{"id":471,"date":"2024-11-24T19:02:59","date_gmt":"2024-11-24T19:02:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nglgreece.org\/?page_id=471"},"modified":"2024-11-24T19:07:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-24T19:07:00","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nglgreece.org\/en\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFreemasonry is an ancient and global philosophical system that focuses on moral cultivation and personal improvement. Its principles are based on the use of symbols and traditions that promote self-awareness, solidarity, and brotherhood.<br\/><br\/>\n\nIt is neither a religion nor a political organization. Instead, it is a community of individuals who believe in the value of spiritual exploration, dialogue, and mutual understanding. Its goal is to help its members develop their virtues and promote good in society.\n<br\/><br\/>\nFreemasonry, through its teachings, reinforces truth, justice and freedom, while promoting the concept of universal brotherhood, regardless of religion, nationality or social class.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSecrecy in Freemasonry has often been misunderstood. It does not involve the concealment of some \"secret knowledge\", but protects the private nature of the rituals and the binding nature of each member's personal experience.<br\/><br\/>\n\nSecrecy serves as a means of self-concentration and spiritual reflection. The rituals of the Lodges are not merely symbolic acts but tools for strengthening moral values and self-improvement.<br\/><br\/>\n\nIn addition, secrecy offers a safe space for members to develop their personalities without external interference or criticism. It is important to note that the principles and values of Freemasonry are known and available to all, and many of the activities of Masonic Lodges are public.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAny adult male who has a good moral reputation, respects human life and believes in a Higher Being may apply for membership.<br\/><br\/>\n\nThere are no distinctions based on religion, nationality, or social class. On the contrary, Freemasonry encourages diversity, viewing it as a source of wealth and learning.<br\/><br\/>\n\nThe process for membership is transparent and involves the submission of an application, an interview with Lodge members and, if approved, admission through a ritualistic process. This process is not intended to exclude but to ensure that the new member shares the values of the Fraternity.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFreemasonry works for the moral improvement of the individual and society. Its aim is to develop virtues, cultivate self-awareness and promote solidarity between people.<br\/><br\/>\n\nThrough teachings and symbolic acts, members are encouraged to seek truth, confront their passions, and serve the greater good. At the same time, philanthropy and assistance to others are promoted, either through organized initiatives or individual efforts.<br\/><br\/>\n\nParticipation in a Masonic circle is not limited to meetings and rituals, but also includes actions aimed at improving society, such as charitable projects and educational initiatives.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo, Freemasonry does not get involved in or influence political affairs or conflicts. It is strictly neutral and prohibits any political or religious discussion during meetings.<br\/><br\/>\n\nFreemasons are encouraged to be active citizens, respecting the laws of their country and contributing positively to society. However, personal political or religious beliefs remain outside the Masonic framework.<br\/><br\/>\n\nThe purpose of Freemasonry is not to change social structures, but to form better people who, through their personal integrity, will be able to contribute to society.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe National Grand Lodge of Greece has been recognized by many Regular Grand Lodges around the world. Through these relationships, global brotherhood and cooperation is strengthened.<br\/><br\/>\n\nThis recognition is based on the preservation of the Canon Principles and adherence to international Masonic traditions. These relationships allow for the exchange of views and participation in global Masonic activities, strengthening the position of the NMS in the global Masonic movement.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe history of Freemasonry is deeply rooted in the traditions and ideals that have evolved over the centuries. The first organized lodges appeared in England in the 17th century, although the symbolic elements of Freemasonry derive from the medieval guild movements of the builders.<br\/><br\/>\n\nIn Greece, Freemasonry has a presence dating back to the 18th century. The first lodge was founded in the Ionian Islands, and the tradition continued and expanded after the Greek Revolution. The National Grand Lodge of Greece was founded in 1986 and continues to operate on the basis of the Canonical Principles of Universal Freemasonry.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo, Freemasonry is not a religion. Although it requires its members to believe in a Supreme Being, it does not engage in religious doctrines or practices.<br\/><br\/>\n\nOn the contrary, it respects all religions and recognises the importance of spirituality for each individual. Freemasonry seeks to act as a space for dialogue and understanding, bringing together people from different cultural and religious backgrounds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo, Freemasonry is not a \"secret society\". It is an organisation with specific principles and structures, known and publicly accessible.<br\/><br\/>\n\nThe use of secrecy applies only to its rituals and the preservation of members\u2019 personal experiences. This ensures the seriousness and spiritual significance of Masonic teachings.<br\/><br\/>\n\nIn addition, many of the activities of the National Grand Lodge of Greece, such as charity projects, are open to the public.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFreemasonry has played an important role in shaping values such as freedom, justice and solidarity. Its members are encouraged to participate actively in social life, helping their fellow human beings and promoting progress.\n<br\/><br\/>\nThe National Grand Lodge of Greece supports charitable organizations, develops cultural initiatives and promotes moral cultivation through the teaching and practical application of its values.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nParticipation in Freemasonry offers its members the opportunity to develop as individuals and as citizens. Members find a safe space to seek truth, cultivate their virtues, and build relationships of trust and cooperation.<br\/><br\/>\n\nThrough participation in rituals, discussions and joint activities, members gain a new perspective on life, improve their character and actively contribute to shaping a better society.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you wish to learn more about Freemasonry and the National Grand Lodge of Greece, you can fill in the contact form on our official website, which is located in the \"Contact\" menu, or contact our Secretariat by email: <a href=\"mailto:grand.secretary@nglgreece.gr\">grand.secretary@nglgreece.gr<\/a>, We will be delighted to answer your questions and provide you with more information about our principles and activities.","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-471","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nglgreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/471","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nglgreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nglgreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nglgreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nglgreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=471"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/nglgreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/471\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":501,"href":"https:\/\/nglgreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/471\/revisions\/501"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nglgreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=471"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}