Omega Psi Phi Ritual Flashcards

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity - Key Principles and Symbols

• The 10 Basic Tents of Omega Life include fraternity as a way of life, emphasizing discretion, faith, obedience, endurance, courage, and friendship.
• Unselfish living is highlighted as a precious ideal for all humanity.
• The Hymn of Courage encapsulates spiritual unity: "Blessed be the tie that binds."
• The 20 Pearls represent the fraternity’s values, including friendship, respect, truth, perseverance, and scholarship.

Founders and Principles

• Founded by Doctor Ernest Everett Just, Bishop Edgar Amos Love, Doctor Oscar James Cooper, and Professor Frank Charles Coleman.
• Cardinal Principles include manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and upliftment alongside five tests: discretion, faith, obedience, endurance, and courage.

Essential Teachings

• Life is a series of honorable projects; true Omega men engage only in honorable endeavors.
• Discretion is essential to ensure no innocent person is harmed by fraternity activities.
• Discretion requires awareness of limitations and capabilities, focusing on honoring the fraternity’s values.

Ritual Significance

• The phrase "From the outer chamber of darkness into the Shekinah of light of Omega" marks the transition into fraternity life.
• Members seek to gain knowledge of Omega, learn traditions, and pledge allegiance to its cause.
• The moving finger symbolizes the permanence of actions, which cannot be changed or undone.

Friendship and Brotherhood

• The friendship links all individuals, regardless of their station in life, akin to the bond of David and Jonathan.
• Joining Omega Psi Phi means accepting the fatherhood of God and universal brotherhood.
• The fraternity emphasizes the significance of self-sacrifice and support among members.

Fraternity Symbols

• The Lamp symbolizes knowledge and scholarship, meant to shine light in dark places.
• The Mailed Glove signifies fraternity and camaraderie, representing light, life, and love.
• The Star encourages lofty aspirations and embodies the motto "Ad Astra per Aspera."
• The Helmet protects fraternity ideals, with a visor that remains closed against contradictory beliefs.
• The Wreath of Laurel and its 298 leaves signify excellence with a bond connecting living and deceased members.

Historical Stories

• The story of Damon and Pythias illustrates loyalty and self-sacrifice, while David and Jonathan exemplifies enduring friendship.
• Rev. James Burrows, a former slave, became a significant figure exemplifying perseverance and dedication to faith.

Spiritual Foundations

• Central oaths emphasize a commitment to the fraternity in the presence of God and community.
• Faith serves as the foundation for various structures in society, including homes and schools.

Brotherhood and Responsibilities

• True friendship requires forgiveness, patience, and often personal sacrifice.
• The fraternity's mission includes fostering Christian manhood and scholarly achievement, dictating duties among its members.
• Penalties for disloyalty include loss of abilities and human connections.

More on Omega's Rituals

• Unwritten Laws protect womanhood and fraternity's sacred symbols and practices.
• The fraternity upholds cooperation, initiative, and loyalty among pledges.
• The Lamp Chant invokes fraternity ideals and unity during gatherings.

Challenges in Brotherhood

• Barriers such as self-conceit and class distinctions are actively worked against within the fraternity.
• The fraternity represents three vital tenets: friendship, comradeship, and scholarship.
• Key speaking principles for Omega men include sober judgment, methodical thinking, and true devotion.

Test your knowledge of the 10 Basic Tenets of Omega Psi Phi and the significance of unselfish living within the fraternity. These flashcards will help reinforce the values and principles that guide members in their journey. Perfect for pledges and active members alike.