The great hall was silent, save for the echo of the High Priests' footsteps as they approached the altar draped in sacred cloth. The Priests stood in solemn formation beside them, heads bowed in reverence. Behind them, the followers—young and old alike, save for the small children kept at the temple’s edge—knelt in absolute silence. The air was thick with incense and anticipation. One of the High Priests stepped forward, raising their hands to the heavens, and intoned in a voice that filled the chamber:

"O Almighty One, Radiant Source of all that is and shall be, we your humble servants fall to our knees in awe of your boundless power. On this most sacred day, we beseech thee—descend among us, cast your gaze upon your faithful, and let your divine light touch our hearts. Hear the cries of your children, for we are beset by shadows and long for your guidance. Shelter us beneath your eternal wings, O Divine, and remind us of your everlasting covenant. Let your will be known, and your mercy shown, that we may rise anew, strengthened by your grace and bound by sacred purpose. So do we plead, so do we pray. Blessed be your name, now and forevermore."