📜 Charter of the Franciscan Friars of the Forsaken – Western Rite Metropolia

– Under Episcopal Oversight–

Autocephalous Byzantine Orthodox Catholic Church

I. Preamble

In fidelity to the Orthodox Christian faith and in reverent memory of Saint Francis of Assisi, this Brotherhood is established within the Western Rite of the Holy Autocephalous Byzantine Orthodox Catholic Church –  Western Rite Metropolia. It seeks to embody the Gospel through simplicity, humility, and service, harmonized with the canonical, theological, and liturgical life of Orthodoxy.

II. Name and Jurisdiction

Name: Franciscan Friars of the Forsaken –  Order of the Friars Minor Observant.

Jurisdiction: Autocephalous Byzantine Orthodox Catholic Church –  Western Rite Metropolia under the canonical oversight of His Eminence John Sebastian, Bishop of Toledo.

Spiritual Patron: Saint Francis of Assisi, interpreted through Orthodox ascetic theology.

III. Mission and Vocation

To live the Orthodox Franciscan (monastic) life through vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and humility.

To serve the Church and society through pastoral outreach, environmental stewardship, and advocacy for the poor.

To preserve and adapt the spiritual heritage of Saint Francis within the Orthodox tradition.

IV. Rule of Life

Daily Prayer: Western Rite Divine Office, with optional Byzantine devotions

Liturgical Observance: Western Rite calendar and rubrics, with feast of Saint Francis observed on October 4.

Manual Labor and Study: Gardening, craftsmanship, theological reading, and community service.

Formation: Novitiate includes catechesis in Orthodox theology, Franciscan spirituality, and practical stewardship.

V. Structure and Governance

Professed Members: Friars who have taken solemn vows.

Novices: Candidates undergoing spiritual and practical formation.

Superior: Appointed by the Bishop or elected by the Brotherhood, subject to episcopal blessing.

Typikon: Governs daily life, liturgical rhythm, and communal discipline

VI. Visual and Ceremonial Identity

Habit: Habit with Orthodox cross and cincture; optional scapular for solemn occasions.

Seal: Three Bar Orthodox Cross entwined with vines, flanked by iconographic symbols of Christ and the Theotokos.

Documents: All charters, guides, and ceremonial texts shall be prepared with ecclesiastical dignity—using traditional borders, scriptural references, and Orthodox formatting.

VII. Apostolic Work

Pastoral Outreach: Visiting the sick, aiding the poor, supporting parish life.

Environmental Stewardship: Gardens, sustainable practices, theological reflection on creation.

Educational Advocacy: Teaching Orthodox doctrine, Franciscan history, and vocational guidance.

Ceremonial Service: Assisting in liturgical preparation, sacred art, and ecclesiastical design.

VIII. Canonical Submission

This Brotherhood submits to the canonical authority of the Orthodox bishop and affirms the Orthodox faith as expressed in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, the Ecumenical Councils, and the teachings of the Holy Fathers.

📘 Typikon of the Franciscan Brotherhood

Governing Daily Life, Liturgical Rhythm, and Communal Discipline

I. Daily Schedule:

Time   Activity

7:15 AM        Morning Prayer

7:45 AM       Divine Liturgy of the Mass

09:00 AM      Breakfast

9:30 AM      Work / Class

11:30 PM      Midday Prayer

12:00 PM       Lunch

1:00 PM Work / Class

3:00 PM Holy Hour/Adoration

4:30 PM Supper

6:00 PM        Vespers / Meditation / Reflection

8:00 PM        Recreation

9:30 PM        Compline / Silence Begins

II. Liturgical Calendar

Western Rite observances with Orthodox feasts integrated.

Feast of Saint Francis: October 4 (with solemn vesting and blessing of animals).

Ember Days, Rogation Days, and Lenten disciplines observed with Orthodox interpretation

III. Fasting and Feasting

Wednesdays and Fridays: Abstinence from meat

Great Lent: Strict fasting per Orthodox norms

Feasts: Shared meals, psalmody, and community celebration

IV. Discipline and Silence

Silence observed from Compline until 1^st Morning Prayer

Weekly chapter meetings for spiritual reflection and fraternal correction

Confession encouraged monthly or as needed

📗 Novice Guide

Formation, Discernment, and Practical Duties

I. Stages of Formation

Inquiry – Initial conversations, spiritual discernment, and parish involvement

Postulant – 3–6 months of living with the Brotherhood, observing the rhythm.

Novitiate – 1–2 years of formal formation, catechesis, and practical service.

Profession – Solemn vows before God, the Bishop and Brotherhood.

II. Spiritual Readings

Rule of Saint Francis (adapted for Western Rite Orthodoxy)

Sayings of the Desert Fathers

Writings of Saint Francis and Saint Seraphim of Sarov

Orthodox Catechism and Liturgical Commentary

III. Practical Duties

Gardening, cooking, cleaning, and hospitality

Assisting in parish liturgies and outreach

Learning ecclesiastical design and document preparation

📙 Ceremonial Handbook

Vestments, Rites, and Visual Standards

I. Vesting Rites

Postulant: Simple tunic and cincture, blessed by superior

Novice: Tunic with hood and Orthodox cross

Professed: Full habit and profession before Bishop or if unavailable, the Superior.

II. Profession Ceremony

Held during Vespers or Divine Liturgy

Includes reading of vows, blessing of habit, and Orthodox Cross

Scriptural readings: Matthew 5:1–12, Philippians 2:1–11

III. Feast Observances

Saint Francis: Blessing of animals, outdoor liturgy, sermon on humility.

Holy Cross: Procession with Orthodox cross, reflection on self-emptying

Nativity and Pascha: Special vestments, communal celebration, outreach to poor

IV. Visual Standards

Documents adorned with Orthodox cross.

SIGNED:    ✠John Sebastian OFMO (Bishop Protector)