GAMMA EPSILON: THE
ALTERNATIVE FRATERNITY IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
This
presentation provides an introduction to Gamma Epsilon Fraternity and Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority, one of the oldest fraternities
and sororities in the Philippines, and is intended for those persons interested
in joining it or who have a general interest in the subject. Although it concentrates on the Phi Kappa Chapter, Calbayog City,
Western Samar, it makes a good introduction to Gamma Epsilon Family in general.
Definition
of Fraternity and Sorority
Fra`terŽni`ty
Noun
1. The state or quality of being fraternal or brotherly; brotherhood.
2. A special bond of college men and or professionals with common interest. They often have secret initiation rites,
and are named by the use of two or three Greek letters.
So`roŽri`ty
Noun
1. The state or quality of
being sisterly; sisterhood.
2. A special bond of college
women and or professionals with common interest. They also often have secret initiation rites just like the fraternity, and
are also named by the use of two or three Greek letters.
The
Origin of Fraternities and the Birth of Gamma Epsilon
Some
people believe fraternities traced their roots to the oldest fraternal organization in the world, the Freemasonry. No one
knows just how old it is because the actual origins have been lost in time. Probably, it arose from the guilds of stonemasons
who built the castles and cathedrals of the Middle Ages. Possibly, they were influenced by the Knights Templar, a group of
Christian warrior monks formed in 1118 to help protect pilgrims making trips to the Holy Land.
The
origin of having organizational secret rites and other confidential activities are strongly said to be first practiced by
the Masons and was adopted later on by societies on the early part of the 1700s although some declined after the first attempt
of their founders, it was revived on the 1800s with more deliberate activities. This was the time of the pioneers of what
is better known now a days as “fraternities and sororities”.
Similar
to the above-mentioned subject, fraternities and sororities have their own secret rites, rituals, cultures and traditions
not usually practiced by other organizations. The unique practices of these groups were passionately planned, done and preserved
by its members and inherited by each and every generation. This is the reason why groups like these are still existing and
still playing its active role in their different communities up to this date.
On
1963, Filipino students from the Royal Pontiphic University of Sto. Tomas in Manila
created a formal organization called Gamma Epsilon Fraternity, a service fraternity with the ultimate purpose that is to lend
a helping hand to the needy fellow Filipinos. The turbulent times of 60s triggered these young nationalistic gentlemen to
form their own brotherhood anchored by the three major principles: Courtesy, Obedience and Truthfulness. Since then, Gamma
Epsilon has spread throughout the archipelago paving the way towards the creation of Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority on 1966.
In
the 70's, the first chapter of Gamma Epsilon and Gamma Lambda Epsilon outside the country was established at the Central
University of Madrid, Spain. Next came the opening of Gamma Epsilon and Gamma Lambda Epsilon chapters at the University of Honolulu and University of Canada. Presently, there are
also chapters chartered at Cholalonkorn University
in Bangkok, Thailand, and in different colleges
and universities in California, USA and
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Gamma
Epsilon was one of the active organizations participated during the People Power Revolution, which was a very significant
event happened in the Philippine history that led to the freedom of the Filipinos against the inhuman administration of the
late President Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator. Until now, this growing family of Gamma Epsilon is still active in
different community service activities, sports, advocacy, and other related activities that are vital in nation building.
Gamma
Epsilon is a proud Filipino made organization and that we should give our valuable support as Filipinos as it takes the challenge
to produce more Filipino leaders in the arena of global competition.
What is Gamma Epsilon Fraternity and Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority?
One
of the oldest fraternities and sororities in the Philippines dedicated
to Friendship, Leadership, Morality, Service and Brotherly/Sisterly love that propagated throughout the Philippines and abroad. This organization extended its membership
through times from college individuals to professionals who are now active nation builders of our country.
It
is NOT...
A
Religion - although to become an Epsilonian, a man must believe in a supreme being.
A
Charity - even though Epsilonians contribute considerably to worthwhile charities.
A
Subversive Organization - an Epsilonian must be a peaceful, law abiding citizen.
A
Political Party or Action Group - although you will find prominent Epsilonians leading our government.
A
Gang - although most gangs trace their roots back to fraternities.
Neither
interferes with religion or politics. Gamma Epsilon & Gamma Lambda Epsilon strives to teach a man the duty he owes to
his God, his neighbor, and himself.
What do Epsilonians do?
Enjoy
Brotherhood and Sisterhood - through social functions and group activities.
Build
their lives and character - just as a carpenter builds a house.
Quietly
volunteer considerable time and money to Charities - through foundations and other institutions like Girl Scouts,
Boy Scouts, Red Cross, community ministries, College scholarships, and neighborhood youth sports teams. Epsilonians also
lend a helping hand to others who are less fortunate; e.g., victims of disasters, the handicapped, widows, orphans, and the
elderly.
What do Epsilonians believe?
Although
Gamma Epsilon & Gamma Lambda Epsilon recognizes each man is different, there are certain traits all Epsilonians have
in common:
1. Epsilonians
believe in the existence of God. No atheist can become an Epsilonian. Epsilonians do not care what your individual faith
is; Epsilonians include Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc.
2. Epsilonians
believe in responsibility, honor, morality, and ethics.
3. Epsilonians
believe the world should be a better place because we passed through it.
4. Epsilonians
believe a person should strive to be a good citizen and that we have a moral duty to be true to the country which we live,
and uphold and maintain the principles of good government.
5. Epsilonians
see brotherhood & sisterhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together. A private friendship that tells
us we owe it to each other to be just in our dealings.
Who are Epsilonians?
All
walks of life and professions:
Businessmen,
Artists, Inventors, Designers, Organizers, Academicians, Police and Military Men, Pioneers, Explorers, Political Leaders,
Church Leaders, Sports Figures, Writers, News Personalities, Patriots, Judges, Justices, Students, Your Neighbor!
Who can become Epsilonian?
Individuals who
graduated in high school or presently enrolled in college...
1. Believe
in the existence of one ever-living and true God.
2. Have
never plead guilty or been convicted of any crime.
3. Do
not believe in the overthrow of the government, which they live by force or infiltration, or has been a member of an organization
who advocates the same.
4. Willing
to serve the community where he lives in.
Gamma
Epsilon and Gamma Lambda Epsilon will also entail certain financial obligations, which you should be able to discharge without
detriment to yourself or those dependent on you. In addition to the fees payable on your entrance, there will be monthly dues
for the support of your Chapter.
How do you become an Epsilonian?
To
become a good and bright Epsilonian, it is necessary that a Man be of sound mind and retentive memory. There are four symbolic
degrees to learn in becoming an Epsilonian. These degrees represent lessons of Epsilonian.
1. Pledgee
– Freshman
2. Semi
or Half Brethren – Sophomore
3. Full-Pledged
Brethren – Junior
4. Alumnus/Alumna
– Senior/Professional/Expert
How do I begin?
To
be one, ask one! Simply ask an Epsilonian and he/she will help you begin the process.
The steps include:
Ask someone you know who
is an Epsilonian to sponsor you into the chapter.
Have atleast one reference
that knows you to be of good morals and strong character.
1. You will be invited to
attend an orientation.
2. A baptismal Rites will
be conducted to formally introduce you into the fraternal world and be called a Pledgee.
3. You will undergo a process
in the form of Initiation Rites.
4. After attending the Initiation
Rites, you will be promoted to the next echelon as Half Brethren and will be given enough period to have your lectures in
the form of Basic Leadership Seminar, Some other remaining basic requirements and fulfill your batch project as a requirement
for the next echelon.
5. After fulfilling your
requirements as Half Brethren, you will be compelled to undergo the last and final examination, and finally be recognized
as Full-Pledge Brethren.
6. All Epsilonians are encourage
to finish their academic courses to be recognized as Alumnus or Alumna of Gamma Epsilon and Gamma Lambda Epsilon.