The Greater Sapelah is a purification rite that begins on the 14th of each month and is undertaken only by priests above the rank of Esolani. For four days, the priests seclude themselves (as much as practical) to fast, meditate, and pray, while maintaining silence. During the rite, they perform only essential tasks, such as tending to the most seriously ill patients in their hospital. All other functions are performed by Esolani. On the third day of the Ceremony, the 16th day of the month, the priests gather in the hall of ritual for sixteen hours of silent prayer. On the last day of the Ceremony they gather again for four hours of meditation. Reslava also partake of the Purification Ceremony, arranging to visit a temple during the appropriate days whenever practical.
A special Purification Ceremony is held in the first month of each season. This Greater Sapeleh is followed by the “Turning”, a special rite open to the Esolani. The priests disgard their garb in a heap before the altar. One robe is selected from the pile and ceremonially burned (the rest are laundered and put away for next year). After the burning, the priests are called, in turn, by the Pelnala who gifts them with clean robes. Clerics of Peoni wear a different hue in each season. At this time, insignia of office/promotion are also distributed. The Pelnala praises those who have served particularly well during the preceding quarter. The Turning is symbolic of renewal and the casting off of earthly impurities. It concludes with hymns of praise to the season ending and the season beginning.
Greater Sapelah (Purification Ritual)
Day 14-17