Office of the Major Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Americas - UAOCC

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Office of the Major Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Americas - UAOCC

This is the Official page for the Official page for the Office of Presiding Bishop of the United American Catholic Church.

This is the Official Page for His Beatitude the Most Reverend NICHOLAS Anthony Hash, Major Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Americas, Primate of the United American Orthodox Catholic Church and First Hierarch of the Holy Synod Anthony Wayne Hash was born at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia, and was raised in Roanoke, Virginia, where he was active at St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church.

After attending a local community college, he entered the Benedictine Order, studying subsequently at St. Mary’s Seminary in Cortez, Colorado. He received his Master of Divinity degree in 1997 from Sanctus Theological Institute, which later awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree for his work in education and the Independent Sacramental Movement. Ordained to the diaconate in 1993 by the Most Reverend Thomas Clary, Bishop Hash founded Saint Nicholas Giver of Gifts Parish and was a co-founder of the Healing Light Center in Roanoke, now known as the Lifestream Center. Ordained to the priesthood in June of 1994 by the Most Reverend Catherine Adams, of New York, Bishop Hash held many posts in the Church, including Assistant to the Bishop, leading in June of 1995 to his consecration as bishop, also by Bishop Adams. Her co-consecrators were the Most Reverend Thomas Clary and the Most Reverend Carl Purvenas-Smith. In the Roanoke Valley area, Bishop Hash worked in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention, opening The Mustard Seed, an emergency food pantry for HIV-positive people. In 2000, after a hate-crime killing of a gay man and the wounding of six others in a Roanoke bar by the mentally deranged Ronald Gay, Bishop Hash was among the leaders who organized prayer vigils and protests, working tirelessly for the Hate-Free Roanoke Task Force. In New York City, Bishop Hash volunteered briefly at Ground Zero in the weeks after 9/11, praying with and providing Reiki treatments to rescue workers and first responders. On July 1, 2002, Bishop Hash, with several other clergy across the Southeast, formed The United American Catholic Church. At the first Synod of the new jurisdiction, Bishop Hash was elected as the first Presiding Bishop and was later named Archbishop. His local parish—to honor the Bishop's elevation to Archbishop and in recognition of his new jurisdiction—changed its name to Christ the Good Shepherd. Bishop Hash has had a long career at the forefront of the Independent Catholic Movement, leading his jurisdiction to be one of the first—if not the first—to approve the Sacramentality of Same-Sex Marriage. He also approved the tithing to the poor and needy of ten percent of all Church income and extended a warm “welcome back to ministry” to former Roman Catholic priests who had left the church in order to marry. A Benedictine monk in solemn vows, Bishop Hash serves as Prior of the Contemporary Benedictines of Peace for the United American Catholic Church. Since 2005, the Bishop has lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he founded Saint Joan of Arc, a local parish under the United American Catholic Church umbrella. Bishop Hash's other activities include volunteering at several retirement facilities and participating in historical re-enactments for the Virginia Beach Historical Society. The Bishop is also a wedding officiant and a public speaker, campaigning against bullying and violence in our schools and currently lives in Roanoke, VA.

05/17/2026

Christ is in our midst! He is and ever shall be!

With great joy and prayerful anticipation, the United American Orthodox Catholic Church announces the historic Apostolic Visit of His Beatitude, Nicholas Anthony Hash, Major Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Americas, to Mexico from June 23–30, 2026.

This visit marks His Beatitude’s first Apostolic Journey to Mexico and the formal blessing and inauguration of the Vicariate of Saint Dominic de Guzmán of All Mexico, a significant milestone in the life and continued growth of our Church throughout the Americas.

During this sacred visit, His Beatitude will gather with clergy and faithful for pastoral meetings, liturgical celebrations, and the formal establishment of this new vicariate, strengthening Orthodox Catholic witness and ministry in Mexico. His Beatitude’s delegation will be led by the Canon to the Archbishop, the Very Reverend Angel del Rio of SRA Ministries, USA in Dallas, Texas, who will assist in coordinating this important apostolic mission.

This apostolic journey comes at a particularly joyful time, as the Church also gives thanks for 31 years of faithful ministry and service by His Beatitude, whose leadership continues to guide and strengthen our growing ecclesial family.

We humbly ask for your prayers for His Beatitude, the faithful of Mexico, and the flourishing of this new mission.

Follow for updates and visit OrthodoxCatholics.org for more information.

Español

¡Cristo está en medio de nosotros! ¡Lo está y siempre lo estará!

Con gran alegría y ferviente esperanza, la Iglesia Católica Ortodoxa Americana Unida anuncia la histórica Visita Apostólica de Su Beatitud, Nicholas Anthony Hash, Arzobispo Mayor y Metropolitano de las Américas, a México del 23 al 30 de junio de 2026.

Esta visita marca el primer viaje apostólico de Su Beatitud a México y la bendición e inauguración formal del Vicariato de Santo Domingo de Guzmán de Todo México, un importante acontecimiento en la vida y el continuo crecimiento de nuestra Iglesia a lo largo de las Américas.

Durante esta sagrada visita, Su Beatitud se reunirá con el clero y los fieles para encuentros pastorales, celebraciones litúrgicas y el establecimiento formal de este nuevo vicariato, fortaleciendo el testimonio y ministerio católico ortodoxo en México. La delegación de Su Beatitud será encabezada por el Canónigo del Arzobispo, el Muy Reverendo Angel del Rio de SRA Ministries, USA en Dallas, Texas, quien ayudará en la coordinación de esta importante misión apostólica.

Esta visita apostólica llega en un momento especialmente significativo, mientras la Iglesia también da gracias por 31 años de fiel ministerio y servicio de Su Beatitud, cuyo liderazgo continúa guiando y fortaleciendo a nuestra creciente familia eclesial.

Humildemente pedimos sus oraciones por Su Beatitud, por los fieles de México y por el florecimiento de esta nueva misión.

Siga a para actualizaciones y visite OrthodoxCatholics.org para más información.

05/13/2026

PUBLIC STATEMENT OF THE HOLY SYNOD OF BISHOPS OF THE
UNITED AMERICAN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH
ON THE ENTHRONEMENT OF THE NEW PATRIARCH OF GEORGIA

Christ is Risen!

With profound joy in the Lord and fraternal love in Christ, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the United American Orthodox Catholic Church extends its heartfelt congratulations, prayers, and best wishes to His Holiness and Beatitude, the newly enthroned Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia and the Archbishop of Mtskheta and Tbilisi, upon his solemn elevation to the Patriarchal Throne of the ancient and venerable Church of Georgia.

The enthronement of a Patriarch is a sacred and historic moment in the life of the Church, signifying not only continuity in apostolic ministry, but also a renewed commitment to shepherding the faithful, safeguarding Holy Tradition, proclaiming the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and preserving the unity and spiritual inheritance entrusted to the Church through the ages.

Please be assured of our prayers, fraternal esteem, and sincere goodwill as we join the faithful around the world in marking this sacred occasion.

Axios! Axios! Axios!

Given on behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the United American Orthodox Catholic Church,
this Twelfth Day of May, in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six.

Holy Synod of Bishops
United American Orthodox Catholic Church

12 May 2026

03/20/2026

Major Archbishop NICHOLAS Anthony and Metropolitan Carl Gregory - General Convention of the United American Orthodox Catholic Church at Bishop's Chapel, March 17, 2026.

02/27/2026

A Proclamation from the Office of the Major Archbishop
United American Orthodox Catholic Church

To the Reverend Mothers & Fathers, Monastics, and Faithful
of the United American Orthodox Catholic Church,
and to All People of goodwill,

Grace and peace to you in our Lord Jesus Christ!

In accordance with the sacred canons of the Church, and with the concurrence of the Holy Synod of Bishops, We, Nicholas, Major Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Americas, do herebyelevateand promote

The Very Reverend Abbot Matthew Christopher

to the dignity and rank of Mitred Archimandrite, and appoint him Canon to the Archbishop within the United American Orthodox Catholic Church.

Father Matthew has faithfully served Christ and His Holy Church as a true spiritual father, shepherding the monastics entrusted to his care with wisdom, stability, and paternal devotion. The monastic life stands as a living icon of the Kingdom, reminding the Church that prayer is her first labor and holiness her first calling. In this sacred
vocation, he has demonstrated steadfast leadership and deep spiritual maturity.

His devoted labor as Hierarchical Secretary has proven indispensable to the good order and governance of this
jurisdiction. Through his work with Three Hierarchs Orthodox Catholic Seminary, he has strengthened the theological formation of clergyand laityalike, building foundations that shall endure for generations.

As Archimandrite and Canon to the Archbishop, he shall continue to serve as trusted advisor to the Archbishop, offering counsel, support,and stability in the life and mission of this Church.

In recognition of his faithful service, pastoral maturity, and steadfast obedience to Christ and His Church, this elevation is both fitting and just.

May the Orthodox Monastery of Saint Brigid flourish in holiness and stability. May its religious community glorify the Most Holy Trinity in prayer and labor. And may the praises of this sacred house rise like incense before the throne of God, joined bythe Saintsand the Angelic Hosts.

Given under Our hand and seal on this 27th day of Februaryin the Year of Our Lord 2026,

on the Feast of Saint Raphael of Brooklyn.

With my blessing and deep gratitude,

In Christ,
Archbishop NICHOLAS

01/19/2026

Last Sunday, I stood in peaceful protest over the horrific murder of Renee Good.

The demonstration spanned all four corners of Jefferson and Elm in downtown Roanoke. The turnout was overwhelming—hundreds of people, like-minded in their pursuit of justice and accountability.

There were detractors, but no violence.
Only voices raised.
Only presence offered.
Only a shared refusal to look away.

The weather mirrored the moment we are living in: bitter winds, sudden snow and ice, flashes of sunlight—changing by the minute. And yet, people stayed.

“Love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 10:19)

I was deeply honored to represent St. Hildegard Priory and the Benedictines of Peace of the United American Orthodox Catholic Church—standing in prayerful protest, committed to peace, justice, and the sacred dignity of every human life.

05/08/2025

A statement On the ELECTION of
His Holiness, Pope LEO XIV, Bishop of Rome,
Patriarch of the West and Primate of Italy

8 May 2025

On the Feast of Apostle John the Theologian

Christ is Risen! Truly, He has Risen!

To the faithful of the Roman Church:

The Council of Bishops of the United American Orthodox Catholic Church offers its heartfelt greetings and solemn congratulations to His Holiness, Pope LEO XIV, the newly elected Bishop of Rome and Successor to the Apostle Peter, on the occasion of his ascent to the Petrine See.

Within the mystery of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, our jurisdictions remain distinct in structure and discipline, yet united in our confession of Christ, the Incarnate Word, and in our commitment to the Gospel He entrusted to His Church. The election of a new Pontiff is of profound significance, not only for the faithful of the Roman Church, but for all Christians who look to the ancient sees and their witness in the world.

We give thanks to God for the pontificate of His Holiness Pope Francis, who served with humility, compassion, and tireless dedication to the message of divine mercy. His voice on behalf of the poor, the forgotten, and the marginalized bore true witness to the Gospel’s call to serve the least of our siblings. We pray that his successor will carry forward this legacy of love and justice, and continue to proclaim the tender mercy of God to all peoples.

In Pope Leo XIV, the first Bishop of Rome from the United States of America, we recognize a pastor who emerges from the heart of a people marked by labor, struggle, and hope. His long-standing dedication to the working class and the poor reflects a Gospel-centered commitment to social justice and human dignity. We pray that his papacy may be marked by a renewed emphasis on the Church’s mission to the poor, the laborer, the refugee, and all those often unseen by the world.

We commend the newly elected Bishop of Rome to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, praying that he may shepherd his flock with wisdom, courage, and compassion. May his ministry be a light of hope in an age marked by division and suffering, and may it contribute to the deepening of mutual understanding among the Churches of East and West.

On behalf of the Council of Bishops,
With warm and joyful blessings in the Risen Christ,

✠NICHOLAS

Presiding Archbishop

First Chair of the Council of Bishops

United American Orthodox Catholic Church

05/07/2025

Presiding Bishop Nicholas Anthony will undergo a heart procedure this Friday. We ask your prayers.

A Prayer for the Healing of Archbishop Nicholas

O Loving Christ, You are the Physician of every illness and the Peace of all who trust in You. You touched the sick with compassion, restored the brokenhearted, and brought comfort to those in pain.
Look now with mercy on Your servant, Archbishop Nicholas Anthony.

Give wisdom and steadiness to those entrusted with his care,
guide the minds and hands of the surgeons and nurses,
and fill the room with Your presence, that fear may be cast out by Your peace.

Remember his faithful service to Your Church, his prayers for Your people, and his devotion to the Divine Mysteries. Grant that his body may be strengthened, his heart encouraged, and his spirit renewed in the light of Your love.

Through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, the holy archangel Raphael, and all Your saints, pour out healing grace that he may rise up with thanksgiving, and continue his ministry in health, wisdom, and peace.

For You are the Holy One who loves all people, and to You we give glory, together with Your Eternal Creator and the Holy Spirit—
now and always and to the ages of ages. Amen.

03/25/2025

Statement of the College of Bishops on the Murder of Emily Pike.

March 25th, 2025
Feast of the Annunciation

To the Most Reverend Bishops, Beloved Clergy, Monastics, and To Our Beloved Faithful and All People of Good Will,

Grace and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we address the tragic and senseless slaying of Emily Pike. As a community rooted in the love of Christ, we grieve the loss of a precious life taken so suddenly and violently. Our prayers ascend for Emily, her family, friends, and all who are grappling with this unfathomable loss.
The United American Catholic Church has steadfastly dedicated itself to fostering compassion, justice, and reconciliation for all people. Saint Dymphna Church, our Eastern Rite parish serving the Orthodox diaspora in Maricopa County, Arizona, remains a sanctuary for those in need, offering prayerful support to the brokenhearted. In this time of sorrow, we reaffirm our commitment to the Gospel’s call to be peacemakers, striving to heal wounds and promote understanding in the face of tragedy.

In considering the violence that took Emily’s life, we also acknowledge the broader crisis impacting Indigenous peoples across this land. The injustice of violence against Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and vulnerable members of Native communities is a grievous wound on the conscience of our nation. We stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities who mourn their missing, their murdered, and all whose lives have been diminished by systemic injustice.

Our Christian faith teaches that all of humanity is made in the image and likeness of God and that the Earth itself is sacred—a gift to be honored and protected. We call upon all people of faith and goodwill to join us in seeking justice, safety, and dignity for Indigenous peoples and the protection of their lands. We support efforts to address the root causes of violence, poverty, and exploitation that disproportionately harm Native communities and perpetuate cycles of trauma.

As we mourn Emily’s passing, we also pray for an end to violence in all its forms. We call upon our leaders, our communities, and all people of conscience to work tirelessly toward a society where every person’s dignity and life are honored and protected. In this pursuit, we pledge our steadfast presence and advocacy for peace, justice, and reconciliation.

May Emily’s memory be eternal—and may the God of all consolation comfort her loved ones in their grief. Let us hold fast to the hope of the Resurrection, trusting that God, who is love, will transform our pain into healing and our mourning into joy.

In the love of Christ,

NICHOLAS, Archbishop

On behalf of the College of Bishops United American Catholic Church

02/28/2025

Statement from the College of Bishop on our solidarity with our Transgender Siblings:

Statement of Solidarity with our Transgender Siblings from the
College of Bishops of the United American Catholic Church
February 28, 2025

To our beloved faithful and all people of goodwill,

As the College of Bishops of the United American Catholic Church, we feel compelled to address the troubling rise of anti-transgender policies and the rhetoric being amplified. These measures not only diminish the dignity of our transgender siblings but also evoke a profound historical reminder of the dangers that arise when society permits dehumanization to take root.

In the Gospel of Matthew (22:39), Jesus calls us to "love your neighbor as yourself." This commandment underscores the foundational principle of our faith: that all people are created in the image of God and deserve to be treated with love, respect, and compassion. As followers of Christ, we must uphold the dignity of every individual, regardless of their gender identity. To enact policies that strip away the rights of our transgender neighbors is to contradict this essential teaching of Christ.

The United American Catholic Church has long been a steadfast advocate for the LGBTQ community. Since our formation in 2002, we have welcomed all to participate fully in the Sacramental life and leadership of the Church. Our 2003 Synod unanimously affirmed the Sacramentality of same-sex marriage, and in the years since, our clergy and ministries have actively stood in solidarity with LGBTQ individuals and families. From being a visible presence at Pride festivals to offering pastoral care and support in times of crisis, we have remained unwavering in our commitment to affirming the dignity and worth of every person. In 2019, we formally declared ourselves an Open, Affirming, and Caring Church, reaffirming our mission to embody Christ’s love without exclusion.

History provides a sobering reminder of the consequences of dehumanizing laws. The initial steps toward the atrocities committed during the Holocaust included the establishment of anti-transgender laws that targeted and marginalized individuals. These early measures laid the groundwork for a systematic devaluation of human life, which escalated into the horrific mass deportations and genocidal acts against entire ethnic populations. It is imperative that we heed this lesson from history and recognize that the persecution of one group can ultimately lead to the suffering of many.

We stand in firm opposition to any policies that perpetuate hate or discrimination against transgender individuals. Instead, we advocate for a society that embraces diversity and inclusivity, where every person is valued and loved. Our commitment to pastoral care compels us to support our transgender siblings and all marginalized communities, ensuring they feel safe, accepted, and affirmed within our Church and society.

We urge our leaders, lawmakers, and fellow citizens to reflect on the teachings of Jesus and to recognize the humanity in every person, irrespective of their gender identity. Let us work together to foster a community that embodies love and acceptance, actively resisting any form of prejudice or discrimination.

In the spirit of Christ’s love, let us stand united in our commitment to justice and compassion for all, affirming our shared humanity and the inherent dignity of every individual.

On behalf of the College of Bishops,

+Nicholas

Archbishop– United American Catholic Church

01/01/2025

Letter for the New Year

January 1, 2025
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Siblings of the United American Catholic Church,

Blessings to you and your families on this New Year’s Day!

As we embark on this new year, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God—the Theotokos. On this sacred day, we also join the universal Church in observing the World Day of Prayer for Peace. This convergence is a profound reminder of our calling to be tireless workers for peace, instruments of healing, and bearers of hope in a world often torn by conflict.

Today, I invite you to recommit to this holy mission. Let us be unceasing in our prayers for peace—praying not only with our lips but also through our actions and our very presence. I urge you to take time today and every day to pray fervently for peace in places suffering from violence, including Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, Ethiopia, and every corner of the world where discord and pain persist.

You might pray the rosary, reflect on the words of Saint Francis, or simply sit in silence and let the peace of Christ flow through you. Whatever form your prayer takes, know that it is a powerful act of love that ripples through the world, sowing seeds of transformation.

As we enter 2025, I pray that this year will be one of growth and blessing for our Church, for the world, and all people. May we, as the Body of Christ, continue to shine as a beacon of hope and compassion. Together, let us embrace the work of building peace—not only in distant lands but in our own communities and within our hearts.

With gratitude for your faithfulness and service, I extend my blessings for this New Year. May Mary, the Mother of God, guide us with her example of unwavering love and peace.

In Christ’s peace,

+Nicholas Anthony

Presiding Bishop
United American Catholic Church

Address

Roanoke, VA
24001–24020, 24022–24038, 24040, 24042–24045, 24048, 24050, 24155, 24157

Website

http://www.orthodoxcatholics.org/

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