Charter of the
Franciscan Friars of the Forsaken
Western Rite Metropolia · Under Episcopal Oversight
Autocephalous Byzantine Orthodox Catholic Church
Preamble
In fidelity to the Orthodox Christian faith and in reverent memory of Saint Francis of Assisi, this Brotherhood was canonically established in 2007 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.
Name and Jurisdiction
Franciscan Friars of the Forsaken — Order of the Friars Minor Observant
Autocephalous Byzantine Orthodox Catholic Church — Western Rite Metropolia, under the canonical oversight of His Eminence John Sebastian, Bishop of the Southwest
Saint Francis of Assisi, interpreted through Orthodox ascetic theology
Mission and Vocation
The Brotherhood exists for three purposes, inseparable from one another:
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 and indigenous
To preserve and adapt the spiritual heritage of Saint Francis within the canonical and liturgical life of the Orthodox Church
Rule of Life
Western Rite Divine Office, with optional Byzantine devotions
Western Rite calendar and rubrics; Feast of Saint Francis observed on October 4 with solemn vesting and blessing of animals
Gardening, craftsmanship, theological reading, and community service
Novitiate includes catechesis in Orthodox theology, Franciscan spirituality, and practical stewardship
Structure and Governance
Friars who have taken solemn vows before God, the Bishop, and the Brotherhood
Candidates undergoing spiritual and practical formation
Appointed by the Bishop or elected by the Brotherhood, subject to episcopal blessing
Governs daily life, liturgical rhythm, and communal discipline
Visual and Ceremonial Identity
Simple tunic and cincture — a white cord from which a rosary is suspended. A hood is added at the Novitiate. The Orthodox Cross is conferred at Perpetual Profession, completing the full habit. Optional scapular for solemn occasions.
A Thunderbird bearing the Orthodox Cross upon its breast, with a Franciscan friar standing beneath its wings — uniting the indigenous heritage of the Southwest, the ancient Orthodox faith, and the mendicant vocation of St. Francis in a single image.
All charters, guides, and ceremonial texts prepared with ecclesiastical dignity — traditional borders, scriptural references, and Orthodox formatting
Apostolic Work
Visiting the sick, aiding the poor and indigenous, supporting parish life
Gardens, sustainable practices, and theological reflection on creation
Teaching Orthodox doctrine, Franciscan history, and vocational guidance
Assisting in liturgical preparation, sacred art, and ecclesiastical design
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 — Governing Daily Life, Liturgical Rhythm, and Communal Discipline
Daily Schedule
| 6:00 AM | Matins — Morning Office |
| 6:30 AM | Divine Liturgy of the Mass |
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM | Terce — Work / Class begins |
| 12:00 PM | Sext — Noon Prayer |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Work / Class |
| 3:00 PM | None — Holy Hour / Adoration |
| 4:30 PM | Supper |
| 6:00 PM | Vespers / Meditation / Reflection |
| 8:00 PM | Recreation |
| 9:30 PM | Compline — Silence Begins |
Liturgical Calendar
Western Rite observances with Orthodox feasts integrated. The Feast of Saint Francis (October 4) is observed with solemn vesting and blessing of animals. Ember Days, Rogation Days, and Lenten disciplines are observed with Orthodox interpretation.
Fasting and Feasting
Wednesdays & Fridays
Abstinence from meat throughout the year
Great Lent
Strict fasting per Orthodox norms
Feast Days
Shared meals, psalmody, and community celebration
Discipline and Silence
Observed from Compline until Matins
Weekly gatherings for spiritual reflection and fraternal correction
Encouraged monthly or as needed
Novice Guide — Formation, Discernment, and Practical Duties
Stages of Formation
Initial conversations, spiritual discernment, and parish involvement
3–6 months of living with the Brotherhood, observing the rhythm of community life
1–2 years of formal formation, catechesis, and practical service
Solemn vows before God, the Bishop, and the Brotherhood
Spiritual Readings
Practical Duties
Novices participate in the daily work of the friary, including gardening, cooking, cleaning, and hospitality. They assist in parish liturgies and outreach, and receive instruction in ecclesiastical design and document preparation.
Ceremonial Handbook — Vestments, Rites, and Visual Standards
Vesting Rites
Profession Ceremony
Held during Vespers or the Divine Liturgy. Includes the reading of vows, blessing of the habit, and presentation of the Orthodox Cross. Scriptural readings: Matthew 5:1–12 and Philippians 2:1–11.
Feast Observances
John Sebastian, OFMO
Bishop Protector · Autocephalous Byzantine Orthodox Catholic Church