Beyond Borders: The Sovereign Status of the Pontifical Imperial State

By M. Derosiers

ROME-RUTHENIA 02 November 2023 (NRom)

Caesar Augustus

In the vast fabric of history, the states associated with the Church hold immense importance that transcends time. The Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia stands as the secular representation of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, embodying both the Pontifical Roman State and the Pontifical Kingdom of Ruthenia and All Rus'. The Pontifical Imperial State also includes several other territories associated with the Holy Roman Empire. Together, these historical entities have passed on their legacy through centuries.

Roman the Great, Tsar
and Autocrat of all Rus'

To foster a sense of unity encompassing all territories historically linked to the heritage of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, it was decided to adopt the name "Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia." This unification under one banner strengthens the bond among diverse backgrounds within the church and opens a new chapter in their shared history. In addition, several other historic sovereign houses have been incorporated. Today, this state, under the leadership of His Apostolic Highness the Prince-Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia, serves as an ethno-religious cultural nation without political territory, representing people across various modern countries. 

And, while they may seem like glamorous relics of a bygone era, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and Pontifical Imperial State still uphold titles of nobility. While some might dismiss these titles as outdated or pretentious in today's world, they actually play an important role in preserving tradition and ensuring continuity within the church, connecting the present church with its past and future. Critics argue that such titles are unnecessary in modern times, where meritocracy is often valued over inherited privilege. However, it is important to remember that these titles do not solely represent wealth or social standing. They symbolize dedication to service, devotion to faith, and commitment to upholding the principles upon which the Church was founded.

The Continued Claim over the Pontifical Imperial State

Charlemagne,
Emperor of the
Romans and
founder of the
Holy Roman
Empire

Despite no longer having control over any physical territory, it might be perplexing why the United Roman-Ruthenian Church maintains its claim over the Pontifical Imperial State. However, several factors contribute to this decision, including historical significance, autonomy from secular authorities, diplomatic recognition, and protection of church assets.

The Church's claim is deeply rooted in its historical connection and importance to the areas once encompassed by the Pontifical Imperial State, even though those territories now belong to other modern countries. By asserting its claim, the Church reaffirms its autonomy and independence from secular powers. This symbolic declaration solidifies the Church's position as a sovereign entity and serves as a reminder of its spiritual authority. It allows the Church to engage in diplomatic relations with other entities, participate in international affairs, and function as an independent state despite lacking territorial control. Additionally, this claim acts as a safeguard against potential challenges or encroachments on historical assets.

The Way to the Future

The Pontifical Imperial State serves as a reminder that history is not just an abstract concept, but a living force that shapes our present reality. By understanding our past, we gain insight into our collective identity and heritage. Today, while the Pontifical Imperial State may not hold political territory like its component states once did, its legacy endures through its contributions to history, art, philosophy, and spirituality, not to mention the profound influence it has had on religious practices.

The Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia encapsulates centuries of cultural exchange and religious significance. Its continuation, along with upholding the office of Bishop, Papa-Catholicos, and Imperator of Rome-Ruthenia, is a way of honoring the history of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church while looking ever forward. Perhaps viewed as archaic to some, remember that the Pontifical Imperial State is more than just words on paper. It represents an enduring legacy that connects us to our past and guides us towards our future. 

Why the United Roman-Ruthenian Church

By Alberto Hernandez, Staff Editor

ROME-RUTHENIA 03 November 2023 (NRom)

The United Roman-Ruthenian Church is a truly unique and diverse church of ancient heritage that brings together two distinct Christian traditions - Orthodoxy and Catholicism. This union not only fosters a sense of Christian brotherhood among its followers but also creates an environment where ancient traditions and cultures coexist harmoniously.

The origins of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church can be traced back to the early days of Christianity, spanning from Rome and Byzantium to Syria, India, and Eastern Europe. Today, it stands as a remarkably unique branch of Christianity that incorporates both Eastern and Latin influences, embracing elements from both Orthodox and Catholic practices.

In the liturgy, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church integrates elements from Latin, Byzantine, and Syrian spirituality into its worship services, allowing followers to engage with their faith in a way that holds personal meaning to them. By combining elements from both traditions, this church offers a vibrant worship experience that resonates with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

What truly sets the United Roman-Ruthenian Church apart is its acceptance of cultural diversity within its congregations. It actively fosters a sense of belonging among its followers while recognizing their distinct cultural backgrounds. By bringing together different Christian traditions, this church promotes dialogue and understanding between various branches of Christianity. It serves as an example of how different traditions can unite in pursuit of a common goal - traditional worship and unwavering faith in the Holy Gospels.

Furthermore, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church goes beyond its services by actively promoting interfaith dialogue. This outreach serves to foster understanding and respect among different religions. In doing so, it has become a symbol of hope for those seeking peace and harmony in their communities.

The church also plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage. Its designs, traditions, and customs beautifully blend Western European Gothic and Baroque influences with intricate Byzantine and Russian designs, creating awe-inspiring experiences. The traditional art within the church tells stories passed down through generations, connecting present-day worshippers with their ancestors' rich cultural tapestry.

In an era of division, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church stands as a testament to unity within diversity. Through its incorporation of Latin, Byzantine, Eastern European, and Syrian traditions, it provides a space where followers can engage with their faith in a meaningful way. This union not only preserves the rich cultural heritage of its congregations but also promotes dialogue and understanding among different Christian traditions. With its rich history and unwavering commitment to faith, this church serves as a beacon of hope that inspires countless individuals across generations.

For those seeking solace during hardships or guidance on their spiritual journey, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church offers steadfast support. Its clergy members are known for their compassion, wisdom, and dedication to helping others navigate life's challenges. The United Roman-Ruthenian Church's ability to bridge religious divides, preserve cultural heritage, and provide spiritual guidance makes it a cherished institution.

Columbian Prince Named to Rare Honor of Aquiline Knight of Christ

Coat of arms of the Prince of Chíquiza
with augmentations of the Aquiline Order
 of Christ, the Pontifical Order of the Eagle,
and the Order of Sts. George and Olga

ROME-RUTHENIA 02 November 2023 (NRom)

Yesterday H.R.S.H. Prince Floyd of Chíquiza was named by H.H. the Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia as a Knight of the Aquiline Order of Christ. Chíquiza is a native area in the Boyacá province of Columbia. The Prince, who resides in the USA, also serves as Majordomo in the Pontifical Court. Currently he is one of only two Knights of Christ outside the immediate Pontifical Household. According to the statutes, Knights of Christ also receive the hereditary honor of Bailiff of the Pontifical Order of the Eagle. Both are religious and dynastic orders of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church.

The Aquiline Order of Christ is a prestigious and venerable institution that traces its roots back to the 12th century. It shares history with the Portuguese Order of Christ still given by the Portuguese government and the dormant Vatican Order of Christ. The order was originally established as a military order during the Crusades and was known as the Knights Templar. However, over time, its focus shifted to promoting religious devotion and charitable works. The Aquiline Order takes its distinct name from the partial merger of the Roman-Ruthenian Order of Christ with the Order of the Eagle. 

From the Crusades to the present, the Order of Christ holds deep historical significance. Its Portuguese branch, for example, played a vital role in the exploration and colonization efforts of the Portuguese during the Age of Discovery. Many renowned explorers, such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, were members of the Portuguese branch of this illustrious order.

Building on its rich history, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church's Aquiline Order of Christ continues to be revered today for its commitment to upholding Christian values and principles. It serves as a symbol of dedication to faith and acts as a catalyst for positive change in society.

The Order is given to members of the immediate Pontifical Household and, rarely, to others of princely rank chosen based on their outstanding contributions to the Church and to their communities, as well as their unwavering commitment to serving others. They have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, moral integrity, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of those around them.

One notable aspect that sets the Order apart is its emphasis on humility and modesty. Despite their distinguished rank, knights and dames of the Order are encouraged to remain focused on service. 

Today the Aquiline Order of Christ stands as a testament to Christian tradition, faith, hope, and charity, embodying timeless values in the modern era. Its long legacy serves as an inspiration for individuals seeking guidance in their pursuit of spiritual growth and meaningful contributions towards creating a better world for all.

Why We Should Remember All Souls Day

By Marie Derosiers, Staff Writer

ROME-RUTHENIA 02 November 2023 (NRom)

All Souls Day, also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, is a day dedicated to remembering and praying for our loved ones who have passed away. While it may not be as widely celebrated as other holidays, such as Halloween or Christmas, it holds great significance in many cultures around the world.

One of the main reasons we should remember All Souls Day is to honor and show respect for our ancestors and those who came before us. It is a time to reflect on their lives and the impact they had on us. By remembering them and asking our clergy to remember them at the liturgy, we keep their memory alive and ensure that they are not forgotten.

Another important aspect of All Souls Day is the opportunity to pray for the souls of the departed. Many believe that on this day, our prayers can help ease their journey in the afterlife. It is a way of expressing our love and care for them even though they are no longer with us physically. This is the point for the special divine liturgy of All Souls' Day! 

Another benefit is that observing All Souls Day helps us come to terms with grief and loss. It provides a designated time for mourning and remembrance, allowing us to process our emotions in a healthy way. By acknowledging our feelings and honoring those who have passed away, we can find solace and healing.

Additionally, All Souls Day reminds us of the fragility of life and encourages us to cherish every moment with our loved ones. It serves as a reminder that death is inevitable and prompts us to make the most out of our relationships while we still can.

This day in the liturgical calendar holds great importance in remembering and honoring our deceased loved ones. By taking part in this tradition, we not only pay tribute to those who have passed away but also find comfort in knowing that they will forever hold a place in our hearts.

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.

King David of Israel, King Solomon, and the United Roman-Ruthenian Church

King David of Israel

By Jean DuBois

ROME-RUTHENIA 9 October 2023 (NRom)

King David of Israel and his son Solomon, of the Tribe of Judah, are two of the most important historical figures in the Jewish tradition. They are ancestors of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, and therefore of the Incarnate Jesus Christ. They also are part of the historic ancestry of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, among the few churches with such legacy.

The story of David and Goliath is a well-known Biblical account. Later, while King, David fathered Solomon with Bathsheba, the wife of a general, Uriah the Hitite. Solomon went on to build the famous temple on Temple Mount in Jerusalem and was known for his leadership abilities and great wisdom.

Jerusalem. The gold dome of the Dome of the Rock near
the centre marks the location of Temple Mount, where
once stood the temple built by Solomon. It was also the
location of the headquarters of the Knights Templar
during the Crusades. (Photo from the archives of the Church.)

As given in Scripture, the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph were of the House of David, and it was into that genealogy that Christ was born in His earthly Incarnation. The Davidic line went around the world by the Jewish diaspora, in particular through the Exilarchs of Babylon (an exilarch was a ruler of a group or nation in exile). Centuries after the Resurrection of Christ and the Jewish dispersal, the Davidic line came to Europe and certain royal houses. This would eventually come into the lineage of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia.

The Apostolic See of Sts. Stephen and Mark (United Roman-Ruthenian Church) is an Apostolic church of ancient origins and Orthodox and Catholic heritage. The Church, today an ethno-religious minority, is rooted in the ancient Apostolic Churches of Rome, Constantinople, Syria, Russia, Alexandria, and Armenia and represents a rare convergence of Apostolic faith and tradition that is both Orthodox and Catholic, both Western and Eastern. Though the Church stands on its own, it has received confirmation of its autocephalous and canonical status from various ecclesiastical and secular authorities over the years. The church's historical temporal wing, the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia, is in hereditary descent from Rome and Russia and, like the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, in Apostolic Succession from Saints Peter, Andrew, Thomas, Thaddeus, and Bartholomew. It is ecclesial heir to the Roman Empire and Old Russian State. Through the Pontifical and Imperial Household and through the Merovingian Dynasty, protectors of the Gallican Rite of the Church, it descends from King David of Israel and King Solomon, ancestors of the Incarnate Jesus Christ. Today the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and Pontifical Imperial State constitute an ethno-religious nation without political territory and a state unto itself, representing people across multiple modern political countries. Its Davidic heritage remains a treasured part of its legacy.

Renovated Private Chapel of the Papa-Catholicos Unveiled

By Jean DuBois

ROME-RUTHENIA 10 September 2023 (NRom)

The newly-renovated Chapel of St. George, the private chapel of H.H. the Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia, was formally unveiled today. A special liturgy was celebrated for the patron saints of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and Pontifical Imperial State: Saints Peter, Paul, Andrew, Stephen, Mark, George, Vladimir, and Olga. 

H.H. the Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia
in the Chapel of St. George

The renovation was the result of a three-year project involving support and work of several members of the Pontifical Household and Court. The chapel includes both old and new icons -- some as old as the  19th and 17th century. It is specifically arranged for the celebration of the Gallo-Russo-Byzantine and Anglican-Byzantine liturgy. 

The Chapel of St. George

The icons include several of the Holy Mother of God of Kazan. The icons of the Holy Fathers of the Apostolic See, St. Leo X and St. Aftimios Ofiesh, are included behind the altar. Above the tabernacle is the icon of St. Edwin Caudill, Apostolic Founder and Confessor. To the right of the altar is a painting depicting the orthodox and catholic consecration of St. Edwin. The art had been specially commissioned by the Apostolic See of Sts. Stephen and Mark in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the consecration of St. Edwin. 

Artwork depicting the orthodox and
catholic consecration of St. Edwin

The relics housed in the chapel include a relics of the True Cross, the Holy Belt of Mary, St. Stephen the Apostle and Archdeacon, St. Peter the Apostle, the John the Baptist, St. Patrick, and more. 

The reliquary housing the relic of
St. Stephen the Apostle and Archdeacon
behind a reliquary containing relics of
St. Peter, the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph,
and St. John the Baptist.

The tronetto (small throne)
of the Papa-Catholicos.

H.H. the Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia giving the
solemn blessing at the end of the Divine Liturgy
in the manner common to bishops of the
Gallo-Russo-Byzantine and Anglican Byzantine Rites.