This document outlines the ecclesiastical lineage and apostolic succession of the Orthodox Church of the Culdees (OCC), affirming its canonical foundation, legitimacy, and connection to the early Celtic Christian Church of the British Isles.
Historical and Apostolic Foundations
St. Aristobulus: First Bishop of Britain, consecrated by St. Andrew. Recognized by both Eastern and Western traditions.
St. Joseph of Arimathea: Sent by St. Philip to Glastonbury in 60 AD; foundational to British Christianity.
St. Simon Zelotes: Martyred in Britain; key early missionary figure.
St. James the Just: Bishop of Jerusalem, documented visitor to Britain; consecrated bishops and missionaries.
St. David of Wales: Consecrated by the Archbishop of Jerusalem; represents a recognized Eastern connection to the Celtic Church.
Canonical Recognition
The legitimacy of American Orthodox jurisdictions outside patriarchal seats has been affirmed by various canonical Eastern bishops, including:
“After carefully studying the various documents placed at their disposal, we were pleased to declare your episcopal ordinations as valid and canonical for the existent conditions in America.”
—His Beatitude Nicholas VI, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria (1968–1986)
Hereditary Succession through Glastonbury
The modern OCC is heir to the spiritual and hereditary line of Lord Prior John Nott, protector of Glastonbury following the Dissolution of the Abbeys. This line includes ecclesiastical leadership continuing in America through:
John Nott (Lord Prior, 1556 Charter from Queen Mary)
John Nott III (1585)
Rep. John Nott – Founder of Glastonbury, Connecticut
Generational succession through the Nott family to Bishop Dr. Stephen MK Nott-Brunswick
Modern Succession Timeline (1981–2020)
1981–1999: Under Bishop Leroy Crouch and Pastor Boyle
1999: Ordination of +Stephen as Priest
2003–2004: Episcopal Consecration by Bishops Wesley Perkins and Lesley Boyle
2011: Consecration as Prior at Gibeon (Jerusalem) during Holy Communion, Feast of Passover
2015: Co-consecration by three Orthodox Archbishops
2020: Formalization of the OCC Trust, consolidation of inheritance