Zurvanism in Zeed

The distinctly Babkhan ethno-religion of Zurvanism and its presence in the Union is a vast theological field. There are three primary sects of Zurvanism within the nation, the Old Zurvanists, Ruthenian Orthodoxy and Khelwesites. Each hold anything from slightly differing to very stark differences on certain doctrines.

Zurvanism Today

Ḡur and Malirusenia are the two dominantly Old Zurvanist republics within the Union. Due to the heritage of Zeed, Zurvanist temples of worship - Ziggurats - can be found throughout the entire country and enjoy attendance by nearly all members of the population. Ruthenian Orthodoxy itself is a sect of Zurvanism practiced by ethnic Ruthenians. More traditional forms of Zurvanism are, however, usually seen in Ḡur and Malirusenia - sometimes leading to points of mild disagreement as to what "true Orthodoxy" is. It is generally considered, though, that the belief in Zurvan, the Radiant Sun, a Harmonious Society and the unification of Eura is nothing to disagree about beyond a mild case of fisticuffs.

Ruthenian Orthodoxy

Ruthenian Orthodoxy is considered by many to be a relatively passive sect of Zurvanism. "Ruthenian Orthodox know that all should see the light of Zurvan, Old Zurvanists believe that all must see his light and Khelwesites are going to bring Zurvan to you by sword." - is a very common axiom in Zeed to describe the differences between the three sects. Ruthenian Orthodox believe primarily that the will of Zurvan will be done, sometimes through mysterious and indirect means. A case in point is the statements of Bishop Yevgeny Bondar - Bishop of Rusjar,

No matter what happens - or how it happens - eventually it all leads to what Zurvan intends for his chosen people: the people of Eura. Just as the church upheld the monarchy, the church shall uphold the revolution. It is the natural progression of things in His Radiant Light's grand design for his people. We shall all prosper knowing we are his children and that though we may be wayward at times, to the light we all return.

—Bishop Yevgeny Bondar, 1689

The Bishop went on further to explain that when those of the Orthodox sect see the need to utilize the "sword" in ensuring a Harmonious society, that the basis of that society itself is a core concept of Zurvanism - but the Ruthenian Orthodox only act when the faith and society is threatened.

Khelwesite Doctrine

Khelwesite Doctrine (lit. Purist) in Zeed is an ultra-conservative branch of Babkhan Orthodoxy, the Harmonious Society and Zurvanist philosophies. Considered to be founded from the teachings of Zand Gozar, an old Shahanshah of the Kingdom of Babkha. Through his discussions on Orthodoxy with the Emirs of Sajin and Raspur, many of the ultra-conservative doctrines of Khelwesite Zurvanism were hashed out. It was through their interpretation and, ultimately, the codification of these discussions into guiding scriptures, that this branch of Zurvanism was born.

Born of the blinding light of Zurvan, as Shah, I am the eternal Lord of the Radiant Sun. Where the glory of the Shah gazes, so do the patriotic and orthodox respond

Through repentance and prostration to Our Radiant Sun, Zurvan's true regent upon Eura, all shall prosper under the tenants of rightly guided Orthodox society

Such is the power of the Babak throne, that only those who prostrate will see the truth and the light of the eternal glory

Silence. I will speak. The power of the throne is eternal and a symbol of the blessing handed down from glory everlasting. Go forth and be the barrer of that power. Strike enemies before you, and take their gains. Destroy in the name of my glory. Press your boot upon the throat of the weak, and demand their compliance to our empire. You are now the barer of my colours, succeed and your reward will be Emir of Micras, fail, and you will be forced to pay the bar tab.

—Sample of Gozaric Scriptures, ~