Coronation of the Imperator

The Coronation of the Imperator (Caphiric Latin: Adsequela) is the official ceremony in which the Imperator of Caphiria is formally confirmed, crowned, and enthroned as the monarch of the Imperium of Caphiria.

The coronation is a symbolic formality and does not signify the official beginning of the Imperator's reign; de jure and de facto their reign commences from the moment of the preceding Imperator's death, maintaining the legal continuity of the state. While Caphiria's rulers have had coronation rituals going back to the First Imperium, the modern ceremony traces its origin to Imperator Șerossaccir in the late 13th century. After the Great Schism of 1615, the coronation evolved into a complex religious act of consecration involving rites and rituals that took place in other Christian monarchies.

The coronation usually takes place in March following the accession, a tradition going back since the 14th century. This gap gives the planners enough time to complete the elaborate arrangements required - such as retrieving the coronation regalia and other crown jewels. The coronation takes place at Saint Paugenia's Cathedral in Venceia and is led by the Prime Minister. Other magistrates - such as the First Tribune and Senate President, and members of the aristocracy also have roles; most participants in the ceremony are required to wear ceremonial uniforms or robes and coronets. The most senior official of the Caphiric Church - the Patriarch of Venceia and All Sarpedon, is responsible for the consecration, anointment, and conferrement. Many other government officials and guests attend, including representatives of other countries.

There are four major phases of the coronation: the Consecrations, the Recognitions, the Anointment, and the Crowning and Enthronement.

Preparations

The coronation of the Imperator is one of the most significant and elaborate events in Caphiria, and it requires extensive preparation and planning to ensure that it runs smoothly. The preparations for the coronation begin several months in advance, as soon as the death of the previous Imperator is confirmed.

The Organizing Committee for the Coronation of the Imperator (OC)- also known as the perennis consociatio, is responsible for every aspect of the coronation, from the invitations to the event, to the decorations, catering, and security. The committee is headed by the Prime Minister, and it includes a wide range of officials, including representatives from the church, the military, and the aristocracy. The committee divides the tasks into different sub-committees, each responsible for a specific aspect of the coronation. The committee's work requires extensive communication and collaboration among its members, as well as with other government agencies and external stakeholders. To ensure the smooth execution of the ceremony, the committee typically meets regularly to discuss the progress of its various tasks and to make any necessary adjustments to the plan.

The Organizing Committee is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Inviting foreign dignitaries and organizing accommodations for them
• Coordinating with the Caphiric Church to arrange the liturgy and other religious aspects of the ceremony
• Organizing the transportation of the crown jewels, regalia and other items necessary for the coronation
• Designing and overseeing the construction of the platform on which the coronation will take place
• Arranging security for the event, including police and military personnel
• Coordinating with the media to ensure proper coverage of the event
• Planning the coronation triumph and other related events

Invitations and accommodations

The invitations for the coronation of the Imperator of Caphiria are highly formal and unique, often tailored to reflect the relationship between Caphiria and the invited person or country. These invitations are usually crafted by hand and are considered works of art in their own right. The Organizing Committee is responsible for creating the guest list and determining who will be invited to the coronation. They take into account diplomatic relations, historical alliances, and other factors when making these decisions. Once the guest list is finalized, the invitations are carefully crafted to reflect the importance of the event and the relationship between Caphiria and the invited guests.

The design of the invitations can vary widely depending on the intended recipient. For example, an invitation sent to a neighboring country may feature elements of that country's flag or other symbols, while an invitation sent to a longtime ally might incorporate elements of that country's coat of arms. The invitations are often embellished with gold leaf, fine calligraphy, and other decorative elements. The invitations are then delivered by hand to the intended recipients. This is typically done by a member of the Caphirian diplomatic corps or by a special envoy appointed by the Imperator. The delivery of the invitation is often accompanied by a formal message from the Imperator or other high-ranking officials, expressing Caphiria's desire for the recipient's presence at the coronation.

The Organizing Committee is also responsible for arranging accommodations for guests and participants. The state covers all expenses related to the coronation, including accommodations, transportation, and meals for all dignitaries and attendees. The committee works closely with local hotels to reserve a large block of rooms and arrange transportation to and from the coronation venue.

The quality and location of the accommodations depend on the status of the guests. High-ranking officials, such as foreign dignitaries and members of the aristocracy, are typically given the best rooms in the most luxurious hotels, while lower-ranking officials and other attendees are given more modest accommodations. In addition to arranging accommodations, the committee is also responsible for providing meals and refreshments for guests throughout the duration of their stay. This includes meals at local restaurants and catered events, as well as refreshments and snacks during the coronation ceremony itself. The committee also ensures that all necessary transportation is provided for guests, including airport transfers, shuttles to and from the coronation venue, and any other necessary transportation during their stay. The state may also provide additional activities and excursions for guests to enjoy during their visit.

Church preparations

As a significant event in Caphiric Catholicism, the coronation involves numerous liturgical elements that must be arranged and executed with precision. The OC and the Caphiric Church collaborate on many aspects of the liturgy, including the selection of the readings and prayers, the music, and the ceremonial actions of the clergy. In addition to the liturgy, the OC and the Caphiric Church also work together to prepare for the use of sacred ash during the ceremony. Sacred ash, created by the burning of consecrated hosts during the liturgy, is a significant part of Caphiric Catholicism and is used in the coronation to symbolize the blessing of the new Imperator. Additionally, the Caphiric Church designs and works on a variety of liturgical items and vestments specifically for the ceremony. The Church's liturgical designs are guided by the Caphiric Rite and often incorporate various elements from the Old Testament as well as from Christian tradition. These items are designed to reflect the rich history and symbolism of Caphiric Catholicism and the personal style of the Imperator.

The Church also designs and prepares the vestments worn by the clergy and other participants in the coronation liturgy, which are used exclusively for the coronation of an Imperator. These coronational vestments are made from the finest materials and adorned with the most precious gems and metals, reflecting the high status and importance of the occasion. The clergy members involved in the coronation, such as priests and deacons, wear vestments that are similar in style to those worn during a typical Caphiric liturgy, but made of silk or other fine materials, and are decorated with gold thread embroidery and jewels. The vestments for the Patriarch of Caphiria, who presides over the coronation ceremony, are typically a red and gold chasuble, which is a long sleeveless outer garment, decorated with gold thread embroidery and red gems. The Patriarch also wears a mitre, which is a type of headdress, typically made of gold and adorned with jewels. The vestments worn by the Imperator for the anointment are traditionally made of white and gold silk, symbolizing purity and wealth, respectively. The vestments are adorned with gems such as rubies and sapphires, as well as pearls and gold thread embroidery.

In addition to the vestments, various liturgical items are also used during the coronation: the Caphiric Breastplate, with its nine stones and matrix of words symbolizing the Trinity, is placed on the Imperator during the ceremony. The sacred Ash, which is a substance made from the burning of consecrated hosts during the liturgy, is also used during the coronation, placed on the Imperator's arm, chest, and head as a symbol of God's presence and blessing. The Patriarch of Caphiria uses a crozier, which is a staff with a curved top, as a symbol of his authority during the ceremony. The ceremony also involves the use of incense and candles, as is typical in Caphiric liturgy.