Who We Are
Embracing Divine Visions, Faith, and Community: Our Beliefs, Ecclesiastic Calendar, and Commitment to Divine Harmony.
At the Church of St. Enoch the Apostle, we are dedicated to embracing and embodying the divine visions, faith, and values that guide our congregation. Our foundation is built upon a profound belief in a singular, eternal, and all-powerful God who orchestrated the creation of the universe and all life forms within it. We cherish the principle “omnis cellula e cellula,” recognizing that every human being traces their lineage back to a common origin, unifying us in our shared journey within God’s intricate plan.
The congregation was founded in Mount Carmel, Illinois, by Manuel Noah. Its establishment was first reported on July 18, 1961 by the Carmi Times, which announced the formation of a small but devoted fellowship dedicated to the teachings of St. Enoch the Apostle. The newspaper wrote:
“A new religious congregation, to be known as the Church of St. Enoch the Apostle, has been organized in Mount Carmel under the leadership of Manuel Noah. Founded upon the study of Scripture and the teachings attributed to Enoch, son of Jared, the congregation will hold regular worship services and scriptural study. Organizers stated that the church welcomes individuals seeking a deeper understanding of God’s word and a life guided by faith and service. The first public meeting is scheduled for this weekend and will be open to all interested persons.”
With the passage of time, our congregation flourished, deepening its spiritual roots while preserving the ancient teachings upon which it was founded. In 2003, we relocated to Columbus, Ohio, in search of a more spacious environment to accommodate our growing membership and to enrich our outreach efforts within a diverse community. The Northwest Columbus News reported on our relocation on March 17, stating:
“The Church of St. Enoch the Apostle, a small and distinctive congregation originally founded in Mount Carmel, Illinois, has relocated to downtown Columbus. Church leaders say the new facility will provide additional space for worship, scriptural study, and community outreach. Founded in 1961, the congregation continues to emphasize the study of Scripture while welcoming individuals and families from throughout Central Ohio.”
Since then, we have persevered in our dedication to spiritual enrichment, community service, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
A Unique Approach to Holy Scriptures
Our approach to the Holy Scriptures is deeply rooted in a holistic understanding of the Old Testament and New Testaments. While we respect their wisdom, we also recognize the metaphorical nature of the Old Testament and explore the multifaceted truths within the non-canonical books and epistles of the New Testament. The Book of Enoch, the Book of Eliphaz, and other texts provide us with invaluable insights into matters of the spirit, the afterlife, and the intricate handiwork of the divine.
Honoring St. Enoch and St. Immanu-El
St. Enoch holds a significant place within our congregation as the paramount divine messenger, and our church is proudly named after this pious prophet and apostle. We celebrate his enduring legacy every January 3rd. Likewise, St. Immanu-El of Nazareth, known to most as Jesus, is revered for his profound purpose and self-sacrifice. We uniquely honor him through his birth name, Immanu-El, and the sobriquet “Lamb of God,” embracing a distinct form of reverence that reflects our community’s faith and principles.
Eminence of Humanity and Ecclesiastic Calendar
In our church, we believe in humanity’s eminence as stewards of creation. We heed the divine injunction to maintain the equilibrium of nature, responsibly harnessing resources while ensuring the welfare of all living creatures. Our ecclesiastic calendar aligns with the Judeo-Christian tradition, commencing in autumn and featuring special occasions that nourish our collective spiritual well-being. These celebrations, synchronized with the Gregorian calendar, differentiate our community and deepen our connection to our faith.
Discover the entirety of our foundational beliefs as you explore our pillars of faith here
What is Caelism?
Caelism posits the notion that the Creator’s will can be discerned through the universe. It suggests that God uses a system of rewards and punishments to shape our character in anticipation of the afterlife. Viewing the universe as the cradle of the soul and a testing ground for learning, we apply wisdom and knowledge to navigate life’s challenges. Each experience, whether positive or negative, is seen as a reward or lesson. Additionally, astral travel is employed to gain insights into the nature of the afterlife. The members of the Church of St. Enoch the Apostle are referred to as “Caelites.”
The seven principles of Caelism are as follows:
Principle 1: Acknowledgment of the existence of the Creator of the universe.
Principle 2: Recognition of the existence of the human soul.
Principle 3: Belief in the existence of the afterlife.
Principle 4: Affirmation that the Creator’s will can be understood through the universe.
Principle 5: Dedication to the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge aligned with the Creator’s will.
Principle 6: Acceptance of personal responsibility for the outcomes, whether good or bad, resulting from one’s actions.
Principle 7: Understanding that life serves as preparation for the afterlife.