United Roman-Ruthenian Church
The Holy Apostolic See of Sts. Peter, Andrew, Stephen, and Mark of Rome-RutheniaСвятой Апостольский Престол Святых Петра, Андрея, Стефана и Марка Рима-Руси
Insignia of the Holy Apostolic See

Pontifical Secretariat · General Affairs

Office of the First Archdeacon

The principal administrative office serving the infrastructure and coordinated work of the Roman-Ruthenian Curia.

Canonical role

The First Archdeacon is a cleric who serves as the administrative head of the Patriarchal Curia for purposes of infrastructural organisation and serves as chief administrative adviser and assistant to the Supreme Pontiff. In this capacity, he is head of the Pontifical Secretariat, the broad Curial institution responsible for administration, diplomacy, inter-jurisdictional relationships, and governmental matters.

H.E. Mgr. Edward Heywood
First Archdeacon of the Apostolic See

Curial administration

Coordinates the administrative infrastructure through which the offices and work of the Curia can function effectively.

Advice and assistance

Serves as the Supreme Pontiff’s chief administrative adviser and assistant in the governmental aspects of the Apostolic ministry.

Pontifical Secretariat

Heads the Secretariat and its work in general affairs, external relations, official communications, diplomacy, and related administration.

Institutional coordination

Supports orderly relationships among Curial offices and the wider ecclesiastical bodies served by the Holy Apostolic See.

Dignity and continuity of office

Under Canon 10, the First Archdeacon holds the rank of Prelate di Fiocchetto when the holder is neither a Cardinal nor a Bishop. Under Canon 14, if the First Archdeacon is not a Cardinal, the office at the Secretariat is styled Pro-Prefect. If the office becomes vacant, its duties are vested in the Chancellor of the Pontifical Court as provided by law.

Canonical foundation: principally Canons 10, 12, 14, and 18 of the Code of Canon Law of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church.

Heraldic Privileges:
Coat of Arms Style of the First Archdeacon
Above: An example of the style of coat of arms authorised for a First Archdeacon.
The First Archdeacon is entitled to a galero with fifteen red tassels on either side. If he is a Prelate di Fiocchetto, then the galero itself is Roman purple. If he is a Cardinal, then the galero is also red. In both cases, the special insignia of office is displayed above the galero, which consists of the crossed key and sword of the papal insignia surmounted by the red and yellow striped ombrellino.

A practical resource of the office

Building Sustainable Ministry

A self-guided development programme for ecclesiastical projects: begin with the mission, use the resources already available, demonstrate useful work, build local support, and prepare for responsible, sustainable growth.

Enter the Guided Programme

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