The Fraternity of Saint Gregory began as an informal group of Western Rite Clergy formerly known as The Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church of America. This group of clergy were graciously received into The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia by Metropolitan Hilarion between October 27th and December 18th 2010. Since their entrance into the Russian Church, more clergy have been added to the ranks of the Western Rite Clergy, and Eastern Rite clergy have also taken a great interesting in helping to build up the Western Rite of ROCOR. As more and more clergy of both Eastern and Western Rites began working together, the Fraternity became open to all Orthodox Clergy regardless of their particular Rite. Today the Fraternity consists of dozens of clergy from both Rites, and several different countries around the world.
It is the mission and ministry of our Fraternity to win the West back to Holy Orthodoxy. The increasing fragmentation of Protestantism in the West and its loss of fidelity to scriptural morality have led many of its adherents to leave the churches of their youth and seek other alternatives.
Some, not knowing of the opportunity of canonical Western Rites within Orthodoxy, have entered Rome. For many from the Anglican High Church tradition this has been very disappointing for them. The abandonment of the Eastward position and the traditional Liturgical ceremonial by Rome have left them cold and wanting.
For others, long held beliefs consistent with Orthodoxy had to be abandoned and replaced with new doctrines such as infallibility, merits of the saints, the immaculate conception, and indulgences. Many of these ideas were rejected by their protestant forbearers centuries ago.
The Orthodox Church, which is the original Catholic Church from which Rome officially broke away in 1054, continues in the Apostles’ Teaching, and Fellowship, The Breaking of Bread and the Prayers. The timeless message of Orthodox Christianity, faith and morals, is the only answer to this sinful and broken world.
Please use the links on this page to learn more about our group. If you are an Orthodox member of the clergy and would like to join our Fraternity, you may the Dean of the Fraternity, Fr. Anthony Bondi, by clicking on the "Contact Us" button at the top of this page. For those wishing to become a Western Rite community of ROCOR, please visit the ROCOR Western Rite Vicariate website for more information (www.rwrv.org).
