How to become a Freemason
The Grand Lodge of Armenia is a traditional initiatory Brotherhood.
To become a Freemason, each member swears to uphold the Masonic values and strictly observe the inviolable laws of regularity recognized by Grand Lodges around the world. The Grand Lodge of Armenia is acknowledged by many recognized Grand Lodges worldwide.
Becoming a Freemason means entering a deep and selfless brotherhood, working for the glory of the Great Architect of the Universe. This calling embodies spirituality while allowing the unity of all religious beliefs in mutual love. It is a place where people meet who would never otherwise have had the chance to know one another—a professor of medicine or philosophy, a builder, an engineer, a writer, an insurance agent, a lawyer, a pianist, a businessman… All call one another: “My Brother.”
The Door of the Lodge, Which One Knocks Upon
“Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (New Testament, Matthew 7:7) This passage perfectly aligns with the Masonic path of inspiration, which begins with the simple gesture of a candidate “knocking on the Lodge door,” often by meeting a Freemason or reading a book. This opening door leads to many other doors, gradually revealed throughout a lifetime of Masonic devotion.
It opens the doors to preconceived ideas, prejudices, and habitual convictions. Facing the Lodge’s door means leaving behind the work of everyday life and engaging with philosophy and various fields united by the goal of inner self-knowledge—sociology, mathematics, anthropology, musicology, theology, and more generally, the liberal arts. No door is required to be opened; each candidate discovers their own path.
Becoming a Freemason means accepting the invitation to face the doors of the Universe’s harmonious principles. Each person finds their own way.
Admission to the Grand Lodge of Armenia
The initiative to join rests with each Lodge. The Lodge is sovereign in matters of initiation. The admission ceremony, often called the initiation, is a rich and complex performance. Its purpose, often repeated throughout Masonic life, is to awaken and preserve the inner awakening of the candidate.
The initiation ceremony is a gift that all members of the Lodge give to the person who joins and becomes their Brother. Receiving initiation is, in this sense, a privilege—a profoundly powerful experience.
To be admitted, one must be free, morally upright, and have a sponsor (a “Godfather”). The sponsor vouches for the candidate before all the Brothers. The candidate also undergoes a few preliminary conversations to ensure their moral integrity and genuine motivation to become a Free Freemason.
How does one find a sponsor if they do not know any Freemasons in the Grand Lodge of Armenia?
Some individuals interested in Freemasonry, without knowing anyone in the Lodge, sometimes wish to compare different obediences before making a choice. After brief contact with the Central Secretariat via phone or email, these candidates are referred to an experienced Brother who guides them to suitable persons or Lodges to provide further information and, if necessary, sponsorship.
How can one cease to be a Freemason?
A Freemason has the right to voluntarily resign at any time, without needing to provide a reason. A person may also be removed from the Order for violating the Grand Lodge’s rules, which they freely accepted upon joining. This constitutes disciplinary action in the case of dishonorable conduct in private life or a clear violation of Masonic principles.
Joining Freemasonry
To become a Freemason
It is necessary to submit a written application to the Lodge of the Brotherhood, have one sponsor, and be at least 21 years old. There are two main requirements: to be “born free, healthy in body and mind, and of upright conduct.” The first condition, in today’s world, is somewhat outdated but has preserved its symbolic value as a sign of free will. The second is strictly moral in nature, requiring honesty, sincerity, and exemplary behavior.
Joining Freemasonry is a process consisting of three stages. Each stage ends with a vote by the members of the respective Lodge. Only a candidate who receives positive votes in all three stages can be admitted to the Grand Lodge.
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