I. What is the secret of Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is not a secret organization, but rather a closed one. This closed nature is conditioned by the principal tasks of Freemasonry, namely the knowledge and improvement of oneself. Such activity requires a concentration of attention "inward," which is what gives rise to the closed nature of the Order. For these reasons, Freemasons do not guard, conceal, or in any way withhold any secrets from society. On the contrary, in the process of self-improvement, every Freemason inevitably carries certain knowledge into his surroundings and his family.
II. Do Freemasons rule the world?
Considering the fact that every Freemason is engaged in self-improvement, and that this requires long and painstaking labor, he has no time for organizing and controlling all the world's processes. However, he undoubtedly carries his skills and abilities, as well as the principles of kindness, tolerance, and justice, into the profane world. Yet this can hardly be regarded as control.
III. Which famous people were Freemasons?
Among the Brethren Freemasons there is a rule that each Brother decides at his own discretion whether to declare himself a Freemason to the profane world. As for informing the general public about another Brother's membership in a Lodge, such information may not be disclosed without his consent. This is somewhat akin to author's, banking, attorney-client, or any other privileged confidentiality. Therefore, if you wish, you will be able to find a "famous" Freemason on the Internet, judging by his proper and worthy deeds and by his personal confirmation thereof.
IV. In which God do Freemasons believe?
Freemasonry is not a religious organization, yet all the Brethren without exception are believers who profess faith in a single God, the creator of all that exists on Earth. Freemasons call Him the Great Architect (Builder) of the Universe
V. How can one recognize a Freemason in a crowd of people or among public figures?
Recognizing a Freemason in the profane world is not always easy, for he is just like all other people. His sole distinction is his worthy and dignified conduct in society and his constant labor toward personal self-improvement. Sometimes the Brethren wear certain items bearing Masonic symbolism, some of which is unknown to the uninitiated. At the same time, with the most widespread symbols of Freemasonry, such as the "All-Seeing Eye" or the "square and compasses," you may also encounter an uninitiated person who is simply flaunting Masonic symbolism.
VI. Does Freemasonry exist in Ukraine?
Yes. Brethren Freemasons unite into Lodges. Such Lodges exist in the leading cities of Ukraine, in particular in Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and other cities. Each such Lodge has its own website, on which you can find more detailed information about a particular Lodge and, if you wish, submit your application for admission.
VII. How does one become a Freemason?
In Ukraine, any man who has reached the age of 21, believes in God, is free and of good repute, and is accepted by the Brethren Freemasons following a favorable review of his application may become a Freemason. Such an application may be submitted on the website of any Lodge of your choosing.
VIII. Do Freemasons conduct orgies, sacrifices, and other indecencies?
No. Such information is nothing more than the gossip and "scare stories" of the uninitiated, owing to the limited access to Freemasonry and the closed nature of the organization. During their labors, Freemasons perform certain rituals which in their essence have a symbolic and instructive meaning, and which in no way run counter to the norms of decency and morality.
IX. People of which professions do Freemasons admit into the brotherhood?
As we have already noted, a person who is free and of good repute may become a Freemason. Therefore, no requirement whatsoever as to a particular professional affiliation is imposed upon candidates. Each candidate is free in the choice of his profession, occupation, and hobby; the main thing is that his activity be lawful and conform to all the norms of public decency.
X. Is it necessary to renounce one's circle from the profane world (friends, parents, family, children, and so forth) in order to become a Freemason?
Freemasonry has as its aim the self-improvement of every Brother. The profane world is an inseparable part of such development. Therefore, no caution or obligation regarding the severing of relations with society is imposed upon a candidate. The establishment of friendly relations, respect for and support of one's parents, the creation of a family, and the upbringing of children are, on the contrary, welcomed and encouraged in every way.
XI. If a Freemason should wish to leave the Order, does this threaten his life or health, or have any other negative consequences?
A Freemason, as a free man, has every right to act as his heart dictates, including leaving the brotherhood. Such a decision of his will have no negative consequences from the standpoint of safety for his life or health. The only negative thing will be the disappointment of the Brethren that they have lost a like-minded companion in self-improvement and that he has ceased to labor upon himself with the support of the Brethren. Thereafter, such a Brother may come to know himself and the world on his own, which is undoubtedly far more difficult.
XII. Is a new world order the goal of Freemasons?
This question echoes very strongly the question regarding control over the world. The answer is unequivocally no. Freemasons set themselves the goal of coming to know themselves and the world in which they live, and they make every possible effort to become better. Each Brother is individual and unique upon this path. The unification and standardization implied by a "world order" would obviously hinder self-improvement.
XIII. Is the "All-Seeing Eye" sign on the one-dollar bill a symbol of Freemasonry? And what does it mean?
Yes, the "All-Seeing Eye," also called the "Radiant Delta," is a Masonic symbol that represents the Great Builder of the Universe, who constantly watches over the labors of Freemasons in their self-improvement. This symbolic-allegorical composition is present not only on the monetary unit of the United States of America. It can also be found in iconography, heraldry, architecture, and so forth.
XIV. Do Freemasons have as their goal the reduction of the planet's population?
No. Such an assertion stems from ignorance, which has its roots in conspiracy theories, conspiracism, control over the world, sacrifices, and so forth. Freemasons always uphold peace, truth, kindness, harmony, and justice. You will agree that the forcible reduction of the population contradicts the aforementioned values?
XI. Who is the most senior Freemason in Ukraine?
Brethren Freemasons are equals among equals, who treat one another with respect and brotherly love. However, for administrative interaction, the resolution of organizational matters, and the proper conduct of labors, each Lodge elects from among the brethren, for a certain term, the one who will coordinate these matters. Such a Brother is called the Worshipful Master. And a Brother in the Grand Lodge of Ukraine is accordingly called the Grand Worshipful Master.