A Canonical Home for Ministers, Congregations and Independent Churches
The Orthodox Church of the Culdees (OCC) provides a path of ecclesiastical fellowship, ordination, incardination, and Orthodox re-integration for Christian ministers and congregations seeking to continue their calling within a traditional Christian communion.
Throughout Christian history, ministers and congregations have faced difficult decisions when their governing church bodies have departed from doctrines, worship, or ecclesiastical practices they conscientiously believe to be essential to the historic faith.
Some find themselves without an appropriate ecclesiastical jurisdiction. Others lead independent congregations or ministries that desire greater accountability, recognized ministerial standing, and fellowship with a wider body of churches.
The OCC seeks to provide an ecclesiastical home for those wishing to preserve their ministry, uphold the historic faith, and continue serving their communities.
Our Ecclesiastical Mission
The Orthodox Church of the Culdees maintains an ecclesiastical structure intended to support the continuity of Christian ministry, the administration of the sacraments, traditional liturgical worship, and the oversight of clergy and congregations.
Through its bishops and Holy Synod, the Church considers applications for ministerial affiliation, ordination, incardination, recognition of existing orders, and the reception of congregations into communion.
Our purpose is not merely to provide credentials. It is to foster an enduring fellowship of ministers and assemblies committed to Scripture, traditional Christian doctrine, pastoral responsibility, and the life of the Church.
Paths to Ecclesiastical Fellowship
Incardination and Reception of Existing Clergy
Ministers who have already received ordination but no longer have an appropriate ecclesiastical home may inquire about incardination or reception into the OCC.
Existing orders, ministerial history, theological formation, and ecclesiastical circumstances are reviewed individually. Reception is subject to the Church’s doctrinal and canonical requirements and the appropriate ecclesiastical authorities.
Ordination and Holy Orders
Men who discern a calling to ordained ministry may apply for consideration under the OCC’s standards for theological preparation, moral character, Christian conduct, and pastoral service.
Candidates may be required to complete a period of study, examination, supervised ministry, and probationary authorization before ordination is considered.
Ordination is a sacred responsibility, not simply an administrative appointment.
Congregations and Independent Ministries
Independent churches, congregations, fellowships, and ministries seeking ecclesiastical affiliation may inquire about joining the OCC’s communion.
This may include congregations whose previous denominational relationships have ended, churches seeking traditional Orthodox oversight, and emerging assemblies requiring pastoral and ecclesiastical support.
The Church considers each congregation’s history, leadership, doctrine, worship, and circumstances before determining an appropriate path toward fellowship or reception.
Apostolic Succession and Holy Orders
The OCC understands its ministry within the historical Culdee and Orthodox Christian tradition and maintains ecclesiastical succession claims associated with its Culdee heritage and additional lines received through bishops of the Russian True Orthodox and Catacomb Church traditions.
The Church’s understanding of apostolic succession, episcopal authority, and its historical claims are addressed in its theological and historical publications.
Explore Our Articles on Apostolic Succession
Within the OCC, ecclesiastical offices include deacons, priests, bishops, archbishops, and other offices or commissions established according to the Church’s order and needs.
The Holy Synod provides oversight concerning ecclesiastical appointments, ordinations, consecrations, and the reception of clergy and congregations.
Doctrine, Worship and Ministerial Responsibility
Applicants are expected to uphold the authority of Holy Scripture, the Church’s confession of faith, its traditional moral teachings, and its standards of Christian worship and pastoral conduct.
The OCC emphasizes the preservation of traditional liturgy, the proper administration of the sacraments, the observance of the biblical Sabbath, and participation in the Church’s appointed assemblies and festivals.
Ministers are expected to demonstrate sound doctrine, good moral character, faithfulness in their calling, and willingness to exercise their ministry under appropriate ecclesiastical accountability.
The scriptural qualifications for ordained ministry, including those described in 1 Timothy 3 and 2 Timothy 2, remain central to the consideration of candidates.
Support for Ministers and Local Assemblies
The OCC seeks to assist affiliated ministers and congregations with the practical and spiritual responsibilities of church life, including traditional worship, pastoral organization, ecclesiastical guidance, religious instruction, and the establishment of local assemblies.
The Church also encourages fellowship through weekly Sabbath observance, congregational gatherings, Agape Feasts, and annual religious assemblies.
The precise form of assistance depends upon the circumstances and resources of the Church and its affiliated ministries.
How to Begin the Application Process
Ministers and congregations interested in ordination, incardination, ecclesiastical affiliation, or Orthodox re-integration are invited to make an initial inquiry.
Please include your name, current or former church affiliation, ministerial background, theological education, existing ordination credentials where applicable, and a brief explanation of the ecclesiastical assistance being sought.
Send your CV or ministerial résumé to:
All applications are subject to review. Submission of an inquiry does not guarantee ordination, incardination, or reception into communion.
Further Reading
The Celtic Orthodox Church and Orthodox Church of the Culdees
A Short History of the Orthodox Church of the Culdees and Our Reestablishment