Convocation

The Convocation is the formal convening address delivered by the Primate at the start of an aut in the Mynster at the Concent of Saunt Edhar. It is intoned to assemble the community and frame the grounds for the action to follow, after which the specific aut is named (for example, Anathem or Voco).

First Appearance and Context

During a major, bell‑announced gathering in the Mynster at Saunt Edhar, the Primate Statho “intoned the Convocation” before the aut was pronounced. The address ran at some length, with measured pauses as though consulting notes or gathering force, and immediately preceded the naming of the rite as Anathem.

Roles and Conduct

• Convening function: Signals that the assembly is formally in session and prepares the community to hear the aut itself.
• Officiant: Delivered by the Primate, whose voice is carried up through the well of the Mynster.
• Order of service: Follows the distinctive bell changes that summon the community; precedes the moment when the aut is named and enacted.

Relationships and Distinctions

• Relation to auts: The Convocation stands as the preface to rare, named rites such as Voco and Anathem.
• Not to be confused with the Invocation, a separate, traditional text used during Apert; the Convocation is tied specifically to an aut and functions as its formal preamble.

Descriptions and Tone

• Delivery: Solemn, formal intonation; can be lengthy, and structured to build toward the declaration of the rite.
• Setting: Spoken from within the Mynster to the gathered avout; the chamber is typically silent until the aut is named, after which strong reactions may follow depending on the rite.

Current Status

The Convocation remains in use at Saunt Edhar as the Primate’s formal preamble to named auts. In the observed instance noted above, it immediately preceded the pronouncement of Anathem.