Declaration on Ecclesiastical Recognition and Apostolic Communion Give by the Pontifical Secretariat of the Holy Apostolic See 16 May 2025 under the concurrence of H.A.H. Radislav I, Pope-Catholicos of Rome-Ruthenia Preamble In fidelity to the ancient and undivided tradition of the One, Holy, Orthodox, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, and in full continuity with the apostolic succession received through both Western and Eastern lines, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church (URRC) issues the following declaration concerning ecclesiastical recognition and relations with other apostolic churches and communions. I. Affirmation of Apostolic Brethren The URRC recognizes with fraternal respect all Churches and jurisdictions that: Possess valid apostolic succession through historic and sacramental lines; Uphold the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed and the core dogmas of the undivided Church; Seek to preserve the holy mysteries (sacraments) in accordance with sacred tradition. Just as the URRC does not require the recognition or approval of other jurisdictions for its own canonical legitimacy, it likewise extends in Christian brotherhood recognition without condition of approval. II. Ecclesiastical Independence and Canonical Freedom As an autocephalous body within the tradition of the historic Church, the URRC affirms its full canonical legitimacy and validity, independent of external approbation or oversight. This independence does not negate our desire for fraternal dialogue, but reflects the freedom inherent in the principle of apostolic autocephaly and the ecclesiology of mutual respect. III. Principle of Reciprocal Recognition It is the position of the URRC that: Any jurisdiction that formally denies the validity or apostolic character of the URRC, or that labels it using derogatory terms or denies its canonical status thereby places itself outside the bounds of mutual ecclesial respect. In such cases, the URRC, while never initiating hostility or condemnation, will reciprocally withhold recognition of the sacramental and ecclesial validity of the denying body, according to the principle of ecclesial justice and parity. This policy is not punitive but defensive and logical: as one cannot coherently accept the validity of a body that denies one’s own, the URRC maintains a consistent ecclesiological posture. IV. Desire for Unity and Communion The URRC earnestly prays for the healing of divisions among all apostolic Christians. While we encourage mutual recognition among Apostolic, Orthodox, and Catholic autocephalous Churches and believe that such should be the goal of Churches, we affirm that true validity ultimately rests on Apostolic authority, theological integrity, and charity in Christ. We remain open to dialogue and reconciliation with all who seek unity in truth and love, in the spirit of Christ’s prayer “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). Conclusion The United Roman-Ruthenian Church stands firm in its identity as a canonical, valid, Orthodox and Old Catholic body within the historic Church. We affirm our sacramental life, our apostolic continuity, and our commitment to the faith once delivered to the saints. May all who name Christ as Lord strive to seek one another not in suspicion, but in brotherhood, that we may together proclaim the Gospel in unity of faith and love. [Curia] [Main Page]     DISCLAIMER, LEGAL, AND COPYRIGHT NOTICES