Presiding Metropolitan
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, One God. Amen.
To the Venerable Hierarchs, Reverend Clergy, Monastics, and Christ-loving Faithful of the Holy Orthodox Archdiocese of America, grace, peace, and every blessing in the Lord!
It is with ineffable joy and profound gratitude to Almighty God that we commend to you the Most Reverend Rogelio E. Cruz, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Orthodox Archdiocese of America, President of the Holy Synod, and Locum Tenens Metropolitan of the American Archdiocese. By the good pleasure of the All-Holy Spirit and at the behest of the Sacred Synod, His Eminence was elected and enthroned on the Sunday of Saint John Climacus, the 21st day of April in the Year of our Lord 2024, a most fitting occasion for a hierarch who ascends the episcopal throne as one who has ascended the ladder of virtue, pastoral prudence, and unshakable fidelity to the Apostolic Tradition.
A son of the Philippines, raised in piety within the bosom of the venerable Roman Church, our father in Christ, Metropolitan Rogelio, was formed in the discipline of the Latin Fathers, receiving his early theological formation in the Roman Seminary. Answering the divine call to Holy Orders, he first ministered within the Independent Catholic Church of the Philippines, where his zeal for the Gospel and the salvation of souls became manifest. He labored tirelessly in the establishment of missions, strengthening the hands of the weak and restoring the fallen, rescuing parishes from the snares of leftist apostasy and the insidious influences of occultism. Through his guidance, many communities found refuge in the sure and unshaken rock of Holy Orthodoxy, wherein the fullness of Apostolic Faith flourishes unblemished.
A Benedictine Monk in habit and heart, a jurist of precision and justice, a pedagogue of wisdom, and a cultivator of both the earth and of souls, His Eminence is not merely a hierarch in dignity but a man of the people, walking in the footsteps of the Holy Shepherds of old, who bore upon themselves the burdens of their flock. As one who treads the royal path between zeal and wisdom, he has taken upon himself the mantle of leadership at a time when our Archdiocese faced moral and disciplinary tribulations, standing in the breach with the rod of righteousness and the staff of mercy.
On the 21st day of April in the Year of our Lord 2024, the sacred liturgy of enthronement was celebrated for His Eminence, Metropolitan Rogelio of Manila and Luzon, as the Primate of the Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church in the Philippines. Before the gathered faithful, clergy, and hierarchs, he expounded a luminous vision for the future of the Church, firmly rooted in the Apostolic deposit and invigorated by the Holy Spirit. In his archpastoral address, he declared:
“Our path forward is the ancient path, trodden by the Holy Fathers and Confessors, illumined by the light of Holy Tradition. We shall renew our spiritual life, deepen our engagement with the divine mysteries, and restore the sacred bond between the altar and the people. Our communities shall shine as beacons of faith, where education, charity, and mission shall flourish as the fruits of a tree deeply planted in the Orthodox soil. The Church is not an institution of men but the Ark of Salvation, and by the grace of God, we shall steer her with wisdom, courage, and unwavering fidelity to the truth.”
In accordance with his archpastoral vision, His Eminence has called for:
- Spiritual Renewal and Commitment – Strengthening the interior life of the faithful through fervent prayer, fasting, and sacramental participation, so that our communities may be set aflame with divine grace.
- Community Engagement – Expanding outreach programs to address the spiritual and material needs of the people, fostering a culture of Christian charity and service.
- Educational Initiatives – Establishing rigorous catechetical programs, enhancing theological formation for clergy and laity alike, ensuring that the treasures of Holy Tradition are firmly rooted in the hearts of the faithful.
- Expansion and Mission Work – Planting new parishes, revitalizing struggling communities, and laboring unceasingly for the spread of Orthodoxy throughout the Philippines and beyond.
- Administrative Reforms – Strengthening ecclesiastical governance through transparency, accountability, and canonical order, so that the Church may be built upon the firm foundation of justice and righteousness.
As we look forward with hope and resolve, we beseech the Most Holy Theotokos, the Saints, and the Choirs of Heaven to intercede for our Father and Chief Shepherd, that his labors may be blessed a hundredfold, and that under his wise and morally steadfast leadership, the Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Church in the Philippines may flourish unto the ages.
May the Lord God grant to His Eminence, our Father and Metropolitan, many years in peace, safety, honor, and health, rightly dividing the word of truth! Many years, Master!
To the Most Holy and Consubstantial Trinity be all glory, honor, and dominion, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Synod
The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Presiding Metropolitan and Archbishop: His Eminence, The Most Reverend Rogelio (Cruz) of Manila
Presiding Metropolitan, Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church in the Philippines
The Orthodox Metropolia of Manila and Luzon
His Eminence, Metropolitan Rogelio, is a dedicated hierarch, theologian, and servant of Christ’s flock. Educated at Our Lady of the Angels Franciscan Seminary, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with a Major in Pastoral Ministry and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Entrepreneurship from the Philippine Cambridge School of Law, Arts, Sciences, and Technology. A tireless advocate for the poorest communities, he currently shepherds three active congregations, including the Orthodox Episcopal Parish of Jesus the Good Shepherd in Molino IV Bacoor City, Cavite. Elevated to the Metropolitanate on April 21, 2024, he has undertaken the sacred mission of strengthening the Orthodox witness in the Philippines through rigorous pastoral care, doctrinal integrity, and evangelistic outreach to marginalized and unchurched communities.
The Right Reverend Aries Aguilan (Antipolo)
Suffragan Bishop and Exarch, Archepiscopal Diocese of Manila and Luzon
Born in 1980 and raised in a devout Roman Catholic family in the Bicol region, Bishop Aries pursued his priestly formation in the Diocesan Seminary of the Holy Trinity within the Archdiocese of Nueva Caceres. He holds degrees in theology, pastoral ministry, and secondary education, majoring in Filipino Language. Originally from a continuing Anglican background, he was received into full communion with Orthodoxy by Metropolitan Rogelio in 2024. He now leads the Anglican Vicariate of the Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church in the Philippines, overseeing the Pro-Cathedral Parish of St. Roche, the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima, and the Church of God the Father in Antipolo City and San Mateo, Rizal. Additionally, he serves as a military chaplain in the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the rank of Army Major.
The Right Reverend Dr. Joseph (Boyd), Ph.D.
Archbishop and Chief Missioner in the Missionary Diocese of East and Southeast Asia, Secretary of the Holy Synod
Archbishop Joseph holds an M.A. in Orthodox Theology from Balamand University and doctorates in Leadership and Management, Psychology, and currently studies Greek and Eastern Orthodox Theology at the Pavel Florensky School of Orthodox Theology at Euclid University. A seasoned church planter, he has faithfully pastored for over 21 years, founding eight churches and ministries while raising his eight children alongside his wife of 22 years. As Chief Missioner, he directs initiatives for ecclesiastical expansion, evangelization, and pastoral development within the Holy Synod.
The Right Reverend Jamil (Willis)
Bishop of the Greater Chicago and Northern Indiana Diocese
A devoted pastor and missionary for the last 18 years, Bishop Jamil is deeply engaged in faith-based addiction recovery and inner-city ministry. Married for 24 years and father to six, he is currently pursuing licensure as a psychotherapist and counselor to enhance his pastoral care. His mission focuses on creating biblically-grounded communities that serve as healing centers for the suffering and marginalized, ensuring the Church reaches those most in need.
The Right Reverend Chorbishop Philip (Clayton)
Chorbishop of the Missionary Diocese of Raleigh and the Carolinas and Chancellor of the Orthodox Archdiocese of America
With theological training spanning Evangelical, Holiness, and Eastern Orthodox traditions, Chorbishop Philip has served as both a pastor and an emergency medical professional for nine years. Founder of St. Augustine of Canterbury Western Orthodox Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, he shepherds a growing Orthodox community. Married for 14 years and father of four, his administrative expertise aids in the structural and legal governance of the Archdiocese.
The Right Reverend Chorbishop Paul (Molina), Th.D.
Chorbishop in the Missionary Diocese of East & Southeast Asia, Suffragan Bishop of Cebu and the Philippines
Born to a Roman Catholic-Evangelical family with roots in the Philippines and China, Chorbishop Paul was raised in SE Asia, developing a passion for cross-cultural ministry. A linguist and theologian, he pursued studies in Catholic, Union, and Orthodox institutions before embracing Orthodoxy in 2011. Ordained during the COVID-19 pandemic, he pioneered Western-rite Orthodox missions in Cebu. Elevated to Chorbishop in 2023, he now oversees pastoral formation, bilingual liturgical development, and mission expansion in East and Southeast Asia. Residing at Bishopsgarth with his wife, daughter, and parish cat, he remains committed to the Church’s apostolic witness.
The Right Reverend Gregory, D.Div.
Missionary Diocese of Great Britain and Vicar Bishop of the Anglican Vicariate
Originally from the United Kingdom, he holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, a BA in Law and European Studies, a Certificate in Education, a Doctor of Divinity from St. Charles University (Honoris Causa Consecrationis), and a Diploma in Counselling. His academic journey has also taken him to Paris and Bulgaria, and he is fluent in French and Russian. Serving as a Bishop since 2022 in the Orthodox Archdiocese’s Missionary Diocese, Bishop Gregory brings his diverse background in education, pastoral counseling, and administration to his ministry. His vision is to integrate his experience in Great Britain and the Far East to foster excellence in theological education, pastoral care, and cross-cultural mission, strengthening the Church’s witness in an increasingly globalized world.
This distinguished assembly of hierarchs, under the wise and unwavering leadership of our Presiding Metropolitan Rogelio, stands as a beacon of unity, discipline, and missionary zeal. Together, they labor for the edification of the Orthodox faithful, the conversion of seekers, and the steadfast preservation of apostolic tradition in our contemporary age.
Apostolic Administrators
The Very Reverend Martin King Njenga
Apostolic Administrator for the Missionary District of Africa
By the grace of God and the blessing of the Holy Synod, the Very Reverend Martin King Njenga has been appointed as the Apostolic Administrator for the Missionary District of Africa. A priest of deep pastoral commitment and missionary zeal, he has labored tirelessly to bring the light of Orthodoxy to the African continent.
With extensive experience in pastoral care, theological instruction, and spiritual formation, Father Martin has been instrumental in strengthening and expanding our ecclesiastical presence in Africa. His ministry is marked by a profound dedication to the care of souls, particularly among the faithful who seek a deeper connection to the apostolic tradition.
As Apostolic Administrator, he is entrusted with the oversight of missions, clergy formation, and the pastoral governance of the Church in the region. May the Lord grant him wisdom and strength in his service, that the Orthodox witness in Africa may flourish to the glory of God.
Vision
The Most Holy Orthodox Archdiocese of America stands as a beacon of the ancient and unbroken Apostolic Faith, wherein the sacred liturgical and theological patrimony of both East and West is preserved in its fullness. Enshrined within our divine worship is the venerable Liturgy of Saint James, the Brother of the Lord, a most ancient and apostolic rite that embodies the pure and unadulterated worship of the primitive Church, predating the divisions of Christendom and bearing unbroken witness to the faith once delivered unto the saints.
Firmly established upon the unshakable foundation of the Seven Holy and Ecumenical Councils, we hold fast to the Orthodox and Apostolic doctrine, maintaining the integrity of the canonical succession received from the Ancient and Patriarchal Sees of Alexandria and Antioch. In steadfast fidelity to the Holy Tradition, we reject all theological innovations, while simultaneously embracing the cultural and pastoral treasures of the English Christian Patrimony. We honor the theological and spiritual heritage of the Caroline Divines and Nonjuring Fathers, recalling with reverence the sacred covenant established through the Concordat with the Holy Patriarchate of Jerusalem, a testament to our unwavering commitment to the faith of the Undivided Church.
Within the Holy Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Word of God, the sacred Mysteries, and the call to holiness form the beating heart of our ecclesial life. Our mission is none other than the transfiguration of the world through the sanctifying grace of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, that all may be drawn into the fullness of His Holy Church and partake of the divine life to which we are called.