Anglican Patriarchate, Successor to Rome, also Apostolic Descendant of Russian Orthodox

His Holiness Patriarch
Nikon of Moscow

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 28 February 2022 (NRom)

The Anglican Patriarchate of Rome unites the West and East through its heritage. As a major part of that, the patriarchate is actually an Apostolic descendant of the Russian Orthodox Church. This important element of the Apostolic Succession of the Anglican Patriarchate of Rome not only provides a concrete ecclesiastical link between Western Rome and that great successor to the Eastern Roman Empire, the Russian Empire, but also demonstrates the universality of the Apostolic, Catholic, and Orthodox Christian Faith.

The Anglican Patriarchate of Rome, as the Apostolic See and temporal successor to the Pontifical States (State Pontificio), is the modern ecclesiastical successor to the Roman Empire. Yet its Apostolic Succession (direct lineage from the Apostles) is not only Roman, but from the Eastern church, including Greek/Byzantine, Syrian/Chealdean (in modern day Syria and Iraq), and Antioch. One of the most important lines of Eastern Apostolic succession is from Nikon, Patriarchate of Moscow and All Rus, head of the Russian Orthodox Church who served from 1652 to 1666. This has particular importance since the Russian Empire was considered a “New Rome” and successor to the Eastern Roman Empire. In fact, the church came to Kievan Rus (the precursor to the Russian Empire, centred in modern-day Ukraine) via the Greek territories in the mission work of Saint Andrew the Apostle. Later, as the Russian Empire developed from a collection of principalities and states, the centre of the church transferred from Kiev to Moscow.

Metropolitan Makariy
of Moscow, in the
Apostolic Succession of
the Patriarchate. Last
Metropolitan of 
Moscow in the Russian
Empire before the
Bolshevik Revolution. 

Patriarch Nikon was of particular importance in the history of the Eastern Church and the Russian Empire. He was very close to the Tsar, Aleksey Mikhaylovich. With the support of the Tsar and in consultation with the Greek Orthodox leadership and scholars, he undertook reforms of the Russian liturgy, leaving his mark on the faith through the present day. Despite the conflict with the Western Church, he took a much more canonical and conciliatory stance. In opposition to some in church leadership, this included making it clear that Latin Rite Christians who converted to Russian orthodoxy did not need to be baptized again. Also, while the Tsar was away from Moscow military campaign, Patriarch Nikon was left in charge of the state at home.

Indeed, this important and concrete ecclesiastical link between Western Rome and the Russian Empire as a successor to the Eastern Roman Empire, the Russian Empire, should serve as a reminder that Christ unites us all. Ut unum sint - may we all be one.

Mass for the Russo-Ukrainian War

 By Jean Du Bois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 27 Feb 2022 (NRom)

Today His Holiness the Papa-Prince celebrated a mass for peace and reconciliation in the Ukraine, for the repose of the souls of all war dead,  and the protection of the marginalised and the vulnerable.

How the New Roman Communion Unites West and East

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 18 Feb. 2022 (NRom)

Inside the Basilica of Santa
Maria Antiqua, Rome

While the world continues segregating itself and causing division, Christ’s Holy Church works in the opposite direction, continually building unity. This is the mission of the New Roman Communion.

The New Roman Communion comprises the Anglican Patriarchate of Rome and the churches of all bishops in communion with the Florentine-Roman Apostolic See, regardless of liturgical rite. It takes its name from the historical position of Florence as the second New Rome in the Renaissance after Constantinople and before Moscow and the Russian Empire. It is headed by the Papa-Prince of Rome. Although it has much shared heritage and authority, the New Roman Communion is administratively distinct from the Roman Communion, which is headed by the Pope-Bishop of Rome at the Vatican.

The New Roman Communion is both Western and Eastern, following the heritage of the Roman Empire to which it is ecclesiastical successor. Both the Anglican Rite and its precursor, the Franco-Spanish-origin Gallican Rite of the Catholic Church are contained within it. Traditional Roman rites, as well as Melkite, Byzantine, Ruthenian, Russian and other Eastern Rites are permitted by its laws. In fact, the Apostolic Succession of the Anglican Patriarchate is not only Roman and Anglican, but also Melkite, Chaldean, and Russian. The universal Christian unity of this rich, mixed heritage of West and East is displayed especially during certain solemn masses of the Papa-Prince through the inclusion of a Byzantine Deacon and an Eastern Deacon who sing the Gospel in Greek and Russian or another Slavic language respectively following its customary singing in Latin. And, scholars often discuss the Eastern Rite influences seen within the Gallican and Anglican Rites.

Yet the similarities and connections do not end there. The historic Roman seat of the Papa-Prince, the Most Holy Patriarchal Basilica of Santa Maria Antiqua, located within the Roman Forum, was considered the Sistine Chapel of the Early Church and was for a time the seat of the Bishop of Rome. The basilica was constructed during the so-called Byzantine era of Rome and boasts an excellent collection of Byzantine frescoes. A massive restoration project just ended a few years ago.

Christ came to unite the world, and this is the ongoing mission of the New Roman Communion. This mission is a modern continuation of the ancient mission of the church. Just as the Apostles went to both the East and the West to spread the Gospel, and just as the Roman Empire extended both to the East and the West, the New Roman Communion today serves as a welcome place for Christians of all traditional liturgical rites.

Lower Gallican Rite of the Catholic Church Re-Established - New Primate Appointed

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 07 Jan 2022 (NRom)

Rutherford I signing
the Concordat

Recently His Holiness Papa Rutherford I*, Prince of Rome signed a concordat between the Apostolic See and the Royal Merovingian Dynasty and issued an Apostolic Constitution formally reestablishing the Lower Gallican Rite of the Catholic Church. The re-established rite is under the spiritual protection of the Anglican Patriarchate of Rome and the temporal leadership of His Christian Majesty Don Esteve IV Rubén Alberto, head of the ancient Merovingian Dynasty. 

His Excellency Alejandro Paulo Rodrigues, Capitular Bishop of Saint Stephen in the pontifical court, was named by the Archfather as Primate of the Lower Gallican Rite, with the associated title of Archbishop of Lyon, the most the most ancient See in France.

The Gallican Rite is not a single rite of the Church, but instead is an ancient collection that came into use at least before the 5th century and is associated primarily with Roman Gaul and Western Francia (modern-day France). The neighbouring Iberian Rite was similarly used from the 5th century in Roman Hispania (modern-day Spain). The Iberian Rite was so linked with the Gallican Rite that they are often referred to jointly as Hispano-Gallican. In fact, the territories of the Merovingian Dynasty are widely associated with Spain as well. The house of Gévaudan itself, for example, became linked to the thrones of Barcelona, Aragón, and Castile y León. The Italo-Burgundian House of Ivrea, to which the Anglican Patriarchate of Rome is heir in Imperial Italy, shared a similar history, holding those same thrones. 

Don Esteve IV Rubén Alberto (left) and
Monsignor Alejandro Rodrigues, Archbishop of Lyons (right)

Also used to describe the Rite is the term Gallo-Roman. The Gallican Rite is also associated with Italy, particularly the areas of Piemonte and Lombardia in the north, as well as Tuscany and Sicily/Naples -- all areas that were historically associated with France.

Coat of arms of Monsignor Rodrigues
as Primate of the Lower Gallican Rite

The Merovingian Dynasty today represents the most noble of all houses in Christendom and arguably the most ancient. The dynastic house of David-Toulouse-Gévaudan also descends from King David. The dynasty today is highly active in charitable service and service to the church around the world, following in the footsteps of its ancestors. The Lower Gallican Rite not only perpetuates an intangible religious and cultural heritage of the Merovingian Dynasty, but also furthers the goal of service to others.

_________________

* Names and identity: This article retains the name used at the time of publication. Radislav Romanovich Johnson is the legally registered name of Pope Radislav I of Rome-Ruthenia. His ecclesiastical and public name, Pope Radislav I of Rome-Ruthenia, is formally documented in his United States passport under the United States Department of State’s “known as” endorsement. He previously published and taught under the name Rutherford Johnson. Further biographical information is available on his official biography.

Destruction in Philippines & Kentucky: Anglo-Roman Holy Father Expresses Concern, Speaks of Hope

By A. DiNardo 

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 18 Dec 2021 (NRom)

In the wake of the recent deadly typhoon in the Philippines and devastating tornadoes in Kentucky, USA, many people are seriously suffering. For survivors, the sobering reality is yet more hardship, confusion, sadness, pain, and problems on top of a world pandemic.  For them, the notion of happy Christmas holidays may seem distant; yet we know that faith and hope will help to rebuild. If you want to help, consider donating through the Apostolic See (Anglican Patriarchate), the Red Cross, or other reputable charities. His Holiness & Eminence Papa Rutherford I expressed his concern in a statement earlier today. The Archfather said:

Our prayers are with the people of the Philippines who are suffering the devastation of a typhoon, and with the people of Kentucky suffering the aftermath of devastating tornadoes. Amidst the death and destruction of major natural disasters, we see nevertheless hope for mankind in the Christlike, selfless service of those who rise to the challenge and help others. In those who comfort the grieving, lift up those who have been damaged, and rebuild what has been destroyed, we see the example of Christ in action. During this Advent season, let us therefore see hope in the coming of Christ. Let suffering here on earth be to the benefit of the poor souls in purgatory. Let us follow the example of obedience of the Blessed Virgin, going forward always in the faith of Christ, even through difficult times.

Stato Pontificio celebrates first ever Feast of Pope Saint Leo X

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 01 Dec 2021 (NRom) 

Today the Pontifical States and the Anglican Patriarchate of Rome celebrated the first-ever Feast of Pope Saint Leo X. Saint Leo was canonized earlier this year by His Holiness Papa Rutherford I. 

St. Leo, known primarily for his papal bull excommunicating Martin Luther, reigned as Pope from 1513 to his death in 1521. Born Giovanni de' Medici, he was the second son of Lorenzo de' Medici, ruler of the Republic of Florence, and Clarice Orsini. He has himself been Lord/Prince of Florence. Thus, when he became Pope, he became the first Florentine Archfather. He is one of the main founders of the Anglican Patriarchate of Rome. 

Anglo-Roman Holy Father Condemns the Sale of Afghan Girls into Marriage

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 21 Nov 2021 (NRom)

The following is a Patriarchal letter from His Holiness Papa Rutherford I regarding the situation of the selling of child brides in Afghanistan. This follows earlier statements by the Archfather on the human rights situation following the withdrawal of coalition forces from Afghanistan. 

Laudetur Jesus Christus! 

     Dear brethren, the vacuum of power left in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of the United States and other nations, which allowed the violent return to power of the Taliban, has serious human rights consequences. On this we have already spoken, and indeed many of the world leaders of civil states have turned a deaf ear to the suffering of many. 

     Today, We wish to address a specific issue of human rights in Afghanistan, namely that of the selling of child brides. This ghastly and unfathomable practice is the result largely of the economic tur-moil created by the withdrawal of United States and coalition forces and the return to power of the Taliban. Those who were poor before now find themselves in even worse conditions, faced with making terrible choices. Others are recently impoverished due to the circum-stances and likewise find themselves making terrible choices. Many of the poor are selling their daughters, sometimes as young as seven or eight, into marriage. Some of them are destined for foreign countries. These girls are obviously, at that age, completely unaware of the circumstances of the arrangement. The practice is completely appalling and a violation of human rights, the dignity of mankind, and the sanctity of matrimony.

     Although we can be sympathetic to the crushing conditions that are resulting in fathers selling their child daughters into marriage, we nevertheless cannot approve of the practice. The blame must primarily lie, however, with those that put Afghan families into the economic conditions in the first place. That is the Taliban, as well as the Coalition forces that withdrew from Afghanistan, taking all of their protective capabilities with them.

     This is a crisis that good people cannot ignore. Therefore, We call upon all Christian people of the world to petition their civil governments through legal means to take appropriate action to safeguard the lives and dignity of those in Afghanistan impacted by recent economic decline. Furthermore, We call upon all Christian people of Coalition nations to petition their civil governments through legal means to take full and complete responsibility for the consequences of their actions.