Our Coat of Arms, Seal, and Logo: Symbols of Faith and Welcome

The Apostolic Old Catholic Mission has adopted a set of official emblems: a coat of arms, a Why Heraldry Matters in the Church

For centuries, the Christian tradition has used ecclesiastical heraldry — coats of arms, seals, and mottos — to express faith in visual form. Bishops, monasteries, missionary communities, and church organisations have adopted heraldic arms not for vanity, but as teaching tools. A coat of arms can be “read” like a storybook: each symbol, colour, and arrangement holds meaning, pointing to deeper truths about the Gospel.

The Apostolic Old Catholic Mission continues this practice, linking us with the wider Christian world while grounding our own mission in early church practice. Our arms and seal are not inventions for decoration. They are carefully designed expressions of faith, unity, and service, shaped by Scripture and tradition.

The Coat of Arms

The Apostolic Old Catholic Mission coat of arms is the heart of our heraldic identity. It is a shield of deep blue, carrying a golden Chi-Rho (☧) at its centre, crossed apostolic keys, and the ancient Christian fish symbol (ichthys). Two angels in red garments stand to either side, sounding trumpets, and above the shield rises a processional cross. The motto appears on a scroll: “Omnes ad Mensam” — “Everyone to the Table.”

Short Explanation

• Chi-Rho: Christ at the centre of all we do.
• Keys: Apostolic authority, opening the way to both heaven and the human heart.
• Ichthys (fish): Early Christian confession, symbol of baptism and Eucharistic welcome.
• Angels with trumpets: A call to worship, summoning all people to Christ’s table.
• Processional Cross: The Gospel carried into the world.
• Colours: Gold = divine glory; Red = the Spirit’s fire and love; Blue = mystery and faith; White = clarity and truth.

Full Meaning

The coat of arms proclaims visually what our Mission proclaims in words: Christ is at the centre, and everyone is invited. The angels do not call a few, but all; the fish recalls the earliest Christians, who met in homes and simple gatherings; the cross above reminds us that the Gospel is carried to people wherever they are, whether through sacraments in the home, pastoral care, or our online presence.

The Seal

The seal of the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission takes the same symbols and sets them within a circle, a shape that represents unity, eternity, and wholeness. Around the outer ring are the Latin words: “Christus in Medio” (Christ in the midst) and “Omnes ad Mensam” (Everyone to the table).

The seal is used formally: to mark documents, to authenticate, and to represent the Mission with dignity. It is not decorative but declarative: a visible statement of who we are.

The Logo

In today’s digital world, simplicity matters. The Mission also makes use of a logo, derived from the seal but streamlined for use on websites, social media, and printed materials. It carries the same central symbols — Chi-Rho, keys, fish, and motto — but in a style that is clear even on a small screen.

The logo is the everyday “face” of the Mission, while the coat of arms and seal remain the formal and traditional emblems.

Theological and Pastoral Roots

Every part of these designs has been chosen to reflect the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church — the faith of the early Christians that still inspires us today. Influences can be seen from Byzantine, Roman, and Western Catholic traditions, blended in a way that speaks of continuity and openness.

More than just art, these emblems are reminders:

• To keep Christ at the centre of our life.
• To live with open hands and open hearts, so that everyone has a place at the table.
• To carry the Gospel beyond walls, into homes, communities, and the digital space.

Where You Will See Them

• The coat of arms will appear on formal publications and teaching documents.
• The seal will be used for official correspondence and recognition.
• The logo will be used for digital outreach, everyday communication, and social media.

Together, they give us a strong and recognisable identity that is at once ancient and modern, traditional and pastoral.

Learn More

For those who love detail, a full document has been published explaining the Apostolic Old Catholic Mission coat of arms, seal, and logo in both heraldic description and plain English. It explores the colours, the Greek roots of the words, the theology of each image, and how these symbols guide us in our mission.

👉 Download the full explanation here

To learn more about our mission and faith, visit our What We Believe page or explore our introduction to Old Catholic tradition.

Further Reading on Christian Heraldry

Martin’s Ecclesiastical Heraldry — A dedicated online resource showcasing global ecclesiastical heraldry, including bishops’ arms, diocesan emblems, and heraldic reflections.