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.

Legal Officers Appointed to the Pontifical Walsingham Guard

By Jean DuBois

ROME-RUTHENIA 30 August 2023 (NRom)

Pontifical Walsingham Guard announces establishment of the new Legal Division. The following legal officers were appointed: 

H.E. Baron David H. Tsubouchi, Kt.B. (Col., WG), Chief Legal Officer

H.E. Countess Luz Eliyer Cárdenas (Lt., WG)

H.E. Chevalier Richard Lewis (Lt., WG)

H.E. Chevalier Édgar Fuentes (Lt., WG)

Recent Honours and Appointments of the Pontifical Court

Posted by A. DiNardo

ROMA-RUTENIA 29 August 2023 (NRom)

The following are recent honors and appointments made by H.H. the Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia.

H.E. Archbishop Howard Doe

Capitular Archbishop, Master of the Pontifical Palace, and Prefect of Faith and Doctrine (ex officio Chief Judge of the Supreme Holy Office)

H.E. Mgr. Edward Heywood

Prefect-General of the Pontifical Imperial State, and First Archdeacon of the Apostolic See

Chev. Mark Kealey

Foriere Maggiore (Major Herald) and Cavallerizzo Maggiore (Master of the Horse)

Maj. Gen.  James E. Hamby, ABN, WG
Commander of the Pontifical Ruthenian Palatine Guard

Col. Chev. Cosimo Sframeli
Deputy Master of Horse, Pontifical Ruthenian Noble Guard

H.E. Bishop David Nicholls
Knight Grand Cross of the Pontifical Order of the Eagle
Knight of the Order of Sts. George and Olga

H.E. Baroness Debra Powell Childress
Dame of the Order of Sts. George and Olga

H.E. Baroness Thelner A. Brooks
Dame of the Order of Sts. George and Olga

H.R.H. Grand Prince Hernán Alejandro Olano García
Knight Commander of the Order of the Pontifical Imperial State

Prof. Pellegrino Manfra
Knight of the Order of the Pontifical Imperial State

H.P.I.R. Grand Duke Ralph of Roma-Etruria
Member of the Pontifical Order of Merit

H.R.S.H. Prince Floyd Jack of Chiquiza
Knight Bachelor of Yugoslavia