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The Roman-Ruthenian Herald is the journalistic service of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia.

Friday, July 12, 2024

Remembering His Serene Highness Prince Lloyd Douglas Worley, Duke of Maxalla: A Life of Scholarship, Service, and Spirituality

By J. DuBois

GREELEY 11 July 2024 (NRom)

It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of His Serene Highness Prince Lloyd Douglas Worley, Duke of Maxalla, on July 4, 2024, at the age of 77. Prince Lloyd was a man of many talents and accomplishments, leaving an indelible mark on the academic, spiritual, and community realms.

Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, on September 11, 1946, Prince Lloyd's journey was one of intellectual curiosity and devotion to his faith. He earned his Ph.D. in English from Southern Illinois University in 1979 and went on to have a distinguished academic career, serving as a professor at several prestigious universities, including the University of Northern Colorado, where he chaired the Department of English and directed the Composition program.

Prince Lloyd was renowned for his pioneering work in the field of "Neo-Gothicism," a contemporary literary movement that drew inspiration from the rich traditions of the 18th-century Gothic novel. As the editor of the prestigious "Ruthven Literary Bulletin" and a long-standing director of the American Literature Division of the International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts (IAFA), he made significant contributions to the scholarly understanding and appreciation of this genre.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Prince Lloyd was a deeply spiritual individual, serving as an auxiliary bishop and Vicar-General of the Liberal Catholic Church, Province of the USA. He was also the Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

His Apostolic Highness Prince-Bishop Rutherford I of Rome-Ruthenia remembered Prince Lloyd's kindness and dedication with great fondness, stating, "Prince Lloyd was a true servant of Christ, whose compassion and wisdom inspired all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue to guide and uplift those who seek to follow in his footsteps."

In addition to his academic and spiritual accomplishments, Prince Lloyd was also a talented magician, known as "Worley the Wizard," and the founder of the SAM 292 chapter in Greeley, Colorado, where he shared his love of the art with fellow enthusiasts.

Prince Lloyd is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, H.S.H. Princess Maydean Mouton Worley, their children, Baroness Erin S. W. Satterlee (husband Rev. Fr. Brian Satterlee) and Baron Albert Worley, and his grandson, Michael Satterlee.

As we bid farewell in this life to this remarkable man, we are reminded of the profound impact he had on the lives of those around him. Prince Lloyd's legacy of scholarship, service, and spiritual devotion will continue to inspire generations to come. May he rest in eternal peace, and may his family find solace in the knowledge that his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Honoring Excellence: Hernan Alejandro Olano García Appointed as Fellow of the Pontifical Society

By M. Derosiers 

BOGATA 3 July 2024 (NRom)

In honor of a man of remarkable achievements and contributions, HRH Dr. Hernan Alejandro Olano García has been named a Fellow of the Pontifical Society. Prof. Olano's selection as a Fellow follows an early honorary appointment as honorary professor at the Pontifical Georgian College. Additionally, he holds distinguished positions within the academic community, serving as a member of the Superior Council and the Council of the Faculty of the University of La Sabana, as well as being a member of the Academic Council at the University La Gran Colombia.

The Pontifical Society, founded in 1999, is an academic and scientific institution that recognizes and fosters individual achievements across a diverse array of disciplines. Candidates for Fellowship must be nominated by at least two existing Fellows and then undergo an approval process by the Board of Governors. The Society's roster boasts an impressive array of individuals, including royalty, American presidents, international clergy, Olympic athletes, and luminaries from the arts, entertainment, and sciences.

Prof. Olano's appointment as a Fellow of the Pontifical Society is a testament to his exceptional accomplishments and the impact he has had on the world around him. His diverse range of expertise, from academia to civil service, has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, and this latest recognition solidifies his standing as a true leader and visionary in his chosen pursuits. This appointment not only honors the professor's achievements but also serves as a catalyst for his future endeavors, as he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible and inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Remembrances of Dr. Chev. John Edgar Endicott, President of Woosong University, Air Force Colonel, and Knight Grand Cross of the Pontifical Order of the Eagle

Personal article by H.H. Bishop Rutherford I of Rome-Ruthenia*

3 July 2024

__________________

Dr. John Endicott (1936-2024), an old friend and mentor of more than 20 years, died a week and a half ago. And so I will share some personal remembrances of him.

It was a funny way that he and I met. He was Director of the Center for International Strategy, Technology, and Policy (CISTP) at Georgia Tech while I was in graduate school at the Georgia Tech School of Economics. I was walking down the hall of the main liberal arts building when I passed him. He was wearing a three-piece suit with pocket watch -- and it was like I was looking in the mirror. I said "I have one of those," and he smiled and replied "Good!" We kept walking. The next time I was in the building for class, I also was in a three-piece suit with pocket watch. We soon became friends, with common interests ranging from military as brother officers to international culture. You could easily spot either of us around the Georgia Tech campus - suit, tie, and fedora. (I also discovered later that he spoke Russian, which was definitely a point in his favor.)

Col. John Endicott (left) and Bishop Rutherford I (right)
in the president's office at Woosong University

Meanwhile, around the time I was finishing my PhD at the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Endicott had become President of Woosong University and Vice Chancellor of the SolBridge International School of Business in Daejeon, South Korea. He invited me to become a member of the original faculty. He said "You are the first person the new team has decided to hire. So, you will be representing us all and we know you will do absolutely great," so how could I turn it down when he put it like that? I accepted the offer and moved to the Land of the Morning Calm.  

Living in South Korea was a very enjoyable time, and some of my favorite memories include morning coffee regularly in the president's office, he and his wife, Mitsuyo (known to their friends as Mitchie) making pancakes for me at their apartment to go with the maple syrup I brought back as a gift for them from Maine, and going out for miso soup. Endicott and I were also fencing partners. He was rather good with a foil (my preferred blade), and it certainly helped to keep us in shape. He and his wife were also regular participants with the ballroom dance class that I started for faculty, staff, and students on campus (which was part of the recollections he kindly included about me in his memoirs he published several years ago). And, when we founded the St Jude University Chapel, he was one of the regular congregants. In fact, he was often "pressed into service" as the Lector at the liturgy.

Col. Endicott reading the lesson at a liturgy at
the Solbridge International School of Business, with
Bishop Rutherford (then Bishop of the Southwest) to the left.

Endicott and the faculty accomplished quite a lot at Solbridge. One of the most memorable accomplishments was hosting the Limited Nuclear Weapons Free Zone in Northeast Asia conference, which Endicott had founded some years ago. In my role as director of special projects, I helped to organise the event, which hosted government officials and academics from around the world. 

L-R: Col. Endicott, Bishop Rutherford I, and US Ambassador Kelly
at the Limited Nuclear Weapons Free Zone of Northeast Asia
conference held at Solbridge

For a while I was, in addition to my faculty role, effectively Endicott's personal assistant, which was very enjoyable and reminded me of our time back at Georgia Tech. Once I came in late to a meeting of the president's cabinet being held on a particularly hot day, and he was a bit annoyed at me -- until he saw that the reason I was late was that I had been all the way across town at an Italian gelateria that I had recently discovered and brought back gelato for everyone to help combat the oppressive heat. 

Col. Endicott was always proud of his Campbell ancestry,
so he wore his Campbell tartan kilt to culture events
at Solbridge. To keep him company at one of the
 events, I had my royal Stuart kilt shipped to me.

Since we both had long-standing connections to Georgia Tech, one thing I know we were both particularly proud of was establishing the 2+2 dual degree programme between Solbridge and Georgia Tech. He and I, among a number of others, put a lot of work into that effort. Once the programme was set, I ended up teaching mathematics and physics courses in order to help our students meet the requirements for Georgia Tech. That was definitely something I did not expect to be doing as an economics professor! 

Dr. Endicott (back row third from right) and Bishop Johnson (upper left),
along with other key faculty and administrators at the
signing ceremony for the Dual Degree programme
between Georgia Tech and Solbridge

When I left the University (and Korea), the last dinner in Daejeon included my wife and I with John and Michie, as well as the Korean vice-president who had "adopted" me as my "big brother." It was a very pleasant evening, and they presented me with a commendation letter thanking me for my years of service helping to build Solbridge into what it was. (Today Solbridge is a highly ranked international business school, and Woosong university is recognized as a top tier University in Korea.)

John Endicott remains one of the most interesting, distinguished, and memorable people I have ever had the privilege of calling a friend. Unfortunately other obligations prevented me from flying to Georgia for the funeral last week. However, the Divine Liturgy of the Dead will be celebrated here in his memory soon.


_________________
* 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.

Sunday, June 30, 2024

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Celebrating Saints Peter and Paul in the United the Roman-Ruthenian Church

H.H. the Bishop during a solemn
liturgy for St. Paul the Apostle.
By M. Derosiers

ROME-RUTHENIA 30 June 2024 (NRom)


The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is a time-honored tradition in the Christian world, commemorating the lives and legacies of two of the most influential apostles of Jesus Christ. For the faithful of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, these feast days hold a special significance, as they represent not only the veneration of these revered saints, but also the spiritual unity and sovereignty of the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia - today a nation without borders serving people of many civil states in the example of Christ. Saints Peter and Paul are the patron saints of His Apostolic Highness the Prince-Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia as the sovereign of the Pontifical Imperial State. On June 29th and 30th, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church celebrated this special event around the globe.

The United Roman-Ruthenian Church is a unique and remarkable entity, blending rich and diverse heritage in a vibrant, dynamic, and ancient expression of Christianity. Through its liturgy, its governance, and its unwavering proclamation of the Gospel of Christ, the Roman-Ruthenian Church stands as a beacon of unity and stability in an often-turbulent world. Its teachings have provided solace, guidance, and inspiration to believers around the world, who have found in its sacraments and traditions a deep well of spiritual nourishment and community.

The Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia and United Roman-Ruthenian Church represent a unique and powerful voice in the world. As a sovereign entity, it carries the weight of centuries of tradition and the moral authority of the Christian Church. Its influence extends far beyond the borders of its own territories, as it serves as a beacon of hope, a champion of justice, and a tireless advocate for the rights and dignity of all people, in part through its special status with the United Nations.

It is this combination of spiritual depth and world significance that makes the celebrations of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul in the United Roman-Ruthenian Church so profoundly meaningful. These are both religious observances and a testament to the enduring power of faith, the beauty of cultural exchange, and the transformative power of unity in Christ.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Distinguished Leader Baron Dr. Norvell Vandervall Coots of Esne and Rottingen Passes Away at 65

Baron Coots of Esne and
Rottingen in the uniform
of a Lieutenant General
of the Pontifical
Walsingham Guard
ROME-RUTHENIA 18 June 2024 (NRom)

H.E. Baron Dr. Norvell Vandervall Coots of Esne and Rottingen, Lieutenant General, PWG, a distinguished figure in both the military and medical communities, died at Maryland's Shock Trauma Center on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, due to complications from injuries sustained in a horseback riding accident on US Memorial Day. He was 65 years old. A retired general from the U.S. Army, he was also a hereditary aristocrat as a member of the nobility of the Pontifical Imperial StatePontifical Imperial State, the French nobility, and the Moldovan nobility. The Pontifical Household has declared a period of mourning. 

A Life of Service and Dedication

Baron Coots was a man of many accomplishments in medicine, in the military, and in the Church. He was a Noble Companion of the Noble Company of the Court of St. Mary of Walsingham and held the office of Master of the Virga Rubea, a high-ranking office in the Pontifical Court of the Pontifical Imperial State responsible for escorting the Patriarchal Staff of St. Stephen in procession, which bears a relic of the saint.

In addition to his religious roles, Baron Coots was a Lieutenant General, the highest rank conferred, in the Pontifical Walsingham Guard, where he served as Chief of Medicine. (He was the only officer to hold that rank.) He was also a Knight of the Order of the Pontifical Imperial State, a Knight Grand Cross of St. Gregory the Great, and a Knight of the Legion of Honor of the French Republic. 

Distinguished Medical Career

Beyond his religious commitments, Baron Coots had a distinguished career in healthcare leadership. Most recently, he served as the Chair of the National Institute of Health's Clinical Center Research Hospital Board, which was established in 2016 to oversee operations at the NIH Clinical Center.  Prior to that, Coots led Holy Cross Health in Silver Spring, Maryland for seven years before retiring in 2024. Under his leadership, Holy Cross Health became a regional leader in comprehensive cancer care, and he established a program to address the specific healthcare needs of military service members, veterans, and their families.

Baron Coots retired from the United States Army in 2016 as a Brigadier General after 36 years of service and numerous awards and recognitions. His final assignments included serving as the Commanding General of Regional Health Command Europe and the Command Surgeon for the US Army Europe and 7th Army. He also held positions such as Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Medical Command, Assistant Surgeon General of the Army, and Surgeon General for the US Forces in Afghanistan. From 2008 to 2011, he was the final Commander of the historic Walter Reed Healthcare System and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Baron Coots (left) riding at the French Riding
Academy as a guest of the French Army

Remembering a Friend and Leader

His Apostolic Highness Prince-Bishop Rutherford I of Rome-Ruthenia, a close friend of Baron Dr. Coots, expressed his deep sorrow upon learning of his passing: "Baron Coots, or 'Van' as his friends called him, was not only a dear friend of many years, but also an exemplary leader in his religious, military, charitable, and medical endeavours. We were fellow horsemen and spent a lot of time talking about horses. I also always admired his strong dedication to tradition. His unwavering dedication to serving others and his commitment to his faith will forever be remembered. The world has lost a truly remarkable individual, and his presence will be greatly missed."

An Enduring Legacy

The legacy of Baron Norvell Vandervall Coots of Esne and Rottingen will live on through the countless lives he touched and the organizations he served. His contributions to the religious community, military, and medical field will continue to inspire others to follow in his footsteps of service and dedication. As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary individual, we take comfort in knowing that his impact will endure, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Sunday, June 2, 2024

Pontifical Walsingham Guard at Italian Military Parade

By A. DiNardo

ROMA 2 June 2024 (NRom)

On June 2nd, Maj. Gen. Giancarlo Martini, representing the Pontifical Walsingham Guard and the Pontifical CourtPontifical Court of the Pontifical Imperial StatePontifical Imperial State, attended the Military Review for the Festa della Repubblica (the national day) of the Italian Republic. This annual event takes place at the Imperial Forum in Rome, in the presence of the Altar of the Fatherland and the President of the Republic, as well as other high-ranking government officials. Maj. Gen. Martini is a retired officer of the Italian Carabineri and continues to serve in the Pontifical Walsingham Guard. 

Despite the fact that it was pouring rain on the day of the celebration, the event was a memorable success. Maj. Gen. Martini's participation in the ceremony highlighted the importance of the Italian peninsula in the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-RutheniaPontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia and the United Roman-Ruthenian ChurchUnited Roman-Ruthenian Church. 

The Festa della Repubblica commemorates the day in 1946 when the Italian people voted to establish the Italian Republic. It is a day of great national pride and celebration, with parades, military displays, and other festivities taking place throughout the country.

The Frecce Tricolori fly at the event.