Archfather Releases Statement on Vaccine Ethics, Correcting Vatican Position

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 23 December 2020

The following Patriarchal Letter of His Holiness and Eminence the Archfather Rutherford I was released today by the Patriarchal Household. The original Italian and English translation text are provided. 

Lettera Patriarcale "Siamo costretti dal dovere"

mercoledì 23 dicembre 2020

Ai fedeli cristiani:

Siamo costretti dal dovere, e alla luce dei recenti commenti del nostro confratello Romano, a chiarire la posizione dottrinale cristiana riguardo all'attuale serie di vaccini contro il coronavirus. La domanda principale su cui scriviamo è il quesito se i vaccini prodotti con cellule staminali da feti abortiti possano essere utilizzate nel caso in cui non siano disponibili altri vaccini. Quindi Noi dobbiamo correggere la dichiarazione Vaticana recente. 

Questi vaccini sono stati giustamente oggetto di molti dibattiti morali, considerati la crisi umanitaria che circonda la risposta dei governi civili alla pandemia, la rapidità con cui i vaccini sono stati portati al pubblico, ed il grado in cui il governo civile e le organizzazioni private ne hanno fortemente promosso l'uso. È ragionevole che le ditte farmaceutiche e la comunità medica cerchino di applicare la conoscenza della creazione di Dio all'alleviamento della sofferenza. Tuttavia, lo sviluppo dei prodotti farmaceutici deve essere entro i limiti della dottrina morale. La cura di una malattia non potrebbe comportare un atto intrinsecamente malvagio. L'atto intrinsecamente malvagio qui studiato è il grado in cui lo sviluppo del vaccino comporta l'uso di cellule staminali da feti abortiti. Un certo numero di vaccini, anche se apparentemente hanno usato tali cellule nelle prime fasi d’esperimenti animali, ma utilizzati secondo le loro dichiarazioni e per quanto la Nostra conoscenza nessuna cellula staminale da feti abortiti nella produzione effettiva del vaccino. Anche se non possiamo essere d’accordo col'uso di tali cellule staminali anche nelle fasi di prova, il collegamento alle fasi di prova precedenti è così remoto e l'effettiva produzione del vaccino, cioè lo sviluppo di quella sostanza che viene iniettata nel corpo, non ha utilizzato cellule staminali da feti abortiti, e quindi i Cristifedeli possono utilizzare legittimamente e moralmente tali vaccini se scelgono di farlo. 

Venendo ancora alla questione se i vaccini prodotti con cellule staminali da feti abortiti possano essere utilizzati nel caso in cui non siano disponibili altri vaccini, siamo legato dal Nostro dovere pastorale ad affermare con autorità che tali vaccini non possono essere utilizzati, perché farlo è la cooperazione diretta non solo con il male intrinseco, ma con una delle più grandi piaghe della civiltà moderna. Qualsiasi pastore religioso che insegni o proclami il contrario parla falsamente e contro la Dottrina della Santa Fede Cattolica. I fedeli devono resistere tanto quanto sono in grado di prendere tali vaccini. Allo stesso modo, i governi civili del mondo devono proibire ed assicurare, anche attraverso le frontere nazionali, che i vaccini contro il coronavirus che non hanno utilizzato cellule staminali da feti abortiti nella loro produzione siano messi a disposizione di tutti coloro che desiderano prendere il vaccino.

Tuttavia, dobbiamo ribadire ancora una volta ciò che abbiamo detto nella Nostra enciclica “Fede Deve Guidare” del maggio di quest'anno:

"Diciamo innanzitutto che generalmente crediamo che il concetto di vaccini sia positivo e complessivamente vantaggioso. L'interrogazione riguarda specificamente chi dovrebbe e può decidere se ricevere o meno una vaccinazione particolare. Inoltre, per quanto riguarda i vaccini contro il coronavirus in fase di sviluppo, vi è un'ulteriore preoccupazione per la rapida natura dello sviluppo di tali vaccini, che potrebbe comportare un vaccino reso problematico. C'è anche una marcata mancanza di conoscenza del nuovo coronavirus stesso, poiché la gran parte di ciò che si pensava fosse assolutamente vero da alcuni scienziati diversi mesi fa ed è stato usato come giustificazione per diverse misure governative severe e oppressive contro il pubblico è stato ora rivisto drasticamente. La mancanza di conoscenze concrete è una questione seria che deve essere affrontata dalla comunità medica e scientifica prima che qualsiasi vaccino venga rilasciato per uso pubblico.”

Auguriamo ai Cristifedeli del mondo un benedetto stagione del Santo Natale nella speranza in Christ che tempi più tranquilli nel prossimo futuro vengano.

Ego Arichpater R.

ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

Patriarchal Letter “Siamo costretti dal dovere”

23 December 2020

To the Christian Faithful:

We are compelled by duty, and in light of recent commentary by our fellow Roman brother, to clarify the Christian doctrinal position regarding the current series of coronavirus vaccines. The key question on which We write is the issue of whether vaccines that were produced with aborted fetal stem cells may be used in the case that no other vaccines are available. Therefore We must correct the recent Vatican statement. 

These vaccines have rightly been the subject of much moral debate, given both the humanitarian crisis surrounding the government response to the pandemic, the speed with which the vaccines have been brought to the public, and the degree to which civil government and private organisations have strongly promoted their use. It is reasonable that pharmaceutical companies and the medical community would seek to apply knowledge of God’s creation to the alleviation of suffering. Yet, the development of pharmaceuticals must be within the bounds of moral doctrine. The cure to a disease may not involve an intrinsically evil act. The intrinsically evil act here being investigated is the degree to which vaccine development involves the use of stem cells from aborted fetuses. A number of the vaccines, although they apparently used such cells in early animal test phases, used according to their own statements and to Our best knowledge no stem cells from aborted fetuses in the actual production of the vaccine. Although We cannot condone the use of such stem cells even in test phases, the connection to the earlier test phases is so remote and the actual production of the vaccine, i.e., the development of that substance which is being injected into the body, did not use aborted fetal stem cells, and thus the faithful may legitimately and morally use such vaccines if they choose to do so. 

Now coming to the issue of whether vaccines that were produced with aborted fetal stem cells may be used in the case that no other vaccines are available, We are bound by Our pastoral duty to state with authority that such vaccines may not be used, for to do so is direct cooperation with not only intrinsic evil, but one of the greatest plagues upon modern civilisation. Any religious leader who teaches or proclaims otherwise is speaking falsely and against the Doctrine of the Holy Catholic Faith. The faithful must resist as much as they are able taking any such vaccines. Similarly, the governments of the world must band such vaccines and insure, even across national borders, that coronavirus vaccines that did not use aborted fetal stem cells in their production be made available to all those who wish to take the vaccine.

However, We must again reiterate what We said in Our encyclical Faith Must Guide of May of this year:

“Let Us first state that We generally believe the concept of vaccines to be positive and overall beneficial. The question here relates specifically to who ethically should and can make the decision regarding whether or not to receive a particular vaccination. Furthermore, regarding the coronavirus vaccines being developed, there is a further concern of the rapid nature of development of said vaccines, which could result in a vaccine rendered problematic. There is also a marked lack of knowledge about the novel coronavirus itself, for much of what was thought to be absolutely true by some scientists several months ago and was used as justification for widespread severe and oppressive government measures against the public has now been revised dramatically. The lack of concrete knowledge is a serious question that must be addressed by the medical and scientific community before any vaccine is released for public use.”

We wish the Christian faithful of the world a blessed Christmas season in the hope in Christ for more peaceful times to come in the near future.

Ego Arichpater R.

In Memoriam Chev. don Raul Mena, Airbourne Soldier and Knight Bachelor of St. Stephen

Edited by Jean DuBois

GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA 10 December 2020 (ORCNS)

Chev. don Raul Mena de Belén, KtB, a US airbourne soldier, knight of several orders, and Knight Bachelor of the Patriarchate of St. Stephen in the Commandery of Borgo Priolo recently died after a prolonged illness. Upon being informed, His Holy Eminence the Archfather Rutherford I stated, "He was a devoted Christian and family man, dedicated to service -- a man truly worthy of being a knight. He will be missed, and We will fondly remember his constant reminders to all of us never to quit and never to surrender." 

Chev. Mena was born in Los Angeles on Sept 6, 1954, He and his family lived in Lincoln Heights, Boyle Heights, & City Terrace until Raul was 3-years old, in 1957 the family moved to Monterey Park. 

Raul attended and Graduated from St. Stephens Catholic School in Monterey Park in May 1969,  

And from Cantwell High School in Montebello in May 1973.

Following high school; Raul, Attended East Los Angeles College and Los Angeles Trade Tech College, from Sept/1973 to June/1975.

After college he entered the United States Army in July 1975.

Raul served his tour with Co. A, 2nd Battalion. (Airborne) 508th Infantry of the 82nd Airborne Division,  

Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

The 82nd Airborne Division Motto is “Wheels Up and Knees in the breeze in 18 hours”, this unit is the 1st Called and in Combat in 18 hours. During the 4 years there; this unit was called up twice, for the Panama Canal in Feb/ 1978 and Zaire, Africa in April/1978.

Military Schools: 

1. XVIII ABN-Corps Leadership and Command P.N.C.O. Academy,  

 2. Jungle Operations training in Panama, The Canal Zone

 3. Cold Warfare training in Ft. Drum, New York, 

 4. Amphibious Training in Little Creek, Virginia.

 5. Dessert Training, Gila Bend, Arizona 

Military Awards: 

Good Conduct Medal, Parachute badge, Expert Rifleman, Expert Dragon gunner (Anti Tank Team) Presidential unit citation, and Jungle Expert patch.

After the army, Raul started working for the City of Glendale on Oct. / 1980 as a Power line apprentice, to underground maintenance man, to Assistant Engineering Tech, to Construction Inspector, to Senior Construction Inspector, and to Electrical Service Planner. He worked for the city for 32 years.

Raul received his Associate Arts degree from East Los Angeles College in general education, an Associate Science degree from L.A. Trade Tech in electrical construction and maintenance, and a Certificate for Construction Inspector from Cal State LA and the City of Los Angeles. 

Raul is continuing his education to receive his Bachelors of Arts & Science in History.

He is a Life Member of the following veterans associations, 

82nd Airborne Division Association, CSM RAY VERDUGO MEMORIAL CHAPTER; 

AMVETS Post-113, the Inland Empire Airborne Association, Coachella Valley Airborne Association, 

The Hispanic American Airborne Association Los Angeles Chapter. And the Pomona All Airborne Chapter,

Other Post & Awards;

Chairman of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, CSM RAY VERDUGO CHAPTER;

From Jan/1998 to 2000 and Aug/2007 to December/2012

Former Chairman of the Glendale-Montrose-Crescenta Valley Veterans Memorial Committee; From Nov.1, 1994 to May 25, 1997,

On June 17, 2005 received the City of Glendale Junior Kiwanis “Admiral Ben Bass Award”, as Chairman of said committee.

On May 31, 2006, received the Certificate of Apostolic Blessing from Pope Benedict XVI for 10 years of parishioner service to St. Thomas Aquinas School;

Raul’s hobbies were family outings, making ship models, Teaching military, World, U.S. history, government history, Political Science and reading.

Raul lived in Glendale with his wife Yolanda of 23 years and their daughter Laura.  

After 32 Loyal Years, Raul Mena, Jr retired from the City of Glendale on September 1, 2012, 

 THANK YOU - SO LONG – FAREWELL – FOREVER AIRBORNE – “ALL THE WAY”

Basilica of Santa Maria Antiqua, Rome -- Roman-Byzantine Treasure and Principal Seat of the Archfather

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 3 December 2020 (ORCNS)

The Most Holy Patriarchal Basilica of Santa Maria Antiqua dates to the 5th century A.D. and is the principle church and seat of His Holy Eminence the Archfather.  (The Archfather's other titular seat is at the Church of San Stefano al Ponte in Florence.) The Deaconry of Santa Maria Antiqua functions as the principle charitable office of the Patriarchal Household. The physical church itself is located in the Roman Forum at the foot of the Palatine Hill. It is the oldest Christian monument in the Forum and contains the earliest known Roman depiction of the Blessed Virgin as Queen. The Basilica was likely established around A.D. 600 by Pope St. Gregory I the Great (590-604), last imperial Roman Pope and second-great-grandson of Pope St. Felix III. 

In the early 8th century, the basilica was used by Pope John VII as the seat of the Bishop of Rome. In 847, however, the church building was partially destroyed by an earthquake. A new church, Santa Maria Nova, was built on part of the ruins of the temple of Venus and Roma. During the Norman Sack of Rome in 1084, Santa Maria Antiqua suffered further destruction. In 1617, the church of Santa Maria Liberatrice was built on its ruins. It was not until that church was demolished in 1900 that the ruins of Santa Maria Antiqua were again brought to light.

H.H.E. the Archfather earlier
as Cardinal Deacon during
an official visit to the 
Basilica of Santa Maria
Antiqua in Rome.

The church is a fine representation of Byzantine Roman architecture. Its walls are covered with one of the most important collections of pre-iconoclastic Roman and Byzantine frescoes in the world.

John VII was one of the Byzantine Popes and was ethnically Greek, being a native of Calabria in what was the Byzantine Empire at the time. His father served as Curator of the Palatine Hill for the Byzantine Emperor. Despite his Byzantine heritage and social position, his pontificate did not have good relations with Emperor Justinian II. He did, however, have good relations with the Lombards, who ruled Italy at the time.  

In addition to his relationship with the Basilica of Santa Maria Antiqua as the seat of the Bishop of Rome, he constructed an oratory dedicated to Mary the Theotokos in the Old St. Peter’s Basilica. It is also believed that an icon known as the Madonna della Clemenza, housed in the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, was commissioned by John VII. As a Patriarchal Basilica, it has the special right to use "Sacrosancta," or "Most Holy" before its title. 

List of Popes from John VII until
the destruction of the basilica in 847:

John VII

Sisinnius

Constantine

St Gregory II

St Gregory III

St Zachary

Stephen

Stephen II

St Paul I

Stephen III

Adrian I

St Leo III (crowned Charlemagne Emperor)

Stephen IV

St Paschal I

Eugene II

Valentine

Gregory IV

Sergius II

Franciscan Minister General Appointed Archabbot

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 27 November 2020 (ORCNS) 

Archabbot Anthony Giunta, TOR Mar. 

Mgr. Abbot Anthony Giunta, TOR Mar., Minister-General of the Franciscan Third Order Regular of the Brothers and Sisters of Penance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Franciscan order within the Anglican Patriarchate, was appointed by His Holiness and Eminence the Archfather to the personal rank and dignity of Archabbot in recognition of his countless years of service to the Church and as Minister-General of the Franciscans. His Excellency Archabbot Anthony serves as a hospital chaplain, police chaplain, fire chaplain, and Coast Guard Auxiliary chaplain. An active participant in emergency response efforts, the Archabbot has also been highly involved in serving during the COVID-19 pandemic, both pastorally and in virus test processing. 

The Archabbot was also given the special honour of being named a Canon Priest of the Patriarchal Chapter. The Chapter is the senior section of the Anticamera Nobile of the Patriarchal Household. Its members are prelates (ecclesiastical dignitaries) and serve as the senior-most clerical advisers of the Archfather. 

Coat of Arms of Archabbot Anthony
His personal arms are marshaled with the arms of
the Franciscan order. The ten tassels indicate the rank
of archabbot, and they are in purple instead of black 
as a privilege as a member of the Patriarchal Chapter.

 

Anglican Patriarchate Health Note: While Global Focus is on COVID, a Seemingly Deadlier Virus Emerges in Bolivia

By Keith, Duke of Westphalia, MD

Firenze-Nuova Roma 18 November 2020 (ORCNS)

A man in Bolivia.
Source: Pub. Dom.

While it seems that much of the world has developed a concerning, almost phobic tunnel vision regarding the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), with ever expanding and sweeping series of health guidelines and activity restrictions; a new and potentially far more dangerous virus has emerged from the rain forests of South America. Recently, the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene announced the identification of a novel arenavirus capable of passing from vector host to human and then from human to human, causing a hemorrhagic fever syndrome, in La Paz, Bolivia. Chapare virus, the causative agent, had a cluster in 2019 infecting three healthcare workers and resulting in two fatalities.(1,2) 

The arenaviruses are a large group of viruses that typically affect rodents. Human zoonotic infection occurs when rodent contact is increased due either from environmental change, agricultural practice, or human presence. (1,2,3) The most familiar of the human disease causing arenaviruses include lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and the several hemorrhagic fever syndromes caused by Lassa virus (West Africa), Machupo, Junin, and Chapare viruses (South America). Common routes of infection include mucosal exposure to aerosols and direct contact with infectious material, with those at highest risk environmentally exposed to rodent excreta within their homes, at industrial or agricultural sites, or other places infested by rodents. Factors that tend to increase relative risk of adverse outcome include age, sex, degree of contact with rodent excreta, and comorbid conditions.(1,2,3,4)

Of note, a high degree of clinical suspicion is important to early identification and treatment; patients with early onset of symptoms typically present with a picture common to other viral disease processes such as Dengue, endemic to South America. The potential risk to the public health in such a misdiagnosis cannot be understated, as unlike Dengue, the capacity for human to human transfer with Chapere is concerning. Supportive therapy and early antiviral treatment with Ribavirin reduces morbidity and mortality in arenavirus infection, particularly Lassa and Junin -- though Ribavirin therapy is not without its risks and adverse effects, and if started late in disease progression, enjoys only mixed success.(4,5,6)

________________________
1. Gompf, SG; Smith, KM; Choe, U; Arenaviruses (May 2019). https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212356-overview, accessed 17 November, 2020.
2. Radoshitzky, SR; Buchmeier, MJ; Charrel, RN; Clegg, JCS; Gonzalez, JJ; Günther, S; Hepojoki, J; Kuhn, JH; Lukashevich, IS; Romanowski, V; Salvato, MS; Sironi, M; Stenglein, MD; de la Torre, JC; ICTV Report, Consortium (August 2019). "ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Arenaviridae". The Journal of General Virology. 100 (8): 1200–1201.
3. Botten, J; Whitton, JL; Barrowman, P; Sidney, J; Whitmire, JK; Alexander, J; Kotturi, MF; Sette, A; Buchmeier, MJ (2010). "A Multivalent Vaccination Strategy for the Prevention of Old World Arenavirus Infection in Humans". Journal of Virology. 84 (19): 9947–56.
4. Emonet, SE; Urata, S; De La Torre, JC (2011). "Arenavirus reverse genetics: New approaches for the investigation of arenavirus biology and development of antiviral strategies". Virology. 411 (2): 416–425.
5. Lee, AM; Pasquato, A; Kunz, S (2011). "Novel approaches in anti-arenaviral drug development". Virology. 411 (2): 163–169.
6. Mendenhall, M; Russell, A; Juelich, T; Messina, EL; Smee, DF; Freiberg, AN; Holbrook, MR; Furuta, Y; et al. (2010). "T-705 (Favipiravir) Inhibition of Arenavirus Replication in Cell Culture". Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 55 (2): 782–787.

Efforts of Bishops Help Ease Anti-Church Crackdowns by States

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 18 November 2020 (ORCNS)

As global civic leaders engage in a new round of questionable COVID-related restrictions, many have eased restrictions on churches and even granted some religious exemptions. This is in marked contrast to the extraordinarily stifling restrictions placed on religious groups around the world earlier in the pandemic. 

Many churches continue to stand empty due to
overstepping of authority by world leaders
during the COVID pandemic
Source: PubDom.

Although civic leaders wildly overstep their authority with any such restrictions over the Church, the newfound awareness on the part of civic leaders of the importance of religion during the pandemic and of church sovereignty is believed by many to be the direct result of staunch activism on the part of a number of religious leaders around the world. For example, Australia has indicated religious exemptions and eased restrictions on churches, as have many states in America, such as Nevada, Iowa, and Washington. Catholic Bishops of Minnesota, USA, among others, strongly opposed new crackdowns on religious activity. The Florentine Archfather issued a general opposition to world leaders' restrictions on the freedom of the church, and also specifically addressed several, including the Washington State governor, where restrictions have subsequently been eased. 

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops of the United Kingdom, led by Cardinal Nichols, have issued demands to the Government to produce evidence of justification as the Prime Minister issued an edict to close church public worship yet again. in the USA, the Bishop of Brooklyn has called New York's restriction on churches "outrageous." Restrictions on churches in New York have been successfully challenged in court.

Although much progress has been made in restoring the sovereign rights and freedom of the church during this pandemic, which can be attributed to the staunch, vocal, and ongoing efforts of bish bishops around the, there is still continued crackdowns against the church on the part of many civil states. The bishops will no doubt continue their efforts through pastoral persuasion, legal avenues, and legislative approaches.

The Petrine Office, Leonine Office, and the Anglican Patriarchate

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 13 November 2020 (ORCNS)

In Christian Scripture, it was clearly expressed as Christ's will that Peter the Apostle was to be First Among Equals (also known as Prince of the Apostles) and exercise a prominent leadership role in the universal church (Catholic Church). Indeed, it was after Christ's death and Resurrection that Peter was to build the Church, along with the other Apostles. Our Lord bestowed the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven upon Peter, saying "Tu es Petrus et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam meam. Tibi dabo claves regni caelorum." ("Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church; unto thee I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 16.18). This is known as Papal Primacy, or the Petrine Office. 

St. Peter receives the key from Christ

The Florentine Archfather, Grand Pontiff of the Anglican Rite of the Universal Church and head of the New Roman Communion, as successor to Pope Leo X, holds what is known as the Leonine Office. That office is an extension of the Petrine Office, the primacy of the Pope, and shares in its authority within and regarding the jurisdiction of the Anglican Patriarchate and New Roman Communion. This is reflected in the Key of St. Peter and the Papal tiara included in the Archpatral Insignia, also known as the Leonine Insignia. Also, as temporal successor of the Popes from St. Peter the Apostle through Benedict XVI in Italy and Britain, the Florentine Archfather is Custodian of the Apostolic See of St. Mark in Aquileia, reflected in the Sword of St. Mark in the Archpatral Insignia.

The primacy of the Petrine Office and, by extension, the Leonine Office nevertheless carries with it a responsibility of continuity of doctrine and tradition. Valid and authentic rule must be indeed grounded in the Doctrine and Tradition of the Faith, of which the Pope, the Archfather, and all bishops are custodians. Proclamations, commandments, and so forth cannot rightly be imposed simply as a matter of desire or expediency. Yet it is all too common in the modern age to think that the leadership of the Church can indeed change the doctrine. Such is the sin of modernism, distorting the true theological meaning of primacy.

Apostolic Succession from St. Peter to Leo X
and the Florentine Archfathers

Temporal Succession from Pasquale II to the Florentine Archfathers

Pope Leo X

A Florentine Archfather (the ancient title of "Archipater" refers to a chief priest) is defined as one with secular patrimony in Florence and ecclesiastical patriarchal authority. The first four were Patriarchs of the West, i.e., Roman Archfathers/Roman Popes. (For the complete list of Florentine Archfathers, please follow this link. Pope Leo X was the first Florentine Archfather. The significance of Florence to papal primacy derives from the origins of papal claims to overlordship in Italy. The rule of Tuscany came to have the sovereign Vice-Kingship of Italy in the Holy Roman Empire. That was given by Matilda, Margravine of Tuscany, Vice-Queen of Italy to the Pope Pasquale II, at which point the papacy solidified its claim to overlordship over Italy. After the renunciation of the title of Patriarch of the West by Benedict XVI, the Bishop of St. Stephen, Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarch was recognised as the closest ecclesiastical claimant to Italian patrimony by right of Rome in succession from Matilda of Tuscany, Pope Pasquale II, and Pope Leo X due to the Patriarchate's secular patrimony in Florence. Thus the Bishop of St. Stephen is known primarily as the Florentine Archfather, successor of Pope Leo X, and temporal successor of St. Peter the Apostle in Italy and Britain. Through that the Patriarchate is also the Custodian of the Apostolic See of Saint Mark at Aquileia and Grand Pontiff of the Anglican Rite of the Universal Church.

The New Roman Communion is defined as the Anglican Patriarchate and the churches of all Bishops recognised by the Patriarchate. It takes its name from the Florentine heritage of the Anglican Patriarchate, with Florence recognised as the second New Rome after Constantinople. Bishops of the New Roman Communion need not be of the Anglican Rite, but may be of any traditional Catholic Rite.

By authority of Rome, the Archfather speaks with the full voice and authority of the Pope within and regarding the jurisdiction of the Anglican Patriarchate and New Roman Communion. The Archfather holds Roman imperial dignity and co-imperial rank.

Primacy, in its leadership and teaching role and defence of the faith, must connect the Christian faithful in any particular age and location to the Christian faithful in all times and places. The entirety of the faith must be brought to mind, not just the issues of a particular time period or geographical location, for the Christian faith knows neither time nor space. That places the focus of Christian education indeed on reason and conscience, for indeed God is the Divine Logos, the source of all reason, logic, and order. Logic, analysed by reason and from which order flows, cannot be subjective, relativistic, or defined by about-changing social conformity. Therefore, Christian theology is not defined by mankind, relativism, or subjectivity. Rather, it is defined by God, brought to the world by Christ as the Incarnate Word, and defended by His Holy Church. That is the essence of the primacy of the Petrine Office and its extension by right of Rome, the Leonine Office.

Archfather Gives All Saints' Day Blessing Ex Florentia-Nova Roma

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 1 November 2020 (ORCNS) 

His Holy Eminence d. Rutherford I, Florentine Archfather gave a blessing ex Florentia-Nova Roma today with the customary plenary indulgence. The address that often precedes such a blessing had greetings for the feast in the official languages of the Anglican Patriarchate, Italian, English, Spanish, German, French, Greek, and Russian, and focused on taking inspiration from the lives of the saints. The faithful were reminded that the saints were once human, but now are in heaven interceding for us here on earth. 

His Holy Eminence stated that the saints are a constant source of help during "...the humanitarian crisis sparked by government response to the present pandemic, and with government and other institutions joining together in an ever unrelenting attack on the rights and indeed the very sovereignty of holy mother the church." The Archfather stated that the faithful must seek the intervention of the Blessed Virgin for an increase of faith and the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel for a preservation of sovereignty of the Patriarchate. His Holy Eminence called on the faithful to resist the civil states who seek to restrict or destroy the Church. 

The address was followed by an announcement of the indulgences, which was then followed by the blessing. The blessing began with the usual invocation of Saint Stephen the Deacon and Saint Mark the Apostle. Those who receive the blessing, even by media, and who further fulfill the norms of indulgences receive a plenary indulgence. 

Video of the address and blessing: 

In Memoriam Fr. Valentine Young, OFM

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 20 October 2020 (ORCNS)

By HHE Archfather Rutherford I

RIP Rev. Fr. Valentine Young, OFM

Today I reflect on the life of the Rev. Fr. Valentine Young, OFM, who died earlier this year. His death is a benefit to the Church Triumphant in Heaven, but a loss to us here on earth.

As people migrate around, they often lose touch with those important to them. My favourite priest when I was a layman was Fr. Valentine Young, OFM, a staunch traditionalist and the chaplain of the local diocesan Latin mass community. I knew him when I was in graduate school, and he was my priest and friend. Yet, even after moving away, as anyone who knew him can attest, one of our most enjoyable treats during the Advent/Christmas season was to receive his annual Christmas letter. He left such a legacy everywhere that he was stationed, that the annual letter proved to be the best way for all of us to stay up-to-date on the activities of this extraordinary priest.

Fr. Valentine was just short of age 89 when he died. His body may have aged, but his mind and his drive to continue serving did not. Even at age 88, he was still serving as a chaplain to a Tridentine mass community. He always sought out ways to help others and to do things he found interesting. 

His earlier career involved working with Amerindian missions in Arizona and New Mexico. He served at different times for Latin mass communities in Kansas, South Dakota, and Kentucky. Not content with simply celebrating the sacraments, which alone would have been enough, he wanted the members of his communities to be able to connect with the beauty of the liturgy and the true and rightful Catholic heritage. So, he taught Latin and Greek classes – and he also played the organ to lead Vespers after the afternoon Tridentine mass, inviting the congregation to participate in learning the chant. 

One of my greatest privileges was being able to serve as a guard of honour during the mass for the 50th jubilee of his ordination.  Fr. Valentine was a priest I was proud to call a friend, and I credit him with my final decision to accept a vocation to the priesthood. He was always supportive of me and defended truth and tradition.

One of my favourite memories of Fr. Valentine happened after he had a heart operation. He did take a brief recovery period and was on oxygen. However, he did not want to sit around the house when there was the Lord's work to do, and so there he was back celebrating mass quite quickly, oxygen tank and all. As he moved about the sanctuary during mass, an altar boy was tasked with wheeling the oxygen tank. 

Fr. Valentine was a true priest, a defender of the authentic traditions of the Catholic faith, an inspiration to so many people, and my friend. Not only will I miss him, I will miss reading his annual Christmas letter that will not be coming this year. 

Additional information about Fr. Valentine and his lifetime of service to the Church may be found here: https://www.franciscan.org/2020/02/19/fr-valentine-young-ofm-1931-2020/

The Archfather's Statement on the 75th anniversary year of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 30 September 2020 (ORCNS) 

The following Patriarchal Letter was issued by His Holiness and Eminence the Archfather for the 75th anniversary year of the use of nuclear weapons on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

RVTHERFORDVS PP. I

In this 75th anniversary year of the devastating destruction of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by nuclear weapons dropped by the United States, We take this opportunity to reflect upon the Christian theology pertaining to such weapons and their use. Nuclear technology has brought many positive benefits to global society. Yet, its tremendous destructive potential creates an inherent moral and ethical obligation regarding its employment, both in peace and especially in war. The Church has always maintained the illegitimacy of use and the intrinsic evil of nuclear weapons. This includes our Roman temporal predecessor, Pius XII, who was the Supreme Pontiff during the Second World War, who worked tirelessly against the human rights crisis created by the evils of the Nazi regime, and who spoke against the use of nuclear technology for weapons.

While nations have a legitimate right to self-defense, the response must not be out of all scale and proportion with the attack. Being attacked does not warrant or justify human rights violations. That is, the morality of warfare does not change. Human rights violations and excesses, real or perceived, on the part of the enemy do not render similar acts done in retaliation morally acceptable simply because they are done in retaliation. Indeed, when the military response, whether nuclear or not, is so extreme and so out of proportion with the offense, it cannot be justified and is an affront to both God and humanity.

Pontifical Mass celebrated in the ruins of the
Nagasaki Cathedral in 1949

Furthermore, weapons that go beyond the mere potential for collateral damage into the absolute certainty of widespread indiscriminate killing, in which men, women, and children of all ages and combatant status are likely to be killed, in which entire cities may be wiped off the map with one simple bomb, indeed such weapons are intrinsically evil and may not rightly be used according to the Laws of God. The use of such weapons is an offense against the dignity of mankind and an absolute offense against God. They constitute war crimes of the highest order. Their use is an affront to all of the honourable soldiers who fight with faith in God above all, with a sense of moral purpose and moral restraint, and with a respect for all human life.

Warfare does not mitigate moral responsibility under God. Rather, it is in such extreme and trying circumstances such as warfare that we are called upon as Christians most to maintain the laws of Christ and His Holy Church. It is in that difficulty that our true character as Christians shows forth. A zeal to win does not mitigate moral responsibility. Neither do misguided attempts at justifications, such as claiming the use of nuclear weapons is in reality an attempt to save life, mitigate responsibility, for in reality, such a decision is either trading one set of lives for others or is playing God as if one can know the future. Ultimately such justifications demonstrate arrogance and pride rather than faith.

The geopolitical borders of the world, while they can serve a legitimate purpose in caring for mankind, in fact mean nothing in terms of human dignity. Just and righteous war does indeed exist, yet war is a terrible thing. The potential for righteous glory, courage, and heroism exists beside the potential for brutality, depravity, torture, and other abuses. So much warfare, even today, does not even remotely meet the standards of just war doctrine. So much warfare has originated and continues to originate out of hatred and a lack of respect for human life and dignity. It is in war and other difficult, challenging, and perilous circumstances that, again, we must look to and cling to our faith the most. The salvation of even one soul is more precious than preventing all the evil on the earth, for we know that worldly evil shall indeed fail and be vanquished in the end.  

It is impossible to think that a ban on nuclear weapons, however, would be effective, for the technology exists and would continue to exist even if the physical weapons were banner. The knowledge itself cannot be eradicated. We must, therefore, promote the beneficial and peaceful uses of nuclear technology that benefit society. At the same time, we must openly speak God’s truth and proclaim the same that the church has always maintained since the dawn of the nuclear age. We must proclaim the inherent evil of nuclear weapons and their inconsistency with the Christian faith. Their use and a belief in their use is an intrinsic affront to Almighty God.

May Almighty God bless each of you and bring peace to the world.

Patriarchal Allocution - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin 2020

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 8 September 2020 (ORCNS) -- The Archfather d. Rutherford I gave his annual allocution on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. His Holy Eminence addressed topics including political discord and the importance of Christ above all nations. The video of the allocution is below, followed by the transcript. 

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Da Firenze-Nuova Roma ai Cristifedeli di tutto il mondo, ed ai membri della Corte di Santa Maria di Walsingham, grazia, pace, e la nostra benedizione Apostolica in questa festa gioiosa della Natività della Beata Vergine Maria. This day we celebrate the birth of the New Eve by whose obedience Christ was able to be born into the world for the salvation of mankind. Our Lady was immaculately conceived, yet had free will and was under no obligation to become the Mother of God. Yet when the angel appeared to her, she said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to thy will – and she accepted the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. We, each of us, likewise have a choice. We can accept God, or we can reject Him. Indeed, this is a choice we must make constantly throughout our lives in all that we do. It is easy to fall away from the faith under the influences of the world, and so we must pray for conversion on a regular basis and seek the help and intervention of the Blessed Virgin. Remember the benefits to mankind from the obedience of Our Lady whose birth we joyfully celebrate this day. The decisions we face in life, though, are rarely easy, but they are simple at their core. Questions are not black and white, but right and wrong, by which is meant “of God” and “not of God.”

In the 2000 years since the Incarnation of Christ, Our Lord seems not to have penetrated the hearts of mankind, for the world seeks constantly to abandon the ways of Christ and instead seeks other ends. When God comes to people, instead of following the example of Our Lady, far too often the invitation is rejected.

Carissimi, è necessario cercare nostro Signore, cercare Cristo in tutto per sempre. Se non lo cerchiamo, certo perderemo la nostra via; perderemo la via corretta di Dio. Dobbiamo sapere e capire che quella via, la via di Dio, è veramente l’unica via. We must search for our Lord, search for Christ in everything always. If we do not search for Him, we will certainly lose our way; we will lose the right path of God. We must know and understand that that way, the way of God, is the only way. Forse pensate che non sia facile, ma abbiamo la sacra liturgia ed i sacramenti della Santa Chiesa, la sposa di Cristo, per aiutarci. Perhaps you think it is not easy, but we have the sacred liturgy and the sacraments of the Holy Church, the bride of Christ, to help us. 

Today in the world there is much political upheaval and discord. This is nothing new in history. Mankind, being naturally oriented towards religion, will find something new if religion itself is abandoned. This we see in many countries today. For example, Europe is abandoning its sacred heritage, and the identity politics seen in the United States have largely replaced mainstream Protestantism that was so common, and thus is ultimately the same religion in a new package – only without God except for occasionally some warped version of God that somehow favours only one political party or viewpoint. We must caution, therefore, the Christian faithful not to make political decisions, including one’s own vote, according to political or other identity, but according only to the laws of God and the precepts of his Holy Church. Similarly, we must caution against too much identity with political parties and organisations at all, for they all too easily can insidiously replace one’s identity as a Christian or cause one’s Christian faith to be warped to fit the whims of politics. More than that, too much identification with political parties and even with national identity under the guise of patriotism, can tear away at one’s soul, pitting people against each other, breeding division where there should be unity in Christ.

Pues Dios no dice que una nación es mejor de todos los otros países. Pensais que la frontera sea una división májica o sagrada, y la gente aquí sea buena, pero la gente allá sea mal? Dijimos que no. De ningúna manera. Todos son hermanos en Cristo, pero los países vienen y se van. Solo la iglesia de Cristo es por siempre y para siempre. God does not say that one nation is better than all other countries. Do you think that the border is a magical or sacred division, and the people here are good, but the people there are bad? We say absolutely not. All are brothers and sisters in Christ, but the nations, they come and go. Only the Church of Christ is of all time and remains forever. Indeed, just as socialism and communism are opposed to and incompatible with the Christian faith, so too is nationalism. Our loyalty must first and foremost always be to God. If we are with God, He will be with us, and then who can stand against us? 

Now, prepare yourselves to receive God’s blessing.

Et benedictio Dei omnipotentis, + Patris, et + Filii, et Spiritus + Sancti descendat super vos et maneat semper. R. Amen.

Legion of the Eagle Consecrated to Christ

Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 7 September 2020 (ORCNS) -- The Most Honourable Legion of the Eagle, the senior-most religious and dynastic order of the Anglican Patriarchate, was formally consecrated to Our Lord Jesus Christ on 5 September by His Holy Eminence the Archfather Rutherford I. The consecration was formalised in a Patriarchal Constitution entitled "Praeclarissima Legio Aquilae." 

The dedication to Christ has always been a part of the Legion, which is the Christian successor to the IX Spanish Legion, founded by Julius Caesar. The eagle itself represents the divine victory of Christ. The consecration simply formalises this long-standing devotion. As a result, the Feast of Corpus Christi has been declared the principal feast of the Legion. The Feast of the Sacred Heart was also added as an official feast day, along with the already-existing feast of St. Patrick, Bishop and Confessor. 

Also as a result of this consecration, the Legion was granted the augmentation "of Christ" to its name. Thus, though "Legion of the Eagle" remains correct, its full name is the Most Honourable Legion of the Eagle of Christ. 

For more about the Legion of the Eagle, please see: http://www.regno.org/eagle.html

or in Italian, http://www.regno.org/aquila.html

Archfather Celebrates Solemn Mass of great Florentine Saint Felipe Benizi

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 23 August 2020 (ORCNS) -- Earlier today H.H.E. the Florentine Archfather celebrated a solemn mass in his private chapel for the great Florentine Saint Felipe Benizi. The Saint, born in Florence, was credited with reviving the Order of the Servites and was one of its superiors General. The cult of Saint Felipe Benizi was first recognised by Pope Leo X, founder of the legacy of the Anglican Patriarchate, in 1516 and was later canonised in 1671 by Pope Clement X.

H.H-Em. the Archfather celebrates the solemn mass
of Saint Felipe Benizi using the complete
solemn Patriarchal vestments.

The offering during the Holy Mass. 

Hospice Chaplain Ordained Lector, Exorcist, Acolyte, and Sub-Deacon

 FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 23 August 2020 (ORCNS) -- The Reverend Brother Elliott Francis, TOR Mar was ordained to the minor orders of Lector, Exorcist, and Acolyte and further to the Sub-Diaconate yesterday. The rites were officiated by H.H.E. the Archfather and took place in his private chapel. Brother Elliott is a hospice chaplain and continues with his studies towards the priesthood. He also holds the office of Guardaroba (Wardrobe Master) of the Patriarchal Household and is a veteran of the US Army. 

In the Anglo-Roman Rite used by the Anglican Patriarchate (Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church), the ordination to the orders of Lector and Exorcist involve the laying on of a single hand by the ordaining bishop while imposing the Breviary and a book containing the rites of Exorcism respectively. The ordination to the order of Acolyte involves the laying on of both hands while the ordinand holds an unlit candle in the right hand and an empty cruet in the left. Each object imposed signifies the nature of the ministry of the particular order. 

At the ordination to the sub-diaconate, the first Holy Order that serves directly at the altar in the Holy Mass, both hands are laid on by the ordaining bishop, invoking the Holy Spirit. The new sub-deacon receives the amice, alb, maniple, and tunicle, the vestments of the sub-diaconate. The Book of Epistles is also imposed, signifying the right to read the Epistle at the mass. After the ritual, a chalice and paten are presented for the new sub-deacon to touch, signifying his ability to hold the Sacred Vessels. Similarly he is presented two cruets, one with wine and the other with water, and a lavabo basin and towel to touch in further symbolism of the role of the sub-diaconate. 

The Archfather ordains Brother Elliott as an Acolyte.

The Archfather imposes the Book Epistles during the
rites of ordination to the sub-diaconate. Brother Elliott
is vested in the tunicle and maniple,
the vestments of a sub-deacon. 

The Archfather and Brother Elliott after the ordination.

Statement of Archfather Rutherford I on the Eve of the Assumption 2020

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 14 August 2020 (ORCNS) 

Statement of H.H.E. Archfather Don Rutherford I
on the Eve of the Feast of the Assumption 2020

Tomorrow, 15 August, we celebrate each year the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Lady, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heaven. Although believed from the time of the early Church, this was dogmatically defined by Pope Pius XII in the Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus. 

 (...continued below...)

The Assumption of Mary

The Assumption follows the dogma of the Blessed Virgin’s Immaculate Conception by which she was preserved free from original sin. It was that state that prepared her to be, if she so decided to be, the Mother of God. Our Lady, of course, did so consent upon the message of the Angel and accepted the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. It was through her free choice and obedience to the will of God that Our Lord and Saviour was able to come into this world, and thus the Word became Incarnate.

Tradition holds that Our Lady was assumed into Heaven from what is now known as the Holy House of Mary in Ephesus, Roman Empire, in modern-day Turkey. We had the privilege of making a pilgrimage last summer to the Holy House. 

Relic of the Holy Belt of Mary in the
care of the Anglican Patriarchate

Also, tradition holds, as depicted in many paintings, that Our Lady dropped her girdle down to one of the Apostles. This is called the Holy Belt of Mary. The Anglican Patriarchate counts among the most sacred objects entrusted to its care a piece of the Holy Belt, which came to us via the Byzantine Roman Empire. 

Archfather Rutherford during a 
pilgrimage to the Holy House
of Mary in Ephesus.

Indeed, long before the formal dogmatic definition by Pius XII in 1950, the glorious Assumption of Mary was a part of the Christian Faith. It was an official feast by the mid-ninth century when it was set by Pope Leo IV. St. Gregory of Tours is among the earliest church official to speak officially of the bodily Assumption of Mary. Scriptural evidence also exists. In the 8th century, Pope Sergius I also celebrated the feast. It was during that time that our Diaconal Church in Rome, Santa Maria Antiqua, was prominent and later used as the seat of the Bishop of Rome. Indeed, the Church of Santa Maria Antiqua, located in the Roman Forum, contains the earliest-known still-intact depiction of Our Lady as Queen of Heaven. 

May our Lady on the Feast of the Assumption bestow her blessing upon each of you, that you may each be brought thereby closer to Our Lord and Saviour. 

Rear Admiral of the Patriarchate Appointed

By Jean DuBois

RAdm HSH the Duke of Metz

FLORENCE-NEW ROME 20 July 2020 (ORCNS) -- H.S.H. the Duke of Metz was recently appointed Rear Admiral of the Patriarchate in the Walsingham Naval Guard by H.H.E. the Archfather. The position is an honorary and ceremonial office within the Walsingham Guard with ancient roots. It recalls to the old days of sail and naval warfare in which a fleet at sea would often be organized into three squadrons, with one each commanded by the Admiral, the Vice Admiral, and the Rear Admiral. In the Walsingham Naval Guard, this position is ceremonially equivalent to the second assistance to the Chief of the Naval Guard in honor of that history. Today the position is conferred as a recognition to a worthy individual, and only one individual serves in the role at any given time. 

The Duke descends via the House of Arnulfings and was raised in the high mountain desert of Wyoming. With a diverse educational and cultural background, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Security and a Master of Business Administration and also holds high professional and military certifications in Homeland Security, Emergency Management, and Cyber Crime & Terrorism prevention. 

Flag of Rank of a Rear Admiral
of the Walsingham Naval Guard

     An Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, the Admiral remains very active in service and philanthropy supporting various charitable outreach programs both he and his wife hold dear. The Duke has received honors in Scouting to include: the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award; Silver Antelope for service to the 13 states of the Southern Region; Silver Beaver; the Sea Scout Leadership Award; and, most recently was honored as the Southern Region BSA Alumnus of the Year. He is a recipient of the U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award for Lifetime Achievement. 

     The Duke served honorably in the United State Navy Intelligence community and countless Federal, State and local agencies in combating threats from cyber-terrorism and cyber related crime. He is a founding member and served on the original board of directors for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s InfraGard (National Members Alliance) program.  He was instrumental in expanding the Homeland Security grant program following 9/11 to include cyber threats and was the subcommittee chairman for Cyber Security for the Multi-State ISAC.  Currently, the Duke is employed as the Corporate Information Security Officer (CISO).

         For more information on the Walsingham Naval Guard, please see: www.anglicanritecatholicchurch.org/navalguard

In Crusader Spirit, Bishop Jones Holds Sword During Sermon Against Desecration of Hagia Sophia

By Jean DuBois

NORTH CAROLINA 25 July 2020 (ORCNS) -- In response to the declaration of the Church of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (historic Constantinople) as a mosque rather than an ecumenical shrine, 24 July 2020 has been declared a day of mourning for Christendom. The Muslim Imam ascended the pulpit of the Hagia Sophia, once the largest church of the Christian world and the center of the Eastern Roman Empire, with an Ottoman sword as a sign of conquest. The goal of retaking at least part of Jerusalem was declared.

In response to this vicious desecration and bigoted attack on Christianity, Bishop William Jones preached a sermon in which, holding a sword himself, he reiterated the importance of defending the Church and the Faith. He stated that several centuries of history of the Ottoman Empire was no justification for this act by Turkey. In fact, modern Turkey was invaded by the Turks. Before that it was a Latin Empire of Constantinople, and before that the Byzantine Empire -- Christian lands. The Church of the Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) was built by the Emperor Justinian and remains at its heart a Christian Church, now occupied by the Mohammedans.

Sermon video below.

Desecration of Churches and Christian Statues

FLORENCE 18 July 2020 (ORCNS)

Statement by Archfather Don Rutherford on the recent desecration of churches and Christian statues. 

If you ever wonder “what in the devil” is going on these days in our world, where disruption, discontent and destruction are the new norms, you are not far from the truth. Just look around.

For, the devil really is in the details.

And those details are everywhere the Church’s adversaries show their faces.

Of course these days, the devils who hate the Church, the devils who destroy religious objects...who decapitate statues of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin, and the Saints, who desecrate churches hide their faces in shame because they know that they are wrong. They are the new Taliban, the ones who want to destroy our way of life.

They know that hate is wrong. They know that defiling a church is wrong.

They lack souls. So they engage in desperate acts to find one.

They lack God’s love, and the capacity to love God, or even to love themselves. Thus, they lack forgiveness. And as a result, they lack hope.

If they have ever known love at all it is the conceit of their destructive opinions.

They are so frustrated, so full of self-loathing and self-contempt and painfully skewed self-awareness that their world is a living hell where they can never know peace.

Hate consumes them like a cancer that must spread, simply because it exists...and because we exist.

That’s why they must try to drag us all down to their miserable level. Because if God is good, the opposite of God is evil. Destroy God, and the Adversary can begin to call evil good.

That’s the devil of it all.

Ego Archipater R. 

Archfather Authorises New Short Version of Name of Patriarchate

The insignia of the Anglican
Patriarchate, containing the key
of St. Peter crossed with the
sword of St. Mark. The Patriarchate
is among those that make use
of the papal tiara in heraldry
stemming from its unique
heritage and privileges.

PATRIARCHAL SEE 5 July 2020 (ORCNS) -- The Archfather has authorised "The Anglican Patriarchate" as a short version of the name of the Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarchate, Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church. The short name succinctly describes the patriarchate's Roman Catholic and Anglican Rite heritage and is unique in history. The Curia has also reiterated that no names are being changed, but that this new short version is only an addition.

Condolences on Death of Pope's Brother

Msgr. Georg Ratzinger
Credit: Ricardo Ciccone
Creative Commons License

ROME 01 July 2020 (ORCNS) - The brother of the Holy Father Benedict XVI, Monsignor Georg Ratzinger, died on 1 July 2020 at the age of 96. He was a Canon of Regensberg since 2009. The Florentine Archfather expressed his condolences to Pope Benedict, saying, "Wir sprechen dem Heiligen Vater Benedikt unser aufrichtiges Beileid für den Tod seines Bruders, Monsignor Georg Ratzinger."

On the Rise of Socialism

By A. DiNardo

PATRIARCHAL SEE 24 June 2020 (ORCNS) - A Patriarchal Encyclical of Rutherford I was released today. Entitled Eventus Socialismi, the encyclical dealt with the rise of socialism in the world. It extends a similar statement made in 2008. The complete text is below. 

Eventus Socialismi 

Esteemed Brethren and Dearest Sons in Christ,

The issue of socialism growing in strength within the United States of America largely over the past decade, and indeed the whole world and especially Europe over the past several decades requires the attention of Christ’s Church. It is Our duty to comment on this matter and to advise the faithful under Our Apostolic and pastoral care so that they may understand and behave according to the Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Tradition of the Apostolic Faith. To do otherwise would be a failure in Our duty to Christ and to those in Our charge and care.


Attempts at Division

The fractured appearance of the Apostolic Church makes those who promote socialism believe they are better able to divide and conquer. While Christians separate over many diverse issues, socialists and communists join together to spread their vile poison of words and deeds, which has been shown by Church scholars and Church leaders over and over to be contrary to the Sacred Scripture, and embed their poison so deeply that it is difficult to remove. Yet, the Word of God is clear. The gates of Hell shall not prevail against Christ’s Church. Though the Church of the true and living Faith handed down in unbroken succession from the Apostles has split into separate jurisdictions around the world, and though those provinces of authority often bicker and fight in a manner unbecoming of them, there is still but one Church and one Faith, united under one Baptism. The gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.

The enemies of the Church delight in these split provinces, but they cannot see the truth. They are lured by these divisions, but fail to see that the union of Christ’s Church is deeper than leadership, jurisdiction, or Rite, but is instead a product of the Baptism in Christ and the authority transmitted by the Holy Spirit in succession from the Apostles.


The Necessity of the Clergy and Faithful to Speak out Against Injustice

This fractured state, while We lament it, is taken as the fact of the situation for the time being. Humans, as they are, have failed to shepherd faithfully the Divine Institution which has been entrusted to them, and so we as Christians are in fractured factions. Remember, though, that these independent churches of the Apostolic Faith are all successors to the Apostles, and they are valid in their authority. So too are they valid in their duty to act and to speak when there are issues of great social concern. The issues at hand today in Europe, the United States of America, and the world relate to the rights of unborn children, to economics and justice, to human rights and dignity, and indeed to the very freedom of individuals demanded by our Lord. The Church, regardless of rite or jurisdiction, cannot and must not remain silent on these issues.


When Government Acts Against the Church and Her People

Various entities in government and outside the government have sought to silence the clergy in their outspoken criticism of the government policies; policies that are contrary to morality and Church precepts. The Church, however, must remember its higher calling and remain firm in the realisation of its duty, faithfully carrying out that duty of legitimate opposition to illegitimate policies that marginalise rather than acknowledge the individual dignity; that restrain liberty while at the same time, and in a hypocritical fashion, mocking the authority of rule and the rule of law; that forces the will of a determined minority upon the remainder of the population; and that harms individuals under a misguided or malicious veil of fairness. The Bishops inherit the authority of the Apostles, yet they inherit also the responsibilities pertaining to that office as well. Ordinary clergy share in the responsibility, and the faithful have the responsibility to oppose all that is unjust, so far as in their power lies. Acts against the Church and her leaders and people should not and must not deter those leaders and people from doing their Christian duty.


The Government as a Protector of Religious Freedom
At this point in time, the duty of opposition to any unjust government policy is perhaps at its most crucial need. States, historically founded upon Christian principles by leaders with deep Christian faith, have always safe-guarded religious freedom. Now the socialist and communist factions seek subjugation to the State. In the United States of America, they even seek to use the supposed and purported foundation of religious freedom and the mechanism for guarding it, the First Amendment to their Constitution, to limit religious freedom. In many cases this goes beyond limitation into outright marginalisation of Christians and restrictions on their rights and activities, particularly in favour of other religious groups. The end result of this is not the religious tolerance and equity touted by the socialists as their goal, but rather a Marxist-style of “class warfare” between religious groups. This has recently been expanded to include racial division and conflict. Under the veil of peace comes war. Under the cloak of freedom comes tyranny.

The Church, ever-concerned with the salvation of man, must work for the condition of man on earth to aid in their efforts of attainment of salvation. Often governments historically have traditionally been a whole-hearted and enthusiastic participant in this effort. Socialism has crept in silently over time, and now it is seeking to dominate. Good and faithful Christians must oppose the plans of any person in the government that seeks this socialist or communist domination. Such an outcome would result in the limitation of personal freedom, and hence a subjugation of individual work on salvation of all people to the present and temporal needs of the State and secular society. Secularism, which goes hand-in-hand with socialism and communism, is the enemy of Christianity and the enemy of human dignity, rights, and freedom. The civil governments must be restored to their previous condition of preserving Christian principles, religious and individual freedom, and the dignity of all humans.


Socialism and Communism are Incompatible with Christianity

No Christian may be a socialist. No Christian may be a Communist. This has been consistently supported by the leaders of the true Church around the world.

Socialism and communism are at odds with Christianity. Both prohibit personal liberty, subjugating all people to the present and temporal needs of the State, with a focus purely on the present and the temporal.

Communism further is a Godless society. In socialism and communism, the individual is replaced by the State, and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is replaced with the concept of nationalism, i.e., effective worship of the State. Such notions clearly are incompatible with Christian principles and must be avoided and opposed wherever they are encountered.

At times the faithful have been forced into subjugation at the hands of socialists and communists, and may even be forced or deluded into active participation, becoming pawns and puppets of the socialist regimes. We must always pray for such persons, as they are under the influence, often innocently, of the Devil’s tool of disharmony on the earth, socialism.

This same fate of subjugation may await the faithful within Europe, the United States, and other countries if the socialist factions in government continue in office. Such is the duty of the faithful, for they must aid in preventing their own fate from being that of many Christians in socialist and communist nations around the world.


The Culture of Death
The modern culture of death has been treated by many great leaders of the Church and by many great theologians. A society that does not value human life has subscribed to the culture of death. A society that does not protect unborn children and permits abortion, the outright murder of unborn children, has subscribed to the culture of death. This is incompatible with Christian principles, and no true Christian may subscribe to it. The faithful should pray for guidance and strength in opposing these horrors of the modern world. We cannot comprehend how societies of such historic greatness can permit the legal murder of unborn children.

The dogma and doctrine that must be accepted and followed by Christians is that of Christ’s Church, as handed down in unbroken succession from the Apostles, they themselves deriving their true and just authority from Jesus Christ Himself, receiving the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. All doctrines of man, made by man for various often selfish and nefarious reasons, must be rejected. Often these dogmae and doctrines appear on the surface to be benign and perhaps even helpful. The veneer of kindness often masks a deep and dark purpose underneath. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Such is the duty of Christians to remain vigilant against them.


Societies that Turn Away from our Lord and Saviour

Societies that turn away from our Lord and Saviour are doomed to at least a temporary negative fate, if not outright annihilation. We need only turn to the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany to see the destruction wrought upon the people of a nation due to governments that were without God. They were without the love and charity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and their societies were destroyed.

We do not wish this fate visited upon the nations of the world, especially the Christian nations founded by the grace of God to uphold God and provide dignity and freedom for all. Yet, this is the fate that awaits these nations if socialist factions succeed in their machinations. Using inclusive language and veiling themselves with flags and notions of freedom, they sneak their way in as a thief in the night and slowly take over government and society, creating a culture of fear so that none dare oppose them. What is worse is that the people, fooled by their lies, have helped to put them into power through campaign efforts and elections. Let us not go the foolish ways of Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union, for We do not wish the people of the Christian world to suffer at the hand of God for their national disobedience.


The Truth of Christian Values

By the grace of God, we the people of God have been given the Church. She is the Bride of Christ, instituted by Him and born out of His death and passion, and glorious resurrection and ascension. She is universal, and she exists to save all mankind. The values of Christ and His Church are paramount among all value systems. Morality is not relative or a matter of personal choice. It is a matter of Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, as well as the teaching authority of the universal Church. Socialists seek to replace our value system with one of their own, which values not the dignity and freedom of man, but merely their own interests here and now. They care not for the salvation of man, but only for temporal interests of power. We urge all those in Our care to keep the faith and to keep Christ’s values in their hearts above all other value systems. All other value systems must be measured against that of Christ.


On the Unity of Christians

The Church, being universal and embracing all people of the world, craves unity. This unity is unity of doctrine and faith above all else. Christians, though possessing many diverse forms of worship within the Apostolic Faith and tradition, are still unified by one Baptism and that Apostolic Faith. The Holy Spirit flows through the Church as surely today as it did on the first Pentecost.

Socialists by their very nature seek to break apart Christian unity, tempting us to focus on our differences and ignore our unifying foundation. This foundation is strong; far stronger than they are. They cannot break or destroy it. They can only hope for us to ignore it. By so doing, they hope to weaken us so that we fight ourselves instead of them, leaving them free to pursue their goal of absolute power. We, dearest brethren, must be vigilant and constantly guard against this. We must not allow ourselves to be pitted against each other, but rather must focus on opposing socialism and communism in our society today.


Method of Opposition

Spiritual weapons are the weapons that must be used. The bomber and the assassin are the tools of the anarchist. Anarchism is chaos and hence the opposite of order, and its lack of order fails to guarantee freedom and dignity. It fails to consider anything in the future, but only the present. Anarchism is as offensive to Christianity as socialism and communism are. Therefore, the tools of the anarchist must not be used.

The faithful must pray for the conversion of the socialists and communists, and of all those who know not Christ. For those professed Christians who still persist in following the ills of socialism and communism, we must all pray for their return to the faith and for their abandonment of their philosophies contrary to the Church and to human freedom and dignity.


Victory over Socialism

Socialists in Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States have gained tremendous power in the past decade or more. Now they occupy many seats of power in government. They seem determined to destroy society as she historically is and was meant to be, and instead re-invent her as a socialist regime, focused only on power and ignoring the needs and rights of the people. This must be opposed by the faithful. It is our duty. For the Bishops, it is our Apostolic duty. This is a duty in which we cannot fail. God will help us; this you should all remember. We shall reiterate that the gates of Hell shall not prevail against Christ’s Church and His people.

We must further pray that Bishops, clergy, and people of other provinces respond in a similar manner as We have admonished you, dear brethren, to respond. This is an era of a crossroads. Will the Christian people remain free, or will they become mired in a socialist hell on earth? We must fight for the former and fight against the latter.


Conclusion 

In conclusion, We pray that each of you will reflect duly upon these words, maintain the doctrine of the true faith as handed down from the Apostles, and oppose legitimately to the best of your abilities these threats against freedom that we now face in the world. To my Esteemed Brethren the Bishops and Ordinary Clergy of the Imperial Patriarchate, I charge you to admonish your flocks in these matters, keep the faith, and promulgate it throughout the world. Remember that Ecclesia Patria Nostra, the Church is our country first and foremost. Seeing the light of Christ, it is impossible that the heathen, the fallen, and the enemies of Christ’s Church can stand against it. Never give up the fight for justice on earth, trusting in the justice of eternity, and always keep the faith. The enemies of the church, including the socialists and communists that form the primary topic of this letter, may win spotted victories, and even large victories, but they shall not have the final victory. Remember this always as you live your Christian vocation and await the reward of everlasting life. We pray health and happiness to you all and impart Our Apostolic Blessing on each of you.

Ego Archipater R.