Episcopal Consecration
A Joyful Announcement
With deep gratitude and hearts grounded in prayer, we share the formal announcement of the episcopal consecration of our Rector, Rev. Fr. Ashley R. Deutschmann. The consecration will take place on Pentecost Sunday, 24 May 2026, in Sofia, Bulgaria.
This marks a profound moment in the life of the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission — a sign of apostolic continuity, faithful discernment, and inclusive pastoral service.
Consecration Details
The episcopal consecration is expected to be conferred jointly by:
– Archbishop Ronald Saunders, Apostolic Catholic Church
– Archbishop Svetoslav Vasilev, Bulgarian Old Catholic Church
– Bishop Dylan Littlefield, Presiding Bishop of the Old Catholic Union of the West
with documented support anticipated from additional bishops, including written affirmation from Archbishop Joseph C. Richards of the Inclusive Catholic Church.
This shared act of consecration reflects the ancient, collegial character of apostolic ministry and the spiritual unity of independent Catholic churches committed to sacramental life and shared mission.
A Ministry Formed in Unity
Bishop-Elect Ashley was ordained to the priesthood using the Byzantine rite under the authority of the Bulgarian Old Catholic Church. His ordination decree was issued in Latin, using the Western form. This convergence of Eastern and Western traditions — East in sacramental form, West in canonical expression — symbolises a deep theological conviction: that the Church is one in Christ, and its historic expressions are not divided paths, but shared apostolic witnesses.
This same conviction undergirds his upcoming consecration — a celebration not of personal honour, but of ecclesial service.
Episcopal Name and Motto
Upon consecration, Fr. Ashley will take the episcopal name Mar Theophilos, meaning “Friend of God.” This name, rooted in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, reflects a ministry grounded in friendship, learning, and trust in divine mercy.
His chosen motto is:
Defensor fidei extra muros
Defender of the Faith Outside the Walls
Inspired by Hebrews 13:12–13, this expresses a vocation to serve beyond the boundaries of power and convention — among the excluded, the overlooked, and the seeking.
Coat of Arms and Consecrator Tribute
A personal episcopal coat of arms has been prepared, Each quadrant carries deep significance:
- The Chi-Rho and crossed keys (upper left) affirm Christ at the centre and the shared stewardship of the apostolic mission. (Apostolic Old Catholic Mission)
- The Agnus Dei (upper right) honours the co-consecrator Bishop Dylan Littlefield and symbolises pastoral humility and resurrection hope.
- The white elephant (lower left), drawn from Archbishop Ronald Saunders’ arms, represents memory, peace, and episcopal mentorship.
- The ichthys (lower right), from Archbishop Svetoslav Vasilev, reflects ancient faith, baptismal discipleship, and the bishop-elect’s roots in the Bulgarian Old Catholic Church.
The motto, Defensor fidei extra muros — “Defender of the Faith Outside the Walls” — expresses a call to pastoral presence beyond institutional boundaries, grounded in Hebrews 13:12–13. A green galero, gold cross, and scroll complete the traditional structure, linking the bishop-elect to the living, apostolic Church.
This personal coat of arms was created in preparation for the episcopal consecration of Rev. Fr. Ashley R. Deutschmann, who will serve as bishop under the name Mar Theophilos. The shield is quartered, reflecting the convergence of multiple apostolic inheritances and the diverse theological dimensions of his ministry.
Episcopal Seal of Mar Theophilos
The episcopal seal of Bishop-Elect Ashley R. Deutschmann was designed in preparation for his consecration and features his full personal coat of arms, enclosed within a circular border of red, white, and navy. It bears his episcopal name — Mar Theophilos — and the motto Defensor fidei extra muros.
The seal is not merely ornamental. It serves as a visible mark of consecration: a sign of sacramental authority, apostolic succession, and pastoral commitment. Like the arms it encloses, the seal unites ancient Christian symbolism with the distinctive ministry of the bishop-elect — rooted in Christ, shaped by tradition, and committed to inclusion.
Used for formal documents, correspondence, and ecclesial acts, the seal expresses the theological heart of episcopal ministry: not status, but service; not hierarchy, but presence; not privilege, but pastoral responsibility.
This episcopal seal bears the full coat of arms of Bishop-Elect Ashley R. Deutschmann, encircled by a bold red, white, and navy border. It includes his episcopal name, Mar Theophilos, and the motto Defensor fidei extra muros.
Continuing the Mission
Bishop-Elect Ashley will continue to serve as Rector of the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission. This consecration does not alter the Mission’s independent nature; rather, it affirms the need for sacramental oversight and the expansion of Eucharistic, inclusive ministry rooted in the early Church.
His episcopal service will focus on:
- Strengthening inclusive, Christ-centred communities
- Providing sacramental care across regions and traditions
- Deepening ecumenical relationships
- Walking with those beyond institutional walls
Looking Toward Pentecost 2026
As Pentecost 2026 approaches, we ask your prayers for Bishop-Elect Ashley (Mar Theophilos), the co-consecrating bishops, and the life of the Church we are called to serve. May this upcoming consecration glorify Christ, strengthen the faithful, and bring courage to all who seek a Church where every person belongs.
Christ at the Centre. Everyone at the Table.
📄 Click below to view the official announcement document:
Official Announcement of the Episcopal Consecration of Rev. Fr. Ashley R. Deutschmann (Mar Theophilos)
This formal PDF outlines the expected consecrators, the theological foundations of the episcopate, and the meaning behind the episcopal name, coat of arms, seal, and motto. It may be shared freely for reference or ecumenical purposes.
