Archpriest Guy Mackey in Walsingham Guard uniform, wearing the newly-awarded Julian Cross.
By M. Derosiers
ROME-RUTHENIA 1 February 2025 (NRom)
The Rev. Archpriest Guy Mackey, OPA, Col, WG, has been awarded the prestigious Julian Cross, 2nd Class, a major award of the Pontifical Walsingham Guard, United Roman-Ruthenian Church. The medal was given by His Apostolic Highness the Prince-Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia in recognition of Archpriest Mackey's courage and unwavering commitment to public service. Additionally, he has received the PWG Combat Action Ribbon, further acknowledging his dedication to the safety and well-being of those in need.
Col. Mackey was commended for his decisive and composed actions in a challenging situation, demonstrating the values of service, leadership, and selflessness. His ability to maintain control under pressure and protect those around him exemplifies the mission and principles of the PWG and the broader faith community.
Julian Cross 2nd Class
The Pontifical Walsingham Guard, an ecclesiastical and humanitarian organization within the Roman-Ruthenian Church and State, bestows this medal upon members who exhibit exceptional bravery and service in alignment with their mission. It is awarded in its first instance in the 2nd class. The 1st class may only be awarded after receiving the 2nd class. The recognition of Archpriest Mackey underscores his steadfast dedication to his faith, community, and duty.
As part of their commitment to promoting the arts and cultural enrichment, Their Apostolic Highnesses Pope Radislav I and Princess Hanna Alexandrovna of Rome-Ruthenia attended a stirring performance of La Bohème presented by Arizona Opera in Phoenix, USA.
The Apostolic Household, modern representatives of the historic Rurikovich, Romanovich, and Ivrea dynasties, has long championed the role of the arts in fostering unity and understanding. “Art and music transcend boundaries, offering solace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging to people from all walks of life,” said Pope Radislav. “This is not just entertainment—it is a profound reminder of our shared experiences and the power of creativity to uplift communities.”
Princess Hanna praised the Arizona Opera’s outreach initiatives, including programs for underserved audiences and youth. “We deeply admire their mission to preserve this vital part of our heritage while ensuring it reaches a wide audience. These efforts embody the compassion and service we hold dear.”
The broader mission of the Pontifical and Imperial Household emphasizes education, social welfare, and interfaith dialogue as tools to foster harmony among diverse communities. Drawing on their dynastic heritage, Their Apostolic Highnesses continue to champion creativity, compassion, and community through cultural preservation and philanthropic efforts.
Tony Williams, a Colonel on the General Staff of the Pontifical Walsingham Guard, attended the 47th Central Florida Highland Games this month. What makes this a historic event is that Clan Gordon was the “Honored Clan” and 2025 marks its 60th anniversary. Williams, is an Executive Board Member of the House of Gordon USA and serves as the Treasurer and Scholarship Chairman. The guest of honor was the Chief of Clan Gordon, also known as the 13th Marquis of Huntly.
Above: Tony Williams, Treasurer & Scholarship Chairman of the House of Gordon USA and Granville Gordon, 13th Marquis of Huntly, Chief of Clan Gordon.
Williams, also known as the 14th Lord of the Manor of Packwoods, took part in the opening and closing ceremonies which included bagpipe performances and other Scottish traditional events. The House of Gordon USA awards scholarships annually to bagpipers, Scottish traditional dances, and Highland competitive athletes, which Williams oversees. The House also supports the Gordon Highland Museum in Scotland and maintains a relationship with the Chief who hosts the annual Aboyne Highland Games in Scotland.
Colonel Williams is also a member of the Roman Ruthenian Nobility Association and commissioned within the Honor Guard of the Noble House of Chiquiza.
His Apostolic Highness Prince-Bishop Rutherford I* celebrated the solemn Divine Liturgy according to the Gallo-Russo-Byzantine Rite of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church for the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, marking the beginning of the new year with prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving. The Feast of the Presentation, also known as the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ, commemorates the moment when the infant Christ was brought to the temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling Jewish law. This feast recalls the words of the prophet Simeon, who proclaimed Jesus as "a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel" (Luke 2:32).
“The Presentation of Christ reminds us that in every generation, the light of God enters the darkness and calls us to reflect that light in the world,” said the Prince-Bishop. “As we begin a new year, let us recommit ourselves to lives of service, humility, and faith, bringing hope to those in need and peace to those in conflict.” He then called for divine guidance for all people and nations, urging all people of goodwill to embrace the light of Christ and live with courage, compassion, and humanity in 2025.
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A note on names: 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.
Pontifical Allocution on the Latin Feast of the Nativity 25 December 2024 His Apostolic Highness Prince-Bishop Rutherford I of Rome-Ruthenia
Transcript:
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ across the world,
As we gather for the first of our two liturgies in celebration of the Nativity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I extend my warmest greetings and my Apostolic Blessing to you, your families, and your communities. On this holy feast, we stand together around the world, regardless of borders, as one family in Christ, rejoicing in the gift of His Incarnation—a light shining in the darkness, a peace beyond human understanding.
The Call to Be Good Neighbours
Christmas reminds us that God, in His infinite love, deigned to be-come our neighbour. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). This divine act of humility shows us the way: we are called to dwell among one another not as strangers or adversaries, but as neigh-bours, collaborators, and co-creators in the work of peace and salvation.
Saint Basil the Great once said, "The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry. The coat hanging unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it." This teaching reflects the truth that what we have—our gifts, our resources, our very lives—is meant to be shared. It is only in sharing that we truly fulfill the commandment to "love thy neighbour as thyself" (Mark 12:31).
In the international community, this love of neighbour takes the form of good diplomacy. Nations, like individuals, are called to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). We are reminded that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, compassion, and mutual respect. Good neighbours seek understanding, not dominance; they build bridges and seek common ground.
The Theology of Peace and Unity
Our Lord Himself declared, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). True peace begins in the heart, spreads to the home, and extends to the world. As Christians, we are called to be icons of this peace—a reflection of the harmony that exists within the Holy Trinity.
Saint Seraphim of Sarov beautifully taught, "Acquire a spirit of peace, and thousands around you will be saved." If we, as nations and individu-als, cultivate peace within ourselves, it will ripple outward, touching lives and transforming societies.
Let us also remember the words of Saint John Chrysostom: "If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice." In these words lies a profound reminder: our worship is empty if it is not accompanied by works of mercy and justice. As we cele-brate the Nativity of the Prince of Peace, we must commit ourselves anew to being peacemakers in our homes, in our nations, and in the world.
Facing the Challenges of Our Times
Today, the world finds itself at a crossroads. Conflicts rage, divisions deepen, and the cries of the suffering often go unheard. Yet, Christmas is a time of hope—hope that even the smallest acts of kindness can have the greatest impact. Like the shepherds who came to the manger with nothing but their faith and humility, we too can approach the world’s challenges with simplicity, compassion, and courage.
The Incarnation teaches us that God works through the small and the humble to accomplish His will. In the same way, the smallest gestures of diplomacy, the simplest acts of understanding, and the humblest prayers for peace can be the seeds of a better future. As Saint Paul exhorted, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Ro-mans 12:18).
A Christmas Vision for the World
My dear brothers and sisters, as we look to the year ahead, let us renew our commitment to being good neighbours in the world. Let us build so-cieties that reflect the love and mercy of God, where the strong protect the weak and the rich share with the poor. Let us strive for a global communi-ty where nations seek not their own interests but the common good.
In this season of joy and reconciliation, I urge you to pray for those in worldly power, that they may govern with wisdom and humility. Pray for the suffering, that they may find relief. And pray for yourselves, that you may be instruments of God’s peace in your families, your workplaces, and your communities.
Benediction
As we stand before the presepio, gazing upon the Christ Child, may we be reminded of the simplicity, humility, and love that define His King-dom. May His light guide our steps, His peace fill our hearts, and His love unite us as one human family.
With this spirit, I wish you all a blessed and joyful Christmas. May the Prince of Peace reign in your hearts, your homes, and throughout the world. And may Almighty God bless you, Father +, Son +, and Holy + Spirit.
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* A note on names: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.
Statement by H.A.H. the Prince-Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia on the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Dearly Beloved in Christ:
As we enter the fourth and final Sunday of Advent, we stand on the threshold of a great and wondrous mystery: the birth of Christ. In our Julio-Gregorian Calendar, the 25th of December is the our first celebration of the Nativity, and the second will follow on the 7th of December.
This is a time of profound anticipation, where the light of hope grows brighter as we draw nearer to the fulfillment of God’s promise. In the stillness of these final days, we are invited to reflect deeply on the humility and love of the Incarnation, where the infinite God chose to dwell among us, not in majesty, but in the simplicity of a manger.
The Blessed Mother of God, whose faith and obedience made the Incarnation possible, stands as our guiding light this week. In her, we see the perfect acceptance of God’s will—a reminder that even in our frailty, we can become vessels of His grace. Let us open our hearts to the truth of Christ and proclaim peace and brotherhood throughout the world across all nations.
Today and in the coming days, let us await with open hearts the celebration of the Nativity. As the angel proclaimed to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy". May that joy and peace fill our hearts as we prepare to welcome Emmanuel—God with us—and may it inspire us to share His light with a world in need.
H.H. the Prince of Rhodes, Grand Master of the Knights of Malta
By A. DiNardo
MALTA 19 December 2024 (NRom)
The Order of St. John, commonly known as the Knights of Malta, has long been a subject of fascination and intrigue, tracing its origins back to the medieval period as a chivalric order of the Crusades dedicated to the care of the sick and the defense of Christendom. However, the narrative of the Knights of Malta extends far beyond its initial establishment in the late 11th century. Of particular interest is the order's journey into Russian territory, its subsequent transfer under the auspices of the Romanov dynasty, and the eventual evolution of its legacy into the contemporary Order of St. John.
The saga of the Knights of Malta in Russia began in earnest during the reign of Tsar Pavel I, who ascended the throne in 1796. Pavel I was known for his ambition to align himself with various European powers, and his interest in the Knights of Malta was rooted in both political and religious motivations. The knights, having been expelled from Malta by Napoleon in 1798, were in search of a new protectorate. Pavel I, recognizing the potential of an alliance with the order, offered them refuge and, in a symbolic act of solidarity, conferred upon the Knights the status of a Russian Grand Priory. This gesture was not merely ceremonial; it represented a significant intersection of Russian imperial interests and the chivalric traditions of the Knights. And, in gratitude, the Russian Emperor was elected as the Grand Master. This was a role that Pavel I took very seriously. Many distinguished Russian held the Order -- among them Holy Righteous Warrior of God Fyodr Fyodrovich Ushakov, Admiral of the Russian Imperial Navy and hero of the Russo-Turkish War, who never lost a battle.
H.I.M. Tsar Pavel I, Emperor of Russia, in robes and insignia depicting his role as Grand Master of Malta
Holy Righteous Warrior of God Admiral Ushakov, wearing his insignia as a Knight of Malta
After Pavel I, the order was less active, but still part of the Russian patrimony. Tsar Nikolai II, when faced with the rising Bolsheviks and the Bourgeois revolution, sought to defend and preserve the order. So, he transferred the responsibilities and privileges of the Grand Mastership of the Knights of Malta to the Royal House of Yugoslavia.
H.M. King Peter II of Yugsoslavia Grand Master of the Order of St. John
The transfer was a strategic move intended to ensure the continuity of the order during a period marked by immense change. King Peter II of Yugoslavia, recognizing the importance of maintaining the order’s historical legacy, took measures to uphold its values and mission amidst the challenges of his own reign. Yet, his own country fell during the Second World War, and he was in exile in Britain and the USA. Even in exile, he continued the Order of Malta.
After Peter II came a challenging time for the order. Peter II had been the victim of much unfounded, libelous defamation, and that continued after his death. The Order of Malta was succeeded in part by a branch that existed for a time that was recognized by Prince Trubetskoi, a prominent figure within the Russian imperial nobility. Now the rightful successor to the Russian/Yugoslavian order (and therefore to the historic Knights of Malta as a whole) is the Order of St. John under the Grand Mastership of His Highness Don Basilio, Prince of Rhodes. His stewardship has been marked by a commitment to the original tenets of the order—charity, hospitality, and the defense of the faith—while navigating the complexities of modern society.
Don Basilio, Grand Master of Malta
A meeting held in the order's headquarters.
Following in the traditions of royal protectorship by the Imperial Russian House and the Royal Yugoslavian House, the Knights of Malta are now under the royal protection of the Merovingian House, led by its dynastic head, His Royal Highness Sire Rubén (Esteve IV). This royal protectorship not only enhances the order's legitimacy but also underscores its historical significance as a continuation of the chivalric traditions that have persisted through centuries of change.
Sir Rubén, Royal Protector of the Order
Ceremony and investiture of the Order of St. John Seated (in blue uniform) is Don Basilio, Grand Master, and seated to his right in white vestment is Sire Rubén, Royal Protector
Sir Rubén, Royal Protector of the Order
Meanwhile, in the Roman-Ruthenian Church and State, there is another connection to this order. The United Roman-Ruthenian Church is one of the few that can confer the rare honor of Knight Bachelor of Yugoslavia (and maintains the Pontifical Order of Knights Bachelor of Yugoslavia), and the Prince-Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia holds the rank of Bailiff Grand Cross of the Russian/Yugoslavian Knights of Malta. Pope Radislav I* and the Apostolic Princess both hold this honor personally, and it descends with his office. Pope Radislav had also earlier been recognized as a Knight of Malta by the branch of order of Prince Trubetskoi. The Roman-Ruthenian Church and State, also maintains extensive records and history of Peter II of Yugoslavia. In addition, Don Basilio, Prince of Rhodes holds the rank of Knight of Sts. George and Olga from the Roman-Ruthenian Church and State.
Pope Radislav I of Rome-Ruthenia in the church robe of the Order of Malta.
Pope Radislav I in the uniform of the Pontifical Ruthenian Naval Guard (Pontifical Walsingham Guard), with the sash and cross of the Russian/Yugoslavian Knights of Malta. At the top of the insignia on the sash is a silver segment representing the Knights Bachelor of Yugoslavia. This original piece is extremely rare and provides a direct relic of Peter II.
In conclusion, the journey of the Knights of Malta from Crusader order to the embrace of Russian sovereignty under Pavel I to the present-day Order of St. John exemplifies a remarkable historical odyssey. It is a narrative rich in political maneuvering, religious fervor, and the everlasting quest for identity amidst the tides of history. As the order continues to thrive under its current Grand Master, Don Basilio, Prince of Rhodes, it remains a testament to the enduring legacy of chivalric values and the importance of historical continuity in an ever-evolving world. The Knights of Malta, having traversed the corridors of power and influence, now stand as a bridge connecting the past to the present, embodying the timeless ideals of service and faith that have defined them throughout their storied existence.
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* Names and identity: Radislav Romanovich Johnson is the legally registered dynastic name of Pope Radislav I of Rome-Ruthenia. The pontifical and public name Pope Radislav I of Rome-Ruthenia is also officially recorded by the United States Department of State in his United States passport as a “known as” name. Further biographical information is available on his official biography.
