Main Page The Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia Household Ancestors and Succession United Roman-Ruthenian Church Pontifical Court Religious & Dynastic Orders Gallery Roman Principate Pontifical Kingdom of Ruthenia Pontifical Walsingham Guard Il Nunzio Romano - Press Office





Ecclesiastical Dynastic Successors to the Houses of Rurikovich, Romanovich, and Ivrea



The Roman-Ruthenian Church and State is the rightful temporal successor of St. Peter, carrying the historical and documented patrimony of Rome and Russia through St. Leo X, with full Orthodox and Catholic autocephalous authority — equal to the Vatican, Constantinople, and other Patriarchates.



The entire extended blood members of the P.I. Household in 2005 — a rare gathering of the princes, counts, and nobles of the dynasty, a living testament to the continuation of European and American aristocratic lineages in the modern age. 
Above: His Apostolic Highness the Most Holy Pope Radislav I Rimsko-Russki, Head of the House and custodian of the heritage of the Roman-Ruthenian Church and State.

About the Pontifical and Imperial House of Johnson-Roma-Rus'

     The Pontifical and Imperial House of Johnson-Roma-Rus' represents a living legacy that bridges the past and present. As custodians of an ancient dynasty with deep-rooted traditions, the family upholds the spiritual and cultural values of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia. This unique ecclesiastical monarchy combines both hereditary and elective traditions and continues to serve as a symbol of unity, spirituality, and philanthropy. The House is recognized by various religious and legal entities, as well as other dynastic houses around the world, further solidifying its global standing. 



     With a heritage that is Roman and Russian, as well as significant ties to the British Isles, North America, and the Caribbean, the Pontifical and Imperial House stands at the crossroads of history, culture, and faith. Their mission is to honor and preserve these legacies while promoting harmony, compassion, and understanding among people of all backgrounds. (Meet the family.)
Watch the following video, or continue reading below...



Historical Background

     The title "Pontifical" refers to the Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia as Supreme Pontiff within the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, while "Imperial" speaks to the house's historical ties to the Roman empire, Kingdom of Ruthenia, and Imperial Italian Kingdom. The Pontifical and Imperial family traces its lineage to the Rurikovich dynasty of Russia and is branch of Romanovich, as well as the Ivrea dynasty, which once ruled the Imperial Kingdom of Italy. (Discover our succession.)

     The House of Johnson-Roma-Rus’ also has deep-rooted connections to the early history of North America. For example, the family’s heritage extends to some of the founding families of Massachusetts, including Warren, Winslow, Philipps, Prescott, and Lothropp, who played significant roles in the formation of early American communities. These ties exemplify the family’s global heritage, with historical influences spanning from Europe to the Americas. Complementing these ties are ancestral influences from Arabic, Turkic, Persian, South Caucasian, and Jewish cultures — further reflecting the family’s diverse and global legacy. (See our online gallery.)




     This deep historical connection serves as the foundation for the modern-day Pontifical Imperial State. Adding depth and an air of mystery to an already-captivating narrative, the family’s paternal line traces back to the Varyag (Varangian) Norse—a lineage with strong ties to the Kievan Rus’, where Norse adventurers integrated with Slavic nobility to form the early Rus' state. This heritage likely reflects a journey from the East, enriched by connections across Byzantine and Turkic lands, ultimately leading to Europe’s heartlands. Though much of its precise journey westward remains shrouded in mystery due to the passage of time, the family’s origins point to a legacy forged through both Scandinavian and Eastern European connections.  (Read more about this legacy here.) Today the Pontifical Imperial State stands as an minority ethno-religious cultural nation without political territory that constitutes a state unto itself, representing people across multiple modern political countries. (Discover the Pontifical Court.)




Vladimir Monomakh (Rurikovich),
Prince of Smolensk,
Grand Prince of Kiev
Alfonso VII (Ivrea), King of Castile y León, Emperor of All Spain


     As with most ancient European houses, centuries of intermarriage have intertwined the Johnson-Roma-Rus’ line with many dynasties. For example, through German ancestors, the Head of the House is fifth cousin to the present British King, a reminder of how closely Europe’s noble families remain interwoven. Yet, the standing of sovereign houses is not defined by such interconnections, however notable. Here, the foundation of the Pontifical and Imperial Household rests fundamentally on its own ecclesiastical and imperial patrimony.

Cultural and Religious Influence

    The ecclesiastical title of Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia emphasizes its connection to both Latin (Roman, Anglican) and Eastern (Byzantine, Russian, Syrian) traditions within Orthodox and Catholic Christianity. This union brings together diverse liturgical practices, customs, and rituals inherited from various cultural backgrounds. (Learn about their religious history.)


     However, the significance of the Pontifical and Imperial family extends beyond religious matters; they also serve as a symbol of unity among traditional Christians worldwide. In addition to their spiritual roles, they are actively involved in state affairs and diplomacy. (Learn more about the Roman-Ruthenian Papacy.)




     Rather than being mere figureheads, however, they are ambassadors of Christian love, compassion, and unity. Furthermore, this family plays a vital role in preserving the rich history and traditions of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. They serve as custodians for ancient texts, artifacts, artwork, and more that hold immense cultural value for people across different nations.

Youssef VI Emmanuel II, Patriarch of Babylon (Syria), one of the immediate patriarchal ancestors in apostolic succession of the Prince-Bishop. The United Roman-Ruthenian Church is a derivative patriarchate of the Patriarchates of Moscow, Bablyon, and America.

     The family's dedication to fostering harmony among different communities is evident in their tireless efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding. They believe that through open-mindedness and mutual respect, we can build bridges that transcend cultural barriers and celebrate our shared humanity. They strive to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. 



Philanthropy

     In line with their commitment to service, the Pontifical Imperial family actively engages in philanthropic endeavors. They lead by example, working tirelessly to uplift the less fortunate in society. Their initiatives encompass areas such as education, healthcare, food insecurity, social welfare, and more. In a world often divided by conflict and inequality, the Pontifical Imperial Household stands as a beacon of hope and unity, emphasizing that even small acts of kindness can lead to lasting positive change. Join us in making a difference!


Kotyan Khan of the Cumans

Summary

     The Pontifical and Imperial House of Johnson-Roma-Rus’ embodies a legacy of service, spirituality, and cultural preservation. Their dedication to unity, philanthropy, and compassion continues to shape their role in today’s world, as they strive to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

     For more information, explore the rich history of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, discover the family’s ongoing philanthropic efforts, or learn about their role as ambassadors of Christian love and unity. 

Modern Civil States with Ancient Heritage Perpetuated by the Pontifical Imperial State

Albania Algeria Andorra Armenia
Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus
Egypt France Georgia Germany
Great Britain Greece Hungary Iran
Iraq Israel Italy Jordan
Lebanon Libya Lichtenstein Lithuania
Luxembourg Macedonia Moldova Montenegro
Morocco Netherlands Palestine Poland
Portugal Romania Russia Saudi Arabia
Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain
Switzerland Syria Ukraine Tunisia
Turkey





Frequently Asked Questions

Titles held by the Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia

Monograms of the Household

Heraldry of the Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia

Flags of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church 

 Note: The P.I. Household, as a matter of policy, is not involved and does not seek to be involved
in the governance, political parties, or politics of any current civil government in any nation.
[Main Page]  [P.I. Household]  [Pontifical Court]  [United Roman-Ruthenian Church]
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

 Almanach of Saxe-Gotha. 2008.
Apostolic and Temporal Succession of Rutherford I. Pontifical Georgian Press. 2024.
Bartlett, R. The Making of Europe: Conquest, Colonization and Cultural Change 950-1350. Princeton University Press. 1993.
Bryant, M. W. W. Genealogy of Edward Winslow of the Mayflower, and his descendants, from 1620 to 1865. E. Anthony & Sons. 1915.
Chalandon, F. Histoire de la domination normande en Italie et en Sicile. A. Picard. 1907.
Deffenbaugh v. Röm-Frankfurt, Ed. Almanac of Würzburg. Pontifical Georgian Press. 2016-2024.
Dimnik, M.  The Dynasty of Chernigov, 1146–1246. Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies. 2004.
Fennell, J. The Crisis of Medieval Russia, 1200-1304. Longman. 1983.
Franklin, S., Shepard, J. The Emergence of Rus 750-1200. Longman. 1996.
Gavaldá y Castro, Rubén and Arnaldo I. A. Miranda Tumbarello. Fons Honorum: compendio de Derecho Nobiliario Europeo y Americano. Instituto Heraldico de Buenos Aires. 2015.
Genealogy of the House of Johnson-Roma-Rus’. Pontifical Georgian Press. 2024.
Ghisalberti, A. M.  Alberico di Ivrea: Signore del Piemonte. Tipografia sociale. 1962.
Logan, D. F.  A History of the Church in the Middle Ages. Routledge. 1992.
Magocsi, P. R. A History of Ukraine. University of Toronto Press. 1996.
Martin, J. Medieval Russia, 980-1584. Cambridge University Press. 1995.
McKitterick, R. The Frankish Kingdoms under the Carolingians, 751–987. Longman. 1983.
Ostrogorsky, G. History of the Byzantine State. Rutgers University Press. 1969.
Prescott, W. The Prescott Memorial, or, A Genealogical Memoir of the Prescott Families in America. 1870.
Runciman, S. Byzantine Civilization. Cambridge University Press. 1933.
Setton, K. M. The Papacy and the Levant (1204-1571). American Philosophical Society. 1976.
Thomson, F. J. The Reception of Byzantine Culture in Mediaeval Russia. Variorum. 1999.
Wickham, C. The Inheritance of Rome: A History of Europe from 400 to 1000. Penguin Books. 2009.



 

  DISCLAIMER, LEGAL, AND COPYRIGHT NOTICES


The United Roman-Ruthenian Church and the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia constitute an ecclesiastical sovereignty by right of Rome as heir to the Roman Empire and Pontifical Kingdom of Ruthenia and All Rus' with an independent government in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. The United Roman-Ruthenian Church is an autocephalous Catholicate. The governments of the modern republics of Italy, German, France, Switzerland, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and the United States, and of the modern kingdoms of Great Britain and Spain, as well as the European Union and all other civil states, are not affiliated with the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and the Pontifical Imperial State.

Crown, International, and United States Copyright Held ďż˝ 2008-2017, All Rights Reserved.