ELEMOSINERIA SEGRETA Requested Apostolic Blessings from His Holiness the Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia may be issued in commemoration of specific events or as general blessings. Blessings are printed in either 8.5x11" or 18x24" sizes bearing the seal of the Elemosinere Segreto (Private Almoner of the Supreme Pontiff) and signed by the Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia or one of the curial officials. The blessing parchments are typically illuminated in various designs and may be decorated with images of the historic churches and heraldic symbols of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and Stato Pontificio. They are available in Italian, English, Russian, French, Spanish, and German. Charitable donations are expected for each blessing to cover the costs of production and shipping. Please read the information below. Thereafter, if you wish, send a request for a blessing by email. What is an Apostolic Blessing? An Apostolic blessing in general is a type of sacramental given by the Supreme Pontiff of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church by his Apostolic authority. It conveys a plenary indulgence under the usual norms of receiving it. The Apostolic Blessing is most formally given on solemn occasions, often after liturgy, and in the special Blessing Ex Urbe given by the Supreme Pontiff on Easter, Christmas, and other times throughout the year. Bishops may also give the blessing in their own jurisdictions three times a year using a prescribed form. In its written form, the Apostolic Blessing may come at the conclusion of a letter or be a special document, such as the ones provided by the Patriarchal Aerarium. In the case of a blessing document parchment, the plenary indulgence is often mentioned, referencing that the plenary indulgence is at the hour of death. The typical text for a blessing certificate translates into English as: Most Holy Father, [Name of Recipient] humbly prostrate at the foot of Your Holiness, beg the Apostolic Benediction and a Plenary Indulgence to be gained at the hour of death, on condition that, being truly sorry for his/her/their sins, but unable to confess them and to receive the holy Viaticum, he/she/they shall at least invoke with his/her/their lips or heart the Holy Name of Jesus. Given at Rome-Ruthenia [date]. The requested blessing is willingly given. Signature of the Supreme Pontiff or designated official. The following are samples of blessings in currently-available styles. The languages shown are for example purposes only. Each style is available in all of the languages listed above. Style A1: Large format (16x20 inches) - English sample Style A1: Large format (16x20 inches) - Russian sample Style A1: Large format (16x20 inches) - French sample Style B1: Small format (8.5x11 inches) - English sample Style B2: Small format (8.5x11 inches) - English sample As an element of the charitable work of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, blessings are processed through the Elemosineria Segreta. Apostolic Blessings may be granted for the following specific occasions: 1. Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, or Reception into the Church 2. Marriage (marriages in accordance with the doctrine of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church) 3. Ordination to the Holy Orders 4. Religious Profession 5. Secular Consecration 6. Anniversaries or Marriage, Ordination, or Religious Profession 8. Birthdays 9. Christian individuals, families, or organizations Other occasions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Send a request for a blessing by email.   [Elemosineria] [Aerarium] [Curia] [Main Page]     DISCLAIMER, LEGAL, AND COPYRIGHT NOTICES