R.S.A.A. · 33° · Italia

Grand Council of the A.A.S.R.

A Ritual Body presided over by the Sovereign Grand Commander and composed of the Brothers awarded the 33rd degree.

Ritual nature

The summit of the Scottish ritual pyramid

The Grand Council is a Ritual Body of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. It is presided over by the Sovereign Grand Commander and composed of all Brothers awarded the 33rd degree, arranged according to their respective functions and prerogatives.

Its mission is to preserve initiatic continuity, ensure the regularity of ritual transmission and provide unity of direction in relations with dependent Bodies, Masonic Powers and Profane Authorities.

Lodge of Jerusalem - Delegazione Italiana

Deus Meumque Jus · Ordo ab Chao

The Italian Grand Council logo is placed above; beneath it, the red emblem of the Lodge of Jerusalem - Italian Delegation.

Composition

The Brothers of the 33rd degree

33°

Active Members

Brothers who participate fully in the sovereign and deliberative life of the Supreme Council.

33°

Emeritus Members

Brothers who, by seniority and merit, preserve experience, memory and continuity.

33°

Free Members

Brothers of the 33rd degree called to participate in ordinary works according to the rules of the Ritual Body.

33°

Members of the Honor Roll

Brothers recognised for special dignity, service or merit in the life of the Jurisdiction.

Convents

Sovereign and Ordinary Convents

The meetings of the Supreme Council are called Convents and are divided into Sovereign and Ordinary. Active Members and Emeritus Members participate in Sovereign Convents; Free Members and Members of the Honor Roll also participate in Ordinary Convents.

In Sovereign Convents, decisions are taken concerning legislation, administration, discipline, ritual, relations with other Masonic Powers and relations with Profane Authorities.

Sovereign ConventLegislative, administrative, disciplinary, ritual and institutional decisions.
Ordinary ConventConstitution or dissolution of dependent Bodies, regional matters and investiture ceremonies for the 33rd degree.
Sovereign Grand Commander

Representation, ritual governance and responsibility

The Sovereign Grand Commander represents the summit of the Scottish Ritual Pyramid and is the legal representative of the Italian Masonic Jurisdiction. He is elected, like the other Grand Dignitaries, by the Supreme Council in Sovereign Convent.

The term of office is eight years, with the possibility of only one re-election. He convenes and presides over the Supreme Council, the Administrative Council and all Commissions, signing official acts, Decrees, Degree Patents and Bulls.

He may grant motu proprio increases in Light up to and including the 30th degree. In the event of temporary impediment, all his functions are assumed by the Lieutenant Sovereign Grand Commander.

Eight-year mandate

The mandate expresses stability, responsibility and continuity in the ritual guidance of the Jurisdiction.

One re-election only

This principle ensures balance between continuity and institutional renewal.

Lieutenant

In the event of impediment, the Lieutenant Sovereign Grand Commander assumes all designated functions.

Ritual pyramid

From symbolic work to the supreme degrees

I–III

Symbolic degrees

Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, Master Mason: foundation of Masonic work.

IV–XIV

Degrees of perfection

Moral, symbolic and ritual deepening of the initiatic path.

XV–XVIII

Chapter degrees

The chivalric, sapiential and spiritual heart of the Rite.

XIX–XXX

Areopagitic degrees

Study, responsibility and refinement of conscience.

XXXI–XXXIII

Supreme degrees

Service, custody and responsibility toward the Communion.

“The 33rd degree is not a privilege, but a responsibility of custody, discipline and service to Tradition.”R.S.A.A. · A.A.S.R.