The Faith in the East

The Faith in the East is a branch of The Faith of the Seven in western Essos. Originally unified, it split between those who still followed the authority of the High Septon, and those who follow the Maidenfaith.

Origins
The Faith began to return to the lands of its origins with the building of the Sept Beyond the Sea in Braavos. Even then, The Faith had few followers in north-western Essos. It was not until the establishment of the Principality of Norvos did The Faith gain prominence. Several septons and septas were brought from Westeros to preach The Faith to the people of the principality. After gaining formal support of the High Septon, The Faith increased further in followers. The Sept of Aria was constructed in the Velvet Hills, which was slightly larger than the Sept at Oldtown, and would become the center of The Faith in western Essos. It would be Septon Aethel, a friend and companion to Prince Ragnar and Princess Arya, who would become the leader of The Faith in Norvos. After some negotiations with the High Septon, he gained such authority to head what would be called The Faith in the East, whose followers were in Braavos and in Norvos.

Traditions in The Faith in the East
The traditions generally followed the same as The Faith in Westeros. The differences being in the orders and dress of the septons. The main difference was the fact that the knightly orders were raised and supported The Faith. The Warrior's Sons were a continuation of the order of the same name which had been suppressed in Westeros. They largely recruited knights and squires from Westeros, most of which came from the Westerlands and the Riverlands. The other knightly order were the Knights of Aria. These were mostly locally raised soldiers who did not need to be knights to join. These patrolled the land and roads near the Sept of Aria.

After the establishment of the Principality of the Rhoyne, where Rhoynar culture began to flourish, The Faith in the East began to focus on the aspects of The Father, The Mother, and The Maiden. Although, due to the events of the era, several followers of The Faith who were not directly under the supervision of the Sept of Aria developed a strong following to The Maiden.

The Maidenfaith
The Maidenfaith arose during the events surrounding the Dothraki invasions, and the collapse of New Valyria. It originated as a populist movement within Norvos, that sought to lead the followers of The Faith through both war and famine. This sect grew to become the dominant sect of The Faith within Norvos. Due to their refusal to recognize any religious authority from Westeros, the High Septon had them declared as not true followers. The Maidenfaith would establish itself in northern Norvos after the invasion of the Principality of the Rhoyne, where their territory became known as the Maidenland. Their leader is referred to as the Maiden, who is both a secular and religious leader. Special warrior orders were established, similar to the knightly orders.

Leaders of The Faith in the East
This list does not include leaders of the Maidenfaith, who are not considered a part of the hierarchy of The Faith.

Aethel - Lead The Faith in the East from 295 to 342. Most of his tenure was spent at the Sept of Aria.

Barth - Lead The Faith in the East from 342 to 360. An ethnic Rhoynar, who continued the blending of Rhoynar and Andal culture.