Catholicate of Rome-Ruthenia

United Roman-Ruthenian Church: Where Ancient Traditions Unite in Harmony

The United Roman-Ruthenian Church: A Symbol of Unity and Tradition

Where Ancient Traditions Unite in Harmony

The United Roman-Ruthenian Church is a unique and diverse autocephalous (independent) religious institution that brings together two distinct Christian traditions – Orthodoxy and Catholicism. This unification has not only fostered a sense of Christian brotherhood among its followers but has also created an environment where ancient traditions and cultures coexist harmoniously.

The origins of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church can be traced back to the very beginning of Christianity; to Rome, to Byzantium, Syria, and India, and to Eastern Europe. The result today is a distinct branch of Christianity that is both Eastern and Latin, Orthodox and Catholic.

One of the notable aspects of this union is the preservation of both traditions within the liturgy. The United Roman-Ruthenian Church incorporates elements from Latin, Byzantine, and Syrian spirituality, ensuring that followers can engage with their faith in a way that is meaningful to them. The Eucharistic celebration, for example, includes elements such as incense, icons, and chant, which are essential components of Byzantine worship. By embracing elements from both traditions, this church offers a vibrant worship experience that resonates with people from diverse backgrounds.

What makes the United Roman-Ruthenian Church truly remarkable is that it allows for cultural diversity within its congregations, fostering a sense of belonging among its followers while acknowledging their distinct cultural backgrounds. By bringing together two different Christian traditions, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church promotes dialogue and understanding between various branches of Christianity. It serves as an example of how different traditions can come together in pursuit of a common goal - traditional worship and the timeless faith of the Holy Gospels.

The Church's commitment to unity extends beyond its services. It actively promotes interfaith dialogue, fostering understanding and respect among different religions. Through this outreach, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church has become a symbol of hope for those seeking peace and harmony in their communities.

Furthermore, the Church plays an integral role in preserving cultural heritage. Its designs, traditions, and customs showcase stunning blends of Western European Gothic and Baroque influences with intricate Byzantine and Russian designs, creating awe-inspiring experiences. The Church's traditional art tells stories passed down through generations, connecting present-day worshippers with their ancestors' rich cultural tapestry.

The United Roman-Ruthenian Church stands as a testament to unity with diversity in an era of division. 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, inspiring countless individuals across generations.

For those who seek solace in times of hardship or seek guidance on their spiritual journey, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church offers steadfast support. The members of its clergy 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.

Want to get involved? Email us here.

Would you like more detailed history? We invite you to keep reading by following this link!

100th Birthday of Peter II of Yugoslavia

6 September 2023

100th Birthday of King Peter II of Yugoslavia
founder of the Knight Bachelor of Yugoslavia

and founder of the Yugoslavian Order of St. John (Order of Hospitaller Knights)
in continuation of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Russia under Tsar Paul I

King Peter died in 1970 in Colorado at the young age of 47.

He was buried in the Serbia Orthodox Monastery of St. Sava in Illinois,
and in 2013, his remains were moved to Serbia.

The United Roman-Ruthenian Church is a successor to valued and treasured parts of the King's legacy. Find out more on the following pages:

Yugoslavian Legacy

Pontifical Order of Knights Bachelor of Yugoslavia

Temporal Succession of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church

Temporal Succession from St. Peter the Apostle

1. St. Peter (32-67)
2. St. Linus (67-76)
3. St. Anacletus (Cletus) (76-88)
4. St. Clement I (88-97)
5. St. Evaristus (97-105)
6. St. Alexander I (105-115)
7. St. Sixtus I (115-125) Also called Xystus I
8. St. Telesphorus (125-136)
9. St. Hyginus (136-140)
10. St. Pius I (140-155)
11. St. Anicetus (155-166)
12. St. Soter (166-175)
13. St. Eleutherius (175-189)
14. St. Victor I (189-199)
15. St. Zephyrinus (199-217)
16. St. Callistus I (217-22)
17. St. Urban I (222-30)
18. St. Pontian (230-35)
19. St. Anterus (235-36)
20. St. Fabian (236-50)
21. St. Cornelius (251-53)
22. St. Lucius I (253-54)
23. St. Stephen I (254-257)
24. St. Sixtus II (257-258)
25. St. Dionysius (260-268)
26. St. Felix I (269-274)
27. St. Eutychian (275-283)
28. St. Caius (283-296)
29. St. Marcellinus (296-304)
30. St. Marcellus I (308-309)
31. St. Eusebius (309 or 310)
32. St. Miltiades (311-14)
33. St. Sylvester I (314-35)
34. St. Marcus (336)
35. St. Julius I (337-52)
36. Liberius (352-66)
37. St. Damasus I (366-84)
38. St. Siricius (384-99)
39. St. Anastasius I (399-401)
40. St. Innocent I (401-17)
41. St. Zosimus (417-18)
42. St. Boniface I (418-22)
43. St. Celestine I (422-32)
44. St. Sixtus III (432-40)
45. St. Leo I (the Great) (440-61)
46. St. Hilarius (461-68)
47. St. Simplicius (468-83)
48. St. Felix III (II) (483-92)
49. St. Gelasius I (492-96)
50. Anastasius II (496-98)
51. St. Symmachus (498-514)
52. St. Hormisdas (514-23)
53. St. John I (523-26)
54. St. Felix IV (III) (526-30)
55. Boniface II (530-32)
56. John II (533-35)
57. St. Agapetus I (535-36)
58. St. Silverius (536-37)
59. Vigilius (537-55)
60. Pelagius I (556-61)
61. John III (561-74)
62. Benedict I (575-79)
63. Pelagius II (579-90)
64. St. Gregory I (the Great) (590-604)
65. Sabinian (604-606)
66. Boniface III (607)
67. St. Boniface IV (608-15)
68. St. Deusdedit (Adeodatus I) (615-18)
69. Boniface V (619-25)
70. Honorius I (625-38)
71. Severinus (640)
72. John IV (640-42)
73. Theodore I (642-49)
74. St. Martin I (649-55)
75. St. Eugene I (655-57)
76. St. Vitalian (657-72)
77. Adeodatus (II) (672-76)
78. Donus (676-78)
79. St. Agatho (678-81)
80. St. Leo II (682-83)
81. St. Benedict II (684-85)
82. John V (685-86)
83. Conon (686-87)
84. St. Sergius I (687-701)
85. John VI (701-05)
86. John VII (705-07)
87. Sisinnius (708)
88. Constantine (708-15)
89. St. Gregory II (715-31)
90. St. Gregory III (731-41)
91. St. Zachary (741-52)
92. Stephen II (III) (752-57)
93. St. Paul I (757-67)
94. Stephen III (IV) (767-72)
95. Adrian I (772-95)
96. St. Leo III (795-816)
97. Stephen IV (V) (816-17)
98. St. Paschal I (817-24)
99. Eugene II (824-27)
100. Valentine (827)
101. Gregory IV (827-44)
102. Sergius II (844-47)
103. St. Leo IV (847-55)
104. Benedict III (855-58)
105. St. Nicholas I (the Great) (858-67)
106. Adrian II (867-72)
107. John VIII (872-82)
108. Marinus I (882-84)

109. St. Adrian III (884-85)

110. Stephen V (VI) (885-91)

111. Formosus (891-96)

112. Boniface VI (896)

113. Stephen VI (VII) (896-97)

114. Romanus (897)

115. Theodore II (897)

116. John IX (898-900)

117. Benedict IV (900-03)

118. Leo V (903)

119. Sergius III (904-11)

120. Anastasius III (911-13)

121. Lando (913-14)

122. John X (914-28)

123. Leo VI (928)

124. Stephen VIII (929-31)

125. John XI (931-35)

126. Leo VII (936-39)

127. Stephen IX (939-42)

128. Marinus II (942-46)

129. Agapetus II (946-55)

130. John XII (955-63)

131. Leo VIII (963-64)

132. Benedict V (964)

133. John XIII (965-72)

134. Benedict VI (973-74)

135. Benedict VII (974-83)

136. John XIV (983-84)

137. John XV (985-96)

138. Gregory V (996-99)

139. Sylvester II (999-1003)

140. John XVII (1003)

141. John XVIII (1003-09)

142. Sergius IV (1009-12)

143. Benedict VIII (1012-24)

144. John XIX (1024-32)

145. Benedict IX (1032-45)

146. Sylvester III (1045)

147. Benedict IX (1045)

148. Gregory VI (1045-46)

149. Clement II (1046-47)

150. Benedict IX (1047-48)

151. Damasus II (1048)

152. St. Leo IX (1049-54)

153. Victor II (1055-57)

154. Stephen X (1057-58)

155. Nicholas II (1058-61)

156. Alexander II (1061-73)

157. St. Gregory VII (1073-85)

158. Blessed Victor III (1086-87)

159. Blessed Urban II (1088-99)

160. Paschal II (1099-1118)

161. Gelasius II (1118-19)

162. Callistus II (1119-24)

163. Honorius II (1124-30)

164. Innocent II (1130-43)

165. Celestine II (1143-44)

166. Lucius II (1144-45)

167. Blessed Eugene III (1145-53)

168. Anastasius IV (1153-54)

169. Adrian IV (1154-59)

170. Alexander III (1159-81)

171. Lucius III (1181-85)

172. Urban III (1185-87)

173. Gregory VIII (1187)

174. Clement III (1187-91)

175. Celestine III (1191-98)

176. Innocent III (1198-1216)

177. Honorius III (1216-27)

178. Gregory IX (1227-41)

179. Celestine IV (1241)

180. Innocent IV (1243-54)

181. Alexander IV (1254-61)

182. Urban IV (1261-64)

183. Clement IV (1265-68)

184. Blessed Gregory X (1271-76)

185. Blessed Innocent V (1276)

186. Adrian V (1276)

187. John XXI (1276-77)

188. Nicholas III (1277-80)

189. Martin IV (1281-85)

190. Honorius IV (1285-87)

191. Nicholas IV (1288-92)

192. St. Celestine V (1294)

193. Boniface VIII (1294-1303)

194. Blessed Benedict XI (1303-04)

195. Clement V (1305-14)

196. John XXII (1316-34)

197. Benedict XII (1334-42)

198. Clement VI (1342-52)

199. Innocent VI (1352-62)

200. Blessed Urban V (1362-70)

201. Gregory XI (1370-78)

202. Urban VI (1378-89)

203. Boniface IX (1389-1404)

204. Innocent VII (1404-06)

205. Gregory XII (1406-15)

206. Martin V (1417-31)

207. Eugene IV (1431-47)

208. Nicholas V (1447-55)

209. Callistus III (1455-58)

210. Pius II (1458-64)

211. Paul II (1464-71)

212. Sixtus IV (1471-84)

213. Innocent VIII (1484-92)

214. Alexander VI (1492-1503)

215. Pius III (1503)

216. St. Julius II (1503-13)

217. St. Leo X (1513-21)

218. Adrian VI (1522-23)

219. Clement VII (1523-34)

220. Paul III (1534-49)

221. Julius III (1550-55)

222. Marcellus II (1555)

223. Paul IV (1555-59)

224. Pius IV (1559-65)

225. St. Pius V (1566-72)

226. Gregory XIII (1572-85)

227. Sixtus V (1585-90)

228. Urban VII (1590)

229. Gregory XIV (1590-91)

230. Innocent IX (1591)

231. Clement VIII (1592-1605)

232. Leo XI (1605)

233. Paul V (1605-21)

234. Gregory XV (1621-23)

235. Urban VIII (1623-44)

236. Innocent X (1644-55)

237. Alexander VII (1655-67)

238. Clement IX (1667-69)

239. Clement X (1670-76)

240. Blessed Innocent XI (1676-89)

241. Alexander VIII (1689-91)

242. Innocent XII (1691-1700)

243. Clement XI (1700-21)

244. Innocent XIII (1721-24)

245. Benedict XIII (1724-30)

246. Clement XII (1730-40)

247. Benedict XIV (1740-58)

248. Clement XIII (1758-69)

249. Clement XIV (1769-74)

250. Pius VI (1775-99)

251. Pius VII (1800-23)

252. Leo XII (1823-29)

253. Pius VIII (1829-30)

254. Gregory XVI (1831-46)

255. St. Pius IX (1846-78)

256. Leo XIII (1878-1903)

257. St. Pius X (1903-14)

258. Benedict XV (1914-22)

259. Pius XI (1922-39)

260. St. Pius XII (1939-58)

261. St. John XXIII (1958-63)

262. Paul VI (1963-78)

263. John Paul I (1978)

264. St. John Paul II (1978-2005)

265. Benedict XVI (2005-2013)

266. Rutherford I (2011 - )

Temporal Succession from Hugh, King of Italy

Hugh d'Arles, King of Italy in the Holy Roman Empire

Bosone d'Arles, Margrave of Tuscany * Brother of Hugh, King of Italy.

Umberto d'Arles, Margrave of Tuscany * Son of Hugh, King of Italy

Hugh d'Arles, Margrave of Tuscany

Boniface III di Canossa, Margrave of Tuscany * Grandson of Hugh, King of Italy

Federico di Canossa, Margrave of Tuscany

Matilda di Canossa, Margravine of Tuscany, Vice-Queen of Italy in the Holy Roman Empire * Daughter of Boniface III of Tuscany and Beatrice of Lorraine and Bar. Titles and lands were gifted to the church upon her death without issue, thus initiating the ecclesiastical temporal claims associated with Tuscany. Though the Popes had claim of sovereignty over Italy as Imperial Vice-King, they exercised this as Pope and Ecclesiastical Overlord of Italy.

Papa Paschal II

...

Etc.

Temporal Succession of the Holy Church from the Roman Empire

Gaius Julius Caesar

Augustus (Imperator Caesar Augustus)

Tiberius (Tiberius Caesar Augustus)

Caligula (Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus)

Claudius (Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus)

Nero (Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus)

Galba (Servius Galba Caesar Augustus)

Otho (Marcus Otho Caesar Augustus)

Vitellius (Aulus Vitellius Germanicus Augustus)

Vespasianus (Caesar Vespasianus Augustus)

Titus (Titus Caesar Vespasianus Augustus)

Domitianus (Caesar Domitianus Augustus)

Nerva (Nerva Caesar Augustus)

Trajanus (Caesar Nerva Traianus Augustus)

Hadrianus (Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus)

Antoninus Pius (Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Augustus Pius)

Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus)

Lucius Verus (Lucius Aurelius Verus)

Commodus (Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus)

Pertinax (Publius Helvius Pertinax)

Didius Julianus (Marcus Didius Severus Julianus)

Septimius Severus (Lucius Septimius Severus Pertinax)

Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus)

Geta (Publius Septimius Geta)

Macrinus (Marcus Opellius Severus Macrinus)

Diadumenianus (Marcus Opellius Antoninus Diadumenianus)

Elagabalus (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus)

Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander)

Maximinus Thrax (Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus)

Gordianus I (Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus)

Gordianus II (Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus)

Pupienus (Marcus Clodius Pupienus Maximus)

Balbinus (Decimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus)

Gordianus III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus)

Philippus (Marcus Julius Philippus)

Philippus II (Marcus Julius Severus Philippus)

Decius (Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius)

Herennius Etruscus (Quintus Herennius Etruscus Messius Decius)

Hostilianus (Gaius Valens Hostilianus Messius Quintus)

Trebonianus Gallus (Gaius Vibius Trebonianus Gallus)

Volusianus (Gaius Vibius Afinius Gallus Veldumnianus Volusianus)

Aemilianus (Marcus Aemilius Aemilianus)

Valerianus (Publius Licinius Valerianus)

Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus)

Saloninus (Publius Licinius Cornelius Saloninus Valerianus)

Claudius Gothicus (Marcus Aurelius Claudius)

Quintillus (Marcus Aurelius Claudius Quintillus)

Aurelianus (Lucius Domitius Aurelianus)

Tacitus (Marcus Claudius Tacitus)

Florianus (Marcus Annius Florianus)

Probus (Marcus Aurelius Probus)

Carus (Marcus Aurelius Carus)

Carinus (Marcus Aurelius Carinus)

Numerianus (Marcus Aurelius Numerianus)

Diocletianus (Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus)

Maximianus (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus)

Galerius (Galerius Valerius Maximianus)

Constantius I (Flavius Valerius Constantius)

Constantinus I (Flavius Valerius Constantinus)

Severus (Flavius Valerius Severus)

Maxentius (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius)

Licinius (Valerius Licinianus Licinius)

Maximinus Daza (Galerius Valerius Maximinus)

Valerius Valens (Aurelius Valerius Valens)

Martinianus (Sextus Marcius Martinianus)

Constantinus II (Flavius Claudius Constantinus)

Constantius II (Flavius Julius Constantius)

Constans (Flavius Julius Constans)

Vetranio (Flavius Claudius Julianus)

Jovianus (Flavius Jovianus)

Valentinianus I (Valentinianus)

Valens

Gratianus

Valentinianus II

Theodosius I

Magnus Maximus

Victor (Flavius Victor)

Eugenius

Honorius

Constantinus III (Flavius Claudius Constantinus)

Constans II

Constantius III

Joannes

Valentinianus III (Placidus Valentinianus)

Petronius Maximus

Avitus (Eparchius Avitus)

Majorianus (Julius Valerius Maiorianus)

Libius Severus

Anthemius (Procopius Anthemius)

Olybrius (Anicius Olybrius)

Glycerius

Julius Nepos

Romulus Augustus

Papa Sanctus Simplicius

...

etc.

SUCCESSION FROM THE KINGS OF RUTHENIA (OLD RUSSIAN STATE)

Clement VI of Rome (title reverted to source; in succession from St. Peter the Apostle & succeeded by Papa Innocent VI; continued in primary succession above.)

Yuri II, King of Ruthenia

Andrew I, King of Ruthenia and Lev II, King of Ruthenia (joint rule)

Yuri I, King of Ruthenia, Grand Prince of Kiev

Lev I, King of Ruthenia, Grand Prince of Kiev

Danilo I Romanovich, King of Ruthenia (Russia) (via Rome), Grand Prince of Kiev

Roman the Great, Tsar and Autocrat of All Rus’ (via Constantinople)

In Memoriam Bailey McCune of Coll-Earn, Baron of Elphinstone, Knight Grand Cross of the Pontifical Order of the Eagle

Gen. McCune in the uniform of the
Military Society of the Wild Geese

IN MEMORIAM

Lt. Gen. The Much Honoured Bailey Bruce McCune of Coll-Earn

Baron of Elphinstone (Scotland)

Knight Grand Cross of the Pontifical Order of the Eagle

1931 - 2014

H.H. the Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia (left) and
the Baron of Elphinstone (right) at the Elphinstone
baronial hall at the baron's Arabian horse farm in California

Personal note from the Baron of Elphinstone to
H.H. Bishop Rutherford I thanking him for a
requiem mass for the late Baroness.
Original held in the Stephenian Archives.

Enclosure card of the Baron of Elphinstone with
personal note to H.H. Bishop Rutherford I.
Original held in the Stephenian Archives.

Revised First Edition of "Journey of Faith"

Bishop Rutherford with the revised first edition English and Russian language versions of his book "Journey of Faith," which details the history of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, both ancient and through the last 15 years.

Brevet of the Knight Bachelor of Yugoslavia

Brevet conferring the honour of Knight Bachelor of Yugoslavia
as issued by the Pontifical Order of Knights Bachelor of Yugoslavia

A fully canonical orthodox and catholic autocephalous Apostolic See -- Полностью канонический православный и католический автокефальный Апостольский Престол.

Through adherence to the historic and constant faith of the Church as taught by the saints and the Church Fathers (St. Vincent of Lerins) and the faith once delivered for all unto the saints (Jude 3). Neither affiliation with the Bishop of Rome nor of Constantinople nor any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction is required. We accept as canonical all who accept the traditional faith.

Attraverso l'adesione alla fede storica e costante della Chiesa come insegnata dai santi e dai Padri della Chiesa (San Vincenzo di Lerins) e alla fede una volta consegnata per tutti ai santi (Giuda 3). Non è obbligatoria la l'affiliazione col Vescovo di Roma, di Costantinopoli, o qualsiasi altra giurisdizione ecclesiastica. Accettiamo come canonici tutti coloro che accettano la fede tradizionale.

Через приверженность исторической и постоянной вере Церкви, которой учат святые и Отцы Церкви (святой Викентий Леринский), и веру, когда-то переданную для всех святым (Иуды 3). Ни принадлежность к епископу Рима, ни Константинополя, ни к какой-либо другой церковной юрисдикции не требуется. Мы принимаем в качестве канонических всех, кто принимает традиционную веру.