An Independent Catholic Church
ACoA is an Independent Catholic Church that follows the traditions of the Catholic Church with an open mind. It also incorporates Esoteric Teachings and Gnostic values in its spirituality. It is a “Universal” Church that respects and welcomes any Faith as valid. It does not discriminate against anyone for their beliefs, race, creed or colour. It believes that we are all connected to the same source, we all share the same water, air, planet and God. It strives to coexist peacefully with all beings and with nature.
“JUDGE NOT LEST YE BE JUDGED” Mathew 7:1.
It is registered by the Government of Australia as a fully recognised religion and has genuine Apostolic Succession of Clergy. It has a strong female lineage and accepts both genders as priests. It also offers a prisoner counselling and rehabilitation program and a monastic style of worship for those who are interested.
The Church’s Christian Origins
The Australian Church of Antioch traces its origins to the ancient city of Antioch in Syria, where Christianity first emerged. According to its history, some followers of Zoroaster who were enlightened by Darius, the Persian ruler, established a temple of learning in Antioch around 503 BC. This temple was like a university, where the wise teachers prepared for the coming of Jesus, the Christ. Among them were the three wise men who we now know visited Jesus at his birth.
They also built Antioch as a base for God’s work on earth. Jesus visited Antioch and other places that would later become churches in his name. The temple remained peaceful until it was needed as the birthplace of Christianity.
The Apostles Peter, Paul, and Thomas travelled to Antioch in early 38 AD, where they founded the first church that was actually a Christian church. Simply because the temple authority would not identify Peter as a disciple of Jesus because he had first been a disciple of John the Baptist before following Jesus, Thomas is credited with founding the Antioch Church. Paul, who had studied under one of the most well-known academics of the day, Paul, being a student of one of the most famous scholars of the day, was relegated to the status of highly esteemed scholar in preference of a disciple of Jesus. Thomas was the only one remaining, who they did acknowledge as a sincere follower of Jesus. Thus, the first Christian Church was established, and the succession described is taken from it. In actual fact, the trio of Peter, Paul and Thomas performed the first consecration of three Bishops of Antioch. ( Paraphrased by Andrew Blair and continued at –The Australian Church of Antioch – Home Page
| Image 1-(unknown), ( unknown) The Cubiculum of the Veiled Woman. Fresco found in the Catacombs of Priscilla. [ONLINE]. Available at: https://www.australianchurchofantioch.com/uploads/1/4/0/0/14001782/editor/66025792-131264608081251-3694917415075840-n-222.jpg?1676321395 [Accessed 9 June 2023]. |
| The Australian Church of Antioch. (date unknown). The Australian Church of Antioch – an independent Catholic church. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.australianchurchofantioch.com/. [Accessed 9 June 2023]. |