Frequently asked questions
Rules and Core Tenets of Our Autonomous Orthodox Order
Faith and Doctrine
- Adherence to the Nicene Creed and the core doctrines of Orthodox Christianity.
- Commitment to the teachings and traditions of the Holy Fathers and the Ecumenical Councils.
Clergy and Ordination
- Only men are ordained to the priesthood and diaconate.
- Candidates for ordination must undergo thorough theological education and spiritual formation.
- Ordination follows the traditional rites and practices of the Orthodox Church.
- Clergy are allowed to be married: Clergy must be married before ordination to the diaconate or priesthood. Once ordained, clergy cannot marry or remarry if widowed.
Monastic Life
- Both monks and nuns are welcomed and supported within our order.
- Monastic vows include poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Nuns are allowed to marry. However, they must be married before taking their vows. Once they take monastic vows, they cannot marry or remarry if they are widowed.
- Monasteries follow the traditional monastic rule and daily cycle of prayer.
Liturgical Practices
- Regular celebration of the Divine Liturgy, Vespers, Matins, and other liturgical services.
- Use of traditional liturgical languages and the preservation of ancient chant and hymnography.
- Observance of the liturgical calendar, including fasting periods, feasts, and saints' commemorations.
Sacraments and Sacramentals
- Regular administration of the sacraments, including Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Confession, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick.
- Use traditional sacramentals, such as holy water, icons, and relics.
Community Life
- Promotion of a strong sense of community and fellowship among members.
- Encouragement of charitable works and service to those in need.
- Emphasis on mutual support, respect, and love within the community.
Education and Formation
- Provision of catechetical instruction for new members and ongoing education for all.
- Support for theological study and spiritual growth.
- Encouragement of participation in retreats, conferences, and other formative activities.
Autonomy and Governance
- The order operates independently, without direct oversight from any specific Orthodox jurisdiction.
Our governing body is the United Episcopal Catholic Communion
- Decisions are made collectively by the leadership council, with input from the community.
- Regular communication and collaboration with other Orthodox orders and jurisdictions are encouraged.
Discipline and Conduct
- Adherence to a code of conduct based on Christian ethics and morals.
- Implementation of disciplinary measures for violations of community rules.
- Encouragement of repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual healing.
Evangelism and Outreach
- Commitment to spreading the Orthodox Christian faith through various means.
- Engaged in missionary work and outreach programs.
- Welcoming and supporting converts to Orthodoxy.
These rules and core tenets help maintain our order's integrity and spiritual health while allowing us to fulfill our mission faithfully.
Faith and Doctrine
- Adherence to the Nicene Creed and the core doctrines of Orthodox Christianity.
- Commitment to the teachings and traditions of the Holy Fathers and the Ecumenical Councils.
Clergy and Ordination
- Only men are ordained to the priesthood and diaconate.
- Candidates for ordination must undergo thorough theological education and spiritual formation.
- Ordination follows the traditional rites and practices of the Orthodox Church.
- Clergy are allowed to be married: Clergy must be married before ordination to the diaconate or priesthood. Once ordained, clergy cannot marry or remarry if widowed.
Monastic Life
- Both monks and nuns are welcomed and supported within our order.
- Monastic vows include poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Nuns are allowed to marry. However, they must be married before taking their vows. Once they take monastic vows, they cannot marry or remarry if they are widowed.
- Monasteries follow the traditional monastic rule and daily cycle of prayer.
Liturgical Practices
- Regular celebration of the Divine Liturgy, Vespers, Matins, and other liturgical services.
- Use of traditional liturgical languages and the preservation of ancient chant and hymnography.
- Observance of the liturgical calendar, including fasting periods, feasts, and saints' commemorations.
Sacraments and Sacramentals
- Regular administration of the sacraments, including Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Confession, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick.
- Use traditional sacramentals, such as holy water, icons, and relics.
Community Life
- Promotion of a strong sense of community and fellowship among members.
- Encouragement of charitable works and service to those in need.
- Emphasis on mutual support, respect, and love within the community.
Education and Formation
- Provision of catechetical instruction for new members and ongoing education for all.
- Support for theological study and spiritual growth.
- Encouragement of participation in retreats, conferences, and other formative activities.
Autonomy and Governance
- The order operates independently, without direct oversight from any specific Orthodox jurisdiction.
Our governing body is the United Episcopal Catholic Communion
- Decisions are made collectively by the leadership council, with input from the community.
- Regular communication and collaboration with other Orthodox orders and jurisdictions are encouraged.
Discipline and Conduct
- Adherence to a code of conduct based on Christian ethics and morals.
- Implementation of disciplinary measures for violations of community rules.
- Encouragement of repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual healing.
Evangelism and Outreach
- Commitment to spreading the Orthodox Christian faith through various means.
- Engaged in missionary work and outreach programs.
- Welcoming and supporting converts to Orthodoxy.
These rules and core tenets help maintain our order's integrity and spiritual health while allowing us to fulfill our mission faithfully.
