WHO
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ARE
WHERE
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Hence, Father Antonio de Rosso who served the Orthodox Church in Italy under the Greek administration spoke on behalf of the Orthodox Christians of Italy wanting services in Italian. This was met with much resistance, thus appealing also to the Slav administration of the Church in Italy, both administrations reached a consensus; It is time for Italy to have its own bishops! Hence Father Antonio de Rosso (1991-2009AD) was consecrated Bishop of Rome as was Linus, and Father Basilio Miceli (1995AD -) who served the Church under the Slav administration was consecrated Bishop of Lazio as was Cletus.
In Ecclesial Terms our APOSTOLIC SUCESSION comes from the ELDER SEE OF ROME which ORTHODOXY ALWAYS HAD however tarnished! Thus for this very reason, the Elder See of Rome (LINUS 67-76AD, CLETUS 67-76AD, and CLEMEMT 88-97AD) ordained/consecrated by the Apostles Peter and Paul became overrun by national orthodoxy (Greek/Slav) and its Italian (Roman) heritage was hijacked and has been for centuries! It was not until an Italian orthodox cleric had the faith, courage, and determination to voice the concerns of Italian families who continued the linage of the Ancient Faith; desiring the services in their own mother tongue according to the traditions they always had and kept!
My kingdom is not of this world, if my kingdom was an earthly empire, my people would have fought for me and I would not be here, nor would I have been handed over to the presbyteral college – my kingdom is not earthbound! (John 18:36)
Therefore, the Grace of Autonomy is given to a newly established canonical (lawful) Church present in the diaspora only after a period of growth; proving to be a fruitful branch of the vine! Thus, each presbyter regardless of rank is called to be a Disciple (commissioned by their bishop): given the keys (HUMILITY) of the kingdom in order to bind and loose – the call to serve, love, safeguard and embrace; rendering wholeness amongst broken and wounded humanity. After all, if humility is the key to the kingdom, then we must become like children in order to acquire the promise to come!
Furthermore, the high presbyters (Apostles) later known as bishops are the ones called to bring unity amongst the Church; remembering that they are SHEPHERDS not LORDS! Each bishop has the right to administer justice in overseeing the affairs of his flock – remembering that he is not CHIEF amongst others, but a BROTHER amongst his rank! For the Lord reminded his own that such behaviour of superiority must not happen amongst them for He (Jesus) alone is the Authority of his Church!
