The Importance of All Saints' Day

By Alberto Hernandez, Staff Editor

ROME-RUTHENIA 01 November 2023 (NRom) 

The Importance of All Saints Day

All Saints Day, celebrated on November 1st each year, holds great significance in the Christian calendar. This holy day is dedicated to honoring all the saints, known and unknown, who have lived exemplary lives and are believed to be in heaven.

One of the main reasons why All Saints Day is important is because it reaffirms the belief in the communion of saints. It reminds us that we are not alone in our faith journey; we are part of a larger community that spans across time and space. On this day, Christians come together to remember and venerate these holy men and women who have gone before us.

All Saints Day also serves as an inspiration for believers to strive for holiness in their own lives. The saints provide us with role models, showing us what it means to live a life centered on God's love and grace. Their stories teach us valuable lessons about faith, perseverance, compassion, and selflessness.

Moreover, All Saints Day offers comfort and hope to those who have lost loved ones. It is a time to remember and honor those who have passed away, knowing that they are now among the heavenly host. This day provides solace by reminding us that death is not the end but rather a transition into eternal life with God.

In addition to its spiritual significance, All Saints Day has cultural importance as well. In many countries around the world, this day is marked by various customs and traditions. People visit cemeteries to clean and decorate gravesites with flowers and candles as a way of paying tribute to their departed relatives.

All Saints Day holds deep meaning for Christians worldwide. It strengthens our faith, encourages us to follow in the footsteps of the saints, brings comfort in times of loss, and fosters a sense of community among believers. This day serves as a reminder that holiness is attainable and that we are part of a larger, eternal family.

Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia Makes Pilgrimage to Holy Sites in Gruzya (Georgia)

By Jean DuBois

TBILISI 18 May 2023 (NRom)

H.H. Bishop Rutherford I of Rome-Ruthenia recently made a pilgrimage to several important holy sites in Gruzya (Georgia). These sites included some of the most ancient in Christendom, dating to the times of the Early Church. Among these were the Jvari Monastery at Mtskheta, the original capital of Georgia. That site was the location where St. Nino, Equal-to-the-Apostles placed the first cross in Georgia. The church was built around it, and the central cross reliquary still contains a piece of the original cross. St. Nino was from Cappadocia and was a cousin of St. George the Martyr and Bringer of Victory, a major figure in the history of the Apostolic See of Saints Stephen and Mark. She is credited with bringing the Christian faith to Georgia. 

At the Jvari Monastery, where St. Nino
placed the first cross in Georgia.

Visiting the Bodbe Cathedral, where the grave
of St. Nino is located.

The Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia also visited the current Patriarchal church of Georgia, Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, as well as the original cathedral, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. Contained within that church is the Life-Giving Pillar, which contains the seamless tunic of Christ. A Georgian Jew went to Jerusalem and was there at the Crucifixion. He bought the robe of Jesus from a Roman soldier and brought it back to his home. Sidonia, his sister, touched the robe and was so overcome with emotion that she died. The robe could not be pried out of her hands. So, it was decided that she would be buried with it. The Life-Giving Pillar was built on that site. 

At the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Tbilisi

The Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia at the Life-Giving Pillar,
containing the Robe of Christ. 

A picture of the complete Life-Giving Pillar.

Also within the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is a symbolic copy of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It was built in the 13th and 14th centuries to commemorate the Robe of Christ held in the church. Thus the cathedral and Mtskheta are called the "Second Jerusalem." 

The miniature replica at the Svetitskhoveli
Cathedral in Mtskheta, Georgia, of the
Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

Lastly the Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia visited the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe in the shadow of the Caucasus mountains, which dates to the early iron age and was known to classical writers. He also climbed the hills there containing ancient cave dwellings to visit the 9th century basilica of St. George, his name-saint. The basilica survived many earthquakes without sustaining any damage. 

At the Basilica of St. George, Uplistsikhe, Georgia.  

Georgia contains some of the oldest and most significant Christian sites, and its heritage is linked with that of the Russian Empire, Byzantium, and the Roman world, and therefore with that of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and the Pontifical Imperial State. In addition to Byzantine succession, the Georgian Orthodox Church also claims descent from Saints Bartholomew and Thaddeus. Those saints came from Armenia into Georgia and were the founders of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which in turn also is part of the Apostolic succession of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. Georgia, from ancient times to being a major stop on the Silk Road to the present, not only maintains its own unique culture, but is a crossroads of many cultures. It is a place that all from Christendom should visit. 

Bishop Edwin Caudill Canonized

Original icon of Saint Edwin Caudill
by the Apostolic See
of Sts. Stephen and Mark

By A. DiNardo

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 30 April 2023 (NRom)

Today Howard Edwin Caudill, Bishop of the Southwest and Apostolic Founder of the Apostolic See of Saints Stephen and Mark, was canonized by H.H. Rutherford I, Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia. The first liturgy in which the name of Saint Edwin was invoked was celebrated today also by the Supreme Pontiff. The cause for canonization was opened in 2008.

Saint Edwin was Bishop of the Southwest. Sometime after his death, his diocese went into a schism. The remnants went into the Apostolic Communion of Anglican Churches, with H.H. Rutherford I (then-Bishop Johnson) becoming its Bishop Ordinary as the eventual successor to Bishop Caudill. It subsequently became a Metropolitan See and then was renamed the See of Saint Stephen in recognition of its evolution as an Orthodox Old Catholic diocese. After its merger with the Anglo-Roman Metropolitan See of Aquileia, it became the Apostolic See of Saints Stephen and Mark, the principle diocese of the Imperial Roman Church, Anglican Patriarchate, and Gallo-Russo-Byzantine Catholicate. Those jurisdictions merged in 2023 to form the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. 

H.H. Rutherford I visits the former Cathedral of St. Chad,
First Chair of the Roman-Ruthenian Church and Patriarchate, as the cathedral
of Saint Edwin Caudill as Bishop of the Southwest

Although Saint Edwin Caudill was not the first Bishop of the Southwest (in fact he was the second), he was consecrated not only in succession from the Episcopal Church of the USA, but also in diverse Orthodox and Roman Catholic Apostolic succession through the Philippine Independent Catholic Church. He was consecrated in succession from the two Holy Fathers of the Apostolic See, Pope Saint Leo X and Saint Aftimios Ofiesh. Through him, the diocese also branches in Apostolic succession from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem (through Patriarch Damian I) and the Coptic Patriarchate of Alexandria (through Pope Cyril VI of Alexandria). This is the legacy of unified Christianity that the modern Apostolic See perpetuates, and it began with Saint Edwin as Bishop of the Southwest. 

For more information about Saint Edwin Caudill, please visit this link. Additional information is also available on this page. For more about the Unite Roman-Ruthenian Church, please visit this page.

New Honours of the Pontifical Court

 By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 25 April 2023 (NRom)

The Pontifical Court announced today that H.H. the Papa-Knyaz and Catholicos of Rome-Ruthenia has made the following appointments and concessions of honours.

His Beatitude Metropolitan Daniel Flores was named an Honourary Professor of the Pontifical Georgian College.

His Highness Daniel of Modanella was given the title of Archduke of Maritima, formerly held by the late H.S.H. Archbishop Norman Dutton.

Marc Kealey - Knight Bachelor of the Imperial Patriarchate and also appointed to the office of Foriere Maggiore (Major Herald) of the Pontifical Court

12th Anniversary in the Election of H.H. Rutherford I

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 19 April 2023 (NRom)

Monday, 24 April 2023 is the 12th anniversary in the election of H.H. Rutherford I, Papa-Knyaz and Catholicos of Rome-Ruthenia. The anniversary falls between two important feast days for the Apostolic See of Sts. Stephen and Mark and the Pontifical Imperial State. On Sunday, it is the Feast of Saint George the Martyr and Bringer of Victory, Patron of Ruthenia and name saint of the Catholicos. On Tuesday, it is the Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist, Patron of the Metrpolitancy of Aquileia. This day also follows shortly after the 2776th Birthday of Rome on Saturday 21 April. 

Blessing Ex Urbe Easter 2023

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 9 April 2023 (NRom)

H.H. Papa-Knyaz Rutherford gave his annual Paschal allocution and blessing ex urbe, with plenary indulgence, on the Latin Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord. 

The video of the allocution (text is below): 

English Translation:

 Carissimi, Christus resurgens est! Христос воскрес! Воистину воскрес! Today is a day of great joy, peace, hope, and fulfillment. It is the day that we celebrate the triumph of Christ over the grave. Without this day, our faith would mean nothing, and without the suffering of Christ on the Cross, this day could not exist. 

Without Christ on the Cross, and without the Resurrection, the values would not exist. God is the source of all good, and therefore nothing without God can be called good. Although it is not easy, we who join Christ on the Cross received the benefits of the Resurrection must always and everywhere preserve and promote the values of our heritage, the values Christ. Today in the world, many have abandoned their values, heritage, culture, and faith. Instead they preferred to chase the ever-changing ways of the world. Almighty God created the world, and therefore the world is good. Yet, to follow the ways of the world instead of the ways of God, who created the world, is in fact to follow the ways of Satan. 

The world today says that absolute values under God no longer exist. Instead, there are these values and those values, which are said to be equal. The values of Almighty God that once were the core of Christendom are now pushed aside in favour of these false values of modernism. This is nothing more, however, then old heresies. We must, therefore, dear brethren, always and everywhere promote and preserve the values of Christ the heritage of Christ’s holy kingdom on earth. We must do so even when and even where it is not popular. We must serve as an example to others, that Christen-dom may be reestablished in its full glory, which is nothing more than the reflection of the glory of God. Indeed, we are nothing with-out Christ. 

Also, dear brethren, this day I wish to say again that Our See will have for the first time two celebrations of Pascha. This day is the Lat-in celebration of Pascha. Next week we will celebrate the Eastern Pascha. This is a great and historic moment for Our See as we collec-tively realise and employ the completeness of our great heritage, which is both Eastern and Western. Our faith and our heritage is Roman, Byzantine, Russian, Armenian, and Syrian. It is not right that we should forget this for any reason. Rather, we should and we must embrace it fully. 

Now, on this day of great and joyous celebration of the Resurrec-tion of Christ, We wish each of you a blessed and joyous Pascha.

A look back on the first twelve years of the pontificate of BishopRutherford I

By A. DiNardo

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 13 March 2023 (NRom)

The last twelve years of the pontificate of Bishop Rutherford I of Rome-Ruthenia witnessed a substantial restoration of the traditions of the Orthodox and Old Catholic faith, of the promotion of Christian civil society, and a wealth of production of liturgical, ethno-cultural, and historical works. The autocephalous Orthodox Old Catholic Apostolic See of Saints Stephen and Mark provided and continues to provide a beacon of stability, reflecting the light of Christ, through some of the most challenging times in modern history.

The various branches, affiliates, and missions of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church are found on every continent except (currently) Antarctica. Its clergy and people have provided humanitarian support, medical care, spiritual comfort, education, and advocacy for many people across the socio-economic spectrum on a global scale. During the 2020-2022 global pandemic, the church was active in a wide array of service, not the least of which was oriented towards the most vulnerable people around the world and the impact the pandemic had on them.

The Apostolic See also revived its seminary, Pontifical Georgian College (formerly St. George Theological Seminary); established the Pontifical Apostolic Library to archive historical books, documents, artifacts, and other works; built the modern Pontifical Walsingham Guard on the long military heritage of the Church's temporal heritage, serving as a modern ceremonial and humanitarian organization; the development and expansion of the Noble Company of the Court of St. Mary of Walsingham as a cultural and charitable nobiliary association within the Pontifical Court; formalized and perpetuated an important part of the legacy of King Peter II of Yugoslavia; revived and established orders of Christian chivalry; and, most importantly, building on its history and heritage, re-built a spiritual and temporal nation without borders that unifies the Church's heritage, religious expression, and culture of both eastern and western Christianity, serving as an example of brotherhood to all. 

The United Roman-Ruthenian Church, as a sovereign entity, also provides both local and high-level government policy advice and engages in diplomatic activity around the world. The temporal patrimony of the Church was also restored, under the unified name of the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia. This integrated state is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic nation today without borders that is heir to the Roman Empire and the Pontifical Kingdom of Ruthenia (Russia/Rus’). Its goal as an ethno-religious minority is the perpetuation of faith and culture. In 2019, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, under the name of its non-profit foundation (United Roman-Ruthenian Church, Inc.) was admitted as an organization in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

The Pontiff said, “The accomplishments of Our See are due to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the faith and good works of Our team. We seek to build the Kingdom of God on earth for the greater glory of God. And, we preserve the ethnic and religious heritage of our culture, not as antiquarians, but to carry it into the future. Those who are here for their own mercenary interests or to promote the interests of some other group never last, while those who are here to serve God find a lasting home.”

The United Roman-Ruthenian Church is among those few churches in the world that are privileged to branch in Apostolic succession from the Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Old Catholic, Melkite Catholic, Syrian Antiochian Orthodox, Syrian Malankara, Armenian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Uniate, Melkite (Greek) Catholic, and Chaldean (Babylonian/Iraqi) Catholic Churches. The most recent Patriarchs of ancient geographical Churches from which the Apostolic See of Sts. Stephen and Mark descends are both from the 20th century: Sergei, Patriarch of Moscow (Russian Orthodox) and Yousef VI, Patriarch of Babylon (Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq). Part of the Church’s Roman succession is held in common with 95% the modern Vatican Church (Roman Communion) today, but the United Roman-Ruthenian Church also has much older lines as well, including the famous lines of Medici, Barberini, and Borghese. As a Church of united Apostolic heritage spanning East and West, it evokes memories of the Church before the Great Schism one thousand years ago and points to a Christian unity that often seems today like an elusive goal. On this, Bishop Rutherford said, “Satan tries to destroy the Church from within, making Christians fight amongst themselves, often over silly trifles.”

Among its most significant spiritual, cultural, and historical successes, the Apostolic See reestablished the Gallican Rite of the Catholic Church, in collaboration with the Merovingian Dynasty, and, drawing on its joint Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Apostolic heritage and authority, established approved the Gallo-Russo-Byzantine Rite and the Anglican-Byzantine Rite, all under the Catholicate of Rome-Ruthenia.

The accomplishments of the Apostolic See over the last twelve plus years also include compiling and publishing numerous liturgical books, with the See now publishing all of the books used in the liturgy throughout the entire United Roman-Ruthenian Church through its publishing house, St. George Seminary Press. That includes the entirety of the liturgical books and instructional material for the Gallo-Russo-Byzantine and Anglican-Byzantine Rites, as well as the earlier Anglo-Roman and Gallo-Roman (Gallican) Rites. 

Celebrating its 15th modern anniversary, with two millennia of history, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church is poised to carry the unified eastern and western Christian heritage and the model of traditional Christian society into the future.

The Rarest of Honours - Grand Commander of Sts. George and Olga

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMAN 6 March 2023 (NRom)

The most rare of all honours of the Pontifical Imperial State of

Rome-Ruthenia is the distinction of Grand Commander of the Order of Saints George and Olga. That honour ranks second within the honours of the Pontifical Imperial State, immediately following the Bailiff Knights of Christ of the Pontifical Order of the Eagle.

The order itself is given in one rank, that of Knight or Dame. The gentleman's division is headed by the Papa-Prince of Rome-Ruthenia as the Grand Master, and the ladies' divisions headed by the Grand Duchess as Grand Mistress – perhaps unique among orders of chivalry in that regard. It is given as a recognition for service to the Pontifical Imperial household and is also held by all Grand Dukes/Duchesses of Rome of the blood who are at least age 18.

The honour of Grand Commander is strictly speaking an office, and it is held by the Grand Master and the Grand Mistress automatically and can be conferred in rare cases on other gentlemen and ladies. Other than the Grand Master and Grand Mistress, currently the distinction has been conferred only twice. Grand Commanders are entitled to wear the sash/broad riband in the distinct colours of the order, orange and black – representing the traditional imperial colours of yellow and black, with yellow tinged with the red blood of the martyrs. For more about the Order, follow this link.

New Lectionary and Table of Verses and Prayers Released for the Catholicate

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 5 March 2023 (NRom)

A new lectionary and table of verses and prayers have been approved by His Holiness the Papa-Prince of Rome-Ruthenia for the Gallo-Russo-Byzantine Catholicate, for use with the Gallo-Russo-Byzantine and Anglican-Byzantine Rite, as well as optionally for the Anglo-Roman and Gallo-Roman Rites. The books follow the liturgical calendar of the Imperial Roman Church and maintain the spiritual tradition and ethnic heritage of the Apostolic See of Sts. Stephen and Mark. 

Papa Rutherford I said, "This work represents a significant milestone for the Apostolic See of Sts. Stephen and Mark. No longer are we arbitrarily tied to what groups like the Vatican Church did in the past. Rather, we now stand on our own feet as an autocephalous church equal to all others and neither second nor subservient to anyone other than God. We have separated the wheat from the chaff. We do not worship the past, but march forward confidently in faith as we carry the religion and ethnic heritage into the future." 

The Book of Gospels (shown) is available to clergy of the Imperial Roman Church and can be made in a variety of sizes to accommodate metallic Gospel covers. 

Ash Wednesday Address and Letter of H.H. the Papa-Prince

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 22 Feb 2023 (NRom)

The following is the Ash Wednesday address of H.H. the Papa-Prince of Rome-Ruthenia.

Grace and peace as we begin this Lenten season during the 15th modern anniversary of the Imperial Roman Church. Established in ancient origins, we carry the Pontifical Orthodox Old Catholic faith forward today. Orthodoxy – right believing. Catholic – universal. Old – the continual faith of the Apostles and Church Fathers. Pontifical – linked to the historic Roman empire, both eastern and western. We are of several rites, but one faith.

     This day, Ash Wednesday, is an ancient tradition of the Church – one of a variety of such traditions that have different variations throughout Christendom. Its annual observation not only serves to begin this season of penance in preparation for the coming Paschal feast, but helps to tie us together with the Christian people who went before us over the last 2000 years and with the Christian people in different parts of the world, which God created in beautiful diversity. This, among our other traditions, speaks to the fact that the Church of Christ knows neither time nor space. Indeed, traditions may vary in different parts of the world, but at their core, they represent a common belief. Even these differences in tradition should unite rather than divide.

     Yet, it seems that the Christian people would prefer self-righteous bickering to humble, authentic unity. Some Christian communities are so arrogant that they demand complete and total assimilation and subjugation, wanting to absorb one and all like an amoeba. This is certainly a shame, for such communities are denied by their own actions the joys of fellowship with other Christians. If they think this is what Christ wanted, then I suggest that they are sadly mistaken.

     In Our See and in its affiliated organisations, I expect all people to promote an authentic unity. This does not mean one must compromise on elements of doctrine and tradition. Those matters will be resolved in God’s own time. Rather, we can be reconciled with one another by finding common ground and in seeking to cooperate and come together, in fellowship and service if in nothing else. That alone would be a major step, and it has been the cornerstone of Our pontificate.

     This division within the church is mirrored in the division in the world today. Just as we see certain branches of the church, so too do we see certain countries, bloated with blind, self-righteous arrogance, attempt to force assimilation of other countries around the world into their beliefs and customs, and ultimately under their dominion. This is promoted both by governments and by corporate interests. Neither government nor corporations are inherently evil but are only as good or evil as the people managing them and the philosophies that they promote. Much of the world has lost its values, which we can only hope is temporary. A society without values is as a ship without a compass, floating aimlessly to be taken wherever the waves take it or wherever another vessel directs it. Fortunately, there is a glimmer of hope, a beacon of light, in those who are willing to fight and risk all to preserve traditional Christian values. Let them be our inspiration as we begin this Lenten season.

     And, I will remind each of you as I frequently do that penance and denial need not be what you eat or what you do not eat. There are those who are hypocrites who make great show of fasting and abstinence, but harbour hatred and egotism inside. Culinary denial can be beneficial spiritually if done with the right mindset and intent. Yet, it is not the only way. My favourite method of penance and self-denial is to give of yourself to others, quietly serving through small acts of charity, expecting nothing in return. Ultimately let God be your guide in penance through this Lenten season, and do not be judgmental of others whose path of penance in preparation may be different from your own.

     Lastly, may God bless each of you through this Lenten journey, that we may be entirely ready to receive and experience fully the joys of Paschal feast and season.

Change in Grand Master of the Noble Company

Pontifical and Imperial Collar
of the Papa-Prince, combining
the collars of the Supreme
Florentine-Roman Order
of Christ and the
Pontifical Order of the Eagle,
and the Patriarchal collars
of the Noble Company.

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 28 January 2023 (NRom)

The Pontifical Court has announced that the office of Grand Master of the Noble Company of St. Mary of Walsingham is permanently vested in the Papa-Prince of Rome-Ruthenia. Thus, as of Fall 2022, His Holiness Rutherford I became Grand Master. This brings the Noble Company's practice in line with that of the other orders of the Pontifical Imperial State and Apostolic See of Sts. Stephen and Mark. The Noble Company has been led by several other Grand Masters over the years, each appointed by Apostolic Mandate of the Papa-Prince and Catholicos. 

The Noble Company is an ecumenical Christian nobiliary association. Both by its charter and mandate, under the perpetual spiritual leadership of the Imperial Roman Church. However, Christians, regardless of denominational affiliation, are welcome in its ranks. Membership by heredity is based on descent from a noble family of any country or by descent from a member of the Noble Company. Membership by personal merit is based on a record of professional achievement, community work, and humanitarian service.

The Noble Company's website has also been recently updated, which may be seen here: www.noblecompany.org.

Royal and Serene House of Chíquiza incorporated into the Pontifical Imperial State

By Alessandro DiNardo

BOGOTA 16 January 2023 (NRom)

His Holiness the Papa-Prince of Rome-Ruthenia recently incorporated the Royal and Serene House of Chíquiza into the nobility of the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia (Stato Pontificio). The title Prince of Chíquiza is a sovereign subsidiary title, with rights of fons honorium (the right to grant other title and honors). The title was ceded to the Archduke of Alcazar, Pontifical Majordomo, from the Grand Prince Hernán Olano Garcia of Altai and Hyrcânia, whose house is also an incorporated sovereign house within the Pontifical Imperial State. The Grand Prince is also a descendant of the great chief Sugamuxi, within the indigenous nobility of modern-day Columbia. The incorporated houses of the Pontifical Imperial State are sovereign houses, often of formerly-ruling states or dynasties, that are not part of the direct patrimony of the Papa-Prince, but are under his ecclesiastical patronage and spiritual protection.

Sugamuxi, last Chief
and ruler of Suamox

Sugamuxi lived in the 16th century and was the last chief and high priest of the sacred City of the Sun Suamox. Their people lived in the Altiplano Cundiboyacense in the Columbian Andes before the arrival of the Spanish. The incorporation of both the Royal House of Altai and Hyrcânia and the Royal and Serene House of Chíquiza serves to strengthen the ties of the historic Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia to Christian people around the world, and especially to the indigenous people of South America.

Orthodox Old Catholic Apostolic See Canonised Benedict XVI

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 11 January 2022 (NRom)

Earlier today the Gallo-Russo-Byzantine Catholicos in his capacity as Supreme Pontiff of the Imperial Roman Church defined the late Pope Benedict XVI as a saint, adding him to the roll of the saints of the Church. Benedict was canonised for his importance to the autocephalous Orthodox Old Catholic Apostolic See of Saints Stephen and Mark and their efforts to re-unify eastern and western Christian traditions. His feast day was set at the day of his death, 31 December, with the rank of double. The Vatican Church, of which Benedict XVI had been Supreme Pontiff, has not at this time begun a cause for canonisation themselves, despite calls for that to begin.

Death of Pope Benedict XVI - Statement by the Papa-Prince of Rome-Ruthenia

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 31 December 2022 (NRom)

His Holiness the Papa-Prince of Rome-Ruthenia issued the following statement on the death of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. 

Early this morning, my court officials in the City of Rome informed me of the death of the Bishop Emeritus of Rome and my venerable Apostolic brother His Holiness Benedict XVI (Cardinal Ratzinger). This comes as a great sadness, though is accompanied with joy at the hope of his entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord in Heaven.

Benedict was not only the last Bishop of Rome to date to seek actively to restore the traditions of the Latin Church and of his office, but also was a devoted supporter of the Apostolic See of Sts. Stephen and Mark. He and his curia acting in his name acknowledged and endorsed our Orthodox and Old Catholic See and its legitimate autocephaly (independence of government from the See of Rome and other Sees) and our Patriarchal office, as well as our ecclesiastical monarchy, family dynasty, and their titular patrimony. It was he whom we succeeded as temporal successor of St. Peter the Apostle, and thus it is in part his legacy that we devoutly perpetuate in that office.

Benedict XVI was a Pope-Bishop of Rome who sought to do his duty as a guardian of the faith and tradition. In that regard, he is an example to all -- particularly to those in church leadership. We institute a period of mourning, therefore, in the Imperial Roman Church and the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia of thirty days.  

Christmas Message of the Papa-Catholicos with Apostolic Blessing

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 25 December 2022 (NRom)

His Holiness Rutherford I, Papa-Catholicos of Rome-Ruthenia gave his customary address with Apostolic Blessing ex Urbe on the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord. The complete video is available below: 

Tackling Anti-Clerical, Anti-Hate Speech

By Staff

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 20 Nov 2022 (NRom)

For a long time, there has been a phrase of hate speech floating around traditional religion that has effected and impacted many good Christian people and clergy. It is no different than a racial slur. We cannot believe this is still tolerated in a time so focused on stamping out hate speech, and so the Apostolic See of Sts. Stephen and Mark has addressed that issue in the form of a Question and Answer.

Q: I have heard the term "Episcopi Vagantes" (Wandering Bishops) about some Orthodox and Old Catholics. What does it mean?

The term episcopi vagantes (Latin for "wandering bishops") is a highly offensive hate term really no different, for example, than using a certain racial slur about people of African descent. It is used as an insult by some who are either ill-informed or who think only their church and churches they approve of are "real." It is very similar to forms of racial, ethnic, and sexual discrimination seen around the world. Fortunately most normal people don't pay much attention to this type of hate speech.

New Code of Canon Law Released

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 16 November 2022 (NRom)

The Patriarchal Curia announces the promulgation of the 2022 Code of Canon Law of the Imperial Roman Church. This codex applies to all rites and jurisdictions therein, including the Gallo-Russo-Byzantine Catholicate and the Anglican Patriarchate. The new codex was established from the previous version in order to be both inclusive and relevant to the various rites, jurisdictions, and traditions represented within the Apostolic See of Saints Stephen and Mark.

The complete codex is available at the following website:

https://statopontificio.org/gov/canonlaw.html

House of Hyrcania incorporated into the Pontifical Nobility

Source: Public Domain

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 5 November 2022 (NRom)

Today the Papa-Catholicos of Rome-Ruthenia admitted the Royal House of Hyrcania, headed by H.R.H.  Grand Prince Hernán Alejandro Olano, to the nobility of the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia. The modern Pontifical Roman State is an ecclesiastical entity that carries on the history and tradition of the original Pontifical States, the Roman Empire, and the various Holy Roman Empire states that form part of the patrimony of the Imperial Roman Church. The head of the House, Grand Prince Hernán Alejandro, is a Knight Commander of the Order of the Pontifical States and is also a Knight of the Order of the Eagle of Georgia, under the House of Bagration, among other honours. 

Pontifical Walsingham Guard Toasts Tenth Anniversary!

By S. di Giardino

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 24 October 2022 (NRom)

This year the Pontifical Walsingham Guard toasts its 10th anniversary of modern service. Though it traces its roots to various militaries in the 10th century and earlier, the modern organization was founded in 2012. As an ecclesiastical, humanitarian, and ceremonial organization, it no longer serves a de facto military purpose. Instead, it seeks to inspire lives of strength, compassion, and peace in its membership. Members of the Guard are almost exclusively drawn from military veterans.

Also, during this anniversary year, the Guard underwent a major reorganization. The complex structure was simplified, and the large number of units were combined. The current units more directly reflect the heritage of the Pontifical and Imperial Household. The current units are the Pontifical Ruthenian Palatine Guard, Noble Guard, Naval Guard, and Air Guard, as well as the Pontifical Airborne Guard of Honour. Together these provide homes of Christian-based humanitarian and benevolent service for veterans with the outward style consistent with each member's service background. Additionally, the Guard maintains an Office of Chaplains, as well as certain other offices as needed – such as medicine. Among the reorganized structure is a highly simplified rank structure in line with both the history and nature of the Guard today.

The membership of the Pontifical Walsingham Guard currently exists on four continents. Although it is part of the Pontifical and Imperial Household of the Imperial Roman Church, its ranks are open to Christians of all denominations. In fact, the Household continuously has preached against denominational snobbery and encouraged broad cooperation among the worldwide Christian population.

For more information about the Pontifical Walsingham Guard, please visit its website at: www.statopontificio.org/wg

The Arrogant Petulance Common among Clergy and Laity

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 23 October 2022 (NRom)

H.H. Rutherford I, Papa-Catholicos of Rome-Ruthenia gave the following sermon earlier today regarding the behavior of clergy and laity causing so many to leave the church. 

Complete transcript of the sermon: 

     As Christians, we are called to try, despite the weakness of human frailty, to be as Christlike as possible. We are called to love our neighbours as ourselves. To facilitate this and more, Christ gave us the Church, which indeed does have the standards of the faith to maintain. However, there are those in the church, both clergy and laity, who choose to exhibit such arrogant petulance and such sanctimonious superiority and condescension that is absolutely no wonder that so many people over the years have either reduced their participation or left the church outright in disgust. There are, of course, various other reasons people leave - including the modernist influence inside various parts of the church and general secularism and antireligious sentiment in society at large. Yet, the church’s own people and even the church’s own leaders at times bear much of the responsibility.

     So often the leadership and laity of a particular division of Christ’s Holy Church are so puffed up with pride believing that they are the single ultimate world authority or the one true division of the church to which all others must bow. From the Vatican to the Eastern monasteries, to Canterbury Cathedral, and various autocephalous apostolic churches, both orthodox and catholic, from large to small, this arrogant attitude exists. Hypocrisy abounds.

     So often there is the belief that this group is legitimate and that group is not. Silly minutia becomes extrapolated into countless pages of meaningless drivel masquerading as academic writing. Do the authors of such nonsense realise that most clergy and certainly almost all laity could not care less about such things and may not even understand them at all? In their confusion, they wonder why people are focused on trivialities rather than important matters such as worship and prayer. The results are often that people either become disgusted with the stupidity and leave religion, or else they decide to follow along and become equally as hateful and harmful to others who are deemed by their leadership to be “outside of the group.” How sad. Christ surely must weep and Satan surely must rejoice as the people of God are split further and further apart by the pomposity of so many in the church. Pitting one Christian against another with a self-righteous attitude is indeed the work of the devil.

     There is but one church, though in the fallen, fractured state of mankind, it is no wonder that it is so divided and divisive today. In the early church, the church was divided among local churches – which were nothing more than parts of the whole, established under Apostolic authority for the better service of Christ’s people. There were disputes, of course, for that is, again, a typical byproduct of the fallen state of mankind. Yet, beginning especially with the Great Schism 1000 years ago, to the Protestant movement, to the secular, modernist movements of today, the church arguably has never been so divided. Why, then, do we seek to attack our brethren under the false label of charitable admonition? Why do we exclude when we should embrace? Why do we engage in vile calumny masquerading as righteousness?

     As the bishop’s so lead, being the shepherds in succession from the Apostles, the clergy follows their example. In turn, as the clergy lead, the laity follows their example. The bishops of the world must set a good example. They must extend their hand in Christian friendship to one and all and close the doors to none. This is not to say that any of us should adopt an “anything goes” policy. We each have the standards of the faith that we are to maintain, but those standards exist to help people get closer to God, not to push them away. The divisions of the church around the world will not be solved or healed overnight. We do not inherently have to compromise on our most sacred beliefs, but we should seek unity and cooperation rather than shutting the doors in someone’s face. I have seen this pathetic, cowardly behaviour among priests and laity alike – from countless jurisdictions. I have witnessed bishops attack each other, I have witnessed famous priests of the Vatican church openly sliming the reputation of others, and I witnessed seen people who claim to be Christians vilifying the faith of others… Why do they do it? For no other reason than it makes them feel good. It fills a void inside and makes them feel better about themselves through the putting down of someone else. Yet that void can never be filled by anything other than Christ, whom they themselves have excluded for whatever reason despite their outward pretenses of faith and religion. And so they continue trying to fill the endless chasm that is within them with more and more vilification of others.

     Indeed, such people may be deserving of condemnation, but much more than that they are in need of compassion and pity. What else can we do but pity someone who has such a low opinion of themselves that they seek to build self-esteem by tearing down others? If they had Christ, they would have no such need – and thus we can be filled with nothing but the greatest pity and compassion for them. Yet we cannot be blind to the great destruction to the church that they have done over the centuries and continue to do now, including being the root cause for many people leaving the church and even the faith altogether. That is a great and immense tragedy. None of us is omnipotent, and so we should each pray and find our own way to improve the situation through our own example.