Gallo-Russo-Byzantine Catholicate: Papa-Knyaz

The Papa-Prince wears the decorations
of the orders of the modern
Pontifical Imperial State.

His Holiness Papa-Prince Rutherford I is the Gallo-Russo-Byzantine Catholicos and Supreme Pontiff of the Imperial Roman Church. He is an accomplished leader, educator, and clergyman with more than a quarter-century of international diplomatic and executive experience. The Archfather focuses on empowering others to build transformational collaborations while improving the quality of lives. The Papa-Prince is 266th in succession from St. Peter the Apostle as Prince of the Romans, 74th Grand Duke of Ruthenia, 142nd in Gallican-Antioch succession from St. Peter, 169th in Greco-Russian succession from St. Andrew the First-Called, and 116th in Syrian-Antioch succession from St. Thomas the Apostle.

As a seasoned chief executive and compassionate clergyman, His Holiness is noted for his positive, metric-driven, people-centered approach that leads teams to exceed expectations, and for his unique personal ability to build donor relationships. For example, he regularly builds, mentors, and leads teams that provide invited expert policy advice to the United Nations General Assembly and Economic and Social Council regarding some of the most pressing humanitarian, economic, sustainability, and social issues the world faces today. He also served as an Observer at a G20 Summit.

Throughout his service to others, the Papa-Prince continues to prioritize authentic diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone. Characteristically versatile, he is experienced in government, diplomatic, and academic settings, turning challenges into opportunities.

Pp. Rutherford’s approach adapts to the circumstances and needs of the organization and others to achieve maximum team effectiveness and optimal benefit to stakeholders. His leadership has brought several organizations to global prominence. As an educator, he works to bring the best out of his students, preparing them for success beyond the classroom.

His diverse training and education includes degrees from Harvard University Extension School, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, as well as from Pontifical Georgian College, the principal seminary of the Imperial Roman Church. Having lived and worked around the world, he maintains a global outlook and a human focus.

A popular international speaker, consultant, and author, His Holiness’s academic research interests include environmental and social sustainability, behavioral economics, and the economics of culture and religion. The Papa-Prince is a retired high-altitude alpine mountaineer and is a qualified mariner with additional certifications in navigation and maritime search and rescue.