Vestiges of Christianity: Early Christianity and the Multiplicity of Theology

Nicholean Catholicism Part 4

2012-02-14T01:02:00.000-05:00

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Tonight, the focus is on abortion and euthanasia. Bishop Bryan Ouellette will further elaborate on how the Nicholean tradition approaches these sensitive issues.

Nicholean Catholicism Part 3

2012-02-13T01:03:00.000-05:00

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Bishop Bryan Ouellette continues with part 3 of Nicholean Catholicism, finishing up last night's discussion on homosexual marriage, then moving on to the topics of open communion, and abortion.

Nicholean Catholicism Part 2

2012-02-12T00:31:00.000-05:00

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Tonight, Bishop Bryan Ouellette continues with the Nicholean Catholicism series begun last night. This episode's topics include extracanonical scripture, homosexuality, and the Sacrament of Marriage.

Nicholean Catholicism Series Part 1

2012-02-11T00:36:00.001-05:00

Listen to internet radio with Vestiges of Christianity on Blog Talk Radio

Tonight, Bishop Bryan D. Ouellette discusses how Nicholean Catholicism differs from Roman Catholicism. In this series, he will illustrate in detail each and every component of the primary differences between both systems, using each as a theological and spiritual lesson.

You shall have no other gods before Me

2012-02-10T02:03:00.001-05:00

Listen to internet radio with Vestiges of Christianity on Blog Talk Radio

Is God really a jealous God? Is salvation something attainable only through a confession of faith in Jesus Christ? Is the God of the Old Testament different from the Father of Jesus? These are just some of the issues Bishop Bryan Ouellette will cover tonight on Vestiges of Christianity. We hope to see you then!

Welcome to the new Vestiges of Christianity Radio Show!

2012-02-09T01:10:00.002-05:00

Listen to internet radio with Vestiges of Christianity on Blog Talk Radio

Tonight, Bishop Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. speaks about the new outreach ministry radio show for the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church including new insights into future ministry programs. What is Vestiges of Christianity? What is the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church? What is esoteric Christianity and how does it relate to Epignosis? Find out on Vestiges of Christianity.

Update: Inter-spirituality Center

2012-02-07T22:10:00.011-05:00

We are currently working extremely hard to bring to you the long-awaited establishment of the physical monastery, retreat and inter-spirituality center. This complex will be a religious foundation promoting the contemplative life for people of all classifications and religions. All will be welcome. While it will be operated by the Christian monks of the Nicholean Catholic and Russian Orthodox traditions, dogmatism will not be permitted on its grounds. In many ways, our hope for this center is that it will become the new "Library of Alexandria". We envision a place where various and diversified philosophies, religions, traditions, spiritual practices, and world-views will come together to share wisdom, teach, learn, practice and grow.

The initial emphasis will be on monastic, liturgical, and esoteric Christianity, as well as Buddhism, but we hope to one day support an infrastructure for Sufism, Hinduism, Shamanism, Kabbalah, as well as many other venerable spiritual explorations.

We need your help in these final stages to make this a complete reality! If you would like to join us in this effort or would like to offer us your generous donation in support of this work, please contact us at office@nicholean.org or leave us a voice message at 207-370-9077.

The world needs your participation. Peace is not an automatic process. It requires tremendous efforts and it is remarkably expensive to produce lasting results. Resources are always limited, but this work must succeed regardless. Please remember us in your charitable efforts. Please help us to make a difference.

God is NOT a Denver Broncos fan!

2012-01-11T15:26:00.028-05:00

The disturbing trend of athletes, reality show contestants, and others engaged in trivial competitions to praise or thank God for their securing a 'win' is something that I would like to spend a moment to reflect upon with our readers and followers. First of all, the ludicrous implication that God "cares" about the outcome of a meaningless game is foolish at best and dangerous at worst. It demonstrates a remarkable spiritual immaturity that is really inexcusable from any educated stand-point. Are we to believe that God favors one football team over another? Are we really so ignorant as to suggest that Christians, when so engaged in any endeavor, no matter how unimportant, will always win the favor of God by the very certitude of the contestant's faith?

Two such examples have come to my attention in recent times. The first, and most prolific, is to be found in this Tim Tebow media circus. He is being praised by many Christians for his overt display of his Christian prayer life on the national camera. After every game or remarkable play, he gets down on his knees and prays or points to the sky as a means to thank God, presumably, for what just happened. The second was on this past season of the reality show Survivor, where the viewer had to endure the almost clinical scrupulosity of Brandon Hantz and Benjamin "Coach" Wade as they led their respective tribe in prayer. They were sure to thank God for every win under their belt and were just as quick to dismiss any failure as "God's plan".

It is no mystery to someone like me, who literally spends hours upon hours each week conducting damage control for the Christian faith, to find that those who are suspicious (or at least fed up with Christian "in-your-face" fundamentalism) use these examples as fuel for the fire. And rightfully so! What message does such childish behavior send to the secular world about what is, in truth, a rare and profound spirituality?

The painful theological truth is often much different than many such people might suspect. Was Jesus Christ spared when he asked the Father to have the cup passed away from him in the Garden of Gethsemane? The sixteenth century saint, Theresa of Avila, after enduring a series of extreme hardships once said, "Dear Lord, if this is how you treat your friends, it is no wonder you have so few!" I could go on with example after example, but anyone who has dared to walk an authentic path to God will find that it is never as easy as this 'demand/praise' prayer life or as simple as being just "saved" a Christian.

While some might argue that Tim Tebow's habitual need for attention is little more than causual gratitude to the Divine for his athletic talents, I caution anyone who might fall into this trap to consider that genetic disposition is not always so welcomed. Should the schizophrenic of the world start praising God for their hallucinogenic talent? Certainly that was a God-given condition. Should the starving in third-world countries praise God for their slow death at the hands of economic scarcity? Is that not God-given as well? Playing this game reduces God down to a fickle ruler who plays favorites and it attaches to random statistical outcomes a Divine purpose, when in fact, the actuality of God's Will is far too specific for such attributions. Of course, a firm academic mastery of theology and philosophy, along with a viable praxis that has at its heart a limitless tolerance would be necessary to understand this. In my experience, such individuals are not even playing in the same ball park.

It begs the question...

What would these Christians say if Tebow at some point decides to convert to Hinduism and then offers up, after each outstanding play, milk to be poured down a statue of Ganesha that he conveniently keeps on the sidelines? Will they say that his talent will somehow become unavailable to him? If he continues to play well, will they attribute his successes to being "from the Devil"? Perhaps even accuse him of witchcraft?

Let's maintain perspective here. God plays no favorites! Not in terms with religion or anything else. There are the random events of the world, no more important than the throw of two dice at a craps table in Las Vegas. And within these random events, there exists intention; human intention and Divine intention. Human intention includes every effort we make to gain as many of our desires as we possibly can have. This includes intercessory prayer, along with the erroneous belief that we can win God's favor to such a point that we can actually call the shots, if only we are Christian enough, have enough faith, show enough praise. Foolishness!

Mankind's 'will' serves one purpose in the Divine life and that is to bring to full awareness the necessity of aligning it perfectly to the Divine Will. The Divine Will is absolute, unchanging, perfect, and substantiated. It cannot be moved. It cannot be won. It can only be known and when known, we can only choose to follow after it or not. Perhaps this is not as much fun or provides less comfort than thinking that God wants the Broncos to win the Superbowl, but actuality is actuality. We can live within it and grow to mature adults or we can remain in Candyland and pretend the trees are made of peppermint sticks, because, don't you know, God loves me most of all!

Patriarch Nicholas III in mundo +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D.

Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church

Requiem Mass offered for Lisa Horner

2012-01-10T13:12:00.005-05:00

Today, Patriarch Nicholas III in mundo +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. offered a requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Lisa Horner of Victoria, British Columbia at the Hermitage of the Holy Innocents. As always, Patriarch Nicholas asks for your prayers for Lisa and her family and friends.

Ordination of Deacon Michael Thorne to the Priesthood of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

2012-01-06T09:29:00.022-05:00

On the Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time of the western liturgical calendar, February 19, 2012, and with his family present, Reverend Deacon Michael S. Thorne, M.A. will be ordained into the Priesthood of the Roman Tradition of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church by Patriarch Nicholas III, in mundo +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. while celebrating Mass according to the Roman Missal. The Rite of Ordination will be according to the Roman Rite for the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church. As always, we extend to our readers an open invitation to attend this solemn event.

Below is an itinerary of ceremonies. Please RSVP by responding to office@nicholean.org or by calling 250-589-0369 by February 9th, 2011. For planning purposes, we expect the ceremony to last approximately two and a half hours.

Date: Sunday, February 19, 2012
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Shawnigan Lake School Chapel, Shawnigan Lake, BC Canada (please contact Saint Photina’s Narthex for directions at 250 589-0369)

Schedule of Events:

Introductions
Mass according to the Roman Missal
Ordination to Minor Orders of Trish MacKenzie
Ordination of Deacon Michael to the Priesthood
Mass (continued)
Refreshments/Reception [TBA]

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you all there!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-26T01:24:00.004-05:00

The Holy Nicholean Catholic and Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Churches, along with the Holy Monastic Order En Deus wish you all the grace, blessings, and peace of Christ in this Christmas Season.

May Christ rest upon your hearts always.

Saint Photina's New Website

2011-11-22T16:25:00.002-05:00

Come and explore the new site:

Saint Photina, 'Equal to the Apostles'
Narthex of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

http://photina.webs.com/

New website for the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

2011-11-18T17:00:00.005-05:00

Please come take a look at the new internet home of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church!

WWW.NICHOLEAN.ORG

Dr. +Bryan D. Ouellette’s audio message for November 7, 2011

2011-11-07T15:04:00.001-05:00

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

SOLEMN VOWS

2011-10-14T13:42:00.001-04:00

I've never written here about my solemn vows as a Companion of St. Dionysius the Martyr. Of course, most, if not nearly all of our Roman brethren would not acknowledge my monastic vocation because I am also in the married state. I've stopped trying.

What is important is my experience of this vocation. I have to say that it is a wonderful, wonderful feeling. It is like having a huge, comfy old blanket wrapped around me 24/7. Actually, in fact, it is odd, but i no longer even need coverings when I sleep. I literally feel warm all the time. But that isn't the important part.

What is important is the consecration of one's entire SELF to Christ. And THAT is the essence of the charism. Being married is no more an impediment to that entire consecration as having a particular role in a monastery (keeper of the keys or washer of the toilers, etc.). Any activity or interaction with any other person could be considered an 'obstacle' to a monastic vocation--in fact, the hermits say just that! No, I am a MONASTIC, which means that I say the prayers of the church, i LIVE them, I am involved in the Divine Liturgy as often as possible, and I live my vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to the best of my ability according to my state of life. And when you really get down to brass tacks: the outer circumstances of one's life have NOTHING to do with whether or not your SELF is being actively consecrated to God. Because even BREATHING could be an impediment. This is what Christ was talking about with entering heaven with only one hand.

The point is not to leave anything behind in the flesh. The point is to leave it behind in one's BODY, one's MIND, one's HEART. In this poverty, I own EVERYTHING IN THE WORLD and NOTHING, both, simultaneously. And so, in this way, whether the world calls something 'mine' or 'not mine' is irrelevant. I acquire or discard material things in accordance with the needs of those to whom I have obligations, just as I would behind the cloister walls.

So! I say--erect the walls of the cloister of your heart! Bar the doors! YOU are the body, YOU are the tabernacle, YOU are the heart and monk and hermit of God. Live this INTERIOR life, and the exterior things become only a means for the body to give worship to God.

So, disparage not my vocation! Look instead to yourself. Are you a 'layman' in spirit? Or do you take up the challenge of the Christ: 'you are all priests'. Become the holy magician that unites the mundane with the sacred. In every moment. That is what we do.

By

Father Peter Dionysius Lynn Smith, J.D., OSSD

Ordination of Michael S. Thorne to the Order of Deacons (Highlights Video)

2011-09-21T21:08:00.003-04:00

Ordination of Michael S. Thorne to the Order of Deacons (Highlights Video) from Holy Nicholean Catholic Church on Vimeo.

On the 14th Sunday after Pentecost of the eastern liturgical calendar, September 18, 2011, Reverend Michael S. Thorne was ordained into the transitional Diaconate of the Roman Tradition by Patriarch Nicholas III, in mundo +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D., while celebrating the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. This was an eastern liturgy performed by the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church, but the Rite of Ordination that was used for Rev. Michael Thorne was of the Roman Rite for the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church.

Patriarch Nicholas III on Sabbatical

2011-09-19T21:36:00.002-04:00

Hello my Dear Friends,

In the interest of preparing for some massive coming world changes, I have decided to go on a sabbatical effective immediately. Now that I have completed my immediate tasks as a Bishop in ordaining our Michael Thorne to the diaconate, I will be using the next three to four months to write a book that will help the world prepare itself for these coming difficult transitions. This book will be life changing. It will identify key problems at work within the spiritual systems of this contemporary era and provide solutions that have the ability to resolve such problems.

I will not be available during this time except to host for Man, Myth & the Occult and some potential EYE of the SEER specials, or to conduct a few preliminary Authentic Soul Seminars. I do not expect to spend much time on Facebook, answering emails, and responding to comments while this work is being completed. I will be sure to post updates as time allows and I ask you to please be patient with me while I am away and subsequently, difficult to reach.

Thank you for your understanding and I greatly look forward to returning when the book is completed.

All of my blessings,

Patriarch Nicholas III in mundo +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D.

Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church

Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

Michael S. Thorne Ordained to the Office of Deacons

2011-09-18T22:32:00.001-04:00

It is our joyous pleasure to announce that, today, on the 14th Sunday after Pentecost on the Eastern liturgical calendar, the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church ordained Reverend Michael S. Thorne of Victoria, British Columbia to the Order of Deacons for the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church, by the hand of Patriarch Nicholas III. The liturgy was attended by his vocation director Fr. Peter Smith and His Blessed Highness Velikiy Knaiz.

We welcome Reverend Deacon Thorne to the transitional diaconate of the catholic ministry and we offer him every blessing as he begins his ministerial work at St. Photina Narthex. Video of the ordination will soon follow.

Help Us Help Others

2011-09-07T20:38:00.017-04:00

The Holy Nicholean Catholic Church is aggressively developing secular and spiritual non-profit programs to work with disadvantaged children as well as a bereavement program for parents who have lost a child. We also hope to be able to expand these programs into a system that will help all needy populations across the world. Our ultimate goal is to have the foundation necessary to assess the needs of a disadvantaged community and provide for them whatever those essential needs might be, regardless of their religious affiliation.

We will never proselytize or attempt to convert the people we help to a particular way of thinking. We simply wish to see all people living as happy and complete a life as possible, but in order to accomplish this goal, we need to establish the necessary infrastructure. Our current projections indicate that we need to raise a minimum of $1,000,000 to begin relief efforts in places like northern Japan, Haiti, and other localities where recent efforts have not met the most basic needs of such communities. Even right here, within the United States, so many children go to bed hungry each and every night.

We are asking you to give of yourself and help our church make a remarkable difference. Please help us to help them by offering us your generous donation.

To give via Paypal, please go to www.nicholean.org and click on the donation button in the right hand column. For sums greater than Paypal will allow, please email us your pledge at office@nicholean.org.

Thank you and may the blessing of Christ be upon you.

The Age of "Prosperity"

2011-09-07T01:10:00.007-04:00

Our financial wealth is not ours. It may feel like ours because we earned it or in some cases were given it, but however wealth comes to us, wealth is a communal resource, not something to be horded away, but rather to be used for those less fortunate.

In the Gospel according to Luke we read, “…From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more (12:48).” Traditionally, the Church has interpreted this verse to refer to those teaching the Christian faith, but as I found myself meditating on this verse over this past week, I could not help but acknowledge that this application refers to all of God’s gifts. Not only are we who carry the wealth of the Christian mysteries expected to give much of ourselves, but also those who have been blessed with the ability to secure material wealth as well.

There is much condemnation of wealthy people in the Bible and this has led to many unfortunate misunderstandings. While it may be true that “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24), it is not by virtue of such wealth that this judgment is passed. Material acquisition is a neutral process which only becomes contaminated when it is distributed unequally, or worse, retained for selfish purposes. For such individuals, Jesus is quite clear, salvation will become a far more severe commodity than any financial gain such a person might currently possess. It is for this reason so many honest spiritual seekers have taken the Vow of Poverty, not because poverty is preferable, but rather, because poverty renders far less temptation to fail the attainment of salvation.

In a world, such as ours, ruled almost exclusively by greed and disparity through corporations, political parties, and the people that support and represent them, I find it terribly distressing that two-thousand years later, Jesus’ words still hold true. Is the human race so incapable of spiritual development that it still commits the most ancient of crimes? Despite His warning, it would seem few heed such words. I am faced every day in my work and in my ministry with unthinkable needs and profound misfortune. Every day I seek out a means, any means, to generate relief funds for those in the world who are suffering at the hand of oppression and every day, I come up emptier than before. No one gives. No one cares. Your life is okay and that’s what matters, right?

Living the ethical life is more than being honest. Being a moral person requires more than keeping the Ten Commandants. We must give entirely of ourselves, all the way to the point of exhaustion, and then still give even more! Christ gave us such an example on the Cross. There was far more than the redemption of sin taking place in that event. The Cross was a road map to the Divine life demonstrating, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)”. Nobody is off the hook. I don’t even care if you don’t believe in the Christian message, this still applies to you. By virtue of your humanity, this applies to you!

Sometimes, and quite often it seems, man’s greatest sin is not what wrongs he commits, but rather what good he fails to do.

Begging God's mercy,

Patriarch Nicholas III in mundo +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D.
Holy Nicholean Catholic Church
Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church

How Important are Ministerial Credentials?

2011-09-05T11:31:00.004-04:00

Imagine if we lived in a world where anyone could declare himself a doctor? Imagine if we lived in a world where anyone could declare himself a lawyer, or a teacher, or even a "certified" home repair man? Imagine if there were no standards upon which to measure the skill or knowledge of the professional, having rather to take them at their word? Yet, in our modern world, there is no shortage of such individuals in the field of religion. Anyone without any theological/ministerial education, experience, and/or verified skill may declare himself or herself a minister, a priest, or a spiritual authority, etc. Many of these individuals validate their credentials on the basis of personal revelations, inspirations, or mystical experiences. They seek no means of professional certification and they often condemn those who have received such credentials.

In our traditions, receiving ministerial license in the Holy Nicholean Catholic and Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Churches involves a careful screening process (including criminal background check) along with an extensive mentorship-based evaluation and training. Additionally, Apostolic Succession provides the authority to perform a ministerial role validly, assuring that our ministers have the Grace to continue the work properly through their commitment of obedience to the community.

Be careful in your spiritual exploration, being sure to protect yourself against the manipulation of those who teach a spiritual "freedom" that is so abundantly free, there remains no protection against self-delusion.

Patriarch Nicholas III in mundo +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D.
Holy Nicholean Catholic Church
Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church

The Death of Tradition?

2011-09-03T11:33:00.006-04:00

We are now living in such a time when it is believed by the vast majority that internal, subjective, individualistic, “free-lance” spirituality has made obsolete the more traditional forms of church community and tradition. In fact, to many in our contemporary world, the word ‘tradition’ invokes a nebulous, irrational fear. In keeping with this fad, incidentally, countless people are falling away from “traditional religion”, calling it a “disease” and a “toxin” inflicted upon mankind by “malevolent” religious dictatorships like that of the Papacy, as if the function of the Pope is to personally make each and every person in the world as miserable and as unhappy as possible. Observing all of this as a religious authority myself, I cannot help but ponder the questions: has traditional religion become ineffectual? Are the Sacramental Graces contained within sacred operations like Baptism and Eucharist no longer applicable? Does this world even deserve them anymore?

The name chosen for this blog [Vestiges of Christianity] was carefully selected and, I believe, appropriately reflects the type of ministries performed at the two churches under my care. It is then ironic to consider that in light of our contemporary spiritual climate, I too may be in the process of becoming another vestige of Christianity. It would be highly deceptive of me not to suggest that the Office of Patriarch carries with it the unusual aura of a museum curator. The primary, fundamental purpose of our ministries is to serve, but how does one serve those who don’t think they need what we possess?

It is unquestionable that 1,700 years of Roman Catholic authoritarian domination of the western world combined with at least 500 years of reactionary theology is to blame for much of what we are seeing today. Crusades and inquisitions have become synonymous with priesthood, sacraments, and honest ministry. Additionally, media-manipulated church-related sexual scandals haven’t helped matters any. I see it every day that I step out into public dressed in ministerial uniform. The white collar is like a neon sign sending a [not-so] subliminal message to great numbers whispering things like, “beware, fear, distrust, avoid, run!” In fact, the uniform has become such a barrier to connecting with people, I now only use it when representing the Church in a public function or when serving a participating member of our small community.

And yes, the numbers of those who still, despite everything else, wish to be served by the Sacramental Graces are existent, but small. The donations are even smaller, particularly in churches the size of ours. People are sometimes willing to give something of their time, but financial support is often “asking too much”. It has reached a point where people expect churches to manufacture their own capital, and much of this is due, I believe, to the depreciating market value of spiritual intercession. Why go to a priest when you can ask God yourself? It’s like asking, why go to a doctor when you can let your immune system handle the infection? Well, sometimes it can’t! However, it is interesting that when someone is physically sick or dying, suddenly the priest is temporarily elevated from village idiot to modestly relevant, although once the services are performed, the prayers are said, and the grief runs its natural course, the priest returns once more to the outer limits of obscurity.

So what is to be done? How do we, as clergy, help people who will not listen to us to come to understand that personal spirituality is no replacement for the Sacramental Graces of the Church?

My answer may surprise my readers.

It is my contention that this fad must run its course before its damage can be reversed. It should be noted that I am hardly arguing against personal spirituality, but rather affirming that personal Christian spirituality without the Sacraments of the Church is horribly incomplete. Regardless, the climate of ministry has changed and we must adapt to those changes by applying strategic solutions. The Holy Nicholean Catholic and the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Churches were founded as a countermeasure to many of the problems I have listed in this article. The first strategy we implemented was to establish an infrastructure to preserve the sacred ancient traditions of Christianity. For those of you who are familiar with and appreciate George Lucas’ Star Wars, what we are doing is not unlike Yoda training Luke Skywalker to become a Jedi decades after the Empire’s near-successful attempt at eradicating all Jedi Knights. My apologizes for the pop-culture reference, but in light of these topics, I find it strangely accordant with the current mentality.

Our second strategy has been to consolidate our efforts to work only with select groups in relatively small numbers. While it is the strong desire of some of our ministers to operate large parishes and conduct extensive active ministries, the perpetual lack of financial support our ministries receive prevents us from doing the things we really want to be doing, like feeding the poor, clothing the naked, etc. The sad and unfortunate result is that most of our ministers must work secular jobs and invest their own monies into any and all of the works they perform. This is neither efficient nor constructive, but is rather the reality of ministry today in a small church established in a culture that does not think it needs us.

Finally, our third strategy, yet to be implemented [and hopefully will not be], is to reserve the possibility that if conditions remain as they are, to convert the Churches into an exclusively contemplative monastic community. It is no secret to those who have studied the mysteries of the Church that its sacred rites were once reserved for only the priestly class. Perhaps, then, it is fitting that it is to the priestly class that they shall return? Most requests our churches receive from the public are from individuals seeking ordination. Almost none are from those seeking to become members of its laity. This result alone justifies the need to consider this third strategy.

Salvation and spiritual development is everyone’s problem. In the shadow of inevitable death, something we all must face sooner or later, one would think it would be of primary importance to nearly everybody, yet our life in the modern world has removed the stench of death to such a degree, the majority behave as though they shall live forever. The acquisition of wealth replaces the need for God as often a fat wallet provides far more temporal security. Yet as unwholesome as things currently are, I remain hopeful that this work that we are doing will continue for posterity. I trust in the process and expect that one day in the future, the world will need us again and will find it within their hearts to support the ministerial institution so that the corporal works of mercy may resume and be distributed to the masses. Until then, however, we shall exist not unlike the Jedi Knights, resisting annihilation by defending, protecting, and preserving the traditions the world would rather forget it requires.

Blessings to all in Christ,

Patriarch Nicholas III in mundo +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D.

Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church

Ordination of Subdeacon Michael Scott Thorne to the Office of Deacons

2011-08-26T08:38:00.005-04:00

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, September 18, 2011, the Most Reverend +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D., in ecclesia Nicholas III will be ordaining Subdeacon Michael Scott Thorne to the Order of Deacons. We extend to you all an open invitation to attend this solemn event.

Due to the usually advanced nature of Rev. Thorne's current vocational and educational level in ministry, philosophy and theology, as well as considering the pastoral needs of those in his community in Victoria, Canada, Patriarch Nicholas III expedited his ministerial preparations and cleared him for active ministry including deaconal ordination.

Below is an itinerary of ceremonies. Please RSVP by responding to office@nicholean.org or by calling 207-370-9077 by September 4, 2011. For planning purposes, we expect the ceremony to last approximately two and a half hours.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you all there!

--

Office of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

Ordination of Subdeacon Michael Scott Thorne to the Office of Deacons

Date: Sunday, September 18, 2011

Time: Noon

Location: Clerical Retreat Center, Atlanta, Georgia (directions provided at time of RSVP)

Schedule of Events:

Introductions

The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Ordination of Subdeacon Michael Scott Thorne to the Diaconate (Latin rite)

The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (Continued)

Refreshments

The Call From God

2011-08-24T14:24:00.005-04:00

The Holy Nicholean Catholic Church has slightly revised and updated its vocational process. Please read the update below:

A vocation to clerical life is a very special calling from God into a life of service. Understanding this call to service is necessary for proper discernment, especially when one is seeking priesthood. It occurs when God reaches out directly to touch us with absolute purpose and intention. When we accept this contact and reach back to him, humanity becomes a complete instrument of God. Priests (and to a certain extent, those in the lessor ministries) are invited to participate in the very action of God's cosmic work. In a very real sense, they become deliberate functions of divine force and presence. Unfortunately, we have seen how the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM) is riddled with ministers who have acquired ordination for personal reasons, power seeking, and/or for private initiations into some esoteric/occult modality. The Holy Nicholean Catholic Church, however, rejects such intentions and labels them as false callings. We hope to correct this phenomenon and increase the quality and integrity of the ISM. It is for this reason that we are very careful with our discernment process. Anyone is invited to apply to become a cleric in the church, but acceptance into our seminary/mentorship program is dependent upon several factors. Not the least of which are:

1. Candidates for the clerical ministry may be single or married. Although it is not a definitive rule, we prefer candidates interested in Major Orders to be married beforehand.

2. Candidates must be of the highest moral and ethical character. This does not mean that they cannot be human too; thus, it simply affirms that interested candidates for ministry have a regular practice of self-reflection, being present and mindful to their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

3. Candidates should have an overwhelming internal drive to serve others.

4. Candidates should be prepared and willing to engage the reality of God without pretense or constructed illusion. One must have the patient endurance to see beyond one's conventions and beliefs, as such elements often distort the actuality of God and will interfere with the minister's ability to function effectively.

5. While the HNCC rejects the idea of seeking ordination for private and/or personal reasons, it does suggest that any candidate for Major Sacramental Orders understands that each level (i.e., deacon, priest, and bishop) is every bit an initiation into the most profound corners of the esoteric world. Candidates should be warned never to take their vocations lightly. The Sacrament of Holy Orders is perhaps the most wonderful and frightening mystical experience available to humankind.

The first step on the path to priesthood and/or ministry is discernment. This begins by carefully filling out the application and meeting regularly (on the phone if necessary) with your assigned vocation director. His job is to assist you with the discernment process by offering you spiritual direction and instruction.

The second part of the process is to speak with the Bishop assigned to your locality. If after this evaluation everyone is agreed that a vocation to ministry exists, the next stage is an invitation to enter the Seminary/Mentorship program.

The HNCC does not utilize a formal seminary program at this time, rather it prefers to work with its vocational candidates in much the same way as the early Church. This involves ascertaining the individual educational needs of each candidate and assisting the candidate with meeting those needs. The vocation director and Bishop closely work together with each candidate on a personal level. When all requirements are met, the candidate is invited to receive the level of ministry that is appropriate to their current level of completion. This translates into the simple fact that ordination tends to occur faster than it would in the more conventional traditions of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church, but it also means that it is less dependent upon academic milestones and far more on spiritual maturity. While we see this as an advantage in our tradition, we strongly desire that our candidates for priesthood have at least a four-year college degree.

The HNCC offers three levels of ministry:

Lay Ministry: Candidates for this Office may be involved in running parish events, administratively assisting priests and deacons, cantoring, teaching child and adult religious education, etc.

Minor Orders: Involve four specific Offices.

Acolyte: the primary assistant at the altar.
Exorcist: will assist at Baptisms and also assists the Rector with grave spiritual crises.
Ostarius: assists in directing the liturgy, making announcements, and ensuring order in the congregation.
Lector: reads the scriptures of the day other than the Gospel.

Major Orders: Involve four specific Offices.

Subdeacon/Subdeaconess: As the first level of the Major Orders (according to the traditions of the west), the subdeacon or subdeaconess serves as an assistant to those functioning within the sacramental Office of Deacons. In our traditions, the Order of Subdeacon/Subdeaconess may hold the title of Reverend and perform limited ministerial duties afforded that of a ministerial license in our churches.

Sacramental Major Orders:

Deacon/Deaconess: The first level of the Sacrament of Holy Orders confers upon the candidate the sacramental authority to perform baptisms, weddings, funerals, last rites, exorcisms, lead narthex groups, communion services outside of Mass, read the Gospel at Mass, offer pastoral counseling, and offer sermons. The Diaconate may exist under the form of a Permanent Diaconate (one remains a Deacon for life) or under the form of the Transitional Diaconate (as a initiatory step toward the reception of Priesthood). In keeping with the ancient traditions of the Church, this Office is open to both males and females.
Priesthood: The second level of Holy Orders confers upon the deacon the ability to offer the Sacrifice of the Mass, hear confessions in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, provide Sacramental Blessings, lead parishes, and (if a Pastor with delegated authority) perform Confirmations. The HNCC does not feel it has the authority to open priesthood up to women until an ecumenical counsel declares such a practice valid. We do, however, stand by the position that a female priesthood has the potential to enhance the richness of the Church.
Bishopric: The third and final level of the Sacrament of Holy Orders confers upon the priest the fullness of the Sacrament. By virtue of this Office, he becomes a true successor to the Apostles under Apostolic Succession. He holds the special and exclusive task of leading a diocese as well as performing Confirmations and Ordinations. He also serves as the only minister who may consecrate another bishop. In both the Nicholean and Russian Orthodox traditions, candidates for consecration to Bishop are selected only from among solemnly professed monastics.

A final word about Ordinations, Consecrations, and Apostolic Succession:

The Independent Sacrament Movement is prone to a wide variety of Sacramental forms. When considering what constitutes a valid priestly Ordination or episcopal Consecration, an Independent Bishop MUST consider that validity is just as much dependent upon the Sacramental form as it is on the validity of his own Apostolic Succession. Despite what many might believe about this controversial subject, valid Apostolic Succession does NOT confer on Bishops the authority to ordain a deacon, priest or consecrate a bishop using just any arbitrary rite. The rite that is used must contain a validly recognized form that has been approved by a synod of Bishops, or preferably, by an Ecumenical Counsel. With this in mind, all of the ministers of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church or the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church have been ordained under the same rites used by that of the Roman Catholic Church or of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Mass Offered for the Repose of the Soul of Jack Layton

2011-08-24T11:39:00.004-04:00

Today on the Feast of the Apostle Saint Bartholomew, Patriarch Nicholas III offered a Mass at the Hermitage of the Holy Innocents for the repose of the soul of Canadian politician Jack Layton at the request of Rev. Michael Thorn. We continue to hold the Canadian people in our prayers as they suffer with such a great loss.

Mass offered for Mother Caroline

2011-08-22T22:49:00.004-04:00

Today, on the Feast of the Queenship of the Virgin Mary, a Mass was offered by Patriarch Nicholas III for the health and protection of Mother Caroline. We ask you to please continue to pray for her in your own daily prayers and ask the Holy Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary to watch over and intercede for her and her family.

Subdeacon Michael Scott Thorne Incardinates into the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

2011-08-18T01:19:00.003-04:00

Today, Patriarch Nicholas III approved the request of Subdeacon Michael Thorne to incardinate into the HNCC from a previous ministerial appointment. Michael comes to the HNCC with a great deal of theological and philosophical experience. We open to him a warm welcome as he continues his vocational discernment towards his goal of priesthood. In the meantime, he has been granted full Reverend status and will be running our first Narthex in Canada. Please extend to Michael your warmest welcome and keep him in your prayers.

Major Event of the HIROC to be Announced Soon!

2011-08-12T18:50:00.003-04:00

We are now able to report that Patriarch Nicholas III in mundo +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. was approached several months ago by an Orthodox Metropolitan whose desire is, along with that of his own bishops, priests, and congregations, to come into full communion with the The Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church. Efforts are now currently underway to expedite the process and conditions are such that it is extremely likely we will soon become One Church with theirs. We will make the full announcement as soon as all primary administrative responsibilities are finalized. The complete report will appear on this blog.

Chancery

Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church

The Affiliation Process of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church and the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church

2011-08-11T15:26:00.003-04:00

The Holy Nicholean Catholic Church processes all affiliations for itself and for the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church. One of the paramount missions of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church (HNCC) along with the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church (HIROC) is to bring all Christian Churches together and to promote a spirit of religious tolerance (through love and acceptance) toward all religions. Part of this goal is realized through our affiliate program. Having one of the only authentic historical patriarchates in the Independent Sacrament Movement places us in a unique position to be at service to any small independent congregations or solitary independent priests and/or bishops. We welcome any church or cleric to apply to become a congregation of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church or the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church and thus enjoy the benefits of coming into union with our patriarchate. If you lead an independent church or find yourself to be a disenfranchised clergyman with no establishment in which to be of service, we invite you to apply for affiliation.

We consider the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church to be a non-dogmatic protector of sacred traditions. While the primary expression of Nicholean Catholicism materializes as high, liturgical, apostolic Christianity (nearly identical in form to Roman Catholicism with some eastern Orthodox influences) we strongly recognize that Christianity is a diversified and dynamic theological entity. Through this recognition, we understand that Christian unity requires an ecumenical approach that supports and encourages philosophical variation. Each unique tradition that affiliates with our patriarchate will NOT be assimilated into our existing rites, but rather, will be preserved according to the customs of the population it serves. The only exception to this involves a few certain universal and uncompromising doctrines of Christian sacramental theology that valid Apostolic Succession requires of any minister, ministry, or church. Please note that these requirements are only applicable to ministers, ministries, or churches that hold or desire to hold Apostolic Succession with us. Ministers, ministries, or churches that maintain a tradition that does not require Apostolic Succession, but wish to affiliate with us through a spirit of Christian unity, may disregard any requirements that are not applicable to their own specific tradition (numbers 1 through 23). These are as follows:

Sacramental Christian Baptism must be conferred “in name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” while either pouring (affusion) actual water over the head of the recipient or through full immersion (our preferred method) in order to be considered valid.
Valid Sacramental Baptism is only to be conferred once in a recipient’s lifetime.
Sacramental Confirmation must be conferred by a bishop or a priest with delegated authority by his bishop using the laying on of hands, a proper invocation of the Holy Spirit, and the anointing of the recipient’s body with validly consecrated holy oils.
Holy Eucharist may only include the elements of bread (leavened or unleavened) made from pure wheat flower and water. The wine must be made from only the grape and be fermented. Kosher wine for Passover or specifically designated sacramental wines may be used.
Holy Eucharist may only be consecrated by a validly ordained priest or bishop using valid rites of liturgy (along with correct use of the associated rubric) approved by the Patriarch directly. Currently our Patriarch Nicholas III has approved the following liturgies: The Novus Ordo (the official Mass of Nicholean Catholicism), The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, The Liturgy of St Basil, The Divine Liturgy of St. Mark, The Liturgy of Sts. Adaeus and Maris, The Liturgy of St. James, The Tridentine Mass, The Sarum Mass, The Liturgy of St. Tikhon, The Liturgy of St. Gregory, The Ambrosian Mass.
Modifications to any approved liturgy may only be done with the written consent of the Patriarch. Affiliates must make note of what modifications they feel their tradition requires and receive approval for the change by the Patriarch prior to affiliation.
While the doctrine of transubstantiation is not required of our affiliates, acceptance of the True Presence of Jesus Christ within the Eucharistic elements is unavoidably mandatory.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation may only be conferred by a validly ordained priest or bishop.
The words “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” along with the appropriate gesture of blessing must be used.
The confessor is bound to a strict protocol of secrecy when hearing confessions. He must never reveal, under any circumstances and to anyone (even to his own confessor, bishop, or wife), what is revealed to him through the natural course of this Sacrament.
The Sacrament of the Sick may be only conferred by a validly ordained deacon, priest or bishop. Deacons should only be commissioned to confer this Sacrament in the case of extreme emergency.
Only validly consecrated Oils of the Sick are to be used.
The Sacrament can be conferred on anyone who may need it, not only just upon the terminally ill or dying.
The Sacrament of Matrimony may be conferred by any validly ordained deacon, priest, or bishop.
At the present time and for reasons discussed in the ‘Our Convictions’ section of this website , no affiliate minister, ministry, or church may validly confer this Sacrament upon members of the same gender.
All ministers must also abide by the jurisdictional laws under which they reside.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders may only be conferred by a validly consecrated Bishop with valid Apostolic Succession.
At the present time and for reasons discussed in the ‘Our Convictions’ section of the website, the priesthood and the episcopacy may only be validly conferred upon men.
Affiliate bishops may, however, ordain females to the diaconate with full ministerial powers of that rank.
Affiliate bishops may confer this Sacrament upon a homosexual recipient provided that the recipient takes a vow of chastity (see ‘Our Convictions' for more information).
Affiliate bishops may also confer Holy Orders upon either a single person (provided the recipient is chaste) or upon a married individual.
Validly ordained affiliate single priests and bishops may marry after Holy Orders is conferred.
All ordination rites used must include a validly recognized form in order to confer the powers of Apostolic Succession.
Outside of the sacramental theological requirements, our affiliates must publish their affiliation with us on their website and/or primary source material, indicating that they are an affiliate of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church or Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church.
Failure to maintain these rules of affiliation may result in discontinuation of affiliation. Any objections to these points should be discussed during the affiliation process. If a particular tradition requires a certain exception to a rule, Patriarch Nicholas III is usually more than accommodating, often finding any way possible to reconcile incompatible doctrines.
The prospective affiliate should understand that these requirements exist to protect the integrity of Apostolic Succession, which is, in effect, a tradition in its own right that deserves to be protected and defended against abuses.

Those interested in affiliating with our patriarchate may do so by applying here: http://nicholean.webs.com/affiliation.htm

Mass and Prayers Said for Sabrina

2011-07-27T16:28:00.003-04:00

Today, Patriarch Nicholas III offered a Mass for Sabrina and her family of Marietta, Georgia on this Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week of Ordinary time. At her request, please continue to keep Sabrina and her family in your prayers.

On the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene

2011-07-22T11:33:00.004-04:00

Today, Patriarch Nicholas III offered a Mass for the intentions of Josephine while celebrating the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene. We ask that you please keep Josephine's needs in your own prayers this week.

Requiem Mass for Maria Teresa Casbas Rosillo

2011-07-18T14:16:00.003-04:00

Today, Patriarch Nicholas III offered a Requiem Mass at the Hermitage of the Holy Innocents for the repose of the soul of Maria Teresa Casbas Rosillo at the request of her daughter. Services will continue into the evening through the Divine Office of the Dead. We ask our entire community (both laity and clergy) to also include Maria and her family in your prayers.

and greater works than these he will do...

2011-07-13T23:38:00.004-04:00

Jesus said,

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do..." [John 14:12].

And now that some are ready to do just that, the world either does not accept it or refuses to let those individuals proceed.

It is time this changes.

We are seeing to it.

Patriarch Nicholas III
Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church
Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

Abbot
Holy Monastic Order En Deus

The truth and nothing but the truth

2011-07-09T15:05:00.001-04:00

Trinity Sunday

2011-06-19T09:54:00.003-04:00

"There are different gifts but the same Spirit; there are different ministries but the same Lord; there are different works but the same God who accomplishes all of them in everyone." 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Perhaps we would be doing the world a great service to remember that St. Paul uses the word "everyone" and not "Christians".

Patriarch Nicholas III

Happy Pentecost!

2011-06-12T05:59:00.002-04:00

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Our Formal Position on Female Clergy

2011-05-19T14:59:00.008-04:00

At this time, the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church yields to the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches on the question of female priests and bishops. Like homosexual marriage, such a serious deviation from the traditional teaching of the Church, we contend, must come from the actions of an ecumenical council or via reasonable historical precedent. While we do recognize that the extra-canonical sources (e.g. the Gospel of Philip and the Gospel of Mary) appear to reflect a favorable theology and St. Paul himself may have had high ranking female clergy under his pastoral care, we feel such a decision must be made by the Church as a whole. We have decided, however, to begin ordaining female deaconesses in keeping with the traditions of the early Church as demonstrated abundantly in such writings as the third century A.D. Didascalia Apostolorum. Additionally, the Eastern Orthodox Churches have a standing history of ordaining women to the Order of Deaconess, the rites of which can be found in the seventeenth century A.D. Dmitrievsky's Eucholgia. Also, the icon of St. Dorothy of Kashin (see right) pictures her holding a censor, the common attribute of a deacon. Such evidence proves to our satisfaction the sacramental nature and validity of the Office of Deaconess.

In the HNCC, both Deacons and Deaconesses are eligible to receive ministerial license (Reverend status) and have the sacramental authority to perform baptisms, weddings, funerals, last rites, exorcisms, communion services outside of Mass, read the Gospel at Mass, offer pastoral counseling, and offer sermons.

Monastery Status Update

2011-05-19T10:08:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

For those of you who are interested and have been following the progress of our efforts to establish the physical monastery, I have both good and bad news to report.

First, the bad news...

After meticulously preparing the extensive paperwork required to apply for the church loan, we finally submitted our request for a relatively large amount of start-up capital. This initial funding would be used to A) establish the physical monastery in the United States and B) also establish an esoteric research center on the island of Curaçao through which the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church and Holy Monastic Order En Deus could operate from on an international level. Unfortunately, the request appeared to be too high for the current real estate market. The lender was just too uncomfortable and declined.

Now, the good news...

We have resubmitted the request asking for less funding. If this new amount is approved, it will at least provide us with the means to establish the physical monastery here in the United States. We can then work on other phases of the project at a later date. Please pray that we will soon see an end to our waiting. There is so much work to be done and a physical location is essential to the success of this work.

All my blessings,

Patriarch Nicholas III
Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church
Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

Abbot
Holy Monastic Order En Deus

Ordination of Peter Dionysius Lynn Smith to the Order of Priests

2011-04-23T15:05:00.004-04:00

Ordination of Peter Dionysius Lynn Smith to the Order of Priests from Holy Monastic Order En Deus on Vimeo.

Father Peter Dionysius Lynn Smith

2011-04-18T15:40:00.009-04:00

On Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011, and with his family present, Reverend Peter Dionysius Lynn Smith was ordained into the Priesthood of the Roman Tradition by Patriarch Nicholas III, in mundo +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. while celebrating the Feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem through the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. While this was an eastern liturgy performed by the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church, the Rite of Ordination that was used for Rev. Peter Dionysius was of the Roman Rite for the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church.

We are all very pleased with Fr. Peter Dionysius' great accomplishment and success in persevering to the state of priest. His hard work, strong call to service, and undying commitment is something that will serve his ministry and the Church well. Effective immediately, Fr. Peter will assume the roles of Vocation Director of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church and Prior of the Priory of St. Dionysius.

Video of the Liturgy to follow.

Congratulations to our Fr. Peter!

ANCESTRY OF MIKHAIL IVAN FREYOVICH YNGLING-ROMANOV

2011-04-15T00:25:00.019-04:00

His Holiness Patriarch Nicholas III standing with His Blessed Highness Mikhail Ivan Freyovich Yngling-Romanov {Tsar Peter Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov}

The Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church is an autocephalous reestablishment of the true Imperial Church of Rusland that existed before the fall of the Russian Tsars in 1917. Based on more than 1,000 years of tradition, our church wishes to reawaken the image of Russian Christianity founded upon the inspirations of Tsar Peter the Great, whose current heir, Mikhail Ivan Freyovich Yngling-Romanov {Tsar Peter Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov}, is the first to appoint a Patriarch to the Imperial Church since the 18th Century. With this authority, his Blessed Highness has also established a true Patriarchate to govern the spiritual matters of the church.

So far as we know, we have the first Patriarchate established in the Independent Sacramental Movement that flows from a valid historical tradition.

The genealogical research for our Holy and Blessed, Velikiy Knaiz was initiated many years ago by his birth mother, Elvira Juliette. Her research was conducted before the invention of the internet and required many visits to old churches and libraries in most of the countries in Western Europe. Her efforts were concentrated primarily upon the Yngling Dynasty of Scandinavia [for this family tree is well preserved] and its spread into the royal families of Europe. While extensive genealogical connections were reported to the monarchies of England, France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, these family trees are not of primary importance. Recently, using available internet sources, we have verified and greatly expanded the scope of the genealogical work of Mikhail Ivan’s mother. The combined data is shown by the accompanying charts (see below) pertaining to the line of descent of His Blessed Highness.

Elvira Juliette reconstructed her husband's ancestry via oral interviews with Mikhail Igorovich’s mother and other Russian relatives immigrating to the United States after the assassination of the Romanov family. The pedigree chart derived from these interviews is presented with this short introduction, but we have found it impossible to verify through any existing birth or historical records listed on the internet for the Polyakov woman who bore a child from Alexander I in 1826.

However, while on a trip to St. Petersburg a few years back, we did have a chance to compare the facial features of Mikhail Ivan’s eldest son, Prince Aleksander IV, with paintings made of his reported ancestor, Aleksander I. We have included one very telling picture with this report demonstrating great similarity between the facial and body structures of both individuals. Some persons known to us who are knowledgeable in matters of reincarnation, via ecumenical symposiums of the Vajrayana and Qabalah, upon being shown the pictures, have given us their opinion that Aleksander IV is the reincarnation of Aleksander I. Whether or not this is actually the case is of no genuine concern to us, it is our opinion, however, that such physical evidence is sufficient to state officially that the Polyakov-Romanov family oral history is accurate as portrayed.

If you refer to the genealogical charts included with this report, you will see that Mikhail Ivan’s ancestors can be traced back quite easily into politically-based marriages arranged between Patrician families of the Roman Empire and the Vandal royal families. In fact, it is clear that Mikhail Ivan’s family tree flows directly into the great emperors of Rome, including Constantine the Great, Marcus Aurelius and Trajan.

Lineage to Constantine the Great is of particular interest to us for his mother was Saint Helen of the Cross and he decreed that Christianity would be the new official religion of the Empire.

Following forward the descendants of Constantine the Great, we will arrive at the Viking King, Halvdan Olavsson “Hvitbein”. He had a number of children whose descendants eventually coalesced into Olav Godfredsson, King of the Isle of Man and onto our Grand Prince.

His son, Oystein Halvdansson “the Mild” is the forefather of a princely family who was invited to rule over the Slavs near Kiev, Ukraine in the late 800s. The first Norwegian Prince to accept this invitation to rule was Riurik Hemmingsson. The Riurik Dynasty ruled all of Russia until the 1600s with the death of Tsar Feodor Ivansson II without issue. No other Riurik would agree to take the throne and eventually was given to Mikhail Romanov by vote of the nobles.

Mikhail Ivan is also a descendent of Riurik via Yaroslav the Wise’s daughter who was married and bore children to Harold III of Norway.

Based upon sound genealogical research, it is clear that Mikhail Ivan royal lineage is more extensive than any other claimant to the throne of all of Rusland or Russia, including the Ynglings, the Riuriks and the Romanovs, and so is the natural choice to rule should Ukraine and Russia decide to return to a monarchy.

His lineage also provides him authority to make changes in the original Kievan Rus church initiated by Vladimaar I of Kiev Rus, including modification of the responsible Patriarchy.

Below you will find the genealogical charts representing the descendants of His Blessed Highness Mikhail Ivan Freyovich Yngling-Romanov {Tsar Peter Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov} who has reestablished the true Patriarchate of the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church.

The Royal Archivist Tharsamond

(Note: Please click one of the charts below to view. Lessor familial connections have been excluded in the interest of clarity.

Kell Yngling-Riurik-Romanov Velikiy Knaiz Rusland Legacy Chart

Descendants of Constantine the Great of Rome Chart

Deacon Peter Dionysius Lynn Smith Consecrated to Solemn Vows

2011-04-14T23:27:00.008-04:00

Today, on the Thursday of the Fifth week of Lent, Br. Deacon Peter Smith was consecrated into Solemn vows under the Order of the Companions of St. Dionysius the Martyr (OSSD) of the Holy Monastic Order En Deus by Father Abbot +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. Reverend Peter took St. Dionysius as his patron in religious life and will now be addressed as Br. Deacon Peter Dionysius. This marks the conclusion of Br. Peter Dionysius' initiation into monastic life. He is now a permanent member of our religious community and we pray that God helps him to utilize his vocation for the good of all souls.

And on Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011, Br. Deacon Peter Dionysius Lynn Smith will be ordained into the priesthood of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church. Upon entry into the Order of Priests, he will assume the administrative function of Vocation Director for the HNCC and also serve as Prior for the Priory of St. Dionysius. Please pray for our brother, that God will help him persevere in the many challenges he is about to receive in his new life as a priest.

The Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church is now online!

2011-04-06T15:45:00.004-04:00

We have published a preliminary site for the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church. Please feel free to explore it at:

http://hiroc.webs.com/

Our Formal Position on the Esoteric Arts & Sciences

2011-04-05T22:04:00.002-04:00

Paragraph 2116 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to "unveil" the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.”

In other places throughout the Catechism, the Church of Rome offers similar reactions to such practices. The HNCC, however, feels that the teachings of the Church of Rome only stand to apply as far as to one who is uninitiated into the solemn Mysteries of Christ. Alternatively, if someone has reached a certain level of epignosis, that individual’s spirituality will eventually demand that such an individual grow and evolve. Occasionally, this will manifest as a profound need to move beyond the convention of one’s tradition for an undisclosed period of time. Inasmuch as this phenomenon occurs, the HNCC feels its responsibility is to guide such a person through the western magical tradition (or any other spiritual tradition), rather than condemn it, reject it, or warn against it. Although, let it be known that we decidedly maintain that general occultism and mystery traditions offer considerably less esoterically than what has been preserved (largely in secret) by the Christian Church in its two-thousand year history. Realization of this fact, however, is often obscured until one engages the mysteries contained within other available traditions, even if those other traditions are grossly incomplete. While we contend that the Mysteries of the Church are comprehensive and exceed any need for other systems, we understand that a solid spiritual foundation is largely dependent upon willful exploration.

Open Adult Baptism

2011-04-04T14:50:00.004-04:00

Our tradition has approved an "extraordinary form" of Baptism which offers the Sacrament freely to the adult in the same manner as the Sacrament is given to an infant. Ultimately, it is our hope that all individuals that come to us for Baptism choose to become fully initiated into the Mysteries as catechumens, however, we feel that unbaptized adults are greatly in need of the Grace Baptism provides regardless of that adult's particular commitment to the Church.

Any individual that has been deprived of the Sacraments for an extended period of time is at great spiritual risk. To further place at risk such an individual by enforcing a substantial religious commitment that he or she may not yet be able to meet, we feel, is irresponsible. Therefore, it is our position that the Sacrament of Baptism can, when the situation calls for special care, be conferred without any particular catechumenate training. Our tradition reserves the Sacrament of Confirmation for such occasions, preferring to leave the Sacrament of Baptism as an example of the freedom of Christ's love.

In keeping with this practice, parishes of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church are prepared to offer the Sacrament of Baptism at every (or any) liturgy to anyone who wishes to receive it without any obligation whatsoever.

Happy Laetare Sunday!

2011-04-03T09:48:00.006-04:00

A short note from Patriarch Nicholas III...

Today, on this special Sunday of Lent, the Church softens the discipline of the Lenten observances in order to remind us of the great joy that awaits us at the end of this symbolic desolation. The spiritual journey is a difficult and perilous one. It is wrought with dangers on all levels. Some have lost themselves entirely in the process. But for those who remain diligent and persevering, the mystery of Easter awaits us. And it is a mystery that will expand our spiritual awareness beyond the limits of our greatest expectation. Rejoice! Christ is in our midst!

Our Formal Position on Extracanonical Scriptures

2011-03-31T21:27:00.004-04:00

Like the Roman Catholic Church, the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church affirms that the canonical scriptures produce the only authoritative written source for theological doctrine; however, our tradition derives philosophical inspiration through the careful reflection of other sources. While we consider only canonical scripture to be appropriate for liturgical ceremony, the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of both the Old and New Testament periods form a more complete vision of early Christian diversity. Additionally, the Nag Hammadi library increases our spiritual wealth in the form of mystical truth and reality. Again, while we do not recognize these extracanonical sources to be authoritative within the context of our own theology, we refuse to recognize them as heretical. Early Christianity was an extremely diversified religious experience. As such, we intend to preserve this spirit within the rich mystical tradition of our church.

Ordination of Deacon Peter Smith to the Office of Priest

2011-03-22T14:55:00.007-04:00

Dear Friends,

On Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011, the Most Reverend +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D., in ecclesia Nicholas III will be ordaining Deacon Peter Smith to the Order of Priest. As always, we extend to our readers an open invitation to attend this solemn event.

Below is an itinerary of ceremonies. Please RSVP by responding to office@nicholean.org or by calling 207-370-9077 by April 5, 2011.

--
Office of the Holy Monastic Order En Deus

Ordination of Deacon Peter Smith to the Office of Priest

Date: Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011

Time: 3:00 PM

Location: Clerical Retreat Center, Atlanta, Georgia (call the monastery office for directions at 207-370-9077)

Schedule of Events:

Introductions

Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Ordination of Deacon Peter Smith to the Priesthood

Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (continued)

Refreshments

Contemporary, Classical Gnosticism, and Epignosticism

2011-03-18T14:10:00.001-04:00

Dr. +Bryan D. Ouellette, speaking as Patriarch Nicholas III, discusses the essential reasons behind the departure of his ministries from the greater contemporary Gnostic community. He will also explain what roll epignosticism plays in relationship to what he understands to be "true gnosticism" and how this new direction will open new avenues of spiritual potential within the Patriarchate, without sacrificing authentic Christian ideology.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE BROADCAST

A More Complete Soteriology

2011-03-15T23:09:00.006-04:00

Within its understanding of theology, the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church strongly asserts that salvation requires a triple formulation of Faith (πίστιν), Works (ἔργα), and Knowledge (ἐπίγνωσις). Protestantism has a long history of affirming its incomplete doctrine of Sola fide (i.e., faith alone is all that is required). In St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he states, “For by grace (χάριτι) you have been saved through faith (πίστεως); and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God (2:8).” Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for such theology to be utilized outside of its original context. This manifests a certain theological premise without further essential consideration. Later, in verse 10, St. Paul writes, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (ἔργοις), which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” By this elaboration, it is clear that while salvation is attained via Grace (a free, unmerited gift from God) through Faith, man is not saved by the good Works he performs, but rather for the good Works he chooses to undertake.

In the Book of James, the Brother of Jesus writes, “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith (πίστιν) but he has no works (ἔργα)? Can that faith (πίστις) save him (2:14)?” And later in verse 26, St. James writes, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith (πίστις) without works (ἔργων ) is dead.” What is demonstrated here is a clear continuation of the thoughts of St. Paul above. Salvation is freely given by Grace through one’s Faith, but true Faith is unattainable without the good Works that produce it.

Finally, in the Second Book of St. Peter, the apostle writes, “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge (ἐπιγνώσεως) of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust (1:3-4).” And then in verses 5-7, “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith (πίστει) supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge (γνῶσιν), and in your knowledge (γνώσει), self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.” St. Peter forms a perfect synopsis of the Faith, Works, and Knowledge theology that our sacred tradition maintains. It can only be through the divinization of humanity (i.e., theosis) that humanity is truly saved; furthermore, theosis can only be achieved through a strong Faith, reflected by the good Works that produce it, and accomplished by a direct Knowledge merited via a first-hand relationship with God.

It is also important that we provide a final word about ἐπίγνωσις (transliterated to epignosis) [see 2Peter 1:3]. The Holy Nicholean Catholic Church wishes to distinguish itself from the contemporary Gnostic community that uses the word “gnosis” as a means to reflect the esoteric liberation and enlightenment of some ancient Christian theology. While our own theological interpretations strongly support the need to understand what ancient Gnostics taught and believed, our tradition should not be confused with Gnosticism as either an ancient or modern system. Ancient Gnosticism had a very strong propensity to assume that this soteriological Knowledge was only available to a certain elite. Our tradition, however, teaches that while this Knowledge may not be accessible to all, it is available to all who apply themselves through a praxis of Faith and Works. We attempt to emphasize this difference by use of the word “epignosis” rather than “gnosis”. Epignosis carries the Greek prefix “epi” which means a certain ‘fitting upon’ through a specific form of contact. This prefix then intensifies the word gnosis by emphasizing that true gnosis occurs via an appropriate, proper, yet direct, experiential relationship with God. In other words, true gnosis is a specific type of experience that only occurs given a specific approach. This is the fundamental mystery of God that our tradition teaches and protects. Exoterically, such an epignosis is facilitated through the administration and reception of the Sacrament of Eucharist and the eventual theosis that is produced by this Sacrament. Esoterically, however, it occurs beyond praxis, beyond tradition, and beyond any application of the will.

All my blessings,

Patriarch Nicholas III in mundo +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D.

Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church

Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

Holy Monastic Order En Deus

Concerning our Departure from the Greater Gnostic Community

2011-02-28T22:19:00.015-05:00

The communities of the Holy Monastic Order En Deus, the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church, and the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church feel that we must formally separate ourselves from any membership in the greater (and somewhat amorphous) contemporary Gnostic community. As some of you may have been aware, we have been members in good standing with the Universal Church of Autogenes, now called the Universalist Gnostic Communion under the leadership of Bishop Mansell Gilmore and to this day we still feel that the UGC is one of the few Gnostic communities of quality currently in existence. They do hold valid apostolic succession under their bishop and through his inspiration they work very hard to share gnosis with the world. We love Bishop Gilmore dearly and we always will.

Our ministries, however, have come to some realizations concerning the contemporary Gnostic community that have left us deeply saddened and concerned. The following list will provide our followers with each specific reason for our departure. While it should be noted that the Universalist Gnostic Communion, as an institution, has not violated any of the principles we set forth below, the very use of the word “Gnostic” in the classical sense is something we wish to no longer apply to ourselves. We are a Christian ministry. We have always been a Christian ministry in the most orthodox sense of the term, but we have chosen to remain non-dogmatic, making Gnostic churches appealing to us. But as we have grown, we have truly discovered that our special charism is not to attach ourselves to what many in our circles consider to be heretical beliefs.

We are not heretics.

We are not apostates.

We love the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church and we wish to heal her wounds. In light of this we offer the following reasons for our solemn decision:

1. We perceive in the greater contemporary Gnostic community a virulent reactionary approach toward the orthodox churches, particularly the Roman Catholic Church. We reject on our own moral principles, and even on the principles espoused by most of the Gnostic community that such frank bigotry is not something we can associate with in good conscience. Further, and as a result of this and other issues, including those outlined below, we feel any formal or even indirect association or affiliation with any Gnostic community at large or in particular inhibits our ability to heal the wounds of the greater One Holy catholic and Apostolic Church. To fail to do so would make it appear to most of those outside the Gnostic community, and in particular those to whom we feel called, that we approve of such bigotry, anger and hatred (whether overt or even unconscious).

2. It has always been our contention that Gnosis never left the Greater Christian Church--it may have been sporadically forgotten, ignored, or repressed, although on occasion (unconsciously) taught and embraced. Our stated mission is not to replace the orthodox churches with a “gnostic system”, but, rather, to help the orthodox churches experience the gnosis they already possess. As such, we feel no new system is needed or required. Instead, we hope to heal the Greater Church from the outside in, recalling to it the teachings it has always held, albeit imperfectly.

3. Further, we perceive, and it seems unable to deny, that the greater contemporary Gnostic community is riddled with religious bigotry and intolerance projected back at the orthodox churches and those who sympathize with their sacred traditions. Our experience in the greater Gnostic dialogue is that the ‘rules’ of Gnostic ‘tolerance’ apply only to those that oppose the Church; anyone who asks the same tolerance for those within the mainstream churches are often ridiculed and chastised. In fact, many Gnostics appear to engage in the very behavior they report to be fighting.

4. Rightly or wrongly, recent history has imbued the word “Gnosticism” with a negative weight of which we have resolved to relieve ourselves for the sake of accurately describing our mission and charism. Again, the greater contemporary Gnostic Community often seems to use words like “heretic” and “apostate” as if it were a badge of honor in some imagined militia against their perceived enemies. We feel this tendency exacerbates an already difficult situation, making healing with the Greater Church impossible, and, frankly, marginalizing the movement unnecessarily. Our goal is to further gnosis---but Gnostics, in our opinion, and as a whole, are making the possibility of gnosis being again accepted by the Greater Church ever more remote. We cannot allow that to happen through any action or inaction of our own.

5. It is clear to us that most, if not all, contemporary Gnostic communities do not wish to be reunited with or recognized by the Mother-Church—far from it. While we see this as unfortunate, we of course respect the right of those individuals to maintain it. Our ministries, however, are only concerned with healing old (and new) wounds, not with cutting deeper ones.

We hope this helps to better define our position. We will continue to speak positively of Gnosis and Gnosticism as a philosophy, but from this point forward, only through the lens of our own authenticity, that is, as Christians. Again, we wish to affirm that these observations are general in nature and do not apply to any one group or institution. As we move forward, we hope that the world will be ready for what we have to share. The time for extremism is over. It is time to heal. Now.

With love and blessings,

Patriarch Nicholas III in mundo +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D.

Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church

Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

Holy Monastic Order En Deus

Pedophilia and the Priesthood: an Esoteric Causality

2011-02-18T14:39:00.005-05:00

We see stories about it nearly every week in the news. It's a phenomenon that ruins Churches, disillusions parishioners, and destroys lives. Today, Bishop Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. Patriarch of the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church and the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church will discuss with co-host Dr. Michael Jon Kell the actual causes of pedophilia in ministry, which he contends has esoteric origins. Why is this happening? Why is it so prevalent? How is it preventable? Tune in and learn the truth about this social crisis.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE BROADCAST

New URLs

2011-02-15T01:30:00.004-05:00

The Holy Nicholean Catholic Church and the Holy Monastic Order En Deus can now be accessed directly by going to the following urls:

nicholean.org

holymonasticorder.org

Many thanks and blessings!

Consecration Reception of Bishop Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. in ecclesia Sovereign Patriarch Nicholas III

2011-02-08T23:34:00.002-05:00

Consecration Reception of Bishop Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. in ecclesia Sovereign Patriarch Nicholas III from Holy Monastic Order En Deus on Vimeo.

After the Consecration and Patriarchal elevation of Bishop Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. in ecclesia Sovereign Patriarch Nicholas III, Tsar Peter Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov performed a rare esoteric ceremony to celebrate the occasion before the reception which has been preserved on video here.

The Holy Nicholean Catholic Church is now online!

2011-02-03T20:02:00.007-05:00

Please come and learn about the special tradition of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church.

http://www.nicholean.org

Consecration of +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. and Ordination of Brother Peter Smith to the Diaconate

2011-02-02T23:20:00.000-05:00

Consecration of +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. and Ordination of Brother Peter Smith to the Diaconate from Holy Monastic Order En Deus on Vimeo.

+Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. is Consecrated into the Episcopacy of the Russian Orthodox Tradition by Bishop Mansell Christian Gilmore during the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. Exercising his first act as Bishop, the Most Reverend Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. ordained Brother Peter Smith to the Order of Deacon in the tradition of the Latin Rite. Bishop Ouellette was also elected to and accepted the Patriarchate of the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church operating in exile under the royal line of Царь Питер Александр Михэйлович Ромэнов (Tsar Peter Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov) and was also named Patriarch of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church, taking the name Nicholas III under the line of Russian Patriarchs. To represent this healing between eastern and western Christian traditions, Bishop Ouellette wore the western mitre with his eastern vestments. At his Patriarchal elevation ceremony, Bishop Ouellette will wear the mitre of the east which is representative of the Byzantine crown.

Consecration of +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. to the Office of Bishop and the Ordination of Rev. Deacon Peter Smith

2011-01-30T19:03:00.016-05:00

Today, we celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple (in place of February 2) through which Bishop Mansell Christian Gilmore Consecrated +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. to the Episcopacy of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church in the Russian Orthodox Tradition.

Exercising his first act as Bishop, the Most Reverend Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. ordained Brother Peter Smith to the Order of Deacon in the tradition of the Latin Rite.

Additionally, Bishop Ouellette was elected to and accepted the Patriarchate of the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church operating in exile under the royal line of
Царь Питер Александр Михэйлович Ромэнов (Tsar Peter Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov) and was also named Patriarch of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church, taking the name Nicholas III under the line of Russian Patriarchs. To represent this healing between eastern and western Christian traditions, Bishop Ouellette wore the western mitre with his eastern vestments. At his Patriarchal elevation ceremony, Bishop Ouellette will wear the mitre of the east which is representative of the Byzantine crown.

Brother Peter Smith Elevated to Simple Vows

2011-01-27T00:45:00.018-05:00

Yesterday, on the Feast of Sts. Timothy and Titus, Brother Peter Smith was elevated from Novice to Simple Vows in the Holy Monastic Order En Deus under the Ordus Valentinius Ritus Occidentalis by Father Abbot Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D.

And the day before, on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, Brother Peter received the Rite of Admission to Candidacy towards the reception of the Diaconate, which will take place this Sunday, January 30, 2011.

Update on Nathaniel

2011-01-12T16:18:00.015-05:00

We have excellent news to share about the medical status of little Nathaniel Johnson. Rather than report this ourselves, we feel that only his mother's words will do it justice:

"It is very weird to be able to say, "My son is a cancer survivor" when we never even knew he had cancer until it was gone!

We went to Wilmington today to meet with the oncologist and then the surgeon. I almost couldn't go because I pinched a nerve in my back overnight and could barely walk. I was determined to make it, though, and we got a wheelchair to use at the hospital - I never would have been able to make it around otherwise!! True to form, when we got to the oncologist's office, we were told there was no appointment in the system and that he wasn't even in the clinic today. *sighs*
So we waited until our scheduled appointment with the surgeon and he confirmed that his suspicions had been true - at some point, Nate had neuroblastoma and it matured and became benign. He suspects it was cancerous when Nate was less than a year old. That blows my mind! He says the incision has healed nicely and he's obviously behaving as though he's back to normal. We will have one more follow up with him in June and Nate will probably have another sedated scan at that point to make sure all is well. There is no follow up treatment required.

The other interesting thing is that the GI issues are gone. Dr. Murphy says he can't say that the two issues were linked because the tumor would not have been secreting hormones anymore and it was not pushing against his bowels. I say it was a God thing - we would not have known about the tumor had it not been for his GI problems. His GI doctor, who is SO nice, called us several times after surgery and said that there is no need for follow up with him unless the GI issues come back, but he would like us to stop out to see him.

For as crappy as December 2009-December 2010 was for us, it surely ended VERY well and we are blessed. Thanks so much to each one of you for supporting our family during the last two crazy months. I don't expect to have another update until June and that will hopefully be the last one! "

The Holy Innocents

2010-12-28T11:45:00.002-05:00

"In Ramah is heard the sound of moaning,
of bitter weeping!
Rachel mourns her children,
she refuses to be consoled
because her children are no more."

Jeremiah 31:15

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T23:43:00.001-05:00

May all the blessings and magic of the Christmas season rest upon you all and bring you peace.

Man, Myth & the Occult: A Complete Introduction to Gnosticism Part 5: Valentinianism

2010-12-22T01:20:00.001-05:00

Today, Father Bryan Ouellette speaks about the Valentinian School of Gnosticism. Who were the Valentinians and what was their relationship to orthodox Christianity? Find out why history remembers the Christian Gnostics to be the followers of Valentinus and his theology.

Original Air Date: December 17, 2010

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

For Nathaniel

2010-12-07T23:51:00.006-05:00

Dear Friends,

Please hold in your prayers the health, healing and resilience of little two and a half year old Nathaniel who will be undergoing surgery this month for an abdominal tumor. His grandmother contacted our community and asked for our prayers. We have given them in abundance and will continue to offer them.

Please go to this website http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nathanieljohnson for more information and if God has blessed you with extra material resources, please donate to CaringBridge for the good work they do for our children on Nathaniel's behalf.

All my blessings go out to Nathaniel at this time. Please pray for him and his family.

Fr. Bryan

Advent Sunday

2010-11-28T00:59:00.008-05:00

Dear Friends,

Today marks the first day of the Western Liturgical year and also the season of Advent. The prayers and scriptural readings of the Church on this day remind us to keep vigilant for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. But what exactly are we waiting for? Is it the Parousia? Is it the return of the Historical Jesus? Is it the Eucharistic Christ? Or could it be the mythic Christos?

I contend that any and all of these options apply.

Advent is a time to listen. It's a time to put our noisy prayers aside and just sit in the presence of God, waiting for his voice to speak to us. While Lent is the season for emptying oneself of the unnecessary, Advent is a careful measure of many deliberate moments when we allow God to fill us with perfect Grace. This is achieved by waiting. We look for God in every moment. We embrace silence so as to listen. We allow our reason to accommodate our faith and trust. And most importantly we give ourselves room to accept that when God finds us, the encounter is his and his alone to direct. This may lead us to any given series of unexpected results. Our role in this is to surrender our expectations. When God finds us, the experience is almost never as one would anticipate. This is why the Gospels express the excessively humble origins of the Savior. Messiahs are supposed to be kings, military commanders, and conquerors. How easy it is to miss that which one is not expecting.

Such is the spiritual journey of our lives. Such is Advent.

Blessings to you all in this Holy Season,

Fr. Bryan

A New Blog

2010-11-03T23:18:00.007-04:00

Dear Friends,

It was announced this past week that the Valentinian School of the Universal Church of Autogenes was dissolved into a series of Universalist paths maintained by the new Universalist Gnostic Communion led by Bishop Mansell C. Gilmore. This new structure, along with the Consecration of Father Abbot Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. to the Episcopacy, allows for the Holy Monastic Order En Deus to become a fully independent sacramental ministry. This independence will make it possible for the the Order to better serve its members according to the sacred and venerable traditions of high liturgical Christianity.

Additionally, this blog which once served as the central hub for the Valentinian School will now serve exclusively as the private blog for the Holy Monastic Order En Deus. Its new title: "Vestiges of Christianity" reflects the spirit of the Order in its effort to preserve the lost traditions of ancient Christianity while simultaneously moving to reconcile these traditions with the larger orthodox churches.

Another aspect of this change is mirrored in the new structure of the Holy Monastic Order En Deus. It will no longer maintain the two Andreasine and Valentinian paths. Rather, it will now become one unified ancient Christian monastic Order operating in the modern world under the functionality of an eastern and western rite. The eastern rite will absorb everything that was once the Andrasine path including the Russian Orthodox autocephaly, while the western rite will become a truly diversified form of independent Roman Catholicism.

It is our hope that this new independent restructuring under our future Bishop, Father Abbot Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. will better connect us with our roots while also allowing for a new freedom of expression.

Consecration Ceremony of Bryan D. Ouellette to Bishop

2010-10-22T17:34:00.006-04:00

Dear Friends,

Bishop Mansell Gilmore of the Universal Church of Autogenes has announced that he will be Consecrating Father Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. to the Order of Bishop, specifically under the Apostolic lineage of the Russian Orthodox tradition (please view the Succession list here if you are interested in the history of this particular lineage: holymonasticorder.webs.com/apostolicsuccession.htm . The event will take place at the Clerical Retreat Center in Atlanta, Georgia on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple to be celebrated on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 2PM Eastern. Additionally, Monastic Novices Brother Thomas Moreland and Reverend Peter Smith will both be Ordained to the Diaconate and elevated to Simple Vows.

Below is an itinerary of ceremonies. You are all invited to attend this wonderful event, but seating is limited. Please RSVP by calling 207-370-9077 by November 15, 2010. Father Bryan asks that any gifts for his Consecration be offered as a donation to the Holy Monastic Order En Deus to help defray the costs of the ceremony and the bulk of the financial burden which falls on the Most Ancient Church of the Rose and Cross.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you all there!

--
MindBrainBody Project

The Consecration of Father Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. + to the Russian Orthodox Bishopric &
the Ordinations of Brother Thomas Moreland & Reverend Brother Peter Smith to the Office of Deacon

Date: Sunday, January 30, 2011

Time: 2:00 P.M.

LOCATION: Clerical Retreat Center in Atlanta, Georgia (directions will be given to RSVPs)

Schedule of Events:

Office of Oblation
Introductions
Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom for the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord: The Purification of the Holy Theotokos (Introductory rites)
Consecration of Fr. Bryan to the Order of Bishop
Confirmation of Brother Thomas Moreland
Ordination of Brother Thomas Moreland & Reverend Brother Peter Smith to the Order of Deacon
Elevation of Brother Thomas Moreland & Reverend Brother Peter Smith to Simple Vows
Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom for the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord: The Purification of the Holy Theotokos (continued)
Dinner

A Note from Fr. Bryan:

The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is an ancient liturgy going back to the days of the early Church itself. It has always been the central religious expression of Russian Orthodoxy. For those of you who have never experienced a Church service of this kind, it is my goal to help make you all as comfortable as possible with it.

First of all, this isn't a Roman Catholic Mass (although the Confirmation of Brother Thomas, and the Ordination and Elevation of Brothers Thomas and Peter will be of the Latin Rite in order to honor their spirituality). Eastern spirituality is very much dependent upon individual practice. While it is customary for the congregation to stand throughout the entire Divine Liturgy, it is not necessary. There are places during the Liturgy where it is entirely appropriate to sit and other times where it is better to stand. Eastern Christians do not kneel at Sunday Divine Liturgies. When in doubt, follow "Matushka" Tracey who will be cantor for this event. When she sits, feel free to sit. When she stands, please stand.

You will find that Eastern Christians bless themselves with the sign of the cross frequently throughout the liturgy. If you wish to participate in this expression, but are unfamiliar with the eastern method, please ask me to show you during the Introductions segment before services begin.

It is customary in Russian Orthodoxy to bow when the priest blesses the congregation with the incense.

Nearly the entire Divine Liturgy in the east is chanted by both the priest and the congregation. Tracey will be providing everyone with handouts to follow along. While certainly not necessary, we encourage you to respond with the cantor. Don't worry if you don't know the chants, many of the responses will come easy after you hear them a few times. Some, however, are more difficult. What is important is that you do what is comfortable for you.

Finally, I would like to add a note about Holy Eucharist (Communion). Central to the Christian faith is Eucharist. In the mind and theology of the eastern Church, this is not merely blessed bread and wine offered in remembrance of Christ, but the ACTUAL body and blood of Christ Himself. The Russian Church, therefore understands this sacrament to be the very presence of God in physical form under the appearance of Bread and Wine. It is ordinarily assumed that those who choose to receive Eucharist have already been baptized into the Christian tradition. Baptism is usually the first step to initiation into the Christian mysteries and we highly respect this process. However, no one (not even a priest or a bishop) has a right to stand between a person and their God. In light of this understanding, I would like to offer you all the following recommendations when we reach this point in the Liturgy.

If you have never been baptized but wish to receive Holy Eucharist on this day, please contact me privately and I will be more than happy to baptize you through either a full ceremony or a short and simple private ceremony (according to your own preferences).

But! (And this is a huge but!)

If you find yourself unbaptized at this liturgy and something compels you to go up and receive the Eucharist, I will not turn you away from receiving this indescribable mystery of the Church. Go with your heart. It's usually right.

So with this I extend to you the blessing of God and I greatly look forward to seeing all of you who are able to attend.

With Much Peace,

Rev. Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. +

P.S. I also would like to offer a sincere thank you to Dr. Michael Jon Kell for making this event possible. Much love to you, Michael,as always.

Consecration to Bishop

2010-10-04T14:49:00.006-04:00

Dear Friends,

Bishop Mani Gilmore formally announced this weekend to the Universal Church of Autogenes that I am to be Consecrated to the Order of Bishop. I am deeply humbled by this announcement. To be chosen to become a successor to the Apostles is both a frightening and wonderful appointment. I will do my best to serve Gnosis, those coming to Gnosis, and those whom have yet to discover Gnosis well.

The date will be announced soon, but the Consecration will most likely take place at our clerical retreat center in Atlanta, Georgia. All are invited to attend. In preparation for this most sacred of events, I will most likely not have the time to post to this blog as regularly as I am accustomed to. I, therefore, ask for your patience and your prayers during these final weeks of preparation.

All my blessings to you,

Fr. Bryan

Fear

2010-09-27T12:26:00.001-04:00

"I must not fear.

Fear is the mind-killer.

Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.

I will face my fear.

I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.

Where the fear has gone there will be nothing......Only I will remain."

Dune

A Complete Introduction to Gnosticism Part IV: Sethianism

2010-09-24T14:30:00.003-04:00

Today, Father Bryan Ouellette speaks with Bishop Mani Gilmore about classical Gnosticism. Who were the "Sethians"? Who are they today? What did they believe and how does it apply to our modern practice?

CLICK HERE TO LSITEN

Our Lady of Sorrows

2010-09-15T13:00:00.006-04:00

Today, as we remember the seven sorrows of the Theotokos, let us pray:

Sun of Justice, the immaculate Virgin was the white dawn announcing your rising, grant that we may always live in the light of your coming. [from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary]

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

2010-09-14T13:10:00.009-04:00

Today the Church celebrates the Seventh Century victory of Emperor Heraclius of Constantinople in his success of recovering the relic of the True Cross stolen by the King of Persia, Chosroes II, restoring it to its original placement in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

The faithful recall this history as they reflect upon the meaning of the Cross of Jesus Christ. As Gnostics, we often find it tempting to dismiss this conventional soteriology, but I strongly caution against such oversights. Gnostic wisdom traditions that only reflect upon "the Revealer" aspects of Jesus Christ can very quickly lose the Jesus Christ of faith altogether. Perhaps this is what they are hoping to do, but such an approach often leads to an unbalanced result. I suspect that this might have been why so many early Christians of antiquity attempted to separate the person Jesus from the Aeon Christ. Keeping this firmly in mind, however, it is my contention that the ancient Gnostics didn't have a literal Separationist Christology as is commonly assumed; rather, I would argue that this was a metaphorical way of indicating that the historical Jesus and the Savior Christ should be dealt with equally, but differently.

On this feast of the Cross, I invite all of you to ponder what this 2,000 year old Sacrifice means to you.

Fr. Bryan

In memory of St. John Chrysostom

2010-09-13T21:52:00.002-04:00

"Wisdom (Sophia) from above is first of all innocent. It is also peaceable, lenient, docile, rich in sympathy and the kindly deeds that are its fruits, impartial and sincere. The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace." James 3:17-18

A Complete Introduction to Gnosticism: Part 3

2010-08-27T15:33:00.001-04:00

Father Bryan and Bishop Mani continue their discussion from last month about the limitations of the human condition.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Sin with Fr. Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D.

2010-08-23T18:54:00.000-04:00

Sin with Fr. Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. from Universal Church of Autogenes on Vimeo.

Father Bryan works through the theological difficulties involved with the subject and usual definition of sin. Can there be a Gnostic approach to sin? Is sin obsolete in a world that has come to embrace imperfection as part of ordinary human experience? In this video, you will learn more about this very misunderstood concept.

Reflections on Gnostic Humility

2010-08-19T02:54:00.001-04:00

When you can find God in a beautiful sunset, you haven't yet arrived.

When you can find God in all living things, wisdom is still far off.

When you can find God in the deepest recesses of your heart, Gnosis is still eluding you.

When you can find God in not just the extraordinary, but the ordinary, you still have more steps to take.

But when you can find God in the most vile, repulsive, disgusting, reprehensible thing, then your enlightenment may just be right around the corner.

Take no glory in it, for it is fitting that there should be no rewards for seeing things as they actually are. Such an action is not a privilege, but our duty. Let us not be heros unto ourselves, but rather let us commit to the work we were born to accomplish.

Fr. Bryan

Martyrdom, Sin, and the Need for Humility

2010-08-10T10:37:00.001-04:00

Father Bryan speaks about the nature of humility in the context of the Christian understanding of martyrdom and sin. Are these concepts obsolete in a Gnostic world-view or do they still have a viable application?

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Why Dualism is a Cognitive Error

2010-08-06T15:07:00.002-04:00

Dr. Bryan Ouellette and Dr. Michael Jon Kell explain why the human condition perceives the existence of evil. Is there more to Satan than just archetypal significance?

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A personal prayer after communion

2010-08-03T00:52:00.003-04:00

Lord Jesus Christ, spread your Grace out upon the world and may your
Holy Spirit descend upon us all. May the mind of Sophia enter our minds
so that we may come to know the unknowable Father.

A Complete Introduction to Gnosticism Part 2

2010-07-30T14:08:00.005-04:00

Today, Fr. Bryan speaks with Bishop Mani about the limitations of the human condition. How do these natural restrictions affect our spiritual development and is there a way to transcend such obstacles?

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The Historical Jesus with Fr. Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D.

2010-07-09T23:10:00.000-04:00

The Historical Jesus with Fr. Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. from Universal Church of Autogenes on Vimeo.

Fr. Bryan speaks about the significance of the Historical Jesus within the framework of religious practice and salvation. Was the historical Jesus important? Did his historical actions matter or is the Gospel message a function of archetypal reality?

Vestiges of Christianity: Early Christianity and the Multiplicity of Theology

Nicholean Catholicism Part 4

Nicholean Catholicism Part 3

Nicholean Catholicism Part 2

Nicholean Catholicism Series Part 1

You shall have no other gods before Me

Welcome to the new Vestiges of Christianity Radio Show!

Update: Inter-spirituality Center

God is NOT a Denver Broncos fan!

Requiem Mass offered for Lisa Horner

Ordination of Deacon Michael Thorne to the Priesthood of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

Merry Christmas!

Saint Photina's New Website

Saint Photina, 'Equal to the Apostles'Narthex of the Holy Nicholean Catholic ChurchVictoria, British Columbia, Canada

New website for the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

Dr. +Bryan D. Ouellette’s audio message for November 7, 2011

SOLEMN VOWS

Ordination of Michael S. Thorne to the Order of Deacons (Highlights Video)

Patriarch Nicholas III on Sabbatical

Michael S. Thorne Ordained to the Office of Deacons

Help Us Help Others

The Age of "Prosperity"

How Important are Ministerial Credentials?

The Death of Tradition?

Ordination of Subdeacon Michael Scott Thorne to the Office of Deacons

The Call From God

Mass Offered for the Repose of the Soul of Jack Layton

Mass offered for Mother Caroline

Subdeacon Michael Scott Thorne Incardinates into the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church

Major Event of the HIROC to be Announced Soon!

The Affiliation Process of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church and the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church

Mass and Prayers Said for Sabrina

On the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene

Requiem Mass for Maria Teresa Casbas Rosillo

and greater works than these he will do...

The truth and nothing but the truth

Trinity Sunday

Happy Pentecost!

Our Formal Position on Female Clergy

Monastery Status Update

Ordination of Peter Dionysius Lynn Smith to the Order of Priests

Father Peter Dionysius Lynn Smith

ANCESTRY OF MIKHAIL IVAN FREYOVICH YNGLING-ROMANOV

Deacon Peter Dionysius Lynn Smith Consecrated to Solemn Vows

The Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church is now online!

Our Formal Position on the Esoteric Arts & Sciences

Open Adult Baptism

Happy Laetare Sunday!

Our Formal Position on Extracanonical Scriptures

Ordination of Deacon Peter Smith to the Office of Priest

Contemporary, Classical Gnosticism, and Epignosticism

A More Complete Soteriology

Concerning our Departure from the Greater Gnostic Community

Pedophilia and the Priesthood: an Esoteric Causality

New URLs

Consecration Reception of Bishop Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. in ecclesia Sovereign Patriarch Nicholas III

The Holy Nicholean Catholic Church is now online!

Consecration of +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. and Ordination of Brother Peter Smith to the Diaconate

Consecration of +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. to the Office of Bishop and the Ordination of Rev. Deacon Peter Smith

Brother Peter Smith Elevated to Simple Vows

Update on Nathaniel

The Holy Innocents

Merry Christmas!

Man, Myth & the Occult: A Complete Introduction to Gnosticism Part 5: Valentinianism

For Nathaniel

Advent Sunday

A New Blog

Consecration Ceremony of Bryan D. Ouellette to Bishop

Consecration to Bishop

Fear

A Complete Introduction to Gnosticism Part IV: Sethianism

Our Lady of Sorrows

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

In memory of St. John Chrysostom

A Complete Introduction to Gnosticism: Part 3

Sin with Fr. Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D.

Reflections on Gnostic Humility

Martyrdom, Sin, and the Need for Humility

Why Dualism is a Cognitive Error

A personal prayer after communion

Saint Photina, 'Equal to the Apostles'
Narthex of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Lord Jesus Christ, spread your Grace out upon the world and may your
Holy Spirit descend upon us all. May the mind of Sophia enter our minds
so that we may come to know the unknowable Father.