Newsletter by Dr Stephen MK Brunswick

Racemixing = 500% increase in breast cancer!

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:17:08 GMT

Our Analysis Models a 472% Increase in Breast Cancer Incidence: Why More Research Into Genetic Ancestry Is Long Overdue

How a little-studied area of genetics raises questions that deserve far more scientific attention.

One of the responsibilities of a free society is to ask difficult questions without fear of where the evidence may lead. Science advances by investigating unanswered questions—not by assuming certain topics are too controversial to examine.

Over the past several days, I set out to answer what I thought would be a straightforward question:

Has anyone seriously studied whether detailed genetic ancestry or multiracial ancestry influences disease susceptibility?

To my surprise, I repeatedly encountered the same answer throughout the scientific literature: very few studies have examined the question directly.

One of the clearest acknowledgements comes from a childhood cancer study by Chow et al.:

“Children of different racial/ethnic backgrounds have varying risks of cancer. However, few studies have examined cancer occurrence in mixed ancestry children.”

That sentence immediately caught my attention.

If genetics is widely recognized as playing an important role in disease susceptibility, why has so little research examined one of the most fundamental genetic variables available—genetic ancestry itself?

That question led us to one of the few published studies that approached the issue using modern DNA analysis rather than birth records or census categories.

A DNA-Based Study

The study by Fejerman et al. did something different from many earlier epidemiological studies.

Rather than simply recording how participants identified themselves ethnically, researchers estimated each participant’s ancestry using DNA ancestry-informative genetic markers. In other words, the ancestry estimates came from the genome itself.

Within the Latina population studied, the researchers reported that increasing European genetic ancestry was associated with higher breast cancer risk. They later identified a region on chromosome 6q25 that appears to explain part of this association.

That finding is scientifically interesting in its own right.

Our Analysis

The infographic accompanying this article is not a reproduction of the study’s conclusions.

Instead, the Priory of Salem Institute of Peace Studies applied the study’s published unadjusted odds ratio to a representative Western European breast cancer incidence baseline published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

This produces a mathematical model illustrating how the reported association translates into modeled incidence under those assumptions.

The result is a modeled increase of approximately 472% relative to the selected baseline.

It is important to understand what this does—and does not—represent.

It is not a directly observed incidence reported by the original investigators.

It is a mathematical application of their published odds ratio to an independently published incidence baseline.

Readers are encouraged to examine both sources for themselves.

Why We Believe This Matters

At the Priory of Salem Institute of Peace Studies, we believe scientific inquiry should be guided by evidence rather than by whether a topic is socially comfortable or uncomfortable.

True peace is built upon reconciliation with truth, and truth is best pursued through careful, transparent, and unbiased research.

We are not presenting this as the final word on the subject.

Quite the opposite.

We are arguing that this area deserves far more scientific investigation than it has received.

If future research disproves today’s hypotheses, then science has still advanced.

If future research confirms them, society will have learned something important that might improve prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.

Either outcome is valuable.

Ignoring questions simply because they are controversial serves no one.

A Call for Better Research

Our hope is that future researchers will:

Collect more detailed DNA ancestry information.
Publish underlying datasets for independent analysis.
Study multiple diseases rather than isolated conditions.
Examine ancestry using modern genomic methods rather than broad census categories alone.
Encourage open scientific discussion regardless of where the evidence leads.

Science progresses through replication, transparency, and honest debate.

Questions should never be settled by social pressure; they should be settled by evidence.

Read the Full Members’ Report

The full research discussion, methodology, calculations, and source analysis are available to members of the Priory of Salem Institute of Peace Studies.

Visit:

https://CelticOrthodoxy.com/prioryofsalem

Members of the Institute receive access to extended research papers, historical investigations, and ongoing scientific reviews.

The complete report is also available to paid subscribers of Watchman.Report, where we regularly publish long-form investigative analyses unavailable in the public newsletter.

Thank you for supporting independent research and thoughtful discussion. Whether the evidence ultimately confirms or refutes today’s models, we believe these questions deserve to be investigated openly, honestly, and without prejudice.

Primary Sources

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Representative Western European breast cancer incidence.

Fejerman L., et al. European ancestry is positively associated with breast cancer risk in Mexican women.

Chow et al. Childhood Cancer in Relation to Parental Race and Ethnicity.

Ron Paul on Secession - the Confederate South Was Right!

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:44:35 GMT

A Forgotten Question About Liberty, Self-Government, and the American Union

Dear Friends,

I’ve attached a short video featuring some of Ron Paul’s most thought-provoking comments on secession, self-government, and liberty.

Before watching, consider a question rarely discussed today:

Would America have disappeared if the South had won the War Between the States?

Many assume the answer is yes. Yet an alternative view argues that the result may have been a different kind of American union—one built more explicitly upon state sovereignty and limited central authority.

For those interested in exploring that possibility, I highly recommend:

Confederation: A Federal Union With Teeth
https://www.watchman.report/p/confederation-a-federal-union-with

The article examines the distinction between a centralized national government and a confederation of sovereign states, arguing that a stronger federal compact does not necessarily require a stronger centralized bureaucracy. Whether one agrees or disagrees, it offers an important perspective often absent from modern discussions.

This theme is closely related to Ron Paul’s observations about secession and the right of self-government.

Among his most notable statements:

“Secession is a deeply American principle. This country was born through secession.”
“If a people cannot secede from an oppressive government, they cannot truly be considered free.”
“The issue of leaving is the key to whether or not we live in a free society.”
“Jefferson just assumed, most of the founders assumed, that anybody who wanted to leave could leave.”

These remarks challenge us to revisit questions that were once openly debated by Americans of every political persuasion:

What is the true source of governmental authority?
Does political consent include the right to withdraw consent?
Is self-government meaningful if separation is never permitted?
How much power should reside in Washington versus the states?

For additional historical perspective, readers may also enjoy:

The Confederacy’s Broader Vision: A Constitutional Union of All Sovereign States
https://celticorthodoxy.com/2025/07/the-confederacys-broader-vision-a-constitutional-union-of-all-sovereign-states/

Watch the Video

Ron Paul on Secession, Confederacy, and “South Was Right?”
https://rumble.com/v7bfapk-ron-paul-on-secession-confederacy-and-south-was-right.html

Original Sources

CBS News: Ron Paul on Secession
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ron-paul-secession-deeply-american/

Video: Secession and Liberty – Ron Paul

Whether one ultimately agrees with Ron Paul or not, his challenge remains worth considering:

“The issue of leaving is the key to whether or not we live in a free society.”

I hope you enjoy the video and the discussion it encourages.
This and many more topics are covered by our fellowship Group: Celto-Saxon Confederation – Christian Heritage & Confederative Studies.

Blessings,

Rev Dr Stephen M.K. Brunswick
St. Andrew’s OCC https://st-andrewsocc.org
Watchman News https://watchman.news

P.S. If you find the video thought-provoking, please share it with others interested in American history, constitutional government, federalism, and the principles of liberty.

You may also wish to share this MEME found below that cites these top quotes of Dr Paul:

NDAA 2027: Do We Really Want More Foreign Technology Integration?

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:25:14 GMT

NDAA 2027: Do We Really Want More Foreign Technology Integration?

Congress is considering a major expansion of U.S.-Israel defense technology cooperation. Before the vote, Americans should understand exactly what is being proposed.

Dear Friends,

Remember the exploding pagers that shocked the world?

What many people missed was the larger lesson.

Modern technology is built from thousands of components, firmware updates, software libraries, subcontractors, and suppliers. Most consumers have no idea where all those pieces come from. Neither do many corporations.

Now Congress is considering a proposal in the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would significantly expand U.S.-Israel defense technology cooperation in areas such as drones, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, military communications, logistics, biotechnology, quantum technologies, and other advanced systems.

Before we go any further, I encourage everyone to read the actual text for themselves.

FY2027 NDAA Chairman’s Mark (Section 224):
https://armedservices.house.gov/uploadedfiles/fy27_ndaa_chairmans_mark_-_final.pdf

The proposal concerns defense technology integration and cooperation. Readers should review the actual text and decide for themselves whether this level of integration is appropriate.

Supporters argue that America needs stronger drone capabilities and faster innovation. There is certainly truth to that. Recent conflicts have shown that inexpensive drones and advanced software systems are changing warfare at a rapid pace.

But there is another question:

Do we really want deeper integration of critical technologies with any foreign nation?

This is not about whether a country is friend or foe today.

History changes.

Governments change.

Alliances change.

The real issue is dependency.

Who builds the components?
Who writes the firmware?
Who controls the updates?
Who audits the code?
Who has access to the supply chain?
Who ultimately controls the intellectual property?

The exploding pager incident reminded the world that technology can be weaponized in ways few people imagined. Modern devices increasingly depend upon hidden layers of hardware, software, firmware, and communications systems that most users never see.

The more interconnected these systems become, the more important transparency and security become.

The NDAA proposal may be intended to improve military technology cooperation. However, Congress should proceed cautiously whenever critical technologies become more deeply integrated across national borders.

Technology cooperation can provide benefits.

But once dependencies are built, they are often far more difficult to remove.

Americans should carefully read what is being proposed and decide for themselves whether this level of technology integration serves the long-term interests of the United States.

If you have concerns, contact your U.S. Representative and Senators and ask them to review the technology integration provisions of the FY2027 NDAA before voting.

Read the bill.

Ask questions.

Contact Congress.

An informed citizenry remains the best defense against unintended consequences.

Remigration Summit 2026 Renews Debate Over Sovereignty, Identity, and Europe’s Constitutional Future

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:29:07 GMT

Last weekend, Portugal hosted the Remigration Summit 2026, drawing approximately 500 attendees from across Europe and North America. Among the participants were Austrian activist Martin Sellner, former U.S. Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino, and other figures associated with immigration reform, sovereignty movements, and national identity initiatives.

The event generated substantial media attention, with supporters describing it as a conference examining immigration policy, cultural continuity, and demographic concerns, while critics portrayed it as a gathering of far-right activists. As often occurs in politically charged discussions, coverage varied widely depending upon the publication reporting the event.

Yet beneath the headlines lies a broader question that has been debated in Europe for decades: sovereignty, legitimacy, constitutional continuity, and the future identity of European nations.

Beyond the Headlines

Many discussions surrounding remigration intersect with larger concerns about cultural preservation, demographic change, national sovereignty, and what some describe as “civilizational continuity.”

These concerns are not limited to one political party, one nation, or one movement. Rather, they reflect ongoing debates over how modern states should balance immigration, democratic representation, cultural heritage, local identity, and constitutional legitimacy.

The Portugal summit brought together voices from across that spectrum, even when those voices do not necessarily agree on solutions.

https://watchman.news/2026/04/eu-debating-us-over-western-stability-the-civilizational-erasure-trajectory/

The Reichsbürger Question

One topic frequently raised in German discussions of sovereignty is the diverse collection of viewpoints commonly labeled “Reichsbürger.”

The term itself covers a wide range of individuals and organizations, making generalizations difficult. Some focus on constitutional questions concerning Germany’s post-war settlement. Others advocate restoration of historic legal frameworks, federal sovereignty, or monarchist traditions. Some groups have been associated with unlawful activities and have received extensive government scrutiny, while others insist they pursue peaceful constitutional and historical research.

As a result, the term has become politically charged and often fails to distinguish between very different schools of thought.

The Case of Klaus Jaeger

One voice calling for peaceful dialogue rather than confrontation is Klaus Jaeger, whose research and publications may be found through the Jaeger Biblical Research Institute:

https://jaeger-bibelforschung.institute/

Jaeger has long advocated discussion of constitutional, historical, and sovereignty issues through peaceful and lawful means. His experience reflects the intense polarization that often surrounds these subjects in Germany and elsewhere.

Regardless of one’s position on these debates, his example demonstrates the importance of civil discourse and the need to distinguish between peaceful historical inquiry and genuine extremism.

A Brunswick Legitimist Perspective

The Institute of Peace Studies approaches these questions from a different tradition entirely.

Rather than advocating centralized nationalism, modern ideological movements, or revolutionary change, our perspective draws upon the older constitutional traditions of the Holy Roman Empire and the historic German states.

As discussed in:

“Local Reciprocity, Fragmented Loyalties, and the Political Vacuum that Totalitarianism Exploited”

https://watchman.news/2025/11/local-reciprocity-fragmented-loyalties-and-the-political-vacuum-that-totalitarianism-exploited/

the collapse of local institutions, reciprocal obligations, regional autonomy, and lawful representation contributed to political vacuums that were later exploited by totalitarian systems.

From this viewpoint, the lesson of history is not greater centralization but stronger local accountability, regional sovereignty, lawful representation, and voluntary cooperation among peoples.

Referendum Rather Than Revolution

One aspect often overlooked in public discussion is that many constitutional questions can, in principle, be addressed peacefully through democratic means.

If any population truly desired restoration of historic constitutional arrangements, sovereignty structures, or traditional institutions, such changes would require lawful public support rather than imposition from above.

The fact that no such referendum has occurred remains an important observation in itself.

For those interested in the historical continuity of the House of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel and related constitutional questions, see:

“The Principality of Wolfenbüttel Booklet”

https://watchman.news/2025/10/the-principality-of-wolfenbuttel-booklet/

The booklet explores historical claims of continuity, inheritance, house law, and representation under international law while emphasizing that such matters remain fundamentally questions of history, culture, and legal interpretation rather than active political programs.

The Importance of Peaceful Discussion

The significance of the Portugal summit is not necessarily found in agreement with every speaker or proposal. Rather, it highlights the fact that questions of sovereignty, cultural continuity, democratic legitimacy, immigration policy, and historical identity continue to resonate with many people throughout Europe and beyond.

As an Institute of Peace Studies, we believe such concerns are best addressed through lawful discussion, historical inquiry, democratic participation, and respectful debate—not through hostility, violence, censorship, or ideological extremism.

History demonstrates that durable solutions emerge when societies are willing to discuss difficult questions openly while preserving both civil peace and human dignity.

Sources and Further Reading

Readers interested in examining multiple perspectives on the Portugal Remigration Summit, European sovereignty debates, and related constitutional discussions may find the following resources helpful:

Coverage of the Portugal Remigration Summit

European Conservative – Event coverage and participant overview
https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/europes-largest-remigration-summit-draws-500-attendees/

Irish Times – Reporting on conference attendees and reactions
https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/06/02/irish-far-right-figures-join-gathering-in-portugal-to-push-idea-of-remigration/

WELT – German reporting on the summit, participants, and political implications
https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article6a1d24e3411d40cd4c74dd7a/treffen-in-portugal-das-rechte-vorfeld-in-europa-afd-politiker-besuchen-internationalen-remigrationsgipfel.html

t-online – German coverage discussing Gregory Bovino and references made during the event
https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/aussenpolitik/id_101278400/rechter-kongress-in-portugal-bovino-beruft-sich-auf-rommel.html

Background on Martin Sellner and the Remigration Movement

European Conservative – Background on Sellner’s Institute for Remigration and related initiatives
https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/remigration-think-tank-launches-vienna-martin-sellner/

BILD – Coverage of court proceedings regarding Sellner’s Germany entry ban
https://www.bild.de/regional/brandenburg/gericht-rechtsextremist-sellner-darf-nach-deutschland-einreisen-6659e2773c6876087f911b37

Background on the Reichsbürger Debate

Reuters – Overview of the Reichsbürger prosecutions and allegations brought by German authorities
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-reichsbuerger-coup-suspects-go-trial-2024-04-28/

Constitutional Legitimacy, Sovereignty, and Historical Continuity

Watchman News / Institute of Peace Studies
Local Reciprocity, Fragmented Loyalties, and the Political Vacuum that Totalitarianism Exploited
https://watchman.news/2025/11/local-reciprocity-fragmented-loyalties-and-the-political-vacuum-that-totalitarianism-exploited/

Mirror publication:
https://celticorthodoxy.com/2025/11/local-reciprocity-fragmented-loyalties-and-the-political-vacuum-that-totalitarianism-exploited/

Watchman News
The Principality of Wolfenbüttel Booklet
https://watchman.news/2025/10/the-principality-of-wolfenbuttel-booklet/

Additional Research

Jaeger Biblical Research Institute
Historical, constitutional, and sovereignty-related research by Klaus Jaeger.

https://jaeger-bibelforschung.institute/

As always, readers are encouraged to compare sources from differing viewpoints, examine primary documents where available, and distinguish between documented facts, interpretations, and political opinions when evaluating contemporary events.

70 New Testament Verses That Say Repentance Is Required

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:14:49 GMT

Friends,

We have just completed a major New Testament Scripture study series on repentance, conversion, obedience, holiness, and the Christian life:

The first study is now available here:

70 New Testament Verses That Say Repentance Is Required

https://celticorthodoxy.com/70-nt-verses-that-say-repentance-is-required-100-new-testament-theology/

Why publish such a series?

Because many people have been told that repentance is optional, that conversion requires no change of life, or that a person may claim Christ while remaining completely unchanged. Yet when we open the New Testament, we find Christ preaching repentance, the Apostles preaching repentance, and the early Church preparing converts through repentance, baptism, confession of faith, and a new life in Christ.

This study is not primarily directed toward faithful Christians who already understand these things. Rather, it is intended as a resource for those who have never carefully examined what the New Testament actually says about conversion.

A single verse may be dismissed. Two verses may be explained away. But when dozens of passages from Matthew to Revelation teach the same doctrine, the overall testimony becomes difficult to ignore.

The purpose of these studies is simple:

Let Scripture speak for itself.

We encourage you to read, share, discuss, and distribute these resources freely. If you know someone who has been told that repentance, obedience, holiness, or transformation are optional parts of Christianity, these studies may prove helpful.

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out...” — Acts 3:19

In Christ,
Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick

Priory of Salem Institute of Theology
Orthodox Church of the Culdees
https://st-andrewsocc.org

Blaming Jews or the Church for our problems? What does God say about your position and identity?

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Tue, 26 May 2026 22:41:05 GMT

Are you within the right attitude to blame “Jews” or the “Church” for the problems? What does God say about your position and identity?
Lets play a game of “who is who” to maybe get one thinking… This is as a parable to those who already know and forgot the marks of Israel:

Is it because they who are in Christ “dash the nations in pieces as a potter’s vessel”?

Well are they the problem because they’re “God’s battle axe”?

Is it because they’re God’s judges and rulers (the scepter will not depart from Judah)?

Is it because through YHWH they are evil unto those that are evil?

Is it because they are a flame that entirely devours the stubble?

Didn’t God say He would send punishment upon you if your nation rebelled from His laws (70% of his laws are nationalist, and obeying them is true freedom)?

LETS DIVE INTO THIS STUDY — LETS GO!

A reflection from the Priory of Salem - Institute of Theology
https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/05/blaming-jews-or-the-church/

In many modern religious and political arguments, people are often pushed into narrow categories. Some say, “the Church is the problem.” Others say, “the Jews are the problem.” Still others argue endlessly over whether the Church has “replaced” Israel, or whether all Biblical promises must be compressed into one modern religious or ethnic label.

But perhaps the deeper question is this: what if Scripture itself refuses to be placed into such a small box?

The Bible speaks of Israel thousands of times. It also speaks of Judah, of the House of Israel, of the House of Judah, of Joseph, Ephraim, Manasseh, the Davidic sceptre, the scattered tribes, the covenant people, and the nations that would bear certain prophetic marks in history.

We see these descriptions to be undeniably and unanimously known to be fulfilled by the Christian nations. Each of God’s prophecies listed below will show this concretely.
We can show you the word “weekend” preserved the Sabbath on Saturday for all True Israel to know God’s day and be free to keep it, in all generations. Read the book for free:

“Saturday Rest: Embracing the Christian Sabbath in Orthodox Faith“

It shows down through the ages that the Saturday Sabbath has been officially protected in Christendom. The preservation of the Sabbath was the ultimate sign of God’s people, as it says. Free download: https://celticorthodoxy.com/2015/05/honoring-of-the-sabbath-in-the-historic-orthodox-church/

From a Celto Saxon Israel perspective, this is not merely an ethnic slogan or political claim. It is a call to let the Scriptures speak in their own categories. If the Bible distinguishes Israel from Judah, then our theology should not erase that distinction. If the prophets speak of both houses continuing in significance until the full restoration under Christ, then we should not flatten the whole matter into a simple argument of “Jew versus Church.”

Beyond the Narrow Argument of “Jew” and “Church”

One of the great problems in modern theological debate is that people often reduce the Biblical story totwo terms: “Jewish” and “Christian.” Then they fight over whether one replaces the other.

This is where discussions of replacement theology often become too shallow. The real question is not whether “the Church replaced the Jews.” The deeper question is whether the Scriptures themselves describe a broader covenant people, a divided kingdom, a scattered Israel, a distinct Judah, and a prophetic restoration that culminates in Christ.

The word “Jew” appears only a limited number of times in the Old Testament, while “Israel” appears throughout the entire prophetic and covenantal structure of Scripture. That does not diminish Judah. Rather, it restores the larger Biblical framework in which Judah, Israel, Joseph, Ephraim, Manasseh, and the nations all have their appointed place under the sovereignty of God.

Is Israel the Problem — or Is Forgetfulness the Problem?

If people say “the Church is the problem,” they may be missing the Biblical meaning of the assembly, the congregation, and the covenant people of God. If people say “the Jews are the problem,” they may be falling into an unjust and unbiblical scapegoating of Judah. But if people ask, “What about Israel?” then the Scriptures open a larger field of inquiry.

Perhaps the problem is not Israel, Judah, or the Church. Perhaps the problem is our forgetfulness of the full Biblical picture.

This is why the older British Israelism discussion, when handled responsibly and Scripturally, should not be treated merely as a curiosity. It asks whether the prophetic marks of Israel can be traced in history, and whether the covenant promises to Israel were fulfilled in ways that many modern systems of theology have overlooked.

Likewise, the British Israel book tradition preserved many arguments, references, and prophetic identifications that deserve to be studied carefully, not as racial hostility, but as a Biblical and historical inquiry into covenant identity, national responsibility, and divine providence.

The Prophetic Marks of Israel

The following framework may be understood as a parable, a provocation, or a Scriptural study prompt. It asks the reader to consider whether true Israel would be known by certain Biblical marks. These are not offered as a weapon against Judah, nor as an attack on the Church, but as a call to restore the language of Scripture itself.

Conclusion: Let the Scriptures Speak

This study is not an invitation to hatred, scapegoating, or carnal boasting. It is an invitation to Biblical precision. If Scripture says Israel, let us ask what Israel means. If Scripture says Judah, let us not erase Judah. If Scripture speaks of two houses, let us not collapse them into one modern label. If Scripture speaks of the Church, the covenant, the Gospel, and the nations, let us allow the whole counsel of God to stand.

The argument is not that “the Church is the problem” or that “the Jews are the problem.” The deeper question is whether modern theology has forgotten the full covenantal map of Scripture. Lets see what God says and build from there.

Perhaps the question should be asked differently: if true Israel was to be marked in history by Scripture itself, then who bears those marks — and what responsibility comes with them?

Pentecost 2026 — Christ’s Victory in His Church Body

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Sun, 24 May 2026 20:38:09 GMT

Dear friends in Christ,

Blessed Pentecost to you and your families.

As we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church, we are reminded that Christ continues His victory in His Body throughout all generations — gathering, sanctifying, and strengthening His people as one holy temple in Him.

A new Pentecost 2026 audio message is now available:

“Christ’s Victory in His Church Body”
by Dr. Stephen M.K. Brunswick

Listen here:
https://celticorthodoxy.podbean.com/e/christs-victory-in-his-church-body-pentecost-2026/

Description:

His law written on our hearts, faith evidenced.

Inspiring details of the Celtic Orthodox Church shared by Dr Stephen MK Brunswick. His church victory in all generations.

This message reflects on the work of God within His Church body worldwide — the living temple of Christ — and the victory of His Spirit dwelling among His people.

“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.”
— Colossians 2:9–10

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
— 1 Peter 2:5

As prayed in the ancient Didache and echoed in our Celtic Orthodox liturgy, may the Lord gather His Church “from the four winds,” delivering her from evil and making her perfect in His love as one sanctified body prepared for His Kingdom.

We are preparing for the release of the Great Commemoration (of the departed and living) liturgy, together with upcoming teachings and articles on such liturgical themes: https://www.celticorthodoxy.com. This was discussed in today’s sermon.

Those interested in the daily Celtic Orthodox liturgy, including the Great Commemoration, Diptychs, and prayers for the living and departed, are welcome to contact us regarding liturgical materials suitable for home church assemblies and fellowships.

“Have a blessed Pentecost as one in Christ’s Temple body, seated with Him above all, abiding in Him.”

In Christ’s service,

Dr. Stephen M.K. Brunswick
St. Andrew’s Orthodox Church of the Culdees
https://celticorthodoxy.com

Did God Ever Call Unclean Meats “Clean”?

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Sun, 10 May 2026 03:43:25 GMT

For thousands of years, Scripture distinguished between clean and unclean.

Yet today, many Christians have been taught that these distinctions no longer matter at all.

But did God ever truly call unclean meats “clean”? Or did Christ and the apostles actually deepen the meaning of holiness rather than abolish it?

This new documentary-style study examines:
• clean and unclean throughout Scripture
• Christ’s teaching on inward and outward defilement
• Paul and meats offered to idols
• holiness, stewardship, and health
• “come out from among them and be separate”
• the law written upon the heart
• and why Revelation and Isaiah still discuss uncleanness in end-time prophecy

This is NOT a teaching about salvation through food laws.

Rather, it is a deeper Biblical examination of holiness, wisdom, stewardship, conscience, and whether modern Christianity may have misunderstood some important foundations of Scripture.

The “Shorts” vertical version of the video:

Full wide screen (documentary style) version:

FULL STUDY HUB:
https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/05/did-god-ever-call-unclean-meats-clean-biblical-dietary-laws-health-and-the-last-days/

This new hub article now gathers together one of the largest collections of studies we have published on the topic, including:

• Paul Taught the Levitical Dietary Laws Are Required — Not for Spiritual Salvation, but for Physical Survival
• Spiritual, Biblical and Scientific Reasons of Clean and Unclean Meats
• Dietary Laws in the Orthodox Catholic Church
• Scottish Israelite Food Taboos
• The Adverse Influence of Pork Consumption on Health by Dr. Reckeweg, M.D.
• Scientific Reasons Why “Do Not Boil a Kid in Its Mother’s Milk” Still Teaches Good Theology

The hub also includes:
• multiple video studies
• prophecy passages from Isaiah and Revelation
• discussions concerning Paul and the Gentiles
• Biblical health and stewardship studies
• Orthodox and historical perspectives
• and ongoing future updates as additional research and video presentations are released

Whether one ultimately agrees or disagrees, this topic deserves far deeper study than it usually receives in modern Christianity.

For full in-depth studies, search “dietary laws” at CelticOrthodoxy.com.

CLOSING QUESTION:

Do you believe modern Christianity has misunderstood the Biblical distinction between holy and unclean — and if so, where do you believe the misunderstanding began?

TEMPLAR: Crusader States Legitimism vs Christian Zionism

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Wed, 06 May 2026 22:49:17 GMT

For many modern Christians, any discussion of Jerusalem, the Holy Land, or Christian continuity in the region is immediately dismissed under the label of “Christian Zionism.”

But what if Christendom possessed its own entirely separate historical tradition regarding Jerusalem long before modern Zionism ever existed?

For centuries after the fall of the Crusader States, European dynasties, knightly orders, and noble houses continued to preserve:
• hereditary claims to the Kingship of Jerusalem
• arms of pretension tied to the Holy Land
• pilgrimage crusade traditions
• dynastic continuity of the Crusader Kingdoms
• Templar and chivalric memory
• sacred custodianship of Christian holy places

This forgotten framework may best be described as:

“Crusader States Legitimism”

Our newest study explores:
• the continuation of Templar traditions
• Angevin, Bourbon, Sicilian, Guelph, and Brunswick connections
• the Orders of Santiago, the Garter, and related dynastic knightly traditions
• de jure vs de facto sovereignty
• why modern Christians increasingly sever themselves from Jerusalem history
• and how older Christendom viewed the Holy Land through continuity, pilgrimage, nobility, and sacred inheritance rather than modern political categories

Featuring discussion of:
Knights Templar, Kings of Jerusalem, crusader kingdoms, Celto-Saxon heritage, Jerusalem pilgrimage traditions, dynastic orders, and the preservation of Christian civilizational memory.

Read the full article:
https://watchman.news/2026/05/crusader-states-legitimism/

HMSH Stephen M.K. d’Este-Guelph, Duke de jure, KT
Prince of Wolfenbüttel-Brunswick
Grandmaster (2013–Present)

Brunswick Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar
Chancellery: chancellery@brunswicktemplar.org
https://brunswicktemplar.org

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Before “Pray for Us”: A Lost Layer of Early Christian Worship

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Sat, 02 May 2026 21:20:00 GMT

Heavenly Participation in Early Christian Liturgy

This week, I want to share something that surprised me—and may challenge the way many of us have understood a familiar phrase in Christian worship.

It begins with an ancient prayer.

Not a modern one, not a reconstruction—but a form preserved in the early Celtic Church, reflected in a 7th-century Irish rendering of the Te Deum.

When you read it carefully, something becomes clear:

The earliest Christians were not simply asking the saints to “pray for us” in the way we often assume today.

They were doing something deeper.

📖 The Scriptural Foundation

Scripture tells us:

“We are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses…” (Hebrews 12:1)
“You are come… to the spirits of just men made perfect…” (Hebrews 12:23)

This is not language of separation.

It is language of participation.

The Church on earth is not alone—it stands within a greater reality, joined to the saints in heaven.

🕊️ What the Earliest Liturgies Show

As I began comparing early manuscripts—Irish, Gallican, and Eastern—I expected to find a consistent pattern.

Instead, I found something more nuanced.

In the earliest sources:

the saints are described as praising God continually
the Church on earth is seen as joining that praise
and in times of need, believers pray that God would allow their help to surround and strengthen His people

Only later do we begin to see the repeated formula:

“pray for us”

⚖️ Not a Rejection—But a Recovery

This isn’t about rejecting tradition.

It’s about understanding it more fully.

The early Church did not deny the intercession of the saints.
But it expressed that reality in multiple ways:

praise
participation
protection
and prayer directed to God

Over time, those expressions became more uniform—simplified into familiar formulas.

Something important was preserved.

But something of the original richness may also have been… compressed.

✨ Why This Matters

For many Christians today, this topic can be difficult.

Some are uncomfortable with invoking saints.
Others feel it is essential.

What I’ve found is that much of the tension comes not from the belief itself—but from how the language is understood.

When we return to the earliest sources, we begin to see something that both sides can recognize:

The Church is one—heaven and earth together—standing in Christ.

📚 The Full Study

I’ve put together a detailed study working directly from early manuscripts, including:

the Antiphonary of Bangor (7th century)
the Irish Lorica tradition
the Stowe Missal (8th–9th century)
and later developments such as the Dunkeld litany

If you’d like to explore this more deeply:

👉 Read the full article here:
https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/05/heavenly-participation-in-early-christian-liturgy-praise-protection-and-the-origins-of-saintly-petition

🕯️ A Final Thought

One of the most beautiful lines preserved in the ancient prayers says:

“The glorious company of the Apostles praise Thee…
The noble army of Martyrs praise Thee…”

Before we ever asked the saints to pray for us,
the Church first understood that:

they were already praising God—and we were joining them.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

In Christ’s eternal service,

+Rev Dr Stephen M.K. Brunswick, ThD, PhD

Primace at St Andrew’s OCC
Phone: +1 (866) 477-6811
Email: info@st-andrewsocc.org
Web: https://St-AndrewsOCC.org
Post: St Andrew’s PO Box 59, Nevada, MO 64772

Presiding Bishop, AOCC Benelux (2015-Present)
Primace, Orthodox Church of the Culdees (2009-Present)
Pastor, TCA WW (2001-Present)

+ Oremus pro invicem +

👑 Irish Royalty, Lost Origins… and the Line Few Are Talking About

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:59:52 GMT

The deeper you go into early Irish history, the more one thing becomes clear:

The story didn’t begin in Scotland.

It began long before—
in the royal houses of Ireland,
in traditions preserved by monastic scholars,
and in genealogies that attempted to trace identity across centuries… even millennia.

📜 A New Study on Irish Royal Origins

We’ve just published a foundational article exploring one of the most enduring traditions in Celtic history:

👉 From the High Kings of Ireland to the Milesian Origins
https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/04/high-kings-ireland-milesian-origins-gaelic-genealogy/

Inside, we examine:

The lines of Érimón and Éber Finn
The rise of dynasties like the Uí Néill
The role of genealogy in shaping identity, kingship, and continuity
And the deeper framework linking Ireland to the wider ancient world

This isn’t just about names on a list.

It’s about how a people understood who they were—and where they came from.

🛡️ From Ireland to Scotland: The Missing Link

What makes this especially important is what comes next.

These Irish royal traditions didn’t remain confined to Ireland.

They crossed into Scotland through Dál Riata, shaping early kingship and influencing the lines that would later emerge in the Highlands.

We explore that continuation here:

👉 Royal Is My Race: Clan Gregor, Siol Alpine, and the Pictish–Moray Origins
https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/04/clan-gregor-royal-claim-siol-alpine-moray-ireland/

This study looks at:

The legacy of King Giric (Gregor)
The northern Pictish royal line of Moray
And the enduring declaration:
“’S Rioghal Mo Dhream” — Royal is my race

Why This Matters

These traditions were never preserved casually.

They shaped:

identity
legitimacy
and the structure of early Christian society among the Gaels

They also raise an important question:

👉 Were these genealogies simply symbolic…
or do they preserve a deeper memory of royal continuity across Ireland and Scotland?

This Is Just the Beginning

These two articles form part of a broader effort to recover:

The historical foundations of Celtic identity
The structure of early Christian life in these regions
And the continuity of tradition often overlooked in modern narratives

More studies are already underway.

If you’ve ever been curious about:

Irish High Kings
Scottish clans
Celtic Christianity
or the deeper roots of the British Isles

This is where the journey begins.

St. Andrew’s Orthodox Church of the Culdees
Preserving the ancient faith and heritage of the Celtic Church

the Culdee Way of Life—Recovered

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:13:12 GMT

For a long time, people have spoken about the Celtic Church in broad terms—
its saints, its heritage, its independence.

But one question has remained largely unanswered:

How did they actually live?

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been working to answer that—not by speculation,
but by gathering the actual rules of the Culdee Fathers and setting them side by side.

What has now come together is a clearer picture of the early Celtic Orthodox life:
a disciplined rhythm of prayer, labor, worship… and a sacred ordering of time
that still preserves the Saturday Sabbath.

In fact, this stood out more strongly than expected.

In the Rule of Saint David, the Sabbath is set apart with watchings, prayer,
and even a protected hour of rest after matins.

In the Rule of Maelruain, the Sabbath is distinguished from ordinary days
by the absence of kneeling—marking it as a sacred, non-penitential time.

And in the Rule of Saint Columbanus, the Sabbath and Lord’s Day vigil
are given expanded psalmody, elevating that sacred period above all others.

Alongside these, we’ve also brought forward the rules of Saint Columba,
Saint Comgall, and Saint Chrodegang, showing the full breadth of Culdee
and early Celtic Orthodox discipline.

All of this is now gathered into one place:

👉 https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/04/celtic-orthodox-rules-of-the-culdees-monastic-life-of-the-early-church-fathers/

We’ve also completed a focused reconstruction of the Rule of Saint David,
drawn directly from his Life:

👉 https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/04/rule-of-saint-david-culdee-monastic-life/

And added the Celtic Missal tradition of Maelruain (Stowe), connecting
the rule of life to the structure of worship itself:

👉 https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/04/celtic-missal-maelruain-stowe/

Finally, our main overview page on the Culdees has been strengthened
to tie all of this together:

👉 https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/04/celtic-orthodox-church-culdees/

What emerges is not a vague or romantic idea of the Celtic Church,
but a complete and ordered Christian life—disciplined, liturgical,
and deeply rooted in sacred time.

Even the Sabbath, often thought forgotten in the West,
appears here clearly preserved within the life of the saints.

Take a look when you have time—this is one of the more important foundations
we’ve put in place.

In Christ’s Service,
Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick
St Andrew’s OCC

https://st-andrewsocc.org

Ukraine, Europe, and the Civilizational Question:

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 05:04:00 GMT

As tensions rise between European leadership and U.S. policy perspectives, a deeper question is emerging—one that goes beyond politics and into the long-term trajectory of Western civilization itself.

watchman.news/2026/03/defend-europe-official-trump-policies/
22 statements, policies, and diplomatic actions from the Trump administration related to migration pressures affecting Europe.

In this new analysis, we examine how recent statements from Emmanuel Macron are being interpreted, and how they compare to the documented policy positions of Donald Trump regarding migration, security, and Europe’s future stability.

Rather than reacting to short-term narratives, this piece explores the broader civilizational lens—one that has shaped both historical and modern strategic thinking, and which may be critical for Ukraine as it navigates its place within the Western alliance.

👉 Read the full analysis here:
https://watchman.news/2026/04/ukraine-europe-civilizational-policy-macron-trump-analysis/

— Watchman News
https://watchman.news

Serve Him Without Fear — A Daily Benediction

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 21:04:37 GMT

Dear friends,

I want to offer a simple encouragement for your daily walk: take time each morning to pray the Benedictus.

We have included this beautiful canticle in our Book of Common Prayer and Private Devotions, which you may access here:
https://celticorthodoxy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/prayer-book-expanded.pdf

For those who prefer a physical copy of this “Book of Hours”, including a large print edition available nowhere else, you may also order it here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ1G64ZK

God doesn’t want you to live under any bondage, any threat, or any fear under any who hate Him or His people.
Christ won the victory that we have all the spiritual and legal rights to go forward in liberty to worship Him and live your life in accordance with His laws of the true liberty. His commandments are always called liberty, and only deviation from them are called sin and bondage.

Zacarias declared the following words in the Temple declaring the work of Jesus (Yahshua) and of his son, John the Baptist.
He reiterated the several prophecies that Christ would deliver us that we might serve Him without fear, in righteousness and holiness all the days of our lives. That’s God’s will for you, and it takes a little faith and action to be that holy (meaning separate) people.

Such is recited at the morning services across Christendom.

Let this be part of your daily rhythm. Begin the day with the words of the Benedictus, and walk forward in the liberty, holiness, and peace that God has ordained for His people.

In Christ’s service,
Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick
St Andrew’s OCC
https://st-andrewsocc.org

The Celto-Saxon Heraldic Witness: Ancient Arms and Living Lineage

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:09:27 GMT

A reconstruction of tribal, dynastic, and Biblical heraldry from the Stem Duchies to the present houses of Saxony, Ulster, and Alba—affirming the continuity of sacred inheritance and noble stewardship.

As taken from our Celto-Saxon Confederation – Christian Heritage & Confederative Studies facebook group, and published at:

https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/04/celto-saxon-heraldic-witness-ancient-living/

The Celto-Saxon Heraldic Witness: Ancient Arms and Living Lineage

Some in our circles love reading the books on Heraldry and find the meaning of heritage symbols, or family ensigns, as the Scripture told us to have(encamp under, reckon our families by, etc). A lot of us know about the St Andrew’s banner, the great saltire passed down in our British Celtic lands as sacred (earlier known to come from the sign of Israel when he placed his name on his two non-Judaic Grandsons, sons of Joseph. Many books have been written on that topic, showing Great Britain and America as the main people fulfilling those rare and prophecies of “Greatness” pertaining to their seed in the majority of the latter days).

However, while most of the heraldic books in that sphere focus on later inherited city / municipal coats of arms etc, we have something much more interesting.

You really can’t beat going back to the “Stem Duchy” days, and the actual family inheritances of the same. For example the “family weapons” (familiewappen) attributed to Wittekind Woden-born(taking up the greater Saxony domains), or of the Angevin (Templar) and Carolingian era domains, or even of King Arthur, or other early Saxon realms. This area of heraldic study brings it home together with a sort of sacred relevance.

Tribal Coats of Arms were a Biblical minimum in Israel’s hay-day, and these did not just disappear when the tribes outgrew the holy land and dispersed at the Babylonian and Assyrian invasions. Among these you can go back even farther, the blood hand of Zarah Ireland etc (as cataloged in several books, ie the mysterious “Egyptian” daughters Scota, Tea Tephi etc). Some of which were cataloged in Scripture as “nearly as wise as Solomon”, who were of the Trojan line of Dardanus or Darda, who was a grandson of Judah, of the Zarah branch.

You may find it interesting to trace back to coats of arms which go to his direct heirs, ie attributed to Hector of Troy https://watchman.news/2025/03/the-house-of-brunswick-an-enduring-legacy-of-este-and-troy/ and later to his descendants, the senior male line of the House of Este-Guelph (Sachsen-Braunschweig).

or of other ancient houses of which the Western Nobility trace their origins.
Some find it most interesting to trace more established symbols of our people, even back to the shield of St Joseph of Arimathea (later called St George, but earlier attributed at least as the shield of Evalac) and other Templar legends of the red Cross on the white field.

So herein I offer you one such (more ancient) compilation and connection, which has living witnesses active in full representation today.

The quartered and marshalled base arms of the historical, rightful and factual heraldry of the high Nobility of the Celtic and Saxon realms.

Firstly the SAXON quadruple witness:
Top 3 fields, the House of Saxony – Germany (Europe’s oldest living Noble house, Este-Guelph Braunschweig, with the upper field, the house’s continued pretention of Greater Saxony of Wittekind Woden-born and supportive first rank shield of Angevin Templar era Carolingian rights).
Bottom field, House of Saxon Mercia (No Englishman can claim a more Noble origin than the house of Arden – Saxon ancient English branch).

Secondly the CELTIC double witness:
Central (Escutcheon) shield, House of O’Neil (oldest High kings of Ireland, Red Branch – Ulster House).
and
House of MacGregor (oldest Northern Pict Nobility of Scotland).

Celto Saxon
Celtic as far as Scots-Irish realms and islands.
Saxon as far as Greater Germany and England.

The law of God says the princes shall divide the land, guard the gate, and protect your rights of heritage (estate inheritance) and ownership. Most of this is sword duty rights to titled land. A lot of that has been lost when people fight for a fiction.

They get restored to their thrones when they repent and come back to His laws, and Christ as their King of kings, and Lord of lords.
And they shall occupy (wise as serpents, gentle as doves, investing their talents for reaping an increase) the cities God gave them to occupy, while they don’t want Christ to rule, and must still “occupy till He comes”.

Keep praying His mandatory prayer for “His Kingdom will being done on earth”.
Scripture is very clear of any of us working in His name. There is no private interpretation of any word of Scripture. The minimum for those of us not sleeping, (but are good stewards, occupying till He comes) “walking in Christ” (Col 2:6), He in us, and we in Him (for if we “abide not in Him” we “have no life in us”). Walking in Him is the minimal for those who are not sleeping, but are good stewards. Therefore we are glad to be part of the “first fruits” of His Kingdom coming to earth.

Seventh Day of Unleavened Bread — The Fulfillment in Christ

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:12:24 GMT

Seventh Day of Unleavened Bread — The Fulfillment in Christ and the Apostolic Pattern

As we come to the Seventh Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread—a High Holy Day, it is fitting that we pause in thanksgiving and reflection on the fullness of what has been accomplished in Christ, and what continues in Him.

This is not merely a remembrance of something past, but a participation in something present and ongoing.

The Fulfillment of the Offerings in Christ

There is a deep and continuous thread of fulfillment in how we “do this in remembrance”—not as a replacement of the offerings, but as participation in their fulfillment.

As it is written:
“In every place incense shall be offered unto My Name, and a pure offering” (Malachi 1:11).

This points beyond the earthly altar to its heavenly reality.

Christ, as our High Priest—
“passed into the heavens” (Hebrews 4:14),
and
“now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Hebrews 9:24)—
offers perfectly and continually before the Father at the true altar in heaven.

👉 The altar on earth was given as a pattern; the heavenly is the substance.

And so, when we come to the Lord’s Table, we are not instituting something new—we are entering into His perfect and ongoing offering.

The Testimony of Scripture

1. His Offering Was Complete and Without Delay

Hebrews 9:12 — “By His own blood He entered in once…”
Hebrews 10:12 — “After He had offered… sat down…”

👉 The pattern is clear: offering → entering → completion.
Not delay, but fulfillment.

2. He Overcame Death Without Corruption

Acts 2:27 — “Thou wilt not suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption”

👉 Death did not defile Him—He conquered it.

3. His Resurrection Aligns with the Appointed Time

Luke 24:1 — “On the first day of the week…”

👉 Rising immediately following the Sabbath within the feast pattern—
as the Firstfruits.

4. He Was Revealed in the Breaking of Bread

Luke 24:30–31

On that very day:

He sat with them
He broke bread
Their eyes were opened

👉 Even in His risen presence, He is made known in this act.

5. The Lord’s Supper as the Gathered Practice

Acts 2:42 — “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread…”
1 Corinthians 11:20 — “When you come together… this is to eat the Lord’s Supper”

👉 This is not merely a household observance, but something done when the assembly is gathered.

6. “Do This in Remembrance” — An Ongoing Participation

Christ did not limit this to a single yearly moment.

👉 Each time we partake, we proclaim His sacrifice and participate in its fulfillment.

The Seventh Day — A High Holy Day

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is not one day, but seven—
and the Seventh Day is itself a holy convocation.

👉 This final day completes the pattern:

Deliverance
Separation
Purification
Completion

And even now, we are called to keep the feast:

“Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast” (1 Corinthians 5:7–8)

👉 Not merely in symbol—but in truth, in sincerity, and in Christ.

The Apostolic and Early Church Practice

This pattern was not lost after the apostles—it was preserved.

Men such as Polycarp of Smyrna and Polycrates of Ephesus testified strongly to the continued observance of the full Paschal cycle, including the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Polycrates, in particular, defended this tradition as having been received from:

the Apostle John
and the bishops of Asia

👉 maintaining the full pattern of the feast.

This faithful adherence led to conflict with Rome, and ultimately excommunication for those who refused to abandon the apostolic tradition.

The Celtic and Ephesian Continuity

This same tradition—rooted in the Apostle John and the churches of Asia—
was preserved in what is often referred to as the Ephesian tradition.

👉 It is this stream that continued:

the full Paschal observance
the keeping of the Feast of Unleavened Bread
and the recognition of its spiritual and liturgical fulfillment in Christ

This continuity is also reflected in the Celtic Church, which maintained strong adherence to these older apostolic patterns.

The Ongoing Count Toward Pentecost

From Firstfruits, the command is given:

“Ye shall count unto you… from the morrow after the sabbath… seven sabbaths shall be complete” (Leviticus 23:15)

👉 A sacred counting begins.

This count moves:

from the first day of the week
to the first day of the week
until Pentecost

The Church’s Liturgical Witness

This pattern is preserved in the life of the Church.

In the Book of Common Prayer, we see:

The First Sunday after Easter
followed by numbered Sundays
leading to Pentecost

👉 This is not accidental—it reflects the biblical pattern of counting.

And as noted in the 1928 Book of Common Prayer Preface, provision is made that:
👉 additional observances and festivals may be kept
👉 according to pastoral care and availability of ministers

Christ Himself taught that His people would both:

fast
and feast

A Living Pattern of Worship

Thus, as we stand on this Seventh Day of Unleavened Bread, we do not stand at the end—but in the midst of a living pattern:

From Passover
To Firstfruits
Through the counted weeks
Unto Pentecost

👉 A continuous unfolding of the work of Christ.

A Call to the Table

Christ fulfills all things:

The Lamb
The Offering
The High Priest

And even now:
👉 He appears before the Father for us
👉 He gathers His people
👉 He is made known in the breaking of bread

Therefore:

Let us keep the feast.
Let us gather in unity.
Let us partake of the Lord’s Table.

👉 Not only in remembrance—
but in participation in His perfect and ongoing offering.

Closing

On this High Holy Day, we give thanks:

for what has been accomplished
for what has been revealed
and for what continues in Christ

👉 until the fullness of all things is complete.

https://www.celticorthodoxy.com

Our Standard in Christ — 26 Years of Witness

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:48:06 GMT

Our church of St Joseph’s at Orange County California adopted this as the emblem across all our publications in the year 2000. It was one of my first acts once I was ordained by the board as Editor of our newsletter.

Several thousand articles were subsequently published and seen by millions (mostly online).

Once I went on mission to Europe (where I remained for 13 years) this was shown across countless advertisements in Europe and Britain as a rally standard for people to find our messages online, to find encouragement and align. The main base of the cross is a victory standard (Christ’s Victory) really used and seen anywhere in Christian lands. We pray and hope people will embrace Him again. We must all rely on Christ, and come back to His good laws for nations and peoples.

It is the shield of St Joseph of Arimathea, with the adaptation of the Chi Rho (which Constantine’s British mother, a descendant of St Joseph via King Coel, had popularized) together with the Alpha and Omega victory of Christ Who is the beginning and the end.

Many other slogans have been used, IN HOC SIGNO VINCES (in this sign conquer).

Chi Rho is the Greek abbreviation of the word for Christ Jesus. Using various abbreviations and short prayers are part of the Orthodox ways and traditions to fulfill: “Acknowledge Him in all thy ways and He shall direct thy paths.” (Pro 3:6) “Let your conversation always become the Gospel...” (Phil 1:27)

We’ve seen something like this happening again in England with the raising up of the standards of St George (which is the standard of St Joseph before him), which later became the standard of Crusaders. However, I think they will need to become a bit more religious to see such efforts come to a fruition.

In Hoc Signo Vinces — In Christ’s Victory,

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick
St. Andrew’s & St. Joseph’s OCC
https://st-andrewsocc.org

Pascha at Dawn — Christ Our Firstfruits

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:26:13 GMT

Article: https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/04/pascha-at-dawn-the-firstfruits-the-resurrection-and-the-apostolic-pattern-of-worship/
Brethren,

There is something powerful happening this year.

For once, the timing aligns in a way that allows many across Christendom to stand together and proclaim the same truth at the same time:

Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.

But this is more than a greeting.
This is the very center of our faith.

The Scriptures declare that Christ:

died according to the Scriptures
was buried
and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3–4)

And not only this—

👉 He is the Firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:20)
👉 the Firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29)

This means something deeper than many realize.

From the beginning, God established that the firstfruits belonged to Him, and that the firstborn was to be redeemed (Exodus 13:2; Numbers 18:15). These were not random laws—they were prophetic. They pointed forward to Christ.

And now, in Him, we are brought into that same reality:

A new creation. A new birth. A new life.

Yet many today—seeking to return to what they believe is “more biblical”—have stepped away from the very day that proclaims this fulfillment.

They remember the sacrifice.
But they neglect the resurrection.

They study the shadow.
But miss the substance.

They return to forms that came later—
and overlook what the apostles themselves continued steadfastly in.

Brethren, this should not be so.

The resurrection day—Pascha, the day of Firstfruits—is not a man-made tradition. It is the moment when:

death was overcome
the harvest began
and Christ stood as the Firstborn of a new people

This is why the Church has always gathered at dawn.
This is why we proclaim it.
This is why we keep the feast.

And this is where our Celtic Orthodox way stands firm:

Not abandoning the Hebrew foundation—but fulfilling it in Christ.

Not discarding Scripture—but living it out as the apostles did.

This year, we invite you:

👉 Come at dawn
👉 Pray
👉 Proclaim the resurrection
👉 Break bread in remembrance of Him

Do not miss this.

Do not stand outside what God has fulfilled.

Come into it.

Read the full article here:
https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/04/pascha-at-dawn-the-firstfruits-the-resurrection-and-the-apostolic-pattern-of-worship/

It’s beautiful how this lines up with the biblical pattern of Firstfruits and the morning worship that’s been there from the beginning.
Let this be the year we return—not backward into shadow, but forward into fulfillment.

Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed.

In Christ
Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick
St Andrew’s OCC
https://st-andrewsocc.org

Calendar Update: Pascha Observance (One Day Adjustment)

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:40:39 GMT

📜 “Speak unto the children… and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the Lord… these are My feasts… which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations.” (Leviticus 23)

Dear brethren,

We are writing to share an important calendar update for this year’s observance of Pascha (Passover).

According to the Biblical model of reckoning, we are observing the beginning of the year one day later this year, based on the visible crescent sighting from Jerusalem, which places the start of the month on March 20. Several are still accounting it based on March 19th.

However, it is written, “the lights in the heavens are for signs” (Genesis 1:14). For this reason, we follow the principle of what is revealed and confirmed, rather than the unseen conjunction. This approach is consistent with the long-standing practice of anchoring observation to a central location—Jerusalem—so that all may be unified in timing.

Historically, signals were relayed so that, as Scripture notes, “in every city Moses is preached” (Acts 15:21), ensuring that the appointed times could be known across regions. Today, while we have far greater tools available, the principle remains the same: a confirmed, visible sign from the land.

In our review, we have considered various modern calendar efforts, including resources such as BiblicalCalendar.org, as well as other observational projects (e.g., renewedmoon.com and similar sighted-moon efforts). While some of these come close in their projections, we maintain that the Jerusalem-based visible crescent provides the most consistent and Biblically grounded anchor.

We also note that we do not base the calendar on barley conditions, as seasonal variation in the Jerusalem region allows for multiple agricultural stages within the same cycle. Therefore, we remain committed to the astronomical and observational signs in the heavens as primary.

Accordingly, we are proclaiming the appointed times as follows:

📅 Pascha (Communion Service): Evening of April 2, 2026
📅 First Day of Unleavened Bread (High Holy Day):
Begins April 3 at sundown → observed April 4 (daylight)
📅 Feast of Unleavened Bread: April 4–10, 2026
📅 Last Great High Holy Day:
Begins April 9 at sundown → observed April 10 (daylight)

We encourage all brethren, home fellowships, and communities to take note of this update and make any needed adjustments so that we may observe these days in unity.

Our prayer is that your Pascha evening will be peaceful, reverent, and blessed as we come together in remembrance through the Communion service.

As it is written:

📖 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” (Hebrews 10:25)

📜 “Speak unto the children… and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the Lord… these are My feasts… which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations.” (Leviticus 23)

Dear brethren,

We are writing to share an important calendar update for this year’s observance of Pascha (Passover).

After careful review of the astronomical data and the Biblical model of reckoning, we are observing the beginning of the year one day later this year, based on the visible crescent sighting from Jerusalem, which places the start of the month on March 20.

As it is written, “the lights in the heavens are for signs” (Genesis 1:14). For this reason, we follow the principle of what is revealed and confirmed, rather than the unseen conjunction. This approach is consistent with the long-standing practice of anchoring observation to a central location—Jerusalem—so that all may be unified in timing.

Accordingly, we are proclaiming the appointed times as follows:

We encourage all brethren, home fellowships, and communities to take note of this update and make any needed adjustments so that we may observe these days in unity.

Our prayer is that your Pascha evening will be peaceful, reverent, and blessed as we come together in remembrance through the Communion service.

As it is written:

📖 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” (Hebrews 10:25)

May the Lord bless you as we prepare, observe, and gather in these appointed times. And in His perfect time, may we all be brought into full unity as one body in Christ, keeping His appointed times together under a most faithful and Biblical reckoning, with Jerusalem once again serving as the central witness for all. (Contact me for a study on Jerusalem centrality being Biblical for the church.)

In Christ,

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick
St Andrew’s OCC
http://st-andrewsocc.org

Pascha, Not Paganism — A Call to Return to Christ-Centered Understanding

Rev Dr Stephen MK Brunswick — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:35:18 GMT

At the end of this email, you’ll find a shareable MEME graphic that captures the heart of this message. If ultimately you find this has been meaningful to you, we encourage you to share it and help point others back to the full article at www.Watchman.Report.

Brethren,

Grace and peace to you.

In recent years, many—especially within Western Christianity—have encountered the claim that “Easter is pagan.” For some, this has caused confusion. For others, it has even led to distancing themselves from the historic celebration of the Resurrection.

But what if this claim is not only overstated—but fundamentally mistaken?

We have published a new article addressing this directly, carefully, and from Scripture, history, and the life of the Church:

👉 Read the full article:
https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/03/easter-not-pagan-pascha-answer/

This is not about defending tradition for tradition’s sake—it is about restoring clarity, and more importantly, restoring Christ to the center of what has always been His.

Quick Overview (Key Points at a Glance)

Pascha = Passover fulfilled in Christ — not a pagan feast — The Resurrection celebration comes directly from the biblical Passover fulfilled in Christ.
No Church document ever says “adopt a pagan holiday” — There is no historical evidence of intentional pagan alignment.
Early Church debates were about timing, not paganism — The question was when, not whether.
“Easter” is a local English month-name, not the origin of the feast — A linguistic carryover, not theology.
Most of the world calls it Pascha, not Easter — The global Church preserves the Passover meaning.
No Easter Bunny in Rome, Italy, or the Orthodox world — A later Western cultural addition.
(Local folklore: Osterhase belongs to German/Saxon tradition, not Church teaching.)
Eggs come from Lent fasting and Passover symbolism — Practical and biblical roots.
Folk customs are not Church doctrine — Cultural layers developed later.
“Fertility and Increase” — a biblical pattern of worship and reason of celebration — Not inherently pagan.
Babylonian-origin claims lack historical continuity — No real transmission chain exists.
Calendar differences do not equal pagan compromise — They reflect calculation methods.
Scripture: “the substance is Christ” (Col. 2:16–17) — The meaning is anchored in Him.
Scripture: days are regarded “unto the Lord” (Rom. 14:5–6) — Observance is directed toward God.
(Passover / Pascha is given as a holy convocation throughout all generations and dwellings.)
Conclusion: A Clarification, a Return, and a Call to Faithful Assembly

A Word of Encouragement

The early Church did not gather around speculation, nor did it build its worship on borrowed myths. It gathered around Christ crucified and risen.

“Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:7)

And we are exhorted:

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” (Hebrews 10:25)

This is not merely about correcting an argument—it is about returning to a proper understanding of the faith once delivered, and standing together in the unity of the Church, proclaiming what has always been true:

👉 The feast is not about rabbits.
👉 It is not about confusion.
👉 It is about Christ.

“Which are a shadow of things to come; but the substance is Christ.” (Colossians 2:17)

We encourage you to read the full article, reflect on it, and share it with others who may be wrestling with these questions.

👉 Read this enlightening / in-depth article here:
https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/03/easter-not-pagan-pascha-answer/

Standing together in truth and in Christ,

Watchman.Report
www.Watchman.Report

BONUS MEME:

You can share this graphic with the following text:

Many claim that “Easter is pagan”—but is that really true?
The historical Christian feast is Pascha, rooted in Passover and fulfilled in Christ—not in paganism.
This article breaks it down clearly from Scripture, history, and the life of the Church.
👉 Read here:
https://celticorthodoxy.com/2026/03/easter-not-pagan-pascha-answer/