TO all Churches of Apostolic Succession, Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican traditions who uphold the undivided faith of the early Church:

     We, the Holy Apostolic See of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, a canonical autocephalous Church in full Apostolic succession and spiritual continuity, extend a pastoral invitation to jurisdictions who seek mutual recognition, ecclesial communion, and unity of witness in Christ.

     We recognize that many Churches stand firm in doctrine, discipline, and sacrament, yet exist outside any formal patriarchal communion. We also recognize that autonomy and identity matter — and should never be sacrificed in the name of bureaucratic conformity.

     In the spirit of shared apostolic witness and mutual respect, we extend the following in Christian brotherhood, partnership, and communion:
•    A structure of full ecclesial communion that respects and preserves your own liturgical rite, internal governance, and ecclesial identity.
•    Mutual affirmation of sacraments, orders, and apostolic succession among Churches of shared faith and valid lineage.
•    Optional integration within the Catholicate of Rome-Ruthenia for those without a primate, with pastoral guidance from the Pope-Catholicos. Churches already led by a patriarch or metropolitan retain full independent authority.
•    Shared efforts in preserving apostolic tradition through common prayer, formation, intercession, and collaborative ministry.

 

I. Minimum Theological Expectations Jurisdictions must:

•    Affirm the historic Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed
•    Possess valid Apostolic Succession
•    Recognize the seven sacraments
•    Uphold traditional Christian moral teachings and sacramental discipline
•    Govern themselves in accordance with canonical order and Christian charity
•    Ordination limited to males in accordance with sacred tradition.

All jurisdictions entering dialogue will be assessed by the Holy Apostolic See to ensure alignment with Apostolic doctrine and canonical discipline.

II. Ecclesial Models for Communion

Full Communion with Autonomy:  Maintain your name, rite, and internal structure. Exchange recognition of sacraments and clergy.

Affiliation through the Catholicate of Rome-Ruthenia: Jurisdictions without a patriarch or primate may come under the spiritual fatherhood of the Roman-Ruthenian Pope-Catholicos, with full freedom in daily governance.

Associate Communion (Observer or Transitional Status): For jurisdictions undergoing internal restructuring, or newly formed communities seeking orientation and protection during growth.

III. What Communion Is Not:

•    It is not subordination or surrender of independence.
•    It is not imposed uniformity in liturgy, discipline, or local tradition.
•    It is not an escape for invalid or self-created ministries (due diligence will be done).

IV. Benefits of Communion

•    Mutual Strengthening of Apostolic Identity and Communion
•    Support in Formation, Diplomacy, and Canonical Governance
•    Connection to a Global, Historically Rooted Church with UN special status.
•    A United Front in Apostolic Witness for the Modern World
May Holy Apostles Peter, Andrew, Stephen, and Mark intercede for all who seek unity in the
fullness of truth and charity. May their apostolic legacy guide us into unity, not by compromise,
but by fidelity to truth and charity.