The Nicene Church International:  Our History

+++Jacob, (Edward Haynes) was ordained as a deacon and a priest with the Catholic Charismatic Church, and later as consecrated as a Bishop with the Nicene Orthodox Church.  He was elected Patriarch and, in 2012, formed the Nicene Church International. 

Rather than an Archdiocese, the Nicene Church International served as a hub for diocese’ to associate as one body, while still maintaining individual autonomy.  A large international presence developed, including groups from Asia, South America, and Africa.  These groups continue to function independently with The Nicene Church as their spiritual authority.

In 2017, The Nicene Church established the Archdiocese of St. Andrew in Chattanooga Tennessee.  +++Jacob served as Patriarch, while simultaneously continuing to serve as the spiritual head of the Nicene Church International. He appointed a diocesan staff and College of Cardinals to assist with administration and decision making within the Archdiocese. 

+++ Jacob went home to be with the Lord in August 2022, and The Nicene Church International, and the Archdiocese of St. Andrew continues under the leadership of +++Henri (Gretchen Hillis).