Lines of Succession leading to:

Metropolitan Archbishop +Joseph Thaddeus (Stanford), OSB, SSJt., Ph.D.

Bishop +Matthias (Hammons), OSB, SSJt.,

Apostles in a long line of successive Apostles

reaching back to

Apostles St. Peter, St. Paul, St. James, St. Andrew, and St. Thomas

resting on the Foundation of Jesus Christ

NOTICE: Unless stated in this web page, which is an official document, it should be noted by any questioning mind, that unless stated hereafter, any claim by others as regards "Consecrating" or "Consecrations" in specific, such claims are either not true or invalid, null and void where applicable.

 (See Important Note at end of this Web Page)

The following lines as ascertained from research of documents provided with other information is a never-ending story of struggle out of pain of heart for the love and light of Jesus Christ.

Resources include:  Copies of lines from Michael (Mikhail) Francis Augustine Itkin, James Abdul-Miklaeovitch Dennis, Jerome Joachim, Wallace David de Ortega Maxey, viz.: Hugh G. D. de Willmont Newman (Glastonbury, England), Pruter/Melton “Old Catholic Sourcebook” published 1983 by Garland Publishing, Inc., New York, New York, U.S.A., “Irregular Bishops” – A.M. Bain, including lines from Bernard V. Dawe.   Other lines, which follow the same or similar trees or lines of succession, come from Richard Morrell.  Lines of succession, as of June 2003, come from +Yuri Spaeth through, and at the hands of, His Eminence, Metropolitan Archbishop +Michael (Damian Benedict) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Western Rite Metropolia.

Apostolic Succession in general:

The AUGUSTINIAN  THEORY states that because of the indelible character of a consecration, a validly consecrated bishop permanently retains Episcopal powers notwithstanding any schisms or excommunications.

The CYPRIANIC THEORY holds that schismatic orders may be accepted or rejected to the extent that they are adjudged expedient to the best interests of the Church, that a bishop is consecrated for a particular jurisdiction and keeps those powers granted to a bishop only as long as he remains under the consecrating jurisdiction.

In the published work, “Successio Apostolica,” about Mar Georgius I, Patriarch of Glastonbury, in explanation of his seeking after many different lines of succession it is stated: “Having undertaken the work of the restoration of the Orthodox Apostolic Catholicism of Undivided Christendom, he and those with him realized in the early days of his pontificate, that while all consecrations and ordinations of proven validity are equally efficacious irrespective of any particular line of Apostolic Succession.  Nevertheless, in the present divided state of Christendom, some degree of ‘irregularity’ must inevitably attach itself to acts lacking the ecumenical sanction of the One Body Mystical, being derived as they are from a part of the whole, it was felt under Divine guidance, that to remedy this position and also at the same time to counter any doubts which might be alleged, even though contrariness or ignorance against any particular line of succession that the existing Orders of this Rite should be fortified by a series of conditional consecrations have also the force of co-consecration and of additional commission in the ecumenical sense, thus bringing into being, an ECUMENICAL APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION derived from every part of The One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church”.

“The action of Mar Georgius (and others) in receiving additional lines of succession has been the subject of certain criticism in more than one quarter.  It is readily agreed that in a united Christendom such a thing would be both unnecessary and, indeed, wrong; for under those conditions consecration ‘Sub Conditione’ would be called for only when some specific doubt had arisen as to the validity of the original consecration.  But, in a divided church, quite different considerations apply.”

Within the following pages, most of the many reconsecrations of Mar Georgius are enumerated together with others who have had similar thoughts in mind regarding the efficaciousness of additional consecrations.  Most of those known to the writer have been undertaken prayerfully and with the desire to cement ecumenical relationships and shorten the period until the Church, the Body of Christ will once again be united.  We realize that there are those consecrations, which take place for reasons other than herein mentioned.  We regret these, but can do little about it.

A Third Theory?  There are some who hold the idea that both theories (Augustinian and Cyprianic) are valid theories to be contemplated by those afflicted by judicial disease.  However, it is also believed by some that a valid consecration, whether for reasons so explained in MAR Georgius' “Successio Apostolica,” about Mar Georgius I, Patriarch of Glastonbury, or for other honorable purposes... the chrism from Holy Spirit through the particular consecrator, imbues the one being consecrated with that which comes with all the spiritual character of the consecrator and thus each consecrator has his own spiritual character which is passed on to the one being consecrated.  Thus, it is finally believed by some, that the consecrand (person being consecrated) who has had numerous consecrations over time, is imbued, by Holy Spirit, with what is specific to the Consecrator.  While such a thought may not be acceptable, it is arguable only in that to validate that which was undertaken with proper intentions, is valid in and of itself.  To deny any consecration when being consecrated, again, is to deny the operation of the Holy Spirit in previous consecrations which is a form of blasphemy by some thinking.

Thus, there are those who would believe that the Consecration of His Eminence, Metropolitan Archbishop +Joseph Thaddeus, OSB, SSJt., Ph.D. in June 2003 by His Eminence, Metropolitan Archbishop  +Michael (Damian Benedict) was not a repudiation of previous consecrations, but an affirmation of the actions of the Holy Spirit in spirit (proper intention and form being used) and truth over time, while also ensuring the "Orthodoxy" of the Holy Orders passed on so as to correct any deficiencies that may have previously occurred.. 

    Item    Lines:(See Important Note at end of this Web Page)       Table:

(1) Consecrated May 10, 1981

At the hands of MAR DAVID I (Wallace David de Ortega Maxey)

with assistance (Co-Consecrators) of: Archbishops +Jerome Joachim, +Mikhail Itkin, +Most Rev James Abdul Marie Fred (Miklaeovitch) Dennis  [Other information relating to Wallace David de Ortega Maxey will be supplied either at a later time or, if need be, by contacting MAR +Joseph Thaddeus, OSB, SSJt., Ph.D. regarding what that information is.]

For Larger Image - Click Here

As Can be seen by the above document, which was recorded at a County Recorder's Office, not only Mar David I (Wallace David de Ortega Maxey, but also +Archbishop Jerome Ladd Joachim, +Michael Augustine Francis Itkin and +James Abdul Miklaeovitch Dennis were co-consecrators on Mother's Day, May 10, 1981 of then Bishop, now Metropolitan Archbishop +Joseph (Thaddeus-Stanford) for the Catholic Christian Church which later came under the omophor and was inculcated into the American Orthodox Church (North American Orthodox Church, American Orthodox Catholic Church now).   Archbishop +David Mark Johnson (from Archbishop +Baxter) received the right and responsibility to establish the AOC, through the interactions of the Greek Orthodox Deacon at the time, Peter Gianopolous, passed on the AOC to Archbishop Thaddeus, OSB, SSJt. with the co-consents of +Maxey, +Itkin, +Joachim and +Dennis as it is recorded in the archives.

(2)

In perfect continuity and Apostolic Succession from Jesus Christ and the Apostles from the birthday of the Church at Pentecost, we have maintained the true Succession of Apostolic Truth as well as the valid tactile Succession from the Apostles by the laying on of hands.

Note: The following lines of succession are the corrected lines of succession provided this website by His Eminence +Michael, OSB (Damian-Benedict [Palladino] from +Yuri Spaeth) which were not the same as that provided by a previous un-named bishop out of Ohio who had taken it upon himself to provide lines that were seriously in question.  The following corrects any misgivings.

In 1922, Metropolitan Platon (Rozhdestvensky) assumed leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church in North America having received the apppointment of Patriarch (Saint) Tikhon of Moscow and All Russia.  In 1923,Metropolitan Platon,with the approval of Patriarch Tikhon elevated Bishop +Aftimios to the position of Archbishop.

"Now we, the Synod of Bishops of the Dioceses of the American Russian Jurisdiction, believing ourselves called of Christ and moved of the Holy Spirit in behalf of Holy Church and Her children in America, and being fully authorized through the above Letter * by the highest Authority in the Church to which we owe and maintain strict obedient loyalty; 

"We hereby, on this 2nd day of February (new style) in the year 1927, charge one of our number, His Eminence, the Most Reverend Aftimios, Archbishop of Brooklyn, with the full responsibility and duty of caring and providing for American Orthodoxy in the especial sense of Orthodox Catholic people born in America and primarily English-speaking or any American residents or parishes of whatever nationality or linguistic character or derivation not satisfactorily provided with proper and canonical Orthodox Catholic care, ecclesiastical authority, teaching and ministrations of the Church or who may wish to attach themselves by the properly and legally provided means to an autonomous, independent, American Orthodox Church. And to that end, that he may discharge the duty and responsibility laid upon the Church and by us on him, we do hereby permit, empower, authorize and direct the said Archbishop of Brooklyn to found, organize, establish, head, conduct, control, and maintain a distinct, independent, and autonomous branch of the Orthodox Catholic Church to be known and legally established and generally recognized as a Holy Eastern Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church in North America with the provisions that (1) such newly-established Orthodox Catholic Church shall be and forever remain in all respects truly Orthodox Catholic in the sense of the Fathers, Councils, Canons, and Tradition of the Historic Undivided Church still existing in the several Patriarchates and Autonomous Churches of the one Holy Orthodox Catholic Apostolic Eastern Church, and shall be in full communion and Orthodox Catholic brotherly fellowship with, but only with, Orthodox Catholic Churches, Clergy, and Faithful, maintaining and strictly observing the full content and form of sound, undefiled Eastern Orthodox Catholic Doctrine, Traditions, Canons, Discipline, Order and Sacramental Communion; and (2) in as much as it is derived from and canonically founded by the Church of Russia through the primary and sole Orthodox Catholic Missionary and evangelistic efforts of the Russian Church in America and fully recognizes the primacy and canonical exclusiveness of the Russian Jurisdiction and hierarchy in America throughout the first century of Orthodox existence in the New World, the newly-established Holy Eastern Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church in North America, while entirely autonomous and independent in its organization, constitution, administration, jurisdiction, and authority, shall preserve at all times its brotherly and filial relationship to the Orthodox Church of Russia represented in Russia by the Patriarchal Authority of Moscow and All Russia and in America by His Eminence, Metropolitan Platon, and his canonically established and recognized successors as Archbishop of the American Jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia. Further: We do hereby, on this 2nd day of February, 1927 (new style), elect and give order for the Consecration of the Very Reverend Leonid Turkevitch to be Bishop in the newly-founded Holy Eastern Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church in North America as assistant to its Governing Head, His Eminence, the Most Reverend Aftimios, Archbishop of Brooklyn, and by him to be appointed to such position or See as the Holy Eastern Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church in North America by its Constitution or By-Laws may provide or erect for the first assistant Bishop under its Primate. 

"May God prosper and Bless this work in His Name and to His Glory. Amen. Issued under our hands and seals in the City of New York, on the 2nd day of February (new style) in the year of our Lord Nineteen Hundred and Twenty Seven." 

Signed by:
Platon, Metropolitan of North America and Canada; 
Aftimios, Archbishop of Brooklyn; 
Theophilus, Bishop of Chicago; 
Amphilohy, Bishop of Alaska; 
Arseny, Bishop of Winnipeg; 
Alexy, Bishop of San Francisco

* The Letter referred to above is one written by Metropolitan Sergius, Acting Patriarchal Locum Tenens of the Russian Orthodox Church, under date of September 12th, 1926 (new style) addressed to the Russian Bishops outside of Russia.

[NOTE:  Please take note that there are many who claim to be the original and only AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, but the fact of the matter is that there are many AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCHES across the United States of America.  This particular Jurisdiction is the One and Original AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCH incorporated in California in 1971-1972. 

It does not take a rocket scientist to realize that some of those who make their claims that the above document was intended, issued and meant only for their particular Church jurisdiction is a slap in the face of true Orthodox Catholic Christianity because it disparages the faith of the Church. And, what is more, many of those clerics may be in fact "Bishops" by secular standards of documentation, but have actually left the faith delivered once and for all from Jesus Christ through the Holy Apostles down through time and history to us who are successor apostles (Bishops) who maintain the faith, do not claim to be INDEPENDENT this or INDEPENDENT that, etc.  And who, claiming themselves INDEPENDENT ordain or allow to be ordained female clergy as priests and bishops against and in violation of the ancient Seven Ecumenical Councils. 

Thus, anyone who claims a nomenclature of their church, jurisdiction or parish with such that equates to a popish name of the Roman Jurisdiction of the Catholic Church, are not truly Orthodox for neither Ethnic Orthodox and Western Rite Orthodoxy do not and never will subscribe to the heresies of the Roman Church who schismed from the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church by her innovative ideas and her violations of the ancient Seven Ecumenical Councils.

May it also be noted and understood that while there are certain ethnic jurisdictions who firmly believe that all who are chosen to become Bishops should be chosen in accordance with Biblical truth.  So what is that truth?  Do the research!  You will find that no where is there any support for all to come from a celibate un-married class or state of monasticism, even though it is an honorable state and a very Holy State; and one that is truly time honored.  But never, ever does Holy Scripture support the exclusion of an un-married episcopate.]

[May it also be noted as to the Apostolic Canons of the Ancient and undivided Church which are being overridden by violence from the very ethnic jurisdiction themselves in these present times (2008) such as exists in certain (un-named) groups at yahoo.com.  Specifically the following Canon:

6There are many who are bent on confusing and overturning the good order of the church and so fabricate, out of hatred and a wish to slander, certain accusations against orthodox bishops in charge of churches. Their intention is none other than to blacken priests' reputations and to stir up trouble among peace-loving laity. For this reason the sacred synod of bishops assembled at Constantinople has decided not to admit accusers without prior examination, and not to allow everyone to bring accusations against church administrators -- but with-out excluding everyone. So if someone brings a private (that is a personal) complaint against the bishop on the grounds that he has been defrauded or in some other way unjustly dealt with by him, in the case of this kind of accusation neither the character nor the religion of the accuser will be subject to examination. It is wholly essential both that the bishop should have a clear conscience and that the one who alleges that he has been wronged, whatever his religion may be, should get justice.

But if the charge brought against the bishop is of an ecclesiastical kind, then the characters of those making it should be examined, in the first place to stop heretics bringing charges against orthodox bishops in matters of an ecclesiastical kind. (We define "heretics" as those who have been previously banned from the church and also those later anathematised by ourselves: and in addition those who claim to confess a faith that is sound, but who have seceded and hold assemblies in rivalry with the bishops who are in communion with us.) In the second place, persons previously condemned and expelled from the church for whatever reason, or those excommunicated either from the clerical or lay rank, are not to be permitted to accuse a bishop until they have first purged their own crime. Similarly, those who are already accused are not permitted to accuse a bishop or other clerics until they have proved their own innocence of the crimes with which they are charged. But if persons who are neither heretics nor excommunicates, nor such as have been previously condemned or accused of some transgression or other, claim that they have some ecclesiastical charge to make against the bishop, the sacred synod commands that such persons should first lay the accusations before all the bishops of the province and prove before them the crimes committed by the bishop in the case. If it emerges that the bishops of the province are not able to correct the crimes laid at the bishop's door, then a higher synod of the bishops of that diocese, convoked to hear this case, must be approached, and the accusers are not to lay their accusations before it until they have given a written promise to submit to equal penalties should they be found guilty of making false accusations against the accused bishop, when the matter is investigated.

NOTE: This has been provided as a result of certain (as said) un-named ethnic jurisdictions of the One, Holy, Orthodox, Catholic and Apostolic Church who have failed or refused to abide by the requirement to observe all that the Church teaches, in that a man, the consecrated "Metropolitan" and "Archbishop" "+Joseph Thaddeus (Stanford)" did, in fact, take a plea bargain to PROTECT the SEALS OF THE CONFESSIONAL of which some ethnic jurisdictions attempt to use such plea-bargained 'conviction' against him.  You may wish to view another document (Stranger Dangers than a Stanger) in order to understand the relevance and significance of this issue... For by the arguments of some of the 'ethnic' jurisdictions as regards Aftimios Ofiesh consecration who married and then the accepted plea bargain by the consecrated Metropolitan Archbishop +Joseph Thaddeus to protect the SEALS OF THE CONFESSIONAL and safeguard other persons from threatened similar charges... using the news accounts to defame, disparage and mock the very faith of the Church so protected... they violate the Canons, particularly the Second Ecumenical Council, thereby automatically causing for themselves (laity and/or clergy alike) to be excommunicated... Without their jurisdiction's action, or their bishop's action to correct the defect within their jurisdiction, they carry the stigma of the offense by their failure and refusal to say all, not just part, of truth which no longer remains truth when presented so sporadically.  Equally so, they imbibe of the very thing forbidden by the Canon in that they interfere in the affairs of another jurisdiction which they are not a part of. 

Yet, it must be realized that these things are obscured and intentionally overlooked by those of the various ethnic jurisdictions because they suffer from the diseases of politicalism, arrogance, pride, and so very many others.  They do not wish to be condemned themselves and thus can and will overlook these things as though they do not apply to themselves for they are the present day Sanhedrin and Pharisees who, in ancient times, condemned and crucified Jesus Christ.

The very things they require of others, they - - - themselves, fail or refuse to accept for themselves. Did not Jesus Christ say that the world hated him and how much more they will hate them (those who are truly His in Spirit and truth) and how much more those who follow Him would be persecuted for His sake... Thus He did say so, thus it was written and thus it is being done as it has been from the time of His death on the cross down even to these present times, by no less than many of those who claim Him as their savior.  Again, they who do these things are truly the modern day Sanhedrin and Pharisees. ]

Archbishop +Aftimios (Ofiesch) assisted by Bishop +Emmanuel (Abe-Hatab) Bishop of Montreal and Archbishop +Elias of Tyre and Sidon consecrated Bishop +Sophronius (Bashira) on May 26th,1928 as Bishop of Los Angeles,California.

Archbishop +Sophronius (Bashira) of the Greek Diocese of Los Angeles with Albanian Metropolitan +Theophanies ( Noli) of Boston consecrated Archbishop +Christopher (Conotgeorge) on February 10th,1934 at the Church of Sts. Constantine  & Helen in New York City.  He was Consecrated Bishop of Philadelphia.  In 1947 he became the Metropolitan of Pentapolis and Exarch for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria, Egypt and All Africa in the USA.

Archbishop +Christopher (Contogeorge) with Albanian Metropolitan  +Theophanies (Noli) on August 24th,1934 at the Church of St. John the Baptist in New York City consecrated Archbishop +Arsenios (Saltas).  In 1094 he was made the Exarch of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, Egypt and All Africa in the USA.

Archbishop +Chistopher (Contogeorge) with Bishop +Ambrosius of Aman, Jordan in accordance with the Orders from the Holy Synod of Moscow, on November 3rd,1935 consecrated Archbishop +Nicholas (Kedroffsky) as Archbishop of North America and the Aleutian Islands.  The Consecration took place at the Russian Cathedral of St. Nicholas in New York City.

Archbishop +Nicholas (Kedroffsky) with Archbishop +Arsenios (Saltas) and Archbishop +Benjamin (Fedchenkoff) of the Moscow Patriarchate in 1935 at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas in New York City consecrated Bishop +Joseph ( Klymowzcz) of Springfield, Massachusetts for the Russian Jurisdiction.

Archbishop +Christopher (Contogeorge) with Archbishop +Konstantin (Jaroshevich) in 1949 for the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

Metropolitan +Joseph (Klymowzcz) with Archbishop +Konstantin (Jaroshevich) on October 14th,1950 at Aprinfield, Massachusetts consecrated Ukrainian Metropolitan +Nicholas (Bohatyretz) for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

In 1978, Archbishop +Peter (Zhurawetsky) assisted by Greek Archbishop +Joachim (Souris) and Greek Bishop +Lavrentios (Maniatakis) consecrated Metropolitan +Nicholas (Linyckyj) for the Ukrainian Orthodox Catholic Church.

May it also be noted that Metropolitan Archbishop +Yuri Spaeth also holds consecration from Archbishop +Karl Barwin...

May the 13th,1989, Metropolitan +Nicholas ( linyckyj) assisted by Bishop +Christopher (Jones) and Bishop David (Quilliams) and Bishop +Peterson consecrated Metropolitan +Yrui (Spaeth) for the Ukrainian Orthodox Catholic Church.

On January 17,1999, Metropolitan Archbishop +Yrui (Spaeth) and Archbishop +Matthew (Mc Carthy) consecrated Archbishop +Michael Damian-Benedict (Palladino), OSB for the Ukrainian Orthodox Catholic Church at the Orthodox Benedictine Monastery of St. John Divine in Orlando, Florida.

YURI SPAETH & DAVID Corbett consecrated: David Quilliams As Archbishop Primate, of The Ecumenical Orthodox Christian Church on 27 May 1990

KARL J. BARWIN assisted by DAVID QUILLIAMS

consecrated YURI SPAETH to ARCHBISHOP on Nov. 30, 1990

YURI SPAETH consecrated SAVA LUCE in 1996

YURI SPAETH assisted by SAVA LUCE consecrated

MATTHEW (Ronald McCarthy) on July 14, 1998

YURI SPAETH with MATTHEW (Ronald McCarthy)

consecrated:

HERMAN APOLLOS on October 30, 1998

YURI SPAETH assisted by HERMAS APPOS consecrated

MATTHEW (Ronald McCarthy to ARCHBISHOP on 10/30/1998 and elevated MATTHEW to METROPOLITAN ARCHBISHOP

On January 17, 1999 Metropolitan Archbishop +Yuri (Spaeth) and Archbishop +Matthew (R. McCarthy) consecrated Archbishop +Michael Damian-Benedict (Palladino) for the Diocese of St. John the Divine in Orlando, Florida.

On May 7, 1999, Metropolitan +Matthew I (Most Rev. Ronald McCarthy acknowledged in a letter that "Father Damian is a Professed Stavrophor Monk within our Orthodox Benedictine Monastery, and he has been a monk for fourteen years".

Left: Metropolitan Archbishop +Michael Damian-Benedict

Right: Metropolitan Archbishop +Yuri (Spaeth)

+MICHAEL (Damian-Benedict) consecrated:

THOMAS MARTIN (Tindall) on April 24, 2001 with the assistance of +Brendan Nuadha

On June 29, 2003 Metropolitan Archbishop +MICHAEL, assisted by Metropolitan Archbishop +Joseph Thaddeus (Stanford) and Bishop +Matthias (Jeffery Hammons) consecrated by Ekonomia:

+THOMAS MARTIN (Tindall)

On June 29, 2003, Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Metropolitan Archbishop +Michael Damian-Benedict (A Schema Benedictine Monk) assisted by Bishop +Thomas (Scott M. Tindall)  consecrated Metropolitan Archbishop +JOSEPH THADDEUS (Stanford) (A Stavrophor Benedictine Monk) for the American Orthodox Church, which, through Ekonomia, corrects all previous lines of succession held that may have been defective in either part or whole. Although a Benedictine and living the Rule of Life accordingly in an Orthodox manner, he heads the Holy Order and Society of St. Jude Thaddeus, with permission from his consecrator(s).

Metropolitan Archbishop +Joseph Thaddeus, SSJt., Ph.D.

(Background Information to be coming soon)

Some of the Consecration Documents of Joseph Thaddeus (Stanford)

What the above documents (each one being a "Toma" [Decree]) means to you the viewer, is that the American Orthodox Church and the North American Orthodox Church, are granted "autocephalous" and "Autonomous" standing while being ONE with the true Orthodox Church East and West not being a part of the "Independent Movement" per se, and not being an "Independent Catholic" or "Independent Orthodox" whatsoever. 

While there are many in these times who use the word "Orthodox" in their nomenclature or name, having no standing as true Orthodox, we continue to be counted as Orthodox in spirit and truth, having our own American culture specific ways while maintaining the Orthodox Faith in spirit and truth. This means we are counted the same as those who are a part of the various Eastern Orthodox Jurisdictions.

Yet, we warn many of you who are not aware of or know historical truth... having "autocephalous" and "autonomous" standing, means we are "Independent" from a Patriarchate (not having to submit to a Patriarch) does not place this jurisdiction in the same 'ball park' of those who use the nomenclature or name "Orthodox" but are not a part of the Orthodox Church world wide, for some of them claim they are "Independent".  The American Orthodox Church (North American Orthodox Church) is not required to have a "Patriarch" or come under administrational control of a Patriarchate while still being counted as a part of the world-wide "Orthodox" Churches East and West. 

Those who call themselves "Independent" without such toma, are themselves very independent and have no affiliation in spirit and truth with true Orthodox Catholic Christianity.  In fact, many of those whom we have identified, are similar to, if not the same as some of the 'cultic' Protestant Churches and most are not even "Catholic" even though they use the word and phrases which incorporate the term "Catholic".  They may indeed even use the same or similar vestments and liturgies.  The bottom line is that which they do or do not include in their theologies and dogmas, including their refusal to abide by the ancient Seven Ecumenical Councils, the Seals of the Confessional and other teachings held by the Orthodox Church East and West.

The true Church, being One in Faith, One in Praxis and with minor differences in theological understanding, are truly ONE IN THE FAITH of the Church East and West no matter how loud they may proclaim that a Jurisdiction needs a "Patriarch" in order to be valid.  That is a misnomer to throw you off guard from the facts of the Faith and its right of administrational authority.  The Faith cannot be under an administrational authority when that authority is held by all Jurisdictions of the Faith, being that which make up the true Church established by Jesus Christ, the Holy Apostles and their legitimate successors of which we are a part!

We have found that there are some Eastern Orthodox Church clergy whose views and attitudes, like many of the Roman Jurisdiction, believe that the "sun" and "moon" rises on them as to who is or is not "Orthodox" or "Catholic" when, in fact, the Eastern Orthodox Jurisdictions do not have a centralized authority for such determinations like the Roman jurisdiction has.  One last thing to be remembered which comes down through time and history... the Roman Jurisdiction of the Catholic Church schismed (split) from that which today is known and called "Orthodox" (i.e. - Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox, etc.) and as such the Roman Jurisdiction of the Catholic Church is not the root of any one's "Catholicity" except to those who have no choice but to bow low before the Roman Jurisdiction's patriarch (Pope). 

As Regards +Joseph Thaddeus, OSB, SSJt., - Other Lines not included in the above list, are derived from:

(a) 10/5/82 – Ekonomia by Orthodox Catholic Archbishop MAR Apriam I (Richard Morrell).

(b) July 30, 1989 - Michael Whitney (Repudiated in November 1989 by +Thaddeus due to M. Whitney's lack of complete honesty regarding his holding 'theosophical,' Masonic, and other heretical views and practices, including ordination of women in diametric opposition to the Canons)..

(c) October 28, 1989 –Robert V. Bernard Dawe (MAR Bernardus) Included but not shown above, and

(d) Ekonomia by: Orthodox Archbishop  MAR Hilarion [Harold V. Freeman].

+ Joseph Thaddeus, unless otherwise stated above or below, is responsible for the Consecration of:

 Responsible for the Co-Consecration of:

Because of serious questions relating to a consecration of Bishop +Thomas Martin on April 24, 2001 in Orlando, Florida and in consideration of all other consecrations and Co-Consecrations (relating to Bishop +Matthias), believing that for the aim and goal of those jurisdictions at the time that they were involved in these endeavors to correct that which may have been deficient or lacking, an exchange by all Bishops through the Rite of Ekonomia was performed on May 9, 2004 in Deming, New Mexico.

NOTE:  Because of the continued brow-beating and scandalous actions of another or others having claimed that Thaddeus' past or was repudiated, let the following be an understanding ....

Whether for right or wrong, real or imagined let Holy Repentance & Forgiveness be our guide now and hereafter... For no one is perfect.  For my unworthy self, my sins against any one or more persons I pray for forgiveness as I make apology to you and them... Whether or not any one wishes to believe any thing or person as to what is said about others even if it does involve Seals of the Confessional, we are learning that these people, this nation and the world thrive more on hate, intimidation, anger, fraud, harassment and much more. They believe less in Seals of the Confessional and more on their anger and hate, etc. they hold within. So while there have been for many years now, such documents to assuage (mitigate or defend) the past... I have no choice but to let it lay and let it be in the past for it does not one good thing to dredge up that which others have suffered and are suffering over, be they victims or otherwise... They are many people who have and do become "damaged goods" either by their own doing and making bad choices or seek to blame others when they reach their adult years.  I am not one of them and won't be!  If you have been a victim of anything, think first, for it may be that the Lord Himself intentionally placed you in a position whereby you could learn a lesson or to learn how to make choices.  This is true of everyone from the days they come to the age of reason and on into adulthood and old age.  Some choices are made for bad, for good, some are made that create in them imaginary things or otherwise.  Whether for right or wrong... the past is in the past and should therefore be used as a measuring rod for the future and let it lay.  Begin with making right choices so as no one else may become a victim of hate, intimidation, fear, or such by your hand or my own!  For those things real or imagined, whether for right or wrong, I can only say, Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner!

Regarding any repudiation: Click here.

Regarding the past: Click Here

NOTE:  Because of the voluminous amount of material involved, it is not feasible, at this time, to show all "Tables" listed above.  Anyone wishing a copy may send a donation to defray the expense of paper, printing and postage.  To ascertain costs, please e-mail: thaddeus@apostle1.com for information including your true name, mailing address, city, state, zip code, jurisdiction affiliation, telephone number. 

GRAMMATA ON THE MEANING OF CANONICAL:

The essence of being canonical constitutes following the teachings of Jesus Christ as:

(a) in the dogmatic proclamations of the Seven Oecumenical Councils;

(b) in a diocese or church body being in communion (whether formally or not) with all jurisdictions or branches which have remained faithful to the Orthodox Catholic Christian way of life in both teaching and practice;

(c) in the bishops having a legitimate Orthodox Apostolic Succession and Tradition. This means that Apostolic succession is always rooted in Apostolic tradition, not a mere independent laying on of hands.

In all due respect, being part of a particular branch or Synod obviously does not make one canonical. This is especially crucial, as certain parts of Orthodoxy in modern times seem to have changed the Orthodox understanding of `canonical' into a new version of papacy.

Their definition of `canonical' is focused on being recognized, for instance, by the Patriarch of Constantinople (as if he were some sort of Eastern pope), whereas there is no such rule in the entire Canon Law (PEDALION "Rudder"). They appear to have adopted the corrupted Ecclesiology of the Roman jurisdiction of the Catholic Church by making legitimacy or canonicity dependant upon recognition by a particular Patriarch or Pope.

This "neo-papal" concept has no historical precedent in Holy Orthodoxy and contradicts centuries of Orthodox tradition back to the times of the Holy Apostles. It is as if by being in communion with a particular segment of Orthodoxy, whether Patriarchal or not, somehow would make one Orthodox.

Seeking worldly recognition in the eyes of men and a corrupted society by merely understanding the administrative, legal unity of the church instead of the true unity, which only can exist in the authentic Orthodox Catholic way of life, is spiritually detrimental, utterly false and not at all Orthodox or even Catholic. The forming of self-styled organizations in mutual recognition with the purpose of denouncing others as being not canonical or in proclaiming themselves as the only legitimate ones, constitutes the grave sin of "condemning one's brother and sister" (St. Ephraim).

What is our call in this situation? - In order to remain canonical, we cannot join in such unholy endeavors. Living the Orthodox way of life must be most important to us. Engaging in assaults on individuals or others is contrary to the holy faith and most sinful. We said "assaults" which means that we must upbraid our brothers and sisters in the vineyard when they fail or refuse to abide by all that which had been handed down to them. Let us continue to live as true Orthodox Catholic Christians who obey the Gospel commands as we invite those "of good will" (Luke 2:14) to join us. Once the worldly-minded through the grace of God will understand what `being canonical' really means - then the truth shall be revealed: Where faith, doctrine and practice prevail, there is Orthodox Catholic Christianity. Where faith, doctrine and practice are compromised, canonicity, catholicity and Orthodoxy are absent despite any claims of a lines of succession, communion or sort of recognition that may exist through artificial means.

What Makes One Orthodox?

What makes man an Orthodox is not only the persistence on the external aspects of tradition, but the experience of its inner life, which is the ascetic method - purification, illumination and theosis. This method, these stages of spiritual life are the foundation of the dogmas, the basis of ecclesiastical art, but also the creative cause of the ethos and customs of our people; because this theology saturated our forefathers prior to our westernization. For this reason we must struggle to keep this inner aspect of tradition, the method of Orthodox piety, through which we are healed. Then we are truly zealots of patristic traditions. For, even if we have the best intentions; outside of this ascetic, therapeutic method, we run the risk of becoming enemies and adversaries of Orthodoxy.

[Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos of Nafpaktis, Greece]

Orthodoxy in America

Here we cannot boast in great numbers, neither of renown, nor of wealth, nor of learning - all that is valued in this world. We are strong here only in one thing - in possessing the Orthodox Faith, "and that not of ourselves; it is a gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8); and we should ask the Lord for the increase of this gift. Let them stand fast in Thy Holy Church in the Orthodox Faith. [St. Tikhon, Bishop in America from 1898-1907, Patriarch of Moscow from 1917-1925]

Seeking a life of holiness

Name calling and derogatory language do not really harm nor ever did, as the church cannot be overcome by the forces of darkness (Matthew 16:18), but such merely confirms that we are treated like Christ and humbly follow Him as unworthy servant. [Mar Melchizedek]

Let yourself be persecuted, but do not persecute others. Let yourself be crucified, but do not crucify others. Let yourself be insulted, but do not insult others. Let yourself be slandered, but do not slander others. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Such is the sign of purity. Suffer with the sick. Be afflicted with sinners. Exult with those who repent. Be the friend of all. But in your spirit remain alone. Spread your cloak over anyone who falls into sin and shield him. And if you cannot take his fault on yourself and accept punishment in his place, then do not destroy his character. [St. Isaac the Syrian]