The Archfather's Statement on the 75th anniversary year of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 30 September 2020 (ORCNS) 

The following Patriarchal Letter was issued by His Holiness and Eminence the Archfather for the 75th anniversary year of the use of nuclear weapons on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

RVTHERFORDVS PP. I

In this 75th anniversary year of the devastating destruction of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by nuclear weapons dropped by the United States, We take this opportunity to reflect upon the Christian theology pertaining to such weapons and their use. Nuclear technology has brought many positive benefits to global society. Yet, its tremendous destructive potential creates an inherent moral and ethical obligation regarding its employment, both in peace and especially in war. The Church has always maintained the illegitimacy of use and the intrinsic evil of nuclear weapons. This includes our Roman temporal predecessor, Pius XII, who was the Supreme Pontiff during the Second World War, who worked tirelessly against the human rights crisis created by the evils of the Nazi regime, and who spoke against the use of nuclear technology for weapons.

While nations have a legitimate right to self-defense, the response must not be out of all scale and proportion with the attack. Being attacked does not warrant or justify human rights violations. That is, the morality of warfare does not change. Human rights violations and excesses, real or perceived, on the part of the enemy do not render similar acts done in retaliation morally acceptable simply because they are done in retaliation. Indeed, when the military response, whether nuclear or not, is so extreme and so out of proportion with the offense, it cannot be justified and is an affront to both God and humanity.

Pontifical Mass celebrated in the ruins of the
Nagasaki Cathedral in 1949

Furthermore, weapons that go beyond the mere potential for collateral damage into the absolute certainty of widespread indiscriminate killing, in which men, women, and children of all ages and combatant status are likely to be killed, in which entire cities may be wiped off the map with one simple bomb, indeed such weapons are intrinsically evil and may not rightly be used according to the Laws of God. The use of such weapons is an offense against the dignity of mankind and an absolute offense against God. They constitute war crimes of the highest order. Their use is an affront to all of the honourable soldiers who fight with faith in God above all, with a sense of moral purpose and moral restraint, and with a respect for all human life.

Warfare does not mitigate moral responsibility under God. Rather, it is in such extreme and trying circumstances such as warfare that we are called upon as Christians most to maintain the laws of Christ and His Holy Church. It is in that difficulty that our true character as Christians shows forth. A zeal to win does not mitigate moral responsibility. Neither do misguided attempts at justifications, such as claiming the use of nuclear weapons is in reality an attempt to save life, mitigate responsibility, for in reality, such a decision is either trading one set of lives for others or is playing God as if one can know the future. Ultimately such justifications demonstrate arrogance and pride rather than faith.

The geopolitical borders of the world, while they can serve a legitimate purpose in caring for mankind, in fact mean nothing in terms of human dignity. Just and righteous war does indeed exist, yet war is a terrible thing. The potential for righteous glory, courage, and heroism exists beside the potential for brutality, depravity, torture, and other abuses. So much warfare, even today, does not even remotely meet the standards of just war doctrine. So much warfare has originated and continues to originate out of hatred and a lack of respect for human life and dignity. It is in war and other difficult, challenging, and perilous circumstances that, again, we must look to and cling to our faith the most. The salvation of even one soul is more precious than preventing all the evil on the earth, for we know that worldly evil shall indeed fail and be vanquished in the end.  

It is impossible to think that a ban on nuclear weapons, however, would be effective, for the technology exists and would continue to exist even if the physical weapons were banner. The knowledge itself cannot be eradicated. We must, therefore, promote the beneficial and peaceful uses of nuclear technology that benefit society. At the same time, we must openly speak God’s truth and proclaim the same that the church has always maintained since the dawn of the nuclear age. We must proclaim the inherent evil of nuclear weapons and their inconsistency with the Christian faith. Their use and a belief in their use is an intrinsic affront to Almighty God.

May Almighty God bless each of you and bring peace to the world.

Patriarchal Allocution - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin 2020

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 8 September 2020 (ORCNS) -- The Archfather d. Rutherford I gave his annual allocution on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. His Holy Eminence addressed topics including political discord and the importance of Christ above all nations. The video of the allocution is below, followed by the transcript. 

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Da Firenze-Nuova Roma ai Cristifedeli di tutto il mondo, ed ai membri della Corte di Santa Maria di Walsingham, grazia, pace, e la nostra benedizione Apostolica in questa festa gioiosa della Natività della Beata Vergine Maria. This day we celebrate the birth of the New Eve by whose obedience Christ was able to be born into the world for the salvation of mankind. Our Lady was immaculately conceived, yet had free will and was under no obligation to become the Mother of God. Yet when the angel appeared to her, she said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to thy will – and she accepted the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. We, each of us, likewise have a choice. We can accept God, or we can reject Him. Indeed, this is a choice we must make constantly throughout our lives in all that we do. It is easy to fall away from the faith under the influences of the world, and so we must pray for conversion on a regular basis and seek the help and intervention of the Blessed Virgin. Remember the benefits to mankind from the obedience of Our Lady whose birth we joyfully celebrate this day. The decisions we face in life, though, are rarely easy, but they are simple at their core. Questions are not black and white, but right and wrong, by which is meant “of God” and “not of God.”

In the 2000 years since the Incarnation of Christ, Our Lord seems not to have penetrated the hearts of mankind, for the world seeks constantly to abandon the ways of Christ and instead seeks other ends. When God comes to people, instead of following the example of Our Lady, far too often the invitation is rejected.

Carissimi, è necessario cercare nostro Signore, cercare Cristo in tutto per sempre. Se non lo cerchiamo, certo perderemo la nostra via; perderemo la via corretta di Dio. Dobbiamo sapere e capire che quella via, la via di Dio, è veramente l’unica via. We must search for our Lord, search for Christ in everything always. If we do not search for Him, we will certainly lose our way; we will lose the right path of God. We must know and understand that that way, the way of God, is the only way. Forse pensate che non sia facile, ma abbiamo la sacra liturgia ed i sacramenti della Santa Chiesa, la sposa di Cristo, per aiutarci. Perhaps you think it is not easy, but we have the sacred liturgy and the sacraments of the Holy Church, the bride of Christ, to help us. 

Today in the world there is much political upheaval and discord. This is nothing new in history. Mankind, being naturally oriented towards religion, will find something new if religion itself is abandoned. This we see in many countries today. For example, Europe is abandoning its sacred heritage, and the identity politics seen in the United States have largely replaced mainstream Protestantism that was so common, and thus is ultimately the same religion in a new package – only without God except for occasionally some warped version of God that somehow favours only one political party or viewpoint. We must caution, therefore, the Christian faithful not to make political decisions, including one’s own vote, according to political or other identity, but according only to the laws of God and the precepts of his Holy Church. Similarly, we must caution against too much identity with political parties and organisations at all, for they all too easily can insidiously replace one’s identity as a Christian or cause one’s Christian faith to be warped to fit the whims of politics. More than that, too much identification with political parties and even with national identity under the guise of patriotism, can tear away at one’s soul, pitting people against each other, breeding division where there should be unity in Christ.

Pues Dios no dice que una nación es mejor de todos los otros países. Pensais que la frontera sea una división májica o sagrada, y la gente aquí sea buena, pero la gente allá sea mal? Dijimos que no. De ningúna manera. Todos son hermanos en Cristo, pero los países vienen y se van. Solo la iglesia de Cristo es por siempre y para siempre. God does not say that one nation is better than all other countries. Do you think that the border is a magical or sacred division, and the people here are good, but the people there are bad? We say absolutely not. All are brothers and sisters in Christ, but the nations, they come and go. Only the Church of Christ is of all time and remains forever. Indeed, just as socialism and communism are opposed to and incompatible with the Christian faith, so too is nationalism. Our loyalty must first and foremost always be to God. If we are with God, He will be with us, and then who can stand against us? 

Now, prepare yourselves to receive God’s blessing.

Et benedictio Dei omnipotentis, + Patris, et + Filii, et Spiritus + Sancti descendat super vos et maneat semper. R. Amen.

Legion of the Eagle Consecrated to Christ

Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 7 September 2020 (ORCNS) -- The Most Honourable Legion of the Eagle, the senior-most religious and dynastic order of the Anglican Patriarchate, was formally consecrated to Our Lord Jesus Christ on 5 September by His Holy Eminence the Archfather Rutherford I. The consecration was formalised in a Patriarchal Constitution entitled "Praeclarissima Legio Aquilae." 

The dedication to Christ has always been a part of the Legion, which is the Christian successor to the IX Spanish Legion, founded by Julius Caesar. The eagle itself represents the divine victory of Christ. The consecration simply formalises this long-standing devotion. As a result, the Feast of Corpus Christi has been declared the principal feast of the Legion. The Feast of the Sacred Heart was also added as an official feast day, along with the already-existing feast of St. Patrick, Bishop and Confessor. 

Also as a result of this consecration, the Legion was granted the augmentation "of Christ" to its name. Thus, though "Legion of the Eagle" remains correct, its full name is the Most Honourable Legion of the Eagle of Christ. 

For more about the Legion of the Eagle, please see: http://www.regno.org/eagle.html

or in Italian, http://www.regno.org/aquila.html

Archfather Celebrates Solemn Mass of great Florentine Saint Felipe Benizi

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 23 August 2020 (ORCNS) -- Earlier today H.H.E. the Florentine Archfather celebrated a solemn mass in his private chapel for the great Florentine Saint Felipe Benizi. The Saint, born in Florence, was credited with reviving the Order of the Servites and was one of its superiors General. The cult of Saint Felipe Benizi was first recognised by Pope Leo X, founder of the legacy of the Anglican Patriarchate, in 1516 and was later canonised in 1671 by Pope Clement X.

H.H-Em. the Archfather celebrates the solemn mass
of Saint Felipe Benizi using the complete
solemn Patriarchal vestments.

The offering during the Holy Mass. 

Hospice Chaplain Ordained Lector, Exorcist, Acolyte, and Sub-Deacon

 FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 23 August 2020 (ORCNS) -- The Reverend Brother Elliott Francis, TOR Mar was ordained to the minor orders of Lector, Exorcist, and Acolyte and further to the Sub-Diaconate yesterday. The rites were officiated by H.H.E. the Archfather and took place in his private chapel. Brother Elliott is a hospice chaplain and continues with his studies towards the priesthood. He also holds the office of Guardaroba (Wardrobe Master) of the Patriarchal Household and is a veteran of the US Army. 

In the Anglo-Roman Rite used by the Anglican Patriarchate (Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church), the ordination to the orders of Lector and Exorcist involve the laying on of a single hand by the ordaining bishop while imposing the Breviary and a book containing the rites of Exorcism respectively. The ordination to the order of Acolyte involves the laying on of both hands while the ordinand holds an unlit candle in the right hand and an empty cruet in the left. Each object imposed signifies the nature of the ministry of the particular order. 

At the ordination to the sub-diaconate, the first Holy Order that serves directly at the altar in the Holy Mass, both hands are laid on by the ordaining bishop, invoking the Holy Spirit. The new sub-deacon receives the amice, alb, maniple, and tunicle, the vestments of the sub-diaconate. The Book of Epistles is also imposed, signifying the right to read the Epistle at the mass. After the ritual, a chalice and paten are presented for the new sub-deacon to touch, signifying his ability to hold the Sacred Vessels. Similarly he is presented two cruets, one with wine and the other with water, and a lavabo basin and towel to touch in further symbolism of the role of the sub-diaconate. 

The Archfather ordains Brother Elliott as an Acolyte.

The Archfather imposes the Book Epistles during the
rites of ordination to the sub-diaconate. Brother Elliott
is vested in the tunicle and maniple,
the vestments of a sub-deacon. 

The Archfather and Brother Elliott after the ordination.

Statement of Archfather Rutherford I on the Eve of the Assumption 2020

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 14 August 2020 (ORCNS) 

Statement of H.H.E. Archfather Don Rutherford I
on the Eve of the Feast of the Assumption 2020

Tomorrow, 15 August, we celebrate each year the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Lady, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heaven. Although believed from the time of the early Church, this was dogmatically defined by Pope Pius XII in the Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus. 

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The Assumption of Mary

The Assumption follows the dogma of the Blessed Virgin’s Immaculate Conception by which she was preserved free from original sin. It was that state that prepared her to be, if she so decided to be, the Mother of God. Our Lady, of course, did so consent upon the message of the Angel and accepted the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. It was through her free choice and obedience to the will of God that Our Lord and Saviour was able to come into this world, and thus the Word became Incarnate.

Tradition holds that Our Lady was assumed into Heaven from what is now known as the Holy House of Mary in Ephesus, Roman Empire, in modern-day Turkey. We had the privilege of making a pilgrimage last summer to the Holy House. 

Relic of the Holy Belt of Mary in the
care of the Anglican Patriarchate

Also, tradition holds, as depicted in many paintings, that Our Lady dropped her girdle down to one of the Apostles. This is called the Holy Belt of Mary. The Anglican Patriarchate counts among the most sacred objects entrusted to its care a piece of the Holy Belt, which came to us via the Byzantine Roman Empire. 

Archfather Rutherford during a 
pilgrimage to the Holy House
of Mary in Ephesus.

Indeed, long before the formal dogmatic definition by Pius XII in 1950, the glorious Assumption of Mary was a part of the Christian Faith. It was an official feast by the mid-ninth century when it was set by Pope Leo IV. St. Gregory of Tours is among the earliest church official to speak officially of the bodily Assumption of Mary. Scriptural evidence also exists. In the 8th century, Pope Sergius I also celebrated the feast. It was during that time that our Diaconal Church in Rome, Santa Maria Antiqua, was prominent and later used as the seat of the Bishop of Rome. Indeed, the Church of Santa Maria Antiqua, located in the Roman Forum, contains the earliest-known still-intact depiction of Our Lady as Queen of Heaven. 

May our Lady on the Feast of the Assumption bestow her blessing upon each of you, that you may each be brought thereby closer to Our Lord and Saviour. 

Rear Admiral of the Patriarchate Appointed

By Jean DuBois

RAdm HSH the Duke of Metz

FLORENCE-NEW ROME 20 July 2020 (ORCNS) -- H.S.H. the Duke of Metz was recently appointed Rear Admiral of the Patriarchate in the Walsingham Naval Guard by H.H.E. the Archfather. The position is an honorary and ceremonial office within the Walsingham Guard with ancient roots. It recalls to the old days of sail and naval warfare in which a fleet at sea would often be organized into three squadrons, with one each commanded by the Admiral, the Vice Admiral, and the Rear Admiral. In the Walsingham Naval Guard, this position is ceremonially equivalent to the second assistance to the Chief of the Naval Guard in honor of that history. Today the position is conferred as a recognition to a worthy individual, and only one individual serves in the role at any given time. 

The Duke descends via the House of Arnulfings and was raised in the high mountain desert of Wyoming. With a diverse educational and cultural background, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Security and a Master of Business Administration and also holds high professional and military certifications in Homeland Security, Emergency Management, and Cyber Crime & Terrorism prevention. 

Flag of Rank of a Rear Admiral
of the Walsingham Naval Guard

     An Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, the Admiral remains very active in service and philanthropy supporting various charitable outreach programs both he and his wife hold dear. The Duke has received honors in Scouting to include: the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award; Silver Antelope for service to the 13 states of the Southern Region; Silver Beaver; the Sea Scout Leadership Award; and, most recently was honored as the Southern Region BSA Alumnus of the Year. He is a recipient of the U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award for Lifetime Achievement. 

     The Duke served honorably in the United State Navy Intelligence community and countless Federal, State and local agencies in combating threats from cyber-terrorism and cyber related crime. He is a founding member and served on the original board of directors for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s InfraGard (National Members Alliance) program.  He was instrumental in expanding the Homeland Security grant program following 9/11 to include cyber threats and was the subcommittee chairman for Cyber Security for the Multi-State ISAC.  Currently, the Duke is employed as the Corporate Information Security Officer (CISO).

         For more information on the Walsingham Naval Guard, please see: www.anglicanritecatholicchurch.org/navalguard