People of the Patriarchate of St. Stephen Honored by Alabama Governor

Governor Bentley

MONTGOMERY 27 July 2016 (ORCNS) - Hon. Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, has issued a proclamation declaring 3 August 2016 as Patriarchate of St. Stephen and Humanitarian Day in the State of Alabama. In the proclamation, the Governor recognized the Old Roman Catholic Patriarchate of St. Stephen's long history of providing humanitarian and charitable service through its mandate of mission, service, and charity, following the example of Saint Stephen the Deacon and Protomartyr. The Patriarchate's promotion of selfless service through its own and other organizations and its valuable contributions to the preservation of ecclesiastical and secular history were also acknowledged. The Governor further remarked that the Patriarchate remains an important historical remnant of ancient Christian ecclesiastical history and has served in diverse ways within the State of Alabama.

The third of August, also known as "Ferretruria," is considered the principal Feast Day of the Patriarchate. It is of particular significance to the people of the Stephenian Patriarchate that they received this high honor from the Governor of Alabama on that particular day. Mgr. Rutherford, Card. Patriarch of St. Stephen, said, "We are humbled at this tremendously kind gesture by the Governor of Alabama. Our people service quietly and without fanfare in diverse and significant ways. The Governor's recognition heralds their achievements."

Built on the traditions of Christian chivalry, the See of St. Stephen is an Old Roman Catholic Patriarchate with Anglican Patrimony descends from the Roman Catholic See of Utrecht and is the successor to the legacy of Pope Leo X in Florence, Italy, the spiritual and temporal home of the Patriarchate. The See of Utrecht, Netherlands, has remained independent since 1145, when the Holy See in Rome granted autonomy. Today the Patriarchate, which continues that autonomy of government, serves around the globe in fulfillment of its mandate of mission, service, and charity.