The Prince-Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia: A Living Embodiment of Centuries-Old Tradition

The Most Holy Patriarchal Basilica
of Santa Maria Antiqua in the 
Roman Forum, part of the ancient
legacy of the
United Roman-Ruthenian Church

By M. Desrosiers

ROME-RUTHENIA 22 July 2024 (NRom)

The United Roman-Ruthenian Church is a unique and fascinating religious institution, with a history and tradition that spans centuries. At the heart of the Church's governance is found a humble worker in the vineyard of our Lord, the Supreme Pontiff, known by the traditional title of Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia or Prince-Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia. The office is a semi-hereditary, semi-elective monarchy with succession governed by the laws of the Church.

This title, as defined in the Apostolic Constitution "For the Greater Glory of God," reflects the dual heritage of this church - Orthodox and Old Catholic, coupled with temporal legacy from Christendom. The Prince-Bishop is both the spiritual leader of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and the religious-temporal leader of the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia, today a nation without borders. Following the ancient tradition of married clergy, the consort of the Prince-Bishop holds the title of Apostolic Princess of Rome-Ruthenia. Both are known by the style of "Apostolic Highness," in reference to the Apostolic See of Sts. Stephen and Mark and to the Prince-Bishop as temporal successor of St. Peter the Apostle. 

Looking further, we find an extensive list of other specific titles that the Prince-Bishop may hold, reflecting the diverse heritage and responsibilities of the office. These titles are more than just symbolic - they carry real meaning and significance within the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, for the Prince-Bishop is the living embodiment of the history and cultural richness of this institution. It is an integral part of the church's identity and heritage. It connects the present-day Prince-Bishop to a long line of distinguished predecessors.

Ultimately, the general titles of the Pontifical Household are a reflection of the unique and complex history of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. They are not mere formalities, but rather essential elements of a religious and cultural tradition that has endured for centuries. Whether one sees them as a source of pride or a relic of the past, they remain an integral part of the sacred identity of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and the office of the Prince-Bishop.

Patriarchal Letter of Rutherford I to the Christian Faithful in the United States of America

from His Apostolic Highness Rutherford I
Prince-Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia

On the Feast of the Holy Mother of God of Kazan

21 July 2024

Dearly beloved sons and daughters in Christ,

As the United States finds itself in the midst of a contentious and divisive election season, I am compelled to address you, the Christian faithful of the United States, with a message of unity, compassion, and steadfast commitment to the teachings of our Lord.

In these turbulent times, when the world is watching the American election with bated breath, it is of the utmost importance that we, no matter where we are in the world, as followers of Christ, define ourselves not by the political affiliations or ideologies that so often seek to divide us, but by the unifying principles of our faith. To say that all people of another political party are evil or against Christ is a grave sin, for it paints with the same broad brush those who may simply have differing perspectives on the complex issues facing society today. Such rhetoric is not only un-Christian, but it also serves to further entrench the divisiveness that has gripped the United States and the world.

Dearly beloved in Christ, we must resist the temptation to make politics our church and a political party our religion, for to do so is to betray the very essence of our faith. Our faith calls us to love our neighbour as ourselves, to seek unity in the midst of conflict, and to see the image of God in all people, regardless of their political leanings.

As Christians, our primary allegiance must be to the Kingdom of God, not to any earthly kingdom or political party. We are called to be a beacon of hope, a voice of reason, and a force for reconciliation in a world that so often seems intent on tearing itself apart. I urge you, dearly beloved in Christ, to resist the siren call of partisan politics and to instead focus your energy and passion on the timeless truths of the Gospel. Let us be known not for our political affiliations, but for our unwavering commitment to the values of love, justice, mercy, and peace that our Lord himself embodied and proclaimed.

In this pivotal moment, when the future of American governance hangs in the balance, let us rise above the fray of partisan bickering and demonstrate to the world the transformative power of a faith that transcends the boundaries of political ideology. Let us be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, shining the radiant love of Christ into the darkest corners of our society. Let us be the peacemakers, the bridge-builders, and the reconcilers, that the brotherhood of nations might be healed and restored.

Dearly beloved in Christ, I call upon you to join me in this sacred mission, to be the change we wish to see in the world, and to be the living embodiment of the Kingdom of God, even in the midst of the chaos and turmoil that surrounds us. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.