Episcopal Letter of Intention for Seraphim Gabriel

The Homeless and the Church

Dear Friends,

As most of you are aware, the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church, the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church, and the Holy Monastic Order En Deus ceased all formal operations late last year as it became impossible to administrate an international network of churches without vital and consistent levels of financial support. During this crisis, we had to leave the central hermitage and essentially nullified all ministerial certifications issued. Additionally, I attempted to step down from the Office of the Patriarchate and return to secular life for the good of my family and health. Neither course of action, however, was very successful. My request to resign was rejected by the governing body and despite reducing the activity of the Churches down to one liturgy a week in the private chapel at my place of residence, the Churches continue to attract a great deal of attention. Some of these individuals are looking for what we have seen in the past. Many desire justification of their egos through the accumulation of titles or the authority of ordination without the slightest desire to commit to the lifetime responsibility of serving the churches that acknowledged their vocations. In fact, my attempt to step away from the Episcopacy was in direct response to my inability to trust the intentions of so many of my candidates. Again, without the resources to run extensive international background checks and require long-term discernment programs, our Churches were left at the mercy of far too many self-serving charlatans. In the end, the doors had to be closed in an effort to stop this reprehensible cycle.

In the interest of hope, I did permit the Church websites to remain active as long as they contained minimal content and explained that we would no longer be taking applications for the priesthood. I wanted this last point to be unmistakably clear. No matter what the future of these Churches would be, I wanted it known that I would not allow these Churches to become religious institutions with miles of clergy and no congregations to serve.

Many months have past in that time and while I am no longer burdened with stacks of worthless applications for the priesthood, I have noticed that there are still genuine people reaching out, looking for some of what we used to offer. It is my wish that I could continue to serve them. This is why, after all, I accepted Holy Orders in the first place. Yet, the funding issue looms over these Churches like a bad stench that never goes away. I simply cannot return to financing most of these operations out of my own pocket. If my health were better, I would perhaps feel differently, but as it stands now, I know I am making the only decision that can be made. One would think such a realization would be sufficient, however the Will of God often manifests itself against our expectations and as Bishops, we have little choice in the matter but to respond to His call. Never has this been more evident than last night when I took my wife out to celebrate our eleventh anniversary.

We went to a fine restaurant downtown. We drank a 13 year old Amarone that had been sitting in our cellar for over half that time. We dined on suckling pig and roasted lamb, cooked to perfection over an open wood-burning fire pit. The dinner was prepared in four courses. We gave the maître d' a taste of our very special wine and he reciprocated by sharing several tastings of an equally special wine on the house. In fact, much of this meal was "on the house" as we are members of a VIP dining club that sends us gift cards from time to time. Everything was absolutely perfect. At least until we walked outside to collect our car from the valet.

Immediately upon existing the restaurant, we were met with numerous requests for money by Atlanta’s shameful and excessive homeless population. I explained to them that I did not have any cash on me (I often do not carry money) and proceeded to walk away. Another man pleaded with me, literally begging for something to eat, explaining that he hasn’t eaten in days and that he was hungry. As I reflected upon myself, feeling my own stomach filled with some of the finest food and wine on this planet, I could not help but take pity on such a disgraceful display of desperation. It was disgraceful, not to the extent that this poor man had to beg me for something to eat, but a disgrace that a city like Atlanta, with so much internal wealth, does so little to help these souls. It did not take me long to realize what must be done. I told the man to gather his friends and to meet me at the gas station across the street. I then proceeded to liquidate the remaining funds in the Church bank accounts and purchased as many quality food items that I could with those monies. When I gave them the food I purchased for them, it was like a frenzy of birds, pushing each other out of the way to get that next bite of bread. In this moment, man was reduced to animal and it was sad.

By and through this experience, I am changing the Church dynamic. We still receive donations (albeit very small and infrequent) into the Church accounts for prayer requests and Masses said for special intentions. I am no longer going to hold this money for some undetermined point in the future when the Churches resume ordinary operation. I am, therefore, going to take this money, and place the sum total of it toward feeding the homeless. I will visit downtown Atlanta as many times as it takes to give away everything I can buy and will personally hand out what I can to the people I can find on the street. In light of this, I am asking you, all of you, to please consider donating regularly to the Church as this is now its new mission and will remain so from this point forward. It’s easy to give, just visit nicholean.org and click on the donation button on the menu bar.

Church is about service, not the glories of an acquired priesthood. It’s about time my Churches actually do something of value. Perhaps this is a start.

Sincerely in Christ,

+Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D.
Patriarch Nicholas III
Holy Nicholean Catholic Church
Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church
Holy Monastic Order En Deus

Special Announcement: The Future of Nicholean Catholicism

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

In this very important special annoucment, Bishop Bryan D. Ouellette issues a report about the future of the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church, the status of the Patriarchate, and the ultimate outcome of the Church's restructuring.

New Vocational Policy

Effective immediately and by order of Patriarch Nicholas III in mundo +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D., the Holy Nicholean Catholic Church, the Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Church, and the Holy Monastic Order En Deus will no longer accept applications for Holy Orders. Vocations to priesthood, including all minor and major orders will be granted by direct invitation of Patriarch Nicholas III himself. Candidates will be hand selected only from active members of the local congregation in the Atlanta, Georgia area. In order to secure against the frequent and relentless abuses found within the Independent Sacramental Movement, all candidates will be required to complete a free private seminary/mentor-ship program lasting several years before approval for ordination to the priesthood is granted. This policy also includes all incardinations. So as to assure the protection of our Sacred tradition and integrity of the mysteries under our care, there will be no exceptions to this policy.

Does Catholicism Hate Women?

Catholicism often gets erroneously blamed for being misogynistic on the basis that it does not ordain women to the priesthood. I would like to point out, however, that Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism all have similar doctrines at work within their world-systems. Even more primitive shamanic religious forms exhibit this characteristic.  While I think it is obvious that virtually all cultures are patriarchal in expression and that it is natural that religion would follow the local cultural identity, there may very well be something more psychological at work here.

Feminism often fails to value or even positively recognize the inherent instinct of males to protect females. Our mating practices are based on this, as are nearly all aspects of our interpersonal activity, including our biology. I then suspect that because dealing with God on the level of priest (or its cultural equivalent) is a highly dangerous business, the role of spiritual intermediary would naturally fall to the male on an evolutionary basis.

In respect to this thought, I personally feel it is a ludicrous, highly derogatory accusation on the part of those who criticize Catholicism in this way. It is always helpful to explore the biological origins of potentially problematic human behavior. Often, the answer to the problem (sometimes even the solution) can be found in such a way. Ask yourself: when was the last time you made a fully rational decision, based only upon good, solid, objective judgement? Then consider how often our judgement, as a species, is produced out of "monkey-brain" emotionalism.

The choice to either spiritually evolve or remain complacent is ultimately in the hands of each and every individual, yet regardless of which choice you decide to make, always remember the consequences of your actions are also yours, no matter how much effort you put into finding a scapegoat, be it through religion, the government, traditionalism, or liberalism.

+Bryan D. Ouellette in ecclesia Patriarch Nicholas III

Companions of St. Dionysius the Martyr (OSSD) Dissolved

Today, Patriarch Nicholas III in mundo +Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D. officially dissolved the Order of St. Dionysius (also known as the Companions of St. Dionysius [OSSD]) previously a monastic order of the Holy Monastic Order En Deus. While the Holy Monastic Order En Deus will continue to function as the official monastic order of the Holy Nicholean Catholic and Holy Imperial Russian Orthodox Churches, the Order of St. Dionysius, along with its associated hermitages and priory will no longer exist.  The decision was made on the basis of some administrative changes that are taking place within the monastic system. The goal is to consolidate the Holy Monastic Order's mutual purpose while shedding superfluous complexities that are no longer relevant to the future vision of the Church.

Why does the Nicholean Church exist?

Bishop Bryan D. Ouellette in ecclesia Patriarch Nicholas III's homily on the Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time 2012, offered during the Ordination Mass of Very Reverend Michael Thorne.

God is NOT a Denver Broncos fan!

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

Help Us Help Others

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.

How Important are Ministerial Credentials?

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?

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

Mass Offered for the Repose of the Soul of Jack Layton

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

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.

Major Event of the HIROC to be Announced Soon!

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

Mass and Prayers Said for Sabrina

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

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

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...

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

Trinity Sunday

"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

ANCESTRY OF MIKHAIL IVAN FREYOVICH YNGLING-ROMANOV

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