Algiz as a Christian Symbol

Runes were the letters used in various Germanic languages before the adoption of the Latin alphabet, and they continued to be used for specialized purposes thereafter.  The Rune ᛉ (Algiz) is of some interest to Christians because it is often seen in ecclesiastical ornamentation.  If you make the mistake of trying to research this Rune online most of what you will discover is information about neo-pagan beliefs about the Algiz.  These neo-pagan meanings were assigned to it just a little more than a hundred years ago. 

It is convenient that the Rune is roughly the shape of a cross.  The real significance for Christians can be found in the early Christian practice of using monograms for the names of Jesus Christ (Christogram).  The significance of the Algiz rune for Christians can be discovered by considering its use of the 7^th century  casket of St. Cuthbert.  “The Christogram [on the casket] is notably in runic writing, ihs xps ᛁᚻᛋ ᛉᛈᛋ,…The monogram reflects a runic variant of a partly Latinized XPS from Greek ΧΡΙCΤΟC, with the rho rendered as runic p and the eolc rune (the old Algiz rune z) used to render chi.”  The Algiz is most often seen in Christianity on what is called the semi-gothic chasuble.  The Christian priest, standing at the altar to celebrate mass (in persona Christi) wears the chasuble which signifies charity.  On the chasuble, the Algiz shaped orphreys are a monogram for the name Christ.  

Bishop James Parker Dees a Low Churchman? Part 3

Bishop Dees is often remembered by traditional Anglicans for limiting his parishes to one celebration of Holy Communion a month.  However, when his actual views are examined the story is more complicated.   

Excerpts from “A Position Paper by the Presiding Bishop Concerning Worship…” by Bishop James Parker Dees dated November 1, 1980. 

“THIS CHURCH recognizes Holy Communion to be its principle service of worship;” 



Bishop James Parker Dees

Holy Communion should be celebrated “…the first Sunday in each month and on feast days, Saints’ Days, and other outstanding occasions such as ordinations, consecration of bishops, consecration of churches, installation of clergy, bishop’s visitations, outstanding holidays such as Thanksgiving, Independence Day, etc. “ 

“…it is permissible to transfer the celebration of a saint’s day to the nearest Sunday.” 

“It is in our tradition to hold regularly a morning Celebration of the Holy Communion once a week on a week day, if desired.” 

James P. Dees

Metropolitan

The Orthodox Anglican Communion 

Another directive sets forth the feast days and saint’s days to be celebrated in the jurisdiction.  The number of feast and saints days on this list total nearly 40 in number.  If the opportunities to celebrate Holy Communion are totaled (1^st Sunday, weekly weekday service, feast days, saint’s days, episcopal visitations, and secular Holidays) a parish could conceivably have held Holy Communion roughly 100 times a year.  The possibility of even more celebrations existed if there was a wedding, funeral, ordination, or installation.   

The official scheme Bishop Dees lays forth on paper may not be ideal or desired by many Traditional Anglicans today, but, at least on paper, his views cannot be accurately described as having necessitated the starving of the sheep for lack of the Sacrament.