The Solomonic Order of St.Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church

Archbishop Michael R Vendegna S.O.S.M.A
Former Prior General  and Founder 


Archbishop Michael R. Vendegna, the Prior General of the Solomonic Order of Saint Michael the Archangel, founded the Order on July 19, 2017. Before that, he had served as the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of the Sacred Heart and the Diocese of St. Michael the Archangel in the United States. Despite retiring from active ministry, he maintained his holy orders and dedicated himself to the Order. 

The Order follows the precepts of loyalty to God and devotion to the Order, adhering to the traditions of the Independent Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Archbishop Michael R. Vendegna was a man of great dedication to God and his work within the Order. Deuteronomy 33:27 states that the eternal God is our refuge, and we are under His never-ending protection.





Chancellor of International S.O.S.M.A / Exorcist
Arz. Gustavo Nazarí
Q.E.P.D. 1974-2022

On May 13, 2022, we sadly announce the passing of our beloved brother and Chancellor of the International Order. We share this news with heavy hearts. Our dear brother will join our Lord and the Saints in eternal rest. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones during this difficult time.


The United Episcopal Catholic Communion, Solomonic Order of Saint Michael the Archangel Religious Order, was founded on September 1, 2017, by former Prior General Rev. Archbishop Vendegna and former Rev. Archbishop Rawcliffe. After the passing of the founder, Fr. Kenneth Torres, D.D. took over leadership.

Our monastery-based church, now part of the Orthodox Church, is in San Francisco, California. We are open to all faiths and walks of life and operate as a Monastery, Home Base Ministry, and Virtual Ministry.

The Solomonic Order of St. Michael the Archangel (S.O.S.M.A.) has an Archdiocese in San Francisco and another in California, with a new Diocese in Colombia, South America, led by Archbishop Father Cristian Camilo Piedrahita. Archbishop Kenneth Torres oversees the Archdiocese of California.

As a faith-based Monastery Church under the Eastern Orthodox Church, we conduct daily Divine Liturgy and offer prayers for various needs. Our services include weddings, funerals, baptisms, and ceremonies for people of all faiths. If you have any questions, please call +1-(650) 204-0211.

S.O.S.M.A. features a Seminary for priest formation and Exorcism Studies for clergy appointed by their bishops. Our affiliated seminary is St. Charles Borromeo Seminary: https://sgecc.org/SCBSeminary/index.php 
Note that Archbishop Torres conducts exorcism training separately.

Our Archdiocese operates 24/7, and priests are available at any time. In case of sickness or someone passing away, call +1-(707) 652-8490. During the Lenten Season, the San Francisco Diocese is open 24/7 for similar needs.

Every day, the Divine Liturgy is offered to communities and departed souls seeking forgiveness for their sins.

Leadership includes His Eminence Archbishop Kenneth Torres, D.D., Archbishop Cristian Piedrahita, Reverend Mother Talia Samedi, and Rev. Rev Fr. Shane McLain.

S.O.S.M.A. USA, founded by Rev. Archbishop Michael R. Vendegna and Archbishop Matthew J. Rawcliffe, has administrators in various states, including Archbishop Kenneth Torres and Archbishop Cristian Camilo Piedrahita. We are part of the United Episcopal Catholic Communion of the Solomonic Order Of Saint Michael The Archangel USA.

We welcome individuals of all faiths to consider becoming ordained clergy or joining us. Contact Archbishop Kenneth Torres, D.D., at +1 (707) 652-8490 for information.

Our order is part of the Antiochian Orthodox Church and operates independently from the Vatican/Rome. We uphold the traditions and teachings of the Eastern Orthodox faith, which include the continuity of apostolic succession and the celebration of a valid Eucharist.
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Clergy of the S.O.S.M.A USA


 Chancellor, Archbishop Kenneth Torres D.D. 
 S.O.S.M.A  Chief Exorcist / Formation at SOSMA Seminary / Chaplain
Fr. Kenneth Torres, D.D., MPC, is a Wounded United States Marine veteran in California. He was ordained as clergy with SOSMA on May 06, 2021, and as a deacon with The Solomonic Order of Saint Michael the Archangel Religious Order on May 14, 2021.  and currently serves as the Archbishop of the California Diocese. Initially, he was ordained as a priest with The Solomonic Order of Saint Michael the Archangel in South Carolina on August 08, 2021.
Father Kenneth also serves as Chaplain in the Chaplain Corps and is responsible for the Formation and orientation of those attending their seminary program.
In 2023, Bishop Torres was appointed as the Chief Exorcist by former Archbishop Matthew Rawcliffe.
He also serves as the Presiding authority of S.O.S.M.A., The Seminary, and the Formation of new Deacons and Priests.
He holds a Doctorate of Divinity and a Master's in Pastoral Counseling.
He is an American Association of Christian Counselors member and a board-certified mental health coach.
On June 12, 2022, he was appointed as the Prior General of their Archdiocese.



Archbishop Cristian Camilo Piedrahita Montoya S.O.S.M.A
Archbishop Cristian is the esteemed Chief Exorcist and Archbishop of SOSMA International. He is a dedicated member of the Clergy of SOSMA and was consecrated as Archbishop on September 25th, 2021, in our newly established diocese in Columbia, South America. With strong faith and impressive credentials, Archbishop Cristian is a Lutheran Archbishop and skilled Exorcist, bringing great expertise to the Order in Columbia. He also holds the position of Assistant Chief Exorcist within the Solomonic Order of Saint Michael the Archangel International. In his leadership role, Archbishop Cristian oversees the operations and activities of SOSMA International, ensuring the mission and goals of the Order are carried out with excellence and integrity.

Mother Superior Sister Talia Samedi S.O.S.M.A
Sister Talia is the mother superior of our nuns at our parish and the assistant to The Prior General, Archbishop Ken Torres, D.D. Together, they oversee the operations of our entire order. If you have any questions or need help, please get in touch with Sister Talia. mothersuperior@sosmausa.com

Deacon Ron Stokes
Ron Stokes is a former Episcopalian acolyte who dedicated many years to serving God and his community by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has transferred to the SOSMA and is undergoing formation for the priesthood. Ron's area of expertise is demonology, and he uses his knowledge to train and mentor individuals about the perils of engaging in the occult.


Deacon Neil Amerson
Deacon Neil Amerson, a former Pentecostal church member, is training to become a priest. In addition to his studies, he is actively involved in our Chaplaincy for Truckers program, providing spiritual guidance to fellow truckers while on the road. Neil is a valuable member of the Georgia Diocese.

Vicaress Mother, Savannah Romero
Savannah is a valuable resource for our sisterhood, providing a wealth of experience in her ministry. As Mother Superior's assistant, she will work alongside Her to recruit and train new Sisters. In addition, she is involved in counseling for drug and alcohol addiction.

Rev, Fr. Shane McLain
Fr. McLain hails from the Carolinas. He was a Baptist pastor who led a church for over twenty years. While attending seminary, he fell in love with theology and was recognized and trained by a Catholic priest in deliverance and exorcism ministry. His discernment and training brought him to the order. He specializes in pastoral counseling and will be involved in the exorcism ministry.
                                       
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Confession

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Communion of the Sick in-call & out-call

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Baptism Ceremonies

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Marriage services

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Funeral Services

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Formation for Priesthood

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Exorcism

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We are Affiliated with the Sacred Order of St. Michael the Archangel,  SOSM
Founded by Archbishop Ron Feyl and started in 1982.
For more information, please visit their website
https://orderofexorcists.com/


Archbishop Matthew J. Rawcliffe (Retired)

Retired Clergy

Archbishop Matthew J. Rawcliffe (Retired) is a former clergy member who dedicated many years of service to the church. With his extensive knowledge and experience in religious matters, he held a significant position of authority and leadership within the clergy. As a retired clergy, Matthew J. Rawcliffe continues to contribute to the community by providing guidance, wisdom, and support to others on their spiritual journey.

Frequently asked questions imageFrequently asked questions imageFrequently asked questions image
Is the Antiochian Orthodox Church truly Orthodox?

Indeed, several expressions of Christianity within the universal "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church" professed by all. The Antiochian Orthodox Church is a significant and respected branch of Eastern Orthodox Christianity with a rich history and theological tradition. Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, including the Antiochian Orthodox Church, operates independently of the Vatican and the Pope in Rome.

What unites all Orthodox Churches?

All Orthodox Christian communities affirm their belief in the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church." They uphold the idea that individuals join the single Body of Christ through baptism and receive spiritual sustenance through the Eucharist. The Orthodox tradition also teaches the celebration of sacraments during significant life moments.

As siblings in the same family, these churches share commonalities while also possessing distinctions. Typically, variations are related to governance and discipline, though some differences touch on theological and ecclesiological matters. Such diversity among sisters is natural, emphasizing that not all churches are identical. Nevertheless, they remain connected by shared values: baptism, Eucharist, and apostolic succession.

How can Orthodox Churches assert their apostolic roots?

The fundamental criterion for any Orthodox Church is its adherence to apostolic succession. Most Orthodox bishops have been validly consecrated, and authentic lines of succession trace back to the apostles. These lines often derive from sources within the historical Orthodox tradition and various Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Declaration of Autonomy

Reprinted from historical declarations of independence within the Orthodox tradition, reflecting the autonomy and self-governing nature of the Antiochian Orthodox Church:

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On behalf of the clergy and laity of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, we, the undersigned bishop, proclaim the autonomy and independence of our portion of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. We are in no way subject to or dependent upon any foreign See, nor do we recognize the right of any external religious body to require submission to their authority or jurisdiction.

We uphold the faith once delivered to the saints and outlined in the decrees of the Ecumenical Councils, which were accepted in both the East and the West. We maintain that these doctrines have remained unimpaired and free from heresy throughout the centuries.

In line with our Orthodox heritage, we hold and declare the following:

1. Holy Mysteries: Our Divine Lord and Savior Jesus Christ instituted seven holy mysteries or sacraments. All are necessary for humanity's salvation, though not all are received by every individual.
2. Sacrament of Penance: The Sacrament of Penance is essential, and auricular confession is encouraged and practiced.
3. Communion of Saints: We invoke and venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary, the saints, and the Holy Angels of God.
4. Liturgy: While vernacular languages may be used, new liturgies or significant alterations to traditional rites are not encouraged.
5. The Eucharist: The Divine Liturgy is the supreme act of Christian worship, and daily celebration is encouraged.
6. Holy Icons: The use of holy icons, statues, symbols, and relics is upheld as aids to devotion.
7. Sacramental Integrity: Holy Sacraments are administered only to Orthodox Christians who profess the Orthodox Faith.
8. Fasting and Abstinence: Prescribed days of fasting and abstinence are observed, and Holy Communion is received fasting.

For these reasons, we declare our autonomy and independence from all foreign interference in our doctrine, discipline, and policy:

In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas 
("In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity").
Most Rev. Dr. Kenneth Torres,   
December 13, 2024, The Feast of St. Lucy
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, and all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made.

Who for us men and our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man.

And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered, and was buried.

On the third day, He rose again, according to the Scriptures.

And ascended into heaven and sat at the Father's right hand.

And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets.

In one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.

I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.


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How to Use the Prayer Rope
  1. Hold the Prayer Rope:
  2. Recite the Jesus Prayer: For each knot on the prayer rope, recite the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
  3. Focus and Meditate: As you repeat the prayer, focus on the words and their meaning, meditating on Christ's mercy and presence.
Variations
  • Short Form: "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me."
  • Extended Form: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
The prayer's simplicity and repetition help calm the mind and draw the heart closer to God. It's a powerful practice for developing a deep, meditative connection with Christ.
  • 1830 Springs Road, Vallejo, California, 94591, Private Mailbox # 313
  • Attention: The Solomonic Order of St. Michael.

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