About the Orthodox Church of the Culdees

The Celtic Orthodox Christian Tradition

The Orthodox Church of the Culdees (OCC) is a Christian church and ecclesiastical communion devoted to the preservation, restoration, and teaching of the Celtic Orthodox tradition, with particular emphasis on the historic Christian heritage of Britain, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the wider Celtic world.

Our ministry draws upon the history of the early Celtic Church, its saints and missionaries, its monastic and scholarly traditions, and its biblical, sacramental, and liturgical inheritance.

For over 25 years, our work has included theological teaching, historical research, religious publications, worship, the preservation of Christian literature, and the development of ecclesiastical fellowship among ministers and congregations.

Our Faith and Mission

The Orthodox Church of the Culdees seeks to uphold the historic Christian faith as understood within our Culdee tradition, emphasizing the authority of Holy Scripture, the early Christian creeds, apostolic succession, the sacraments, the biblical Sabbath, Christian family life, traditional worship, and the teachings of the early Church.

Our mission includes preserving and making available historical and theological works, advancing religious education, supporting Christian fellowship, and encouraging the study of Celtic Christianity and its relationship to the wider history of Christendom.

We also maintain an interest in the historical ecclesiastical institutions, customs, and religious liberties of the Celtic Christian peoples.

Communion and Inter-Communion

The Orthodox Church of the Culdees maintains an ecclesiastical communion that welcomes fellowship with other Christian ministers, congregations, and jurisdictions committed to historic Orthodox faith and sacramental practice.

Our understanding of orthodoxy recognizes a breadth of legitimate Christian traditions while maintaining essential foundations of the historic Church, including the reception of the early Ecumenical Councils, the administration of the sacraments, and apostolic succession.

The OCC distinguishes between inter-communion and full ecclesiastical communion.

Inter-communion is practiced in a broad sense with Christian bodies that maintain the traditional discipline of Holy Communion, including baptism, confirmation, repentance, confession of faith, and proper preparation for participation in the sacraments.

Full communion involves a closer and formally recognized ecclesiastical relationship. It is established through the Church’s process of certification and requires agreement with the OCC’s sacramental and ecclesiastical standards, including provision for the fuller cycle of traditional observances, such as Saturday liturgies and the seven biblical annual holy days, where ministers and congregational circumstances permit.

Through these relationships, the Church seeks to preserve unity in essential matters of faith while recognizing legitimate diversity in liturgical customs and local ecclesiastical traditions.

The OCC also maintains relationships and historical connections with other Celtic Culdee and Orthodox Christian jurisdictions, as described in our Communion and Inter-Communion resources.

Clergy, Congregations and Ecclesiastical Fellowship

As an ecclesiastical communion, the OCC provides a path for ministers and congregations seeking a traditional Christian jurisdiction, particularly those who have become separated from former church bodies for reasons of doctrine, conscience, or ecclesiastical discipline.

Through its bishops and Holy Synod, the Church considers applications for ordination, incardination, reception of existing clergy, ecclesiastical affiliation, and the integration of independent congregations and ministries into its communion.

Our purpose is to support the continuity of Christian ministry, uphold traditional doctrine and worship, and provide an ecclesiastical home for clergy and congregations seeking fellowship and accountability within the Culdee Orthodox tradition.

Ordination, Incardination and Orthodox Re-integration

Discover the Celtic Orthodox Church

For readers beginning their study of Celtic Christianity, our introductory guide explores the origins, history, saints, traditions, and legacy of the historic Celtic Church, together with the theological and ecclesiastical identity of the Orthodox Church of the Culdees.

The Celtic Orthodox Church and Orthodox Church of the Culdees

Our History and Reestablishment

Our church’s historical writings explore the Culdee tradition, the early British Church, Glastonbury, ecclesiastical succession, and the modern reestablishment of the Orthodox Church of the Culdees.

These studies provide a broader account of the Church’s understanding of its historical inheritance and continuing ecclesiastical mission.

A Short History of the Orthodox Church of the Culdees and Our Reestablishment

Scholarship, Worship and Publications

Through CelticOrthodoxy.com, the Church provides access to theological articles, historical studies, religious literature, liturgical resources, and educational materials concerning the Celtic Christian heritage.

Our work seeks to make these resources available for the continuing instruction of clergy, congregations, scholars, and interested readers.

We welcome those who wish to learn more about the Celtic Orthodox tradition, explore our publications, participate in Christian fellowship, or inquire about ecclesiastical affiliation with the Orthodox Church of the Culdees.