Medieval Abbot in Pontificals

Ruling abbots are traditionally granted the right to vest pontifically upon their enthronement (the Crosier and ring from at least the 9th. cent. and later the mitre etc). In this image, notice the crosier, dalmatic under the chasuble and primitive mitre.

To continue my previous post.....
It is apparent that the phrase "old catholic" is much too 'loaded' to be used meaningfully by modern Western Rite Orthodox, even if we are the true "old Catholics". Whether we should style ourselves "Western Orthodox", "Western Rite Orthodox" or something like "Eastern Orthodox using the Western Rite" is another matter altogether (it would seem to me that the latter would imply using the Western Rite texts while retaining Eastern Rite Vestments, fasting disciplines and calendar -- which I think is equivalent to a sort of "Creole" or "Pidgen" rite). The important thing is that we are Orthodox while at the same time maintaining the traditions that have come down to us in the West, minus heretical innovations, avoiding "Romophobia" on one hand and "Romophilia" on the other. Moderation, Sir, moderation!

Fr. David

Old Catholic vs. old Catholic

Years ago I remember having a discussion about the early "Old Catholics" and the desire of some to return to the Church of the first thousand years. As is well known "two roads diverged in a yellow wood" and most Old Catholics took the one well traveled. A few, however, took the one less so and pursued union with Orthodoxy while striving to preserve their Western Rite heritage. For these sincere souls the phrase "Old Catholic" meant "old Catholic" - not a new denomination but rather the (attempted) reclaimation of their Catholic (Orthodox) Faith. In that sense Western Rite Old Catholics were attempting to be "old Catholics", pre-Vatican II, pre-Vatican I, pre-Trent, pre-Schism. Rejecting the novelties of schismatical Rome, they sought to return to the Church of their fathers.

...to be continued.

Saint Luke the Evangelist

Reactivation of BLOG

After a few years of constant distraction, I am re-activating "Quicumquevult". This will be a forum for me to post interesting (to me, at least) articles, photos and so forth (often with personal commentary) on items of interest to Orthodoxy in general and Western Rite Orthodoxy in particular. N.B. This is NOT an official BLOG of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, nor does it necessarily represent ROCOR's position on various issues (though I strive not to be in opposition to them either!). It will be, for the time being, the closest thing to an official site for Holyrood Chapel and Mount Royal Monastery.

Abbot David-Cuthbert

Pre-Reformation iconography

Found this on the blog "the New Liturgical Movement" and thought it interesting.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Moving of Mediaeval Welsh Church results in discovery of Wall Murals and Paintings

by Shawn Tribe

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There is an interesting story up today on the BBC about the period reconstruction of a medieval Welsh church to its form as it would have been in 1520: Archbishop opens medieval church.

The Church is now an Anglican church, but it has been given back its historic Catholic form and provides a further view into what parishes would have been like in mediaeval English Catholicism.

What is of particular interest to me are the paintings that were discovered during the dismantling process, at least some of which have had copies made of to adorn the structure.

From the rood screen:

Posted by Shawn Tribe on 14.10.07 -

Wisdom from the Fathers

• Worth Quoting

  "Some without fulfilling the commandments think that they possess true faith. Others fulfil the commandments and then expect the kingdom as a reward due to them. Both are mistaken. "-- St. Mark the Ascetic († 6th century)

• I found this on the Blog "Into the light" and thought it worth posting.