“ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO THEM O LORD.
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. AMEN.”

The All Souls Guild also known as the Lazarus Society is a Traditional Sarum Ministry under the auspices of the Anglican Independent Communion – Original Province The Guild/Society was duly and canonically established by Apostolic Mandate on the Feast of All Souls (November 2) 2009. We have no connection with any similar Guild/Society or Association presently active in any branch of the Historic Christian/Catholic Church.

The main objective of the All Souls Guild/Lazarus Society is to foster and promote the teaching of MATER ORTHODOXA ECCLESIA ANGLICANA in regard to the Faithful Departed. We do this by offering special Prayers in our Ministry to the Dying remaining with them as they finish their earthly journey and Repose in the Lord. It is our firm purpose and intention to carry out this “Liturgia of Ministry” without the extremes and superstitious fables put forth by the Bishop of Rome in the Dark Ages as well as to avoid the errors and omissions of the Sixteenth Century Non-Conformists and Sectarians. We resolve deep within to perform this Ministry of Mercy; Decently, Orderly, with Compassion, Dignity and to offer worship (on behalf of our members) to the Almighty “in Spirit and Truth”.

This important aspect of our Christian teaching and Devotional life has been with us from time immemorial. The early Church drew not only upon the examples from the Apostolic Age; but reached back to the Old Testament to fully illustrate the principle of the “Communion of Saints” as expressed in the Apostles and Nicene Creeds. In order to fully bring our Ministry to the Dying/Departed to fruition, (1) we administer the Sacrament of Holy Unction (simple or Extreme) as the particular need arises; (2) by the Celebration of the Traditional Sarum Rite of Christian Burial and (3) in offering (for our dearly departed) the Requiem Eucharist or Requiem Mass as it is most commonly called. In accordance with ancient Custom and Rubrics prescribed by the Church, the Sacrament of Unction will be administered by the Priest or Bishop wearing a Purple Stole. All Requiem/Memorial Liturgies will be celebrated wearing Traditional Black Vestments. There are no exceptions with regard to Vestment color, except in the case of Funerals for young children. In such cases White Vestments will be used.

Our heartfelt desire is that our witness and “Liturgia” of this most important (often overlooked or misunderstood) aspect of our Anglican Faith and Ethos will lead others to a proper appreciation and understanding of the doctrine of the “Communion of Saints”. We also endeavor to emphasize and return the Church teaching of the “Resurrection of the Dead” (as stated in the Creeds) to its place in the devotional life of our members and those who are making inquiries about joining with us.

The raising of Lazarus from the dead (St. John 11) by our Blessed Lord, clearly illustrates the “hope of future glory” shared by the entire “Communion of Saints”. THE CHURCH MILITANT AND TRIUMPHANT! A more fitting Patron than St. Lazarus for our Guild there could not be. Therefore, all Guild members are encouraged to ask for the intercession of St. Lazarus for the well being and Blessing of the Almighty on this Apostolic Ministry.