Our church has two principal filiations, one Gnostic or spiritual, the other Apostolic. We have a direct and unbroken filiation from the renaissance of Gnosticism in France during the late 19th century by Jules Doinel, Tau Valentin II, and his spiritual succession of the Bogomils, Cathars and Albigensians. The Gnostic Church has been alive and active since its restoration in September of 1890, and we are privileged to serve as continuers of that tradition.

The second filiation is the Apostolic Succession as passed from Jesus, XRISTOS SOTHER LOGOS, to his disciples, through the bishops of the Church and to us. Our succession derives principally through Saint Peter and Saint Mark and the founding of his Holy SEEs at Antioch and Alexandria - the seats of Eastern Orthodoxy; however, all known extant lines of succession which can be verified (Jude, Thaddeus, Bartholomew, Thomas, James, Andrew, Peter & Mark) as well as those which may still be questioned by scholars, in particular that of John, are also maintained within our successions. As of 1913, when Patriarch Jean Bricaud (who had alread received the Gnostic succession several times as well as the succession of the Sanctuary of Carmel of Vintras and the Johannine Church of Fabré-Palaprat) was consecrated to the Episcopacy in succession from Archbishop Joseph René Vilatte to P. Miraglia, to Julien Houssaye (Abbé Julio) and Giraud to Jean Bricaud. Bricaud and Vilatte remained close allies and friends the rest of their lives. For an historical overview, refer to our history for more information, as well as interesting correspondence between Bricaud and Vilatte and a document showing our lines of succession. Also, for more information on our French Gnostic Tradition you can always visit Gnostique.Net.

As a consequence of this outward dual filiation, our Sacramental Practice, Theology and Structure are heavily influenced by the various schools of Gnosis from which we are descended.

Aside from the Sacerdotal and Gnostic heritage outlined above, our Tradition has long been associated with movements such as the Cathars, Masonry, Martinism, Theosophy, Rosicrucianism, Esotericism, Illuminism and Theurgy. Many of these elements are incorporated into our egregore via the various initiatory orders affiliated (see the section on INITIATION). Instead of the stodgy "study groups", we have established 'Salons Gnostiques' - modeled after the Salons Littéraires of the late 19th century - during the renaissance of our Church and Tradition. Also, the concept of Chivalry has always been intertwined with our tradition. 'Knighthood' is conferred in Orders both public and private in our tradition. For the laity, there is the possibility of the Order of the Grail. For the clergy, Minor Orders is a sort of chivalric progression, and then in Major Orders, there are two possibilities, about which we do not speak until the appropriate time.