His Apostolic Highness
the Most Holy Prince-Bishop Radislav (Rutherford) I, Roman-Ruthenian
Pope, is Chief of the Roman-Ruthenian
Church and State.
He leads this ancient Orthodox and Old Catholic communion with a
mission of compassion, service, and global outreach. Radislav — a
Slavic name rooted in his apostolic and dynastic heritage — is his
ecclesiastical and general name, while
Rutherford, his baptismal name, remains used at times in academic and
professional
circles. His approachable demeanor and commitment
to fostering meaningful collaboration have made him a trusted leader on
the global stage. With over 25
years of international
diplomatic and executive leadership experience, he is widely recognised
for empowering individuals and cultivating partnerships that create
transformative change. Respected for his
kindness and approachability, he fosters an environment where everyone
feels valued and heard. Connecting on a human
level, his philosophy centers on uplifting others,
leaving a legacy of positivity and kindness in his wake.
Leadership and Diplomatic
Experience
A highly
respected administrator, Prince-Bishop
Radislav
combines empathy and data-driven strategies to inspire and guide teams
to exceed their goals. His work regularly includes offering expert
policy advice to the United Nations General Assembly and the Economic
and Social Council on critical global issues, such as humanitarian aid,
sustainability, and social justice. His leadership approach balances
compassion with strategic foresight, helping to shape effective
solutions on the world stage.
The Prince-Bishop in
uniform of the Pontifical Ruthenian Naval Guard, a division of the Pontifical Walsingham Guard. He wears the
insignia of the Church’s Aquiline Order of Christ, the Pontifical Order
of the Eagle, the Order of Saints
George and Olga, and other ecclesiastical and dynastic decorations.
Church and Family Heritage
Being a
representative of an ancient ethnic-religious dynasty, the Roman-Ruthenian Pope has also
written and spoken extensively about the history of his church and
family heritage. Through his work, he emphasises that our histories are
not mere footnotes; they are the foundation upon which we build our
future. He also served
as an Observer at a G20 Summit, highlighting his commitment to
fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse cultures and
nations. (Learn
more about the canonical development and spiritual foundation of the
Roman-Ruthenian papacy — a title formally conferred in 2014 on the
patriarchal office of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church — in this document published
by the Pontifical Court.)
Christian Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Advocacy
Pope Radislav is a
passionate advocate for authentic
diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of his work. (See the
Church's doctrinal position here.) He strives
to create a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of background
or affiliation. His experience in government, diplomacy, and academia
allows him to transform challenges into opportunities, using his
versatile skill set to build stronger, more versatile communities.
Global Outreach and Influence
Leading an ancient apostolic church, Pope Radislav’s
influence extends far beyond the United Roman-Ruthenian Church,
reaching Christians and people of all faiths across the globe. His
message of unity, compassion, and service resonates with diverse
audiences, inspiring individuals to act with kindness and purpose. The
Church, under his guidance, serves people worldwide, regardless of
race, nationality, or religious belief.
His Apostolic Highness
at his desk, where diplomacy, scholarship, and pastoral mission
converge.
Educational and
Professional Expertise
With
a background in behavioral science, Prince
Rutherford specializes in
behavioral economics, artificial intelligence applications, and the
economics of culture and religion. His diverse education includes
degrees from Harvard University Extension School, Georgia Institute of
Technology, and the University of Kentucky, as well as theological
training at the Pontifical
Georgian College. An international speaker,
author, and consultant, he is dedicated to researching and promoting
sustainability, economic justice, and social well-being. He is also one
of the foundational figures in quantum economics as the Father of Wave Function Probabilistic Demand,
an empirically-tested analytical method useful to understanding
behavior and decision strategy in economics, diplomacy and more.
Personal Life and Family
A former high-altitude mountaineer and qualified mariner, Pope Radislav brings a spirit of
adventure and resilience to
both his personal and professional life. H.A.H. is married to Princess
Hanna Alexandrovna, and together, they share a commitment to service
and community.
Pope Radislav & Princess Hanna
Ecclesiastical Succession and Legacy
The Roman-Ruthenian Pope's leadership
builds on a rich heritage of Christian apostolic
and dynastic
succession, linking back to Saints Peter, Andrew, and other early
apostles, as well the Old
Russian House of
Rurikovich and its branch of Romanovich, and the Spanish-Italian House
of Ivrea, reflecting the Church’s deep
historical and spiritual foundations. By virtue of his
semi-hereditary and semi-elective office, Pope Radislav I holds a unique
position within the Christian
world. The Roman-Ruthenian Church and State,
which is both Orthodox and Old Catholic, neither controls nor seeks to
control political territory, but is a sovereign
state unto itself with special consultative status with the
United
Nations Economic and Social Council since 2019. Read more here.
For more about our heritage,
please see the Household
page.
Pope Radislav I, bearing
the triple crown (tiara) of his office — a rarely-seen emblem of
authority — as custodian of an Apostolic mission whose lineage endures
beyond centuries and kingdoms.
Equestrian,
High-altitude mountaineering, and Sailing
Note:
H.A.H. Prince-Bishop Radislav I and the P.I. Household, as
a matter of their
own policy, are not involved and do not seek to be involved in the
governance,
political parties, or politics of any current civil government in any
nation.
STATO
PONTIFICIO IMPERIALE DI ROMA-RUTENIA
UNITED ROMAN-RUTHENIAN CHURCH
