Introduction

Introduction

This catechism, based on ancient doctrine, is a concise, yet detailed description of the entire doctrinal foundation of the traditional Christian faith, and focused on the Orthodox Old Catholic tradition, i.e., the Gallo-Russo-Byzantine Rite and Anglican-Byzantine Rite within the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. (In this publication, Pontifical Orthodox Old Catholic, Pontifical Orthodox, and Orthodox Old Catholic are used interchangeably, and generally also together.) Through careful and diligent study of this catechism, those preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation may be made thoroughly ready, well-grounded in the Faith, and worthy to receive the sacrament. Furthermore, the faithful already confirmed may renew their knowledge of their faith through study of this catechism. Whether confirmed recently or long ago, study of the basic foundation of the Faith is an essential tool towards spiritual growth, a means of attaining grace, and an effort towards perfection and eternal salvation.

Basic Principles of Pontifical Orthodoxy

Also known as Pontifical Orthodox Old Catholicism or Orthodox Old Catholicism.

1. Pontifical Orthodoxy is the unified continuation of the Holy, Orthodox, Catholic, Apostolic, and Roman Church, the only church founded by Jesus Christ. We say in the mass, the Holy, Orthodox, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
2. Pontifical Orthodoxy maintains the principle of global Christian unity that existed before the Great Schism between East and West. It accomplishes this in part through maintaining diverse apostolic lineage and authority that incorporates and unifies Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox.
3. Pontifical Orthodoxy is, therefore, both Catholic and Orthodox. Because of the combination of its diverse Apostolic lineage and authority, combined with its Roman pontifical authority within the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, its membership is simultaneously Catholic and Orthodox.
4. Pontifical Orthodoxy, due to its unifying heritage, is not of a particular rite, but instead embraces all traditional and doctrinally sound Christian rites.
5. Pontifical Orthodoxy is inextricably linked with Old Roman Catholicism of the See of Utrecht, which maintained and preserved intact pure Roman Apostolic lineage.
6. Pontifical Orthodoxy is inextricably linked with the history of the Roman Empire and the Holy Roman Empire, for the United Roman-Ruthenian Church is the ecclesiastical heir to the Roman Empire and several other historical states.
7. Pontifical Orthodoxy maintains the faith delivered to the Apostles and incorporates the doctrinal and dogmatic precepts of the collective wisdom and teaching authority of the Church. It accepts that rightful Apostolic authorities within the universal Church have debated and disputed various doctrinal points in history and continue to do so. Our Lord appointed the apostles and their successors to lead the Church, and it is their sacred duty to serve as guardians of the doctrine and traditions of the faith. It is natural within human nature that the comprehension of the vastness of the mysteries of the Christian Faith require diligence in their interpretation and application. Thus Pontifical Orthodoxy by its very unifying essence does not seek to condemn those of proper Apostolic authority who may have differing opinions from others of proper Apostolic authority. Rather, a principle of cooperation is promoted, with the belief that all shall be reconciled in God's time.