ROME-RUTHENIA 21 April 2025 (NRom)
In recent years, as the reputation of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church (URRC) has grown through the service of its people and through its international activities, public outreach, and restoration of traditional Christian rites, some have asked: “How large is the Church?”
Such metrics, common in the corporate world, have never actually been of importance to the URRC. Nevertheless, the answer, while simple in principle, requires context to fully appreciate.
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| Mar Youssef VI Emmanuel II, Patriarch of Babylon (Syrian) One of the five Principle Patriarchal Ancestors in Apostolic Succession from whom the United Roman-Ruthenian Church derives as part of the One, Holy, Orthodox, Catholic, and Apostolic Church founded by Christ. |
URRC Historical Timeline of Key Events
(Click for larger version.)
Mission-Based, Not Membership-Driven
The URRC is a non-territorial, international Church rooted in traditional Christian values and liturgical restoration. Unlike strictly territorial jurisdictions, our structure prioritizes mission, pastoral care, and cultural guardianship, particularly among dispersed faithful, traditional communities, and those without a local spiritual home.
As such, any measure cannot be based strictly on parish registries or visible congregations, but also on those we reach through clergy, liturgy, digital resources, pastoral support, cultural identity, and spiritual influence.
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| Sergei, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' (Russian Orthodox), another of the five Principle Patriarchal Ancestors of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. |
“Reach” and Ecclesiastical Responsibility
We use the term “reach” to describe those connected to the URRC in various ways:
- Active clergy and laity of the URRC involved in worship and ministry.
- Former members, baptized faithful, and sacramental recipients.
- Traditionalist Christians—especially among Orthodox, Old Catholic, or traditional Anglican communities—who may not be formally within the URRC, but whose spiritual or theological orientation aligns closely with its mission and values, and who often look to the URRC as a reference point for liturgical and doctrinal continuity.
- Individuals and communities without a local mission but in regular contact.
- Those who engage with the Church through online outreach, theological education, or devotions.
Due to this wide network, the URRC’s conservative estimate of global reach exceeds 150,000 individuals. This includes both active and historical adherents across multiple continents.
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| St. Vladimir, Metropolitan of Moscow, a patriarchal ancestor of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church in the line of Sergei, Patriarch of Moscow. He was head of the Russian Orthodox Church prior to the restoration of the Moscow Patriarchate in the 20th century. |
Why Not Centralized Numbers?
The Church intentionally operates a decentralized mission model, recognizing that many of the faithful we serve are in:
- Remote areas without clergy access.
- Other ecclesial bodies but spiritually aligned.
- Diaspora or traditionalist communities underserved by their former jurisdictions.
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| St. Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow, one of the patriarchal ancestors of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. He was the first Patriarch in the restored Moscow Patriarchate in the early 20th century and was a predecessor to Sergei of Moscow (see above). |
Additionally, like other global Churches (including the Roman and other Orthodox communions), the URRC counts not only regular attendees but those within its spiritual, cultural, and sacramental care, even if not physically present on a regular basis.
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| Mar Audishu, Patriarch of Bablyon (Syrian), one of the patriarchal ancestors of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and a predecessor to Mar Youssef VI Emmanuel II (see above) |
Reflections
As one prelate quipped: “The Church is not a stadium. It’s a living body. We don’t measure the Kingdom of God by photo ops.”
We do not seek to boast in numbers, but to be faithful in our calling. For those who genuinely seek to understand our mission and structure, we invite continued dialogue. For those who derive pleasure from constantly criticizing others—we trust the fruits of our work will speak for themselves, and people of goodwill shall hear.
To our clergy, faithful, and friends around the world: thank you for being part of this mission. Whether near or far, in person or online, visible or hidden—know that you are part of this living Church.
From the Holy Apostolic See
Paschal Season, 2025
