The Episcopal Catholic Church

The Episcopal Catholic Church’s coat of arms proclaims a Church rooted in the Cross, faithful to the Seven Ecumenical Councils, nourished by the Seven Sacraments, guarded by apostolic authority, and strengthened by the courage symbolized in the lions.

Every element points back to Christ, the Alpha and Omega, whose sacrifice defines and sustains the Church’s mission.

The Shield

The shield is split into panels of deep red and rich blue, traditional colors of:

  • Red – sacrifice, the Blood of Christ, priesthood, martyrdom, love.

  • Blue – heaven, divine truth, the Blessed Virgin, fidelity.

Together, they express the union of priestly sacrifice and heavenly truth.

Central Crucifix

At the heart of the shield is the Crucified Christ, the ultimate symbol of:

  • Redemption

  • The centrality of the Cross in the Church’s life.

Christ’s arms outstretched across the shield communicate that every part of the Church’s mission radiates from the Cross.

The Alpha and Omega (Α – Ω)

These ancient Christological monograms signify:

  • Christ as Beginning and End

  • The eternal nature of the Word

  • The sovereignty of Christ over all history.

Placed near the Cross, they emphasize that salvation is anchored in the eternal Christ.

The Seven Stars

These represent the Seven Ecumenical Councils of the Undivided Church, affirming:

  • Apostolic doctrine

  • The continuity of the ancient faith

  • Orthodoxy in matters of Christology, the Trinity, and ecclesial life

The Seven Crosses

These beautifully symbolize the Seven Sacraments, the channels of grace:

  1. Baptism

  2. Confirmation

  3. Eucharist

  4. Penance

  5. Anointing of the Sick

  6. Holy Orders

  7. Matrimony

The crosses arranged as they are give a sense that the sacraments surround and flow from the Crucified Christ.

The Episcopal Mitre

At the top of the shield sits a bishop’s mitre:

  • Symbol of apostolic authority

  • Guardian of the faith

  • Teacher of sound doctrine

It signifies that the faith expressed in the shield is under the protection, order, and governance of the Church.

The Two Lions Rampant

The lions flanking the shield symbolize:

  • Courage and bold proclamation of the Gospel

  • Royal dignity, connecting to Christ the Lion of Judah

  • Strength and vigilance in defense of the faith

They also represent the dual calling of clergy and laity working together to defend the Church.

Ornate Gold Mantling

The flourishing gold scrollwork suggests:

  • The beauty of holiness

  • The continuity of tradition

  • The “gold tried in fire” (Rev. 3:18), symbolizing purified faith.

It gives a visual sense of sacred nobility and the heritage of the Church.