Who We Are

Vestiges of Christianity is a news blog maintained under the direction of Bishop Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D., SOSM. Our goal is to reconcile ancient Christian theology with contemporary orthodox Christian practices and understandings. Our praxis carries with it a strong eastern liturgical focus while maintaining a freedom of spirituality that is true to ancient Christian ideology. We welcome anyone who desires to discover gnosis through the expression of early Christianity. We use the word "gnosis" with the intention to reflect its original meaning of soteriological knowledge, mystical wisdom and spiritual realization. While we encourage a working philosophical comprehension of Classical Gnosticism from antiquity, we are not a Gnostic or reconstructionist church. Our theology is orthodox, our approach, furthermore, is mystically liberating.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Vestiges of Christianity ~ Why Independent Catholic Churches?


Bishop Bryan Ouellette discusses why he chose to become an "Independent Catholic" and what function such autocephalous Catholic churches serve. Many conventional Roman Catholics seem quite perplexed when then encounter the ISM (Independent Sacramental Movement). The immediate assumption is that such churches are not "really" Catholic. Some fear the authenticity of the clerical Orders held by their clergy, while yet others maintain that the Church of Rome holds a monopoly on the word "Catholic," stating that it alone can decide what or who the term can be applied to. 

These questions answered and more today on Vestiges of Christianity. 

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Vestiges of Christianity ~ Why EWTN and Connie Rossini Should Leave Opinions on Centering Prayer to the Actual Contemplatives Who Practice It


On October 17, 2015, EWTN's National Catholic Register published an article by Connie Rossini entitled: "Why Centering Prayer Falls Short of True Intimacy With Christ." Through a series of poorly thought out refutations against Fr. Thomas Keating, one of the Roman Catholic Church's leading advocates for Centering Prayer, Rossini argues that Centering Prayer bears little resemblance to what mystics like St. Teresa of Avila experienced.

In response to this position, Bishop Bryan works to develop a more enlightened understanding of Centering Prayer by discussing why it is an essential practice to those who seek a deeper relationship with Christ. Not only is Centering Prayer a vital tool to the esoteric Christian, it is something the conventional Church cannot afford to do without.

This episode of Vestiges of Christianity aired as another test show. It had no sound issues reported. It would seem the sound problems from last week have been fully resolved.

LISTEN TO US ON SPREAKER


Friday, October 16, 2015

Vestiges of Christianity ~ Grace Part 1: An Esoteric Understanding of the Sacrament of Baptism




Today, Bishop Bryan begins his series on the subject of Grace as it is understood within the context of Catholic theology. In part 1, Bishop Bryan covers the esoteric implications surrounding  Baptism. As the primary Sacrament of Christian Initiation, it is not to be overlooked as simply a mere symbol of one's spiritual determination; rather, it is the door to Salvation itself!

Note: Our apologies for the sound problems and poor sound quality. This was a test broadcast with a new studio system and there were issues that need to be ironed out.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

The new vocational policy of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

THE CALL FROM GOD

Ordination As of October 12, 2015, the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church has resumed taking applications for Holy Orders. Vocations to priesthood, including all minor and major orders will be granted by direct invitation of Patriarch Nicholas III himself. Under general circumstances, candidates will be hand selected from active members of the local congregation in the Atlanta, Georgia area or through qualified applicants who intend to serve our outreach ministries in Atlanta, Georgia. In order to secure against the frequent and relentless abuses found within the Independent Sacramental Movement, all candidates will be required to complete a free private seminary/mentor-ship program lasting several years before approval for ordination to the priesthood is granted. So as to assure the protection of our Sacred tradition and the integrity of the mysteries under our care, there will be no exceptions to this policy.

If you are an individual who feels strongly that God is calling you to become a Nicholean Catholic religious or priest AND you are prepared to serve the people of Atlanta, you may make a formal request to be considered for our seminary program that may lead up to priesthood by filling out the confidential online application below. This also applies to currently ordained ministers who would like to incardinate into our Church so as to serve the people of Atlanta, Georgia.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Vestiges of Christianity---Evil Part 2: Demonic Possession and Exorcism Ministry




In a followup to the classic episode that aired Sunday evening (originally airing on 4/25/2012), Bishop Bryan clarifies many of the points he made on that show and further brings the audience up to date on the current work of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church with its declaration against evil. The consequences of fighting Satan are great. Today you will learn more about the perils of such a ministry.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Vestiges of Christianity--Evil: Absolute fiction or conventional reality?



On this most pertinent classic episode of Vestiges of Christianity, Bishop Ouellette makes a startling announcement about Satan, exorcisms, and his personal encounters with "the Devil", while further explaining the difference between conventional and absolute understandings of the nature of evil.

Friday, October 2, 2015

Vestiges of Christianity- The Kim Davis Controversy: Should Christians Defend Her Position or Refute

In light of her meeting with the Pope, Bishop Bryan will discuss the intricacies of the Kim Davis case and provide insight as to how Christians should respond to her position while also discussing the theology of Marriage.