED WITH THE READING OR RECITING OF SEVEN Psalms: NAMELY
(1) Psalm 101, which will be repeated by all,(2) Psalms 68, (3) Psalm 2, (4) Psalm 83, (5)Psalm 94, (6) Psalm 11, (7)Psalm 9
IT IS THE DUTY OF EVERY BROTHER TO PREPARE WOOD FOR THIS FIRE, WHICH IS A CONSUMING FIRE FOR ALL EVIL DOERS IRRESPECTIVE OF COLOUR, RACE, OR CREED.
NO GARBAGE, WASTE OR REFUSE SHOULD BE THROWN IN THE NYAHBINGHI FIRE.
THE FIRE SHOULD BURN UNCEASINGLY DURING THE DAYS OF THE NYAHBINGHI.
THE FIRE MUST NOT BE DISTURBED.
NO FOOD SHOULD BE COOKED OR ROASTED ON THIS FIRE AT NO TIME
BOTH SONS AND DAUGHTERS CAN GATHER AROUND THIS FIRE FOR WARMTH OR TO POUR OUT THE JUDGEMENT ON MYSTERY BABYLON.
CONCERNING THE TABERNACLE
THE TABERNACLE CONSISTS OF TWELVE OUTER POSTS WHICH REPRESENTS:
• THE TWELVE PATRIARCHS
• THE TWELVE GATES OF NEW JERUSALEM
• THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL
• THE TWELVE APOSTLES
THE CENTRE POST, THE LARGEST OF ALL, REPRESENTS I&I MAJESTY EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE I WHO IS THE HEAD OF THE NYAHBINGHI ORDER.
THE ROOF OF THE TABERNACLE SHOULD TAKE THE SHAPE OF AN UMBRELLA, PORTRAITS OF H.I.M. DECORATES THE TABERNACLE.
NO WEAPONS, DRUGS, ALCOHOL, CIGARETTES OR TOBACCO ARE ALLOWED INSIDE.
NO OUTRAGEOUS BEHAVIOUR OR PROFANITY
THE TABERNACLE MUST BE VIEWED BY ALL AS BEING ASSEMBLED AROUND THE THRONE OF JAH RASTAFARI HAILE SELASSIE I.
A TABLE OF FRUITS, HONEY, AND WATER CAN BE PROVIDED AT A DESIGNATED AREA OF THE TABERNACLE.
CONCERNING THE ALTAR OF THE TABERNACLE
THE ALTAR WHICH STANDS IN THE CENTRE OF THE TABERNACLE CONSISTS OF SIX OUTER POSTS SURROUNDING THE CENTRE POST OF THE TABERNACLE REPRESENTING:
• THE BOOK OF THE SEVEN SEALS
• SEVEN GOLDEN CANDLESTICKS
THE PRIESTS ADMINISTRATES AROUND THIS ALTAR WHICH IS LAID WITH AN ALTAR COVERING OF RED, GOLD AND GREEN.
HERBS, PROPHECY, PORTRAITS, AND SPEECHES OF H.I.M. ARE PLACED UPON THE ALTAR. FLOWERS ARE ALSO USED TO DECORATE THE ALTAR.
THE NYAHBINGHI DAUGHTERS IF CALLED UPON BY THE PRIEST CAN APPROACH THE ALTAR TO DO AS REQUESTED. e.g. PRAYER, REPORT, SUGGESTION ,ETC.
THE INNER SECTION OF THE ALTER SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR A SLEEPING ROOM BUT CAN BE USED FOR A LIBRARY OR STORING THINGS PERTAINING TO THE TABERNACLE.
CONCERNING THE NYAHBINGH GROUNDS
NO FLESH SHOULD BE COOKED BROUGHT OR EATEN ON ANY NYAHBINGHI GROUND, AS WELL AS THE USE OF ALCOHOL, CIGARETTES, TOBACCO, BEEDIES OR ANY ILLICIT DRUGS.
SEXUAL INTERCOURSE IS STRICKLY FORBIDDEN AND SELF DISCIPLINE MUST BE MAINTAINED.
STRANGERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO THE USE OF CAMERAS UNLESS AUTHORISED BY THE HOUSE.
ALL HEADS OF FEMALES MUST BE COVERED AND THE WEARING OF PANTS AS WELL AS EXPOSIVE GARMENTS IS FORBIDDEN.
ALL MAN MUST UNCOVER THEIR HEADS AT A NYAHBINGHI.
THE NYAHBINGHI GROUNDS CONSISTS OF A TABERNACLE, LION QUARTERS, LIONESS QUARTERS AND A KITCHEN (WHERE FOOD IS PROVIDED FOR ALL AT NO COST).
A STORE ROOM, AN OFFICE, AND SANITARY CONVENIENCES FOR BOTH MALE AND FEMALE
EVERYONE MUST BE PROPERLY ATTIRED.
WORKSHOP FOR ART AND CRAFTS AND SCHOOL FOR THE YOUTHS ARE VITAL STRUCTURES OF A NYAHBINGHI CENTRE.
NO SICK PERSON SHOULD ATTEND AN ISSEMBLY
ANY PERSON WHO IS INFECTED WITH ANY FORM OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASE. HE OR SHE IS NOT PERMITTED TO BE AMONG THE CONGREGATION.
NO SELLING OF HERB, CRACK-COCAINE OR OTHER ILLICIT DRUGS SHOULD BE CONDUCTED ON THE NYAHBINGHI GROUND/CENTRE.
LIVING, COMMERCIAL QUARTERS AND ANY OTHER DESIGNATED AREAS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE ANCIENT COUNCIL
CONCERNING THE NYAHBINGHI SON (MAN)
THE NYAHBINGHI SON MUST ABIDE BY THE LAWS OF HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY
HE SHOULD ABIDE WITH ONE QUEEN AS A PERFECT EXAMPLE SET BY HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE I
THE USE OF FLESH, DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND ALL HARMFUL ARTICLES OF FOOD MUST BE FORBIDDEN BY ALL
NYAHBINGHI MAN MUST BE NON- VOILENT, NON ABUSIVE AND NON –PARTISANT
HE MUST BE FREE FROM ALL CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES, AS A TRUE SON OF HAILE SELLASSIE I
WHOREDOM, ADULTRY, FORNICATION AND SINFUL ACTS IS AN ABOMINATION TO THE MOST HIGH
IT IS THE SOLE DUTY OF THE NYAHBINGHI MAN TO SEE TO IT THAT LOVE AND HARMONY BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES
IT IS ADVISABLE FOR THE NYAH BINGHI MAN TO HAVE SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITHIN HIS ETHNIC GROUP ,IF HE CHOOSES TO DO OTHERWISE IT’S A PERSONAL CHOICE
A NYAHBINGHI MAN SHOULD NOT ABIDE WITH A WOMAN WHO IS NOT OF RASTAFARI LIVITY
IT IS THE DUTY OF EVERY NYAHBINGHI MAN TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN HIS CHILDREN AND RAISE THEM IN THE ORDER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
EVERY NYAHBINGHI MAN SHOULD ACQUIRE A SKILL OR PROFESSION
IT IS WRONG FOR A NYAHBINGHI MAN TO TRIM AND/OR COMB HIS HAIR, THIS IS AN ABOMINATION
THE NYAHBINGHI MAN MUST TREAT HIS FAMILY WITH LOVE RESPECT AND DEVOTION AT ALL TIMES
HE MUST BE LOYAL TO HIS QUEEN IN ALL THINGS CONCERNING RIGHTEOUSNESS
HE MUST BE ENTETERPRISING, CARING TO HIS FAMILY AND NOT PRONE TO MISCHIEVE OR GOSSIP
.
IF THERE IS A MISUNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HIM AND HIS QUEEN, THE MATTER SHOULD BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE PRIEST OR THE COUNCIL OF ANCIENTS, WHO WILL DEAL WITH THE MATTER PRIVATELY AND CONSTRUCTIVELY
TATOOING OF BODY PARTS IS AGAINST THE WILL OF JAH.(HOWEVER IF THERE ARE ONES WITH TATOO ,THEY SHOULD BE COVERED ,AND NO MORE ADDED )
CONCERNING THE NYAHBINGHI DAUGHTER
THE NYAHBINGHI DAUGHTERS, LIKE THE SONS MUST ABIDE BY JAH IVINE LAWS.
AS H.I.M. IS THE HEAD OF THE NYAHBINGHI ORDER THE NYAHBINGHI QUEEN MUST RECOGNISE HER KING AS HER HEAD.
DURING HER MONTHLY ISSUE THE NYAHBINGHI QUEEN DOES NOT ATTEND, ISSEMBLE OR CONGREGATE AMONG THE BRETHRENS.
SHE MUST BE LOYAL TO HER KING HEAD IN ALL THINGS CONCERNING RIGHTEOUSNESS SHE MUST BE ENTERPRISING, CARING TO HER FAMILY AND NOT PRONE TO MISCHIEF OR GOSSIP.
IF THERE IS A MISUNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HER AND HER KING MAN, THE MATTER SHOULD BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE PRIEST OR THE COUNCIL OF ANCIENTS WHO WILL DEAL WITH THE MATTER PRIVATELY AND CONSTRUCTIVELY.
DELICATE & SEVERE SITUATIONS SHOULD DEMAND PROFESSIONAL INTERVENTION.
A NYAHBINGHI QUEEN IS NOT PERMITTED TO PLAY THE DRUMS AT AN ISSEMBLY BUT IS PERMITTED TO THE USE OF THE SHAKA (SHAKER) OR TIMBREL.
DURING REASONING SHE CAN MAKE SUGGESTIONS AND PARTICIPATE IN GOVERNMENTAL ADMINISTRATIONS AS IN THE TAKING OF MINUTES, WRITING OF LETTERS OR ANY OTHER WORKS SHE IS CAPABLE OF DOING.
SHE MUST BE ATTIRED IN MODEST APPAREL AT ALL TIMES AND MUST NOT WEAR PANTS OR EXPOSIVE GARMENTS.
HER HEAD MUST BE COVERED DURING AN ISSEMBLE OR WHEN CONGREGATING AMONG BRETHRENS OR OUTSIDE HER GATES..
DURING AN ISSEMBLY THE DAUGHTERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TEACHING OF THE CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE AMHARIC LANGUAGES,THE TEACHINGS OF HIS MAJESTY HAILE SELASSIE I, BLACK HISTORY AND OTHER ASPECTS OF RASTAFAR IVINE LIVETY.
WHEN THE NYAHBINGHI QUEENS BRINGS FORTH A PRINCE, SHE SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM AN ISSEMBLY FOR A PERIOD OF 3 MONTHS. IF SHE BRINGS A FORTH A PRINCESS, SHE SHOULD STAY AWAY FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR (4) MONTHS
THE WEARING OF JEWELERY IS NOT FORBIDDEN BUT THE PIERCING, ALONG WITH TATOOING OF BODY PARTS IS AGAINST THE WILL OF JAH. HOWEVER IF THERE ARE ONES WITH TATOO ,THEY SHOULD BE COVERED ,AND NO MORE ADDED
THE PLAITING OF LOCKS IS FORBIDDEN AS IT IS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF 1ST PETER 3 ,VERSE 3 “WHOSE ADORING LET IT NOT BE THAT OUTWARD ADORNING, LET IT NOT BE THAT OUTWARD ADORNING OF PLAITING OF THE HAIR”. .BLEACHNG IS ALSO FORBIDDEN.
IT IS ADVISABLE FOR THE NYAH BINGHI DAUGHTER TO HAVE SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITHIN HER ETHNIC GROUP,IF SHE CHOOSES TO DO OTHERWISE IT’S A PERSONAL CHOICE
THE USE OF FLESH, DRUGS, AND ALCOHOL& ALL HARMFUL PARTICLES OF FOOD MUST BE FORBIDDEN BY ALL.
NYAHBINGHI DAUGHTERS MUST BE NON-VIOLENT, NON ABUSIVE & AND NON-PARTISANT. SHE MUST BE FREE FROM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES FORSAKING WHOREDOM, ADULTERY, FONICATION & ALL SINFUL ACTS
THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE NYABINGHI ORDER
THE ADMINISTRATION’S AIM IS TO ENSURE THAT THE HUNGRY BE FED, THE NAKED CLOTHED, THE SICK NOURISHED, THE AGED PROTECTED AND THE INFANTS CARED FOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TEACHINGS OF HIS IVINE MAJESTY HAILE SELASSIE I.
THE ADMINISTRATORS ARE OF THE CONVICTION THAT A GOVERNMENT WITHOUT MONEY IS LIKE A BODY WITHOUT A SOUL.
THE ADMINISTRATORS ARE ALSO WATCHFUL FOR ANY INJUSTICES IN THE EARTH AGAINST RASTAFARI SONS AND DAUGHTERS AND ACTS ACCORDINGLY TO THE DECISION TAKEN BY THE ANCIENT COUNCIL AND THE CONGREGATION.
THE CONSTANT AGITATION FOR REPATRIATION AND LIBERATION IS ALSO THE ADMINISTRATORS RESPONSIBILITY AND THEY WILL KNOCK ON ANY DOOR TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS.
THE MOTTO OF THE NYAHBINGHI ORDER IS “ALL FOR ONE – ONE FOR ALL
WORKING IN THIS MANNER THERE WILL BE NO FAILURE.”
THE ADMINISTRATION CONSISTS OF:
• PRIESTHOOD
• COUNCIL OF ANCIENTS
• ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
• ILECT OF RECORDS
• ILECT OF TREASURY
• SISTERS COMMITTEE
• YOUTH COMMITTEE
• DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
• WELCOME COMMITTEE
THE PRIESTHOOD
THE PRIESTHOOD CONSISTS OF BRETHRENS WHO ARE WELL NURTURED IN THE IVINE LIVETY OF RASTAFARI AND HAVE LED EXEMPLARY LIVES IN THE SIGHT OF THE CONGREGATION AND OF THE ALMIGHTY. THE PRIEST LEAD THE CONGREGATION IN PRAYER AND MAINTAINS HARMONY IN REASONING SESSIONS,.THE PRIESTHOOD ARE LOOKED UPON FOR WISE DECISIONS, COUNCIL AND ARE KEY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NYAHBINGHI ORDER . THE SIGNATURE FROM THE PRIESTHOOD IS REQUIRED ON ALL COMMUNICATION SENT OUT FROM THE HOUSE.
THE ILECT OF RECORDS
THE ILECT OF RECORDS WRITES, RECEIVES AND ANSWERS LETTERS OF THE HOUSE WITH THE FINAL APPROVAL FROM THE ANCIENT COUNCIL AND CONGREGATION. THE ILECT OF RECORDS ALSO TAKES MINUTES OF MEETINGS AND DOCUMENTS IMPORTANT EVENTS WITHIN THE FUNCTIONS OF THE NYAHBINGHI ORDER. AT LEAST THREE BRETHRENS MUST BE CHOSEN TO ADMINISTRATE THIS OFICE AND THEY CAN CHOOSE ASSISTANTS, BE IT SONS OR DAUGHTERS. IF THERE IS A WORK LOAD. THE SIGNITURE OF THE ILECT OF RECORDS IS ATTACHED TO ALL COMMUNICATIONS.
THE ILECT OF TREASURY
THE ILECT OF TREASURY CONSISTS OF AT LEAST THREE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ORDER WHO ARE COMPETENT ENOUGH TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HOUSE FINANCES.
THE THREE REPRESENTATIVES OF THIS OFFICE WILL HAVE THEIR NAMES AFFIXED TO A BANK ACCOUNT WITH ANY TWO FROM THREE ABLE TO MAKE TRANSACTIONS WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE CONGREGATION AND THE COUNCIL OF ANCIENYS.
THE SIGNITURE OF THE ILECT OF TREASURY MUST ALSO BE ASSIGNED TO THE COMMUNICATION OF THE HOUSE.
THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT MUST BE INVOLVED IN FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES FOR THE HOUSE AND MAINTAIN A WRITTEN REPORT OF ALL FUNDS..
THE COUNCIL OF ANCIENTS.
COUNCIL OF ANCIENTS CONSISTS OF ANCIENT PATRIACH, MATRIACHS AND OTHER BRETHRENS AND SISTRENS OF THE HOUSE WHO HAVE MAINTAINED THE LIVITY OF RASTAFARI OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS.
THEIR DECISION IS ALWAYS REQUIRED AND WHERE THERE ARE DIFFERENCES OF OPINIONS THE COUNCIL IS CALLED UPON TO MAKE A RULING.
THE COUNCIL OF ANCIENTS FUNCTIONS AS THE GUARDIANS OF THE MOVEMENT AND THEIR DECISIONS ARE TREATED WITH GREAT RESPECT.
THE COUNCIL OF ANCIENTS TIME OF MEETING MUST NOT CONFLICT WITH THE MEETING OF THE GENERAL HOUSE AS THEIR PRESENCE IS ALSO REQUIRED.
THE WORKING COMMITTEE
THE WORKING COMMITTEE OF THE NYAHBINGHI ORDER CONSISTS OF BRETHRENS AND SISTRENS WHO VOLUNTEER TO WORK TOWARDS THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE NYAHBINGHI ORDER.
THE COMMITTEE ORGANIZES FUNDRAISING PROJECTS SUCH AS BANQUETS, ARTS AND CRAFTS, FARMING, TRADING AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS SEEN FIT BY THE COUNCIL OF ANCIENTS, WHO ARE NOTIFIED ALONG WITH THE CONGREGATION.
THE SISTERS’ COMMITTEE
THE SISTERS’ COUNCIL CONSISTS OF SISTRENS OF THE NYAHBINGHI ORDER OF RASTAFARI. THEY HOLD REASONING SESSIONS AND DISCUSS ISSUES AFFECTING RASTAFARI SISTERS, FAMILY LIFE, EDUCATION OF CHILDREN, HEALTH CARE AS WELL AS ANY OTHER ISSUES WORTHY OF BEING DISCUSSED AMONG THE FAMILY OF RASTAFARI.
THE SISTERS’ COUNCIL ALSO CONSISTS OF:
• CHAIRPERSONS
• ILECT OF RECOEDS
• ILECT OF TREASURY
THE ACCOUNT OF THE SISTERS COMMITTEE FOLLOWS THE SAME RULES FOR BANKING TRANSACTIONS, i.e. TWO (2) OF THREE (3) SIGNATURES.
THE SISTERS’ COUNCIL TIME OF MEETING MUST NOT CONFLICT WITH THE MEETING OF THE GENERAL HOUSE AS THEIR PRESENCE IS ALSO REQUIRED.
IF THE SISTERS’ COUNCIL AGREES UPON A PROJECT, VENTURES ETC. THEY MUST FIRST BRING THE MATTER TO THE ANCIENT COUNCIL AND THE CONGREGATION FOR APPROVAL.
THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THE ORDER WHO SEE TO IT THAT THE GUIDELINES ARE ADHERED TO ON ANY NYAHBINGHI GATHERINGS.
IF ANY INDIVIDUAL FAILS TO MAINTAIN HARMONY AND LOVE DURING THE DAYS OF THE NYAHBINGHI, THEN THE COMMITTEE WILL APPROACH SUCH INDIVIDUALS IN A QUEST FOR ONENESS.
IF SUCH INDIVIDUALS RESPOND NEGATIVELY, THEN THE MATTER IS BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL OF ANCIENTS WHICH WILL THEN MAKE A RULING ON SUCH INDIVIDUALS .
WITH THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE CONGREGATION, THE COMMITTEE NEVER RESPONDS VIOLENTLY BUT CARRIES OUT ITS DUTIES FIRMLY WITHOUT PARTIALITY.
IF THE MATTER IS OF A CRIMINAL NATURE THEN THE SECURITY FORCE IS CALLED UPON TO ACT.
THE WELCOMING COMMITTEE
THIS COMMITTEE IS CHARGED WITH THE DUTY OF ASSISTING BRETHRENS AND SISTRENS WHO VISIT A NYAHBINGHI FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT COMPRISES BRETHRENS AND SISTRENS WHO ARE WELL-KNOWN FOR TOLERANCE, HONESTY AND POLITENESS.
IF STRANGERS APPEAR THEN THE COMMITTEE WILL INVESTIGATE THEIR MOTIVES AND REPORT TO THE HOUSE WHICH WILL DECIDE WHETHER SUCH INDIVIDUAL STAY OR LEAVE
CONCERNING THE SANCTIFICATION OF CHILDREN
AFTER A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS THE NYAHBINGHI SON IS ABLE TO ATTEND HIS FIRST ISSEMBLE TO BE OFFERED UP TO THE MOST HIGH JAH RASTAFARI.
THE NYAHBINGHI DAUGHTER IS BROUGHT IN DURING OR AFTER THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF INFANCY.
BOTH MOTHER AND CHILD SHOULD ATTEND THE ISSEMBLE AS AT THIS PARENTS VOW TO GROW THEIR CHILDREN IN THE ORDER OF JAH RASTAFARI.
THE NYAHBINGHI PRIEST AS WELL AS THE CONGREGATION OFFER PRAYER AND CHANTS FOR THE ETERNAL GUIDANCE OF THE CHILDREN AND AT THIS TIME JAH MOTHER AND FATHER ARE CHOSEN TO HELP ALONG WITH THE UPBRINGING OF THE CHILDREN
A SANCTIFICATION CERTIFICATE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO PARENTS AFTER SANCTIFICATION BY THE ADMINISTRATORS.
LEGAL CERTIFICATION BY LAW SHOULD BE SOUGHT SO THAT SUCH A DOCUMENT WILL BE ADMISSABLE WHERE REQUIRED.
IF AFTER THE SANCTIFICATION OF SUCH CHILDREN, PARENTS SHOULD CUT THEIR LOCKS
THEN THEY WOULD HAVE BROKEN THE OATH OF SANCTIFICATION.THE COUNCIL OF ANCIENTS WOULD THEN INVESTIGATE THE MATTER TO FIND OUT THE REASON FOR SUCH VIOLATION.
RASTAFARI SONS AND DAUGHTERS MUST NOT GROW THEIR CHILDREN AS NON-
RASTAFARIANS AS THEY WILL BE HELD GUILTY OF SUCH WRONG DOING.
IF AFTER 18 YEARS OR WHEN THE CHILD LEAVES THE FAMILY HOME, HE/SHE DEPARTS FROM HIS COVENANT.THEN THE JUDGEMENT WILL NOT REST WITH THE PARENTS BUT UPON HIS OR HER OWN SHOULDER.
THE SANCTIFICATION
WHEN THE CHILD IS BROUGHT TO THE ISSEMBLE FOR SANCTIFICATION THE PRIEST OR
ANCIENTS OF THE HOUSE ARE NOTIFIED AND THE “HOUR” CHOSEN FOR SUCH SANCTIFICATION.
THE MOTHER AND FATHER OF THE CHILD WILL STAND TOGETHER WITH THE CHILD
WHILE THE PRIEST READS FROM THE HOLY SCRIPTURE, PASSAGES PERTAINING TO THE OCCASION. NAMELY:
• 1ST BOOK OF SAMUEL, CHAPTER 1-BIRTH OF SAMUEL
• JUDGES CHAPTER 13—BIRTH OF SAMSON
• PSALMS 127
AS THE PARENTS OF THESE CHILDREN MENTIONED IN THE ABOVE PASSAGES VOWED THAT THEY BE DREADLOCK FROM THE WOMB. THE PARENTS OF THE CHILDREN TO BE SANCTIFIED MUST DO THE SAME.
AFTER THE READING OF THE SCRIPTURE THE PARENTS THEN GIVE THE CHILD AND HIS/HER NAME TO THE PRIESTS WHILE THE ANCIENTS OF THE HOUSE GATHER AROUND THE HOLY ALTER OF THE TABERNACLE, AT THIS TIME NYAHBINGHI CHOIR BREAKS INTO SOLEMN CHANTS.
• THE MOTHER OF SALEM
• LITTLE CHILDREN
• CLAP YOUR TINY HANDS
• JAH GOT THE WHOLE WORLD
AND ANY OTHER CHANT BEFITTING THE OCCASION.
THE CHILD IS ANOINTED WITH OIL OF OLIVE, FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH ON THE HEAD AND FEET.
AS THESE SOLEMN CHANTS CONTINUE THE PRIEST MAKES KNOWN THE NAME OF THE CHILD TO THE CONGREGATION AND HE/SHE IS PASSED FROM ONE ANCIENTS TO ANOTHER WHO MOMENTARILY RECITES PRAYERS UNTO THE MOST HIGH JAH RASTAFARI EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE I, FOR THE GUIDANCE AND BLESSINGS OF THE CHILDREN.
AFTER ALL THE ANCIENTS PREPARE FOR THE OCCASION, ACCOMPLISH THE PRAYER AND BENEDICTION THEN “JAH MOTHERS AND FATHERS” WOULD IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AT THE REQUEST OF THE PRIEST.
THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IS MADE KNOWN TO THEM ENSURING THE SPIRITUAL/SOCIAL & EDUCATIONAL WELL BEING.
WHEN THERE IS MORE THAN ONE CHILD TO BE SANCTIFIED, THE SONS ARE DONE FOLLOWED BY THE DAUGHTERS.HERE THEN ANOTHER CHILD IS OFFERED UP ONTO THE MOST HIGH AND ALL THE CONGREGATION ASK FOR HIS/HER GUIDANCE AND BLESSING HENCEFORTH AND FOR IVERMORE.
HOUSE MEETINGS
THE NYAHBINGHI HOUSE (JAMAICA) MEETS EVERY FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH FOR GENERAL REASONING.
AT THESE MEETINGS VARIOUS TOPICS ARE DISCUSSED AND DECISIONS TAKEN.
THE MEETING IS OPENED WITH HOLA CHANTS AND PRAYERS BY THE PRIEST, FOLLOWED BY A SPEECH OF HIS MAJESTY ANDTHE OPENING REMARK BY THE CHAIR MAN
THIS IS FOLLOWED BY AN UPDATE BY THE ILECT OF RECORDS OF PAST REASONINGS, AFTER WHICH MATTERS ARISING FROM OLD AND NEW ISSUES ARE DISCUSSED.
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PRIESTHOOD, ILECTS OF RECORDS AND TREASURY MUST BE PRESENT AT THESE REASONINGS AND IF THERE IS A NEED FOR INTENSIVE PLANNERS AND WORK TO BE DONE, THEN THESE MEETINGS ARE HELD EVERY SUNDAY OR ANY OTHER SELECTED DAY.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HOUSE TREASURY ARE RECEIVED AT THESE MEETINGS AND THE HOUSE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISMISS OR DISALLOW ANY INDIVIDUAL FROM ATTENDING THESE MEETINGS.
DISCIPLINE, TOLERANCE AND OVERSTANDING MUST PREVAIL AT ALL TIMES TO ENSURE PERFECT HARMONY.
EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS AND HAVE THEIR OPINIONS HEARD AT THESE REASONINGS, WHICH ARE OPEN TO ALL SONS AND DAUGHTERS BUT ONE VOICE MUST BE HEARD AT ALL TIMES.
AS WORDS WITHOUT WORKS IS IN VAIN, THE FRUIT OF ALL REASONING MUST BE PROGRESSIVE WORK.
NYAHBINGHI CELEBRATIONS
THE NYAHBINGHI ORDER IN JAMAICA CELEBRATES THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:
1. JANUARY 7th ETHIOPIAN FEAST AT THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST
2. APRIL 21st VISIT OF H.I.M. EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE I TO
JAMAICA
3. MAY 25TH ALL AFRIKAN LIBERATION DAY
4. JUNE 16TH LEONARD P. HOWELL EARTHDAY
5. JULY 23RD BIRTH OF EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE I
6. SEPTEMBER 11TH ETHIOPIAN NEW YEAR
7. NOVEMBER 2ND CORONATION DAY
THESE DAYS ARE REVERED AS HOLA DAYS AND ARE FREE FROM COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES
OTHER CELEBRATIONS HONOURED BY THE HOUSE CAN TAKE THE FORM OF PUBLIC PROGRAMES IN PARKS OR COMMUNITY CENTRES. THESE INCLUDE:
1. THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY BLACK HISTORY MONTH
2. MAY 5TH ETHIOPIAN LIBERATION DAY
3. AUGUST 17TH BIRTH OF MARCUS GARVEY
4. APRIL 3rd EMPRESS MENEN EARTHDAY
THE NYAHBINGHI ORDER ALSO PARTICIPATES IN LECTURES ON RASTAFARI IN COLLEGES, SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES. TELEVISION AND RADIO PROGRAMMES IN ITS AIM OF SPREADING THE MESSAGE TO THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE EARTH. PARTICIPANTS IN THESE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES ARE CHOSEN BY THE HOUSE TO ENSURE THAT THE RIGHT INFORMATION IS DISSEMINATED.
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