The Ancient Catholic Celtic Faith

New blog site!

2008-03-07T21:21:00.000-08:00

I have moved my blog site because I felt the need for a new name here is the site.

http://anglocatholicway.blogspot.com/

I hope to see you all on my new site

the accf blog will become inactive with in the next few days.

9 of 39

2008-03-05T13:44:00.001-08:00

Article IX

Of Original or Birth Sin.

Original sin standeth not in the following of Adam, (as the Pelagians do vainly talk;) but it is the fault and corruption of the Nature of every man, that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam; whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and is of his own nature inclined to evil, so that the flesh lusteth always contrary to the Spirit; and therefore in every person born into this world, it deserveth God’s wrath and damnation. And this infection of nature doth remain, yea in them that are regenerated; whereby the lust of the flesh, called in Greek, φρονημα σαρκος, (which some do expound the wisdom, some sensuality, some the affection, some the desire, of the flesh), is not subject to the Law of God. And although there is no condemnation for them that believe and are baptized; yet the Apostle doth confess, that concupiscence and lust hath of itself the nature of sin.

WE all are born with sin in us just because we are human because once Adam fell sin has infected us and can only be removed by baptism

This is what Pelagius believed

(1)

Even if Adam had not sinned, he would have died.
Adam's sin harmed only himself, not the human race.
Children just born are in the same state as Adam before his fall.
The whole human race neither dies through Adam's sin or death, nor rises again through the resurrection of Christ.
The (Mosaic Law) is as good a guide to heaven as the Gospel.
Even before the advent of Christ there were men who were without sin.

This is why this article needs to be written and tell of how baptism is need and that one thing that isn’t spoken about here such as infant baptism because of one of the things that was told was about how children need to be baptized.

Here are the ending cannons against him

(1)

Death did not come to Adam from a physical necessity, but through sin.
New-born children must be baptized on account of original sin.
Justifying grace not only avails for the forgiveness of past sins, but also gives assistance for the avoidance of future sins.
The grace of Christ not only discloses the knowledge of God's commandments, but also imparts strength to will and execute them.
Without God's grace it is not merely more difficult, but absolutely impossible to perform good works.
Not out of humility, but in truth must we confess ourselves to be sinners.
The saints refer the petition of the Our Father, "Forgive us our trespasses", not only to others, but also to themselves.
The saints pronounce the same supplication not from mere humility, but from truthfulness.
Some codices containing a ninth canon (Denzinger, loc. cit., note 3): Children dying without baptism do not go to a "middle place" (medius locus), since the non reception of baptism excludes both from the "kingdom of heaven" and from "eternal life".

So this is just one more reason we need to find ourselves in line with history so we don’t find ourselves in this heresy that was dealt with already and I have met people who really believe Pelagius was right but this is foolish because the whole church dealt with him and he was condemned as a heretic. So this is just a brief aid to help understand the article.

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

(1) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11604a.htm, Joseph Pohle, 03/05/08, 2007

I am just thinking out load

2008-03-04T21:03:00.000-08:00

So this is just a quick post because I have school in the morning and I think a Greek midtem. The next article which is 9 I will need time to write on so this will be out soon
I hope, but I will say this keep in mind that what I say is not the stance of the Anglican church but of a small sect of it that is the Anglo- Catholics but we stand on a higher view of the church and hope the whole will come to this but till then may Christs salvation fulfill and the holy mother pray fro us and the archangels guard us !

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

8 of 39

2008-02-29T21:57:00.000-08:00

Article VIII

. Of the Three Creeds.

HE three Creeds, Nicene Creed, Athanasius' Creed, and that which is commonly called the Apostles' Creed, ought thoroughly to be received and believed; for they may be proved by most certain warrants of Holy Scripture.

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic* Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets.

And I believe in one holy Catholic* and Apostolic Church.

I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead; and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Athanasian Creed

Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholic* faith.
Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.

And the Catholic faith is this, that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity;
Neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Substance.
For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost.
But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost is all one: the glory equal, the majesty coeternal.

Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost.
The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate, and the Holy Ghost uncreate.
The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Ghost incomprehensible.
The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Ghost eternal.
And yet they are not three Eternals, but one Eternal.
As there are not three Uncreated nor three Incomprehensibles, but one Uncreated and one Incomprehensible.
So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son is almighty, and the Holy Ghost almighty.
And yet they are not three Almighties, but one Almighty.

So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God.
And yet they are not three Gods, but one God.
So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Ghost Lord.
And yet not three Lords, but one Lord.
For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by Himself to be God and Lord,
So are we forbidden by the catholic religion to say, There be three Gods, or three Lords.

The Father is made of none: neither created nor begotten.
The Son is of the Father alone: not made, nor created, but begotten.
The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son: neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.
So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts.
And in this Trinity none is before or after other; none is greater or less than another;
But the whole three Persons are coeternal together, and coequal: so that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshiped.
He, therefore, that will be saved must thus think of the Trinity.

Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe faithfully the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For the right faith is, that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man;

God of the Substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and Man of the substance of His mother, born in the world;
Perfect God and perfect Man of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting.
Equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as touching His manhood;

Who, although He be God and Man, yet He is not two, but one Christ:
One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by taking the manhood into God;
One altogether; not by confusion of Substance, but by unity of Person.
For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man, so God and Man is one Christ;

Who suffered for our salvation; descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead;
He ascended into heaven; He sitteth on the right hand of the Father, God Almighty; from whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies, and shall give an account of their own works.
And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire.

This is the catholic faith; which except a man believe faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved.

These are the three creeds that bind the church and that these three are affirm by the scripture. Now do not take this as the councils because there are seven ecumenical councils that bind the church and all have to accept. They are

First Council of Nicaea, (325)

First Council of Constantinople, (381)

Council of Ephesus, (431)

Council of Chalcedon, (451

Second Council of Constantinople, (553);

Third Council of Constantinople, (680–681)

Second Council of Nicaea, (787)

These seven councils bind all men and must be believed but this will be dealt with later for now the three creeds are to be accepted because they speak nothing against the holy Writ.

By: Allen Bailey, aspirant of the Anglican province of America

7 of 39

2008-02-27T19:15:00.000-08:00

Article VII

. Of the Old Testament.

The Old Testament is not contrary to the New: for both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to Mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and Man, being both God and Man. Wherefore they are not to be heard, which feign that the old Fathers did look only for transitory promises. Although the Law given from God by Moses, as touching Ceremonies and Rites, do not bind Christian men, nor the Civil precepts thereof ought of necessity to be received in any commonwealth; yet notwith-standing, no Christian man whatsoever is free from the obedience of the Commandments which are called Moral.

Christians as this article states that the laws that are moral should be followed completely and they are bound to us. These are the things which are good to be done and helpful to your fellow man

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

6 of 39

2008-02-26T17:24:00.000-08:00

Article VI

Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation.

Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scripture we do understand those canonical Books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church.

Of the Names and Number of the Canonical Books

Genesis,
Exodus,
Leviticus,
Numbers,
Deuteronomy,
Joshua,
Judges,
Ruth,

The First Book of Samuel,
The Second Book of Samuel,
The First Book of Kings,
The Second Book of Kings,
The First Book of Chronicles,
The Second Book of Chronicles,
The First Book of Esdras,
The Second Book of Esdras,

The Book of Esther ,
The Book of Job,
The Psalms,
The Proverbs,
Ecclesiastes or Preacher,
Cantica, or Songs of Solomon,
Four Prophets the greater,
Twelve Prophets the less.

And the other Books (as Hierome saith) the Church doth read for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet doth it not apply them to establish any doctrine; such are these following:

The Third Book of Esdras,
The Fourth Book of Esdras,
The Book of Tobias,
The Book of Judith,
The rest of the Book of Esther,
The Book of Wisdom,
Jesus the Son of Sirach,

Baruch the Prophet,
The Song of the Three Children,
The Story of Susanna,
Of Bel and the Dragon,
The Prayer of Manasses,
The First Book of Maccabees,
The Second Book of Maccabees.

All the Books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received,
we do receive, and account them Canonical.

We believe that the Holy Writ does have everything in it for salvation and that those book that are in the Bible as we have it today is just bring reaffirmed as correct. The book known as the in Protestant circles as the Apocrypha

1 Esdras
2 Esdras
Tobit
Judith
Additions to Esther
Wisdom of Solomon
Ecclesiasticus
Baruch
Epistle of Jeremiah
Song of the Three Children
Story of Susanna
Bel and the Dragon
Prayer of Manasseh
1 Maccabees
2 Maccabees

These books are not worthless they can be read from in church or personal life they help us see history or help in guiding our lives to live more Godly but we can not make doctrine with them.

Now these books that are called the Apocrypha that are in the Roman Catholic cannon

Tobit
Judith
Additions to Esther
Wisdom of Solomon
Ecclesiasticus
Baruch
Epistle of Jeremiah
Song of the Three Children
Story of Susanna
Bel and the Dragon

1 Maccabees
2 Maccabees

These from the Apocrypha are in the Greek Orthodox Cannon

1 Esdras

Tobit
Judith
Additions to Esther
Wisdom of Solomon
Ecclesiasticus
Baruch
Epistle of Jeremiah
Song of the Three Children
Story of Susanna
Bel and the Dragon
Prayer of Manasseh
1 Maccabees
2 Maccabees
3 Maccabees
4 Maccabees
Psalm 151

Now also let me make a note that these next writing are Apocryphal like for the New Testament and they are

1 and 2 Clement

Shepherd of Hermas

Didache

Epistle of Barnabas

Apocalypse of Peter

The Protevangelium of James

Third Epistle to the Corinthians

These books were accepted as good in the early church but not inspired and some almost made it into the cannon but because of the time they were written or because of uncertainness of content they were left out. I have read most of these and there is nothing unchristian in them. The only two I can not speak for is The Apocalypse of Peter and The Protevangelium of James

We should read those book that are good and do not defy the Holy Writ because they help us our live or show us what they church was doing then. So let these things give flavor to your faith, but the holy writ in its self is complete and good for all things.

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

5 of 39

2008-02-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

Article V

Of the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory, with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God.

This statement is correct to the west but those who look to the east for their theology. They would say this is incorrect and way is become something called the Filioque clause. The east says the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father, Where as the west says the Holy Spirit proceeds from Father and Son.

The history of the Clause came about by the franks and their king Charlemagne who forced this to be added into the Nicene Creed in 800’s the Pope of the time Pope Leo III forbade it but was forced to accept it later.

I myself refuse to say the clause for the historical reason of that it was not part of the original creed. So I do not think it right to use something that was changed by one or a few men. I will stand with what the Church said as a whole and that was the Nicene Creed without the Filioque cloause.

Now you have to make your decision after your study of this clause and its history, to say this clause or not.

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

4 of 39

2008-02-24T14:26:00.000-08:00

Article IV

Of the Resurrection of Christ.

Christ did truly rise again from death, and took again his body, with flesh, bones, and all things appertaining to the perfection of Man’s nature; wherewith he ascended into Heaven, and there sitteth, until he return to judge all Men at the last day.

This article is affirming the scriptures saying that Christ had a physical body he rose in. Let me make my point by pointing back to St. Thomas the Apostle he touched our Lord (John 20:27-29) so Christ could have been no less then in a physical body

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

So I am back!

2008-02-23T08:39:00.001-08:00

Well everyone I’m back!

I had to take sometime off and think a lot about some thing that are going on and also my school has picked up, but even though I haven’t really thought everything through completely I want to pick up writing again. This will be slow at first but there will be new posts coming.

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

3 of 39

2007-10-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

Article III

Of the going down of Christ into Hell

As Christ died for us, and was buried, so also is it to be believed, that he went down into Hell.

Jesus went the sheol or hell or the abode of the dead. A waiting place till judgment day and showed those waiting He came. So this article does not defy scripture, tradition, or the seven ecumenical councils.

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

2 of 39

2007-10-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

Article II

Of the Word or Son of God, which was made very Man

The Son, which is the Word of the Father, begotten from everlasting of the Father, the very and eternal God, and of one substance with the Father, took Man’s nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin, of her substance: so that two whole and perfect Natures, that is to say, the Godhead and Manhood, were joined together in one Person, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God, and very Man; who truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, to reconcile His Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for all actual sins of men.

This article has nothing out of the bounds of Scripture, church tradition, and the seven ecumenical councils.

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

1 of 39

2007-10-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

Article I

Of Faith in the Holy Trinity

There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts, or passions; of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the Maker, and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there be three Persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

This article has nothing wrong with it. The article complies with the scriptures, church history, and the seven ecumenical councils.

What is going on with me?

2007-09-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

hello to everyone who read this blog and enjoys it. I thanks you dearly but as it is right now im in school and work has be bogged down right now this si why I haven;t been writing as much. I hope soon to return to writing but till them keep me in your prayers.

quick thoughts

2007-09-09T20:57:00.001-07:00

These are some really quick thoughts about life and things going on. I would like to note its 12 am here and I have been working all day. I am looking into the Eastern Orthodox Church they have fascinated me with their theological purity. I still at the same time wish to fight the tide of liberalism coming into and already here that is in Anglicanism. The Lord will show me where He wishes me to be. I am sorry for not writing lately school started and my job has been working me a lot but I hope to start writing more soon.

May the Lord preserve us, my the Archangel Michel and Gabriel protect us, and my Mary, Patrick and the rest of the host of saints pray for us and the church.

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

Some more thoughts

2007-08-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

Well everyone I have learned may things over the past few days. My love for the family of Christ has grown but also has my convictions of the Catholic (as in old ways not roman) faith being the only true way that Christ started. Now knowing this I still find fellowship with Protestants even crazy ones. We need to show mercy and love to them because once they know who we really are they will hate us because they are taught to. Let us show them that the Catholic faith if lived out brings Christ’s life and light to the earth and can change the world. Let us show them that we have the light of Christ and His power.

So many thoughts

2007-07-28T03:48:00.000-07:00

I have just come across some old things in my old ways of Christianity (protestantism) and it has made me think about so much. I the type of person who runs off where God leads me and to listen to the true voice of God but at the same time I learn and know much about both sides (catholic vs protestant) but as of right now I ask myself why dose my heart go to modern worship that is more free and my mind stays at the liturgy. I find myself torn between what I feel and what I think. I know that the Catholic faith that is historical ( not roman rite) is correct but I seem to find and get uplifted in free worship and just at times hangout on the lake with some people with guitars and bongs things and sings to Christ and praying for each other and these two ways have torn my heart mind and heart in two different directions.

If anyone of you can comment me back and give me any help I would be greatly indebted to you.

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

Reformed Christianity V.S. True Christians

2007-07-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

I have just heard a web cast about Frank Beckwith returning to the Roman Catholic Church. This two reformed Christian’s ranted about how this man is a non believer and is lost and now destined for hell. It’s amazing how fast they turn on those who once were their own. These two men show their own ignorance by saying the church fathers can not be trusted and contradicted each other, any self respecting Christian knows that this isn’t the case, we don’t look at individuals father but the consensus of the whole. They think that what they believe was held before the 1500’s which I’m proud to say wasn’t and in many cases would have been condemned as heresy. But I find it funny that these two doing the condemning would have been the ones condemned by the early church. These two men’s Calvinism defines their theology; everything comes back to this stand point what a narrow view of the church that is to say if it could even be call the church. They read Calvinism into the world around them and also read Calvinism into the Holy Writ and there by making a new Gospel, which is been forbidden by the Holy Apostle Paul ( Gal 1:6-9). Now these two men use the reformation battle cries like there’s no tomorrow (Sola gratia, Sola fide, Sola scriptura, Solus Christus, and Soli Deo Gloria). Now I will agree that first, forth and fifth that they are Christian ideas, by Gods grace we come to Him and in Christ alone we are saved and God dose get all the glory. Now the second and third I have a problems with them, saying faith alone means nothing. Is not faith, believing? And is not believing a action? And is not an action, work? So our faith is a work that a Christian dose. The first one the person will do on there walk with Christ. Now on to the scriptures alone this is great folly because if we use the bible in its self with no outside understanding we can run ourselves into all kinds of heresy. Now let’s think. God let the first council of Nicaea put together the holy writ for us. So why would we say those men who by Gods grace put it together should not be read to understand it?

Now by this time I should say I’m not Roman Catholic and would show the fallen parts of the church but they still hold to elements of the Catholic faith. They need work which I pray the Archbishop of Rome will now do because he has a true heart of God. Now to be fair we Anglicans need a new Archbishop of Canterbury because he is now liberal, so as for us all we can do right now is continue in the old faith to the one holy and apostolic Church.

Now back on subject these two men called the doctrine of infusion a doctrine of Satan. Now please forgive me for going off right now. These two men have shown their own foolishness and heretical beliefs. Their Calvinism is their god, they are saved by election, so they aren’t even saved by faith. We as Catholics repent and confess our sins because we need to be forgiven for today’s sins also for we offend God daily and need to seek His mercy of forgiveness because we want our relationship to be fixed and healed. Where as the elect person in the Calvinistic since has to because he is elect and has no choice. What a scary place to be you’re kind of like a robot, no matter if want to or not you will have to because God says so. Now these beliefs of the reformed camp can not be truly defend by history, when one looks back at the early church fathers we see no coinciding beliefs as these reformed Christians have. So I would say to look back to the early church and show where you are coming from and why we Catholics are so wrong and totally lost.

†May the prayers of Jesus and St. Peter and Paul along with Mary and the rest of the saints bring Christ’s church together again as one. †

Written by: Allen Bailey Acolyte and Aspirant of the Anglican providence of America

Great martyrs

2007-07-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

Do not forget those who have died for us and what we have now. Let all the Anglicans never forget Thomas Crammer, Hugh Latimer, and Nicholas Ridley. These are our first martyrs after reclaiming what was ours to begin with and Rome took control of in the 500's. So after 1000 years of its oppression, we in the 1500's took our archbishopric back.

Thomas Crammer Archbishop of Canterbury

Hugh Latimer Bishop of Worcester

Nicholas Ridley Bishop of Rochester

New thoughts on old ways

2007-06-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

I have been looking in to the Eastern Orthodox Church lately and I have fallen more and more in love with it. Be it the writings of St. John of Damascus, learning of the icons, the Theotokos, how Mary became pure, the great writings of St. chrysostom or what have you. I have seen a great deal of the Eastern Church in Anglo- Catholics practice and as one priest told me "we are the western branch of the orthodox church" because much of our beliefs and views are the same. I have a even higher approach to Anglo-Catholicism now, basically I see things as the eastern orthodox church dose with some western thought here and there ( That may need to die we will see [laughs]). There will be more blogs to come on this progress and new thought.

Glory to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and may the Holy Mother pray for us. Let St. Michael and the host of angels guard us. Glorious St. Patrick pray for us along with the host of Saints.

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

why do they hate us so

2007-05-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

This is a sad thing I have come across in my web surfing it is a place called no way APA. Talk about hating your brothers these guys live it so much it seems that they put up a website. They still continue the website opposed to there bishops wishes. Now lets look at this if someone is willing to leave the Anglican church and go to the Presbyterians they have no understand of the historical faith of the father and there by the church, because they through out apostolic succession like it was nothing or ever existed. All of the things they call us out for has been done from the most ancient of times, so there by calling out heretics or what ever they have called the Fathers of the church this also, And where dose that leave them in there own faith with no history what a sad palace and dangerous place to be.

The mass

Justin Martyr

"God speaks by the mouth of Malachi, one of the twelve [minor prophets], as I said before, about the sacrifices at that time presented by you: ‘I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord, and I will not accept your sacrifices at your hands; for from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, my name has been glorified among the Gentiles, and in every place incense is offered to my name, and a pure offering, for my name is great among the Gentiles . . . [Mal. 1:10–11]. He then speaks of those Gentiles, namely us [Christians] who in every place offer sacrifices to him, that is, the bread of the Eucharist and also the cup of the Eucharist" (Dialogue with Trypho the Jew 41 [A.D. 155]).

penance

Ignatius of Antioch
"For as many as are of God and of Jesus Christ are also with the bishop. And as many as shall, in the exercise of penance, return into the unity of the Church, these, too, shall belong to God, that they may live according to Jesus Christ." (Letter to the Philadelphians 3 -- A.D. 110)

Saints praying for us

Clement of Alexandria
"In this way is he [the true Christian] always pure for prayer. He also prays in the society of angels, as being already of angelic rank, and he is never out of their holy keeping; and though he pray alone, he has the choir of the saints standing with him in prayer" (Miscellanies 7:12 [A.D. 208]).

ST. IRENAEUS OF LYONS

"So then, if the mixed cup and the manufactured bread receive the Word of God and become the Eucharist, that is to say, the Blood and Body of Christ, which fortify and build up the substance of our flesh, how can these people claim that the flesh is incapable of receiving God's gift of eternal life, when it is nourished by Christ's Blood and Body and is His member? As the blessed apostle says in his letter to the Ephesians, 'For we are members of His Body, of His flesh and of His bones' (Eph. 5:30). He is not talking about some kind of 'spiritual' and 'invisible' man, 'for a spirit does not have flesh an bones' (Lk. 24:39). No, he is talking of the organism possessed by a real human being, composed of flesh and nerves and bones. It is this which is nourished by the cup which is His Blood, and is fortified by the bread which is His Body. The stem of the vine takes root in the earth and eventually bears fruit, and 'the grain of wheat falls into the earth' (Jn. 12:24), dissolves, rises again, multiplied by the all-containing Spirit of God, and finally after skilled processing, is put to human use. These two then receive the Word of God and become the Eucharist, which is the Body and Blood of Christ."

-"Five Books on the Unmasking and Refutation of the Falsely 180A.D.

Now these are just some and when I say some its only once quote form one father there is so much more you can find if you would look with out a hate for those things catholic to the church.

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

The Easter of today.........

2007-04-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

I know it has been some time since I’ve written but school is ending and I had to write on this before it got even later.

Now I just got off of work and I came to my car and found this card on my car that says” shock your grandma go to church this Easter” with a picture of a shocked grandma on the side

Now let’s really think about this a gimmick to get people to come to church as if the Gospel of our Lord isn’t enough. I could never see St. Paul or Peter ever doing this as they walk into Rome. Telling the people that we will play around in church and have a sacrifice to some other gods just so you will please come in or don’t worry about changing your lives really just show up here and then worship what you will after you leave that’s ok.

Now if this wasn’t enough there’s more

Now here is what the back of the card said “Maybe you haven’t been to church in years! This Easter, why not try something surprisingly different. At The connection you’ll find a warm and friendly atmosphere with great music. Enjoy your favorite espresso or cappuccino while experiencing a practical and encouraging message. You’ll hear people just like you sharing how the message of Easter has helped their marriages, addictions, personal loneliness and much more. So whether or not your mom or grandma used to drag you to church, decide for yourself to stop in this Easter. You’ll be shocked how great church can be!”

I want to be completely honest this is a joke. I really don’t need to say anything about this it shows it’s self to be foolish but I will speak on it for the sake of those that believe this. Why is it that everyone wants to show how different they are then everyone else? Look over here this is exciting and fun lets go here and then that runs out and you move on to the next thing. The church is to be that standing and never changing entity, the church dose not change for the world but the world changes to the Church. Now next how is it that music is the biggest thing today look how loud we can be. Where has the reverence for Christ gone? This is no party, but a time to be thinking of Him who died for thee and someone tell me what is going on with the espresso and cappuccino during service all this is another protestant coffee bar talk show where is the worship of God. Then this thing end off on telling how everyone will be telling how great Jesus is and how He can fix your life and make you happy. What foolishness the Christian life is suffering and loss if not physical then the spiritual side will cause suffering. And then it tells how great church can be …….. why do we say things to grab people in with emotional things let appeal to peoples excitement and thrill this is something that I can never believe was done before the 1960’s if not later but this is again a poster child of the reformation, we do what we want and not man tells me what to do, all I need is my bible and God but this was so far from the true Church here is what St. Ignatius of Antioch says

“Since therefore I have, in the persons before mentioned, beheld the whole multitude of you in faith and love, I exhort you to study to do all things with a divine harmony, while your bishop presides in the place of God, and your presbyters in the place of the assembly of the apostles, along with your deacons, who are most dear to me, and are entrusted with the ministry of Jesus Christ. He, being begotten by the Father before the beginning of time, was God the Word, the only-begotten Son, and remains the same for ever; for "of His kingdom there shall be no end," says Daniel the prophet. Let us all therefore love one another in harmony, and let no one look upon his neighbor according to the flesh, but in Christ Jesus. Let nothing exist among you which may divide you; but be united with your bishop, being through him subject to God in Christ.

As therefore the Lord does nothing without the Father, for says He, "I can of mine own self do nothing," so do you, neither presbyter, nor deacon, nor layman, do anything without the bishop. Nor let anything appear commendable to you which is destitute of his approval. For every such thing is sinful, and opposed[to the will of] God. Come together into the same place for prayer. Let there be one common supplication, one mind, one hope, with faith unblameable in Christ Jesus, than which nothing is more excellent. Do you all, as one man, run together into the temple of God, as unto one altar, to one Jesus Christ, the High Priest of the unbegotten God.”

Do nothing without the Bishop but who cares this doesn’t mean anything. Anyone is a bishop well this isn’t true only those in the succession of the apostles passed on by the laying on of the hand from bishop to bishop is thus.

Cyprian of Carthage:

"[T]he Church is one, and as she is one, cannot be both within and without. For if she is with [the heretic] Novatian, she was not with Cornelius. But if she was with Cornelius, who succeeded the bishop [of Rome], Fabian, by lawful ordination, and whom, beside the honor of the priesthood the Lord glorified also with martyrdom, Novatian is not in the Church; nor can he be reckoned as a bishop, who, succeeding to no one, and despising the evangelical and apostolic tradition, sprang from himself. For he who has not been ordained in the Church can neither have nor hold to the Church in any way" (Letters 69[75]:3 [A.D. 253]).

So this is just one quote talking about apostolic succession from bishop to bishop and the part about priesthood to let you know before you flip out thinking you found a loop hole it is speaking of the priesthood of the clergy the right to do sacramental things just like the priesthood of the levities but they all didn’t do the same thing.

Lord never let the Catholic (continuing Anglicans, orthodox and Romans) Church fall into this. Lord let you people once again come back to the historical faith and way of the Fathers.

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

Easter is here

2007-04-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

Well everyone Easter is here let us think about our risen Lord Jesus and how we triumph in that, His resurrection.

O mystery great and glorious,
That mortal flesh should conquer death,
And all our human pains and wounds
The Lord should heal by bearing them.

Behold how man, though crushed by death,
Now does arise and live with Christ,
While death, repelled and robbed of might,
Dies from its own malignant sting.

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

St. Winifred

2007-03-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

Saint Winifred

Saint Winifred, whose actual name was Gwenfrewi, was a seventh-century Welsh nun. According to legend, she was the only child of noble parents; and was taught by the monk St. Beuno. Winifred decided to become a nun. But, one Sunday, alone at home, Winifred was the victim of attempted rape by Prince Caradog. Escaping, Winifred fled towards St. Beuno's church; but Prince Caradog caught her on the hillside, and cut off her head. St. Beuno cursed the unrepentant Caradog, who melted away. Then he replaced Winifred's head, prayed over her - and the girl was restored to life. She became a nun, and became Abbess of Gwytherin and died there fifteen years after her miraculous restoration to life., Her grave there was a place of pilgrimage until her body was taken to Shrewsbury in 1138.

Hollywell did not forget its saint. Where her head fell, legend says, a spring of healing water broke forth. Here, after her resurrection, Winifred sat with Beuno on the stone still called by his name. Here he told her that anyone seeking help through her prayers at that spot would find it. And from that day to this, people have visited St Winifred's holy well on pilgrimage.

Winifred is more than a legend. Her 'Life' was not recorded until the twelfth century; but earlier evidence to the central core of truth in the legend has survived, in material unknown to the medieval authors. Winifred was related to the Powysian royal family. St. Beuno was actually her uncle; and St Tenoi, whom she succeeded as abbess at Gwytherin, her great-aunt. These familial relationships place Winifred firmly within the Welsh historical tradition. Most revealingly, she had a brother Owain, who killed Caradog in revenge: indicating that, whatever the exact truth of her death-and-resurrection legend, it does have a basis in historical fact.

And recently a fragment of an eighth-century reliquary from Gwytherin, the Arch Gwenfrewi (Winifred's Casket), was found, witnessing her status as a recognised saint almost from the moment of her death, c.650 - the earliest such surviving evidence for any Welsh saint.

Her feast day is November 3rd

Meaning of her name: friend of peace (celtic/gaelic)

Patron saint of: Incest victims; martyrs; Shrewsbury, England

Lived from: 600A.D. to 655 A.D.

Born in: Hollywell, Wales

This is her reading from Old Sarum Rite Missal

Virgo Vernans
Sequentia for Saint Winifred

A virgin flourishing as the rose,
The comely bride of Him Who is the Lamb,
As the precious martyr of Christ,
Hath Winifred richly blossomed.

Sprung from the stock of Britons,
Unshakable in faith, joyful in hope,
Holy in deeds, and pure of mind,
She was free of this world's deceptions.

This virgin was slain by Caradoc,
And immediately the pit of Orcus hell swallowed him up.
For that is the place for the wicked,
And there with Satan he is burning.

In demonstrating proof of this happening,
A fountain welleth up at the bidding of God,
In the likeness of crimson reddening,
Where she was deprived of her head.

There many miracles are performed;
The blind see, and the dumb are given speech,
All manner of disease is put to flight,
When those who ask have faith.

O Winifred, our glorious lady,
Calm for us the billows of the sea,
Lest we become the ready prey of the enemy,
O compassionate one, afford us thy protection. Amen.

St. Patrick

2007-03-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

Today is St. Patrick’s day let us remember one of the greatest saints to ever live. He was born in 387 and died in 493. His grandfather was a priest and his father was a deacon. When about the age of 16 he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland and sold as a slave, he did work as a shepherd and after some time came to except Christ. He learned the Gallic langue while in Ireland also. God gave him a dream that it was time to leave and he escaped and walked across the land of Ireland and came to s fleet leaving and asked if he could go. The sailors said no but they figured out he was slave and recaptured him to work for them.

The ship was wrecked and they were stranded in a land they did not know they were going to starve and told young St. Patrick to “pray to his god to save them” so he did and God sent a heard of boars to them and they killed them and ate. Then the men told St. Patrick “they were sorry for jesting about his god Jesus and that they would let him go once they found a new ship” well they came to believe in Jesus over time and accept Him as Lord. St. Patrick got to England and started to study to become a priest he felt God calling him back to Ireland and in a dream he heard the Irish people saying “ we beg you, young man, come and walk among us again.” he became a deacon and a priest later. He was ordained Bishop of Ireland after some hard times.

He at after landing in Ireland changed the land and had Kings, druid priest and normal Irish people come to the saving grace of Christ. He established a thriving church in Ireland that had its own bishops, priests, and deacon. the Celtics had their own liturgy also. All of this because of this great Saint.

By: Allen Bailey aspirant of the Anglican province of America

Let us bring back the power of the Church

2007-03-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

This is a call to all Catholics (Anglican. Orthodox, and Roman) brothers we need to return to being one body, that body that was of old. We need to obey Christ’s pray, where He said in John 17:20- 23 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will^[e] believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” With this we see that He called us to be one, but yet brothers we are set apart dose our Lord want this? Of course not! We see the power of the church in the past, when it was united. The first three hundred year were of great saints and martyrs who with there blood and lives built the Church, but because of are petty differences we are willing to disobey Christ and not unite under Christ and work out the differences in councils. The thought that there hasn’t been a true ecumenical council in over a thousand years pains my heart and I am just a man, how dose our Lord feel?

To those of the Latin rite I speak now to you about the one you call Pope, yes he has the right to be first among equals. The first among the six great patriarchies (Rome, Constantinople, Canterbury, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem) but to clam infallibility is going to far, being just a man you put yourself to high and also the five other patriarchies disagree with this statement of the roman church. So in that you have stepped outside of the rest of the body. So to you I say that you need to get back in line with the church, and lower your position back to where it was granted to you. Along with that both Anglicans and Orthodox allow there priest’s to marry, so I would say to rethink your stand point on that because again the rest of the church has said it is fine for there priest’s to marry .Also another thing to think about is purgatory again the rest of the church doses not stand on this. I would also say take the advice of the five other equals you have around you.

My eastern Orthodox brothers the only thing I have right now to say about you is that your churches are too focused on the there ethnicity then the fellowship and acceptance of Gods people. I would urge you to look from where you are from and look to the bigger picture of the church.

To my own now you Anglicans I call you out, those who have departed from the ancient faith of our fathers. Women are not to be ordained in to any office of the church. Now Didascalia said this “For it is not to teach that you women . . . are appointed. . . . For he, God the Lord, Jesus Christ our Teacher, sent us, the twelve [apostles], out to teach the [chosen] people and the pagans. But there were female disciples among us: Mary of Magdala, Mary the daughter of Jacob, and the other Mary; he did not, however, send them out with us to teach the people. For, if it had been necessary that women should teach, then our Teacher would have directed them to instruct along with us.” He said this in 225A.D. So we see that women are not to be part of the clergy and there has been many more that are against this and by many I mean all orthodox believers. This is the council of laodiceas ecumenical council decree
"[T]he so-called ‘presbyteresses’ or ‘presidentesses’ are not to be ordained in the Church.”Now we see the church as a whole has said it is wrong to have woman in any clergy order, so I would say reform yourselves and join back with orthodoxy. The Latin and Eastern churches have said it is wrong to have women clergy, you need to listen to the rest of the church, and you’re five other equal brothers. I have heard that you Archbishop of Canterbury are part of druidism and if this is true I need no defense you are outside what the churches allows. I beg you my grace repent from your ways and lead the Anglican Church to her former glory. I as of right now do not care about the Episcopal church of America, You have a female archbishop, female clergy, and ordain homosexuals into clergy offices instead of having them repent of their ways and change their lives. As of now you stand condemned by your own actions according to Holy Scripture, the Churches decrees through history and the Church today. I tell you repent and change your ways so that your churches may be salvaged and rejoin the whole body.

Now last Protestants I am telling you the Reformation is over. The things your father’s hated are no longer there in some of the catholic faiths; you could join the Anglican Church and be in line with the fathers of the church or the Eastern Orthodox. There is no need to go to Rome if you hate it that bad, but I will let you know the beliefs you hold are not proven in history, be it believer only baptism, immersion only, only two clergy offices, there is no sacramental things or churches being independent of each other what ever your clam to Protestantism is. It can be disprove by history and if you feel like saying history is wrong then you have destroyed your own faith and have made it that there is no such things as orthodoxy in the church and it is all one big cult and people can believe whatever and it is ok and no one is wrong. If you want to say the Bible says well the Bible was established by a church council and you’re relaying on history, so if you want to use one part you have to use it all or be inconsistent.

To end with this is a cry to the church let us be one as Christ has prayed let us find a way to unite in body and voice so we can shake the world once again as be did in the days of old.

Written by:

Allen Bailey; aspirant of the Anglican province of America

St. Patricks breastplate

2007-03-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through the belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.

I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with his baptism,
Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial,
Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension,
Through the strength of his descent for the judgment of Doom.

I arise today
Through the strength of the love of Cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In prayers of patriarchs,
In predictions of prophets,
In preaching of apostles,
In faith of confessors,
In innocence of holy virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptations of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in multitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.

Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness,
Of the Creator of Creation.
Salvation is of the Lord
Salvation is of the Lord
Salvation is of Christ
May thy Salvation, O Lord, be ever with us