Aglipayan Church

AGLIPAYAN CHURCH
(IGLESIA FILIPINA
INDEPENDIENTE)
FOUNDER
Fr. Gregorio Aglipay Isabelo de los

FR. GREGORIO AGLIPAY
It was in August 3, 1902 when Father
Gregorio Aglipay promulgated the
Iglesia Filipina Independiente in
public. It was later translated to the
Philippine Independent Church in
English.
Fr. Gregorio Aglipay was the 1st
Obispo Maximo.
Obispo Maximo- the church’s spiritual
head.
AGLIPAYAN CHURCH
The IFI emerged out of the intense nationalism that accompanied
the 1898 Philippine revolt against the Spanish and the resulting
strong anti-Spanish and anti-friar sentiments directed against the
patron to real system that resulted in a church dominated by bishops
and clerics appointed by the Spanish Crown.
It is in communion with the U.S. Episcopal Church since 1961 and
the Old Catholic Union of Utrecht since 1965. Its national office is
located in Manila.
HISTORY
During the Philippine Revolution (1898), Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and
other Filipino leaders, wishing to overthrow both the political power of
the Spaniards and the spiritual power of Spanish friar-bishops,
persuaded Gregorio Aglipay (1860–1940) to head the Church in the
Philippines by appointing him military vicar-general (Oct. 20, 1898).
In April of 1901 two priests representing the anti-Spanish nationalist
movement went to Rome to request papal recognition of the actions
of Aguinaldo and Aglipay, and the establishment of an indigenous
hierarchy to replace the discredited Spanish patronato real bishops.
Finding themselves rebuffed, the resolve of the Filipino nationalist
clergy hardened. Isabelo de los Reyes, Sr. (1864–1938), newly
returned from political imprisonment in Spain, proclaimed the
HISTORY
Following the Philippine–American War, Isabelo de los Reyes, together with the
members of Unión Obrera Democrática Filipina, formally founded and publicly
proclaimed the commencement of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (abbreviated
as IFI and translated to “Philippine Independent Church” in English) on August 3,
1902, at the Centro de Bellas Artes in Quiapo, Manila.
Among the first bishops of the church is former Roman Catholic priest Pedro
Brillantes who was the first ever bishop to be consecrated in the IFI, which took
place on October 20, 1902, and proclaimed Bacarra, Ilocos Norte as his episcopal
seat.
Aglipay celebrated his first mass as the de facto Supreme Bishop on October 26,
1902 in Tondo, Manila.
TEACHINGS
The original doctrines of the IFI are contained in the
epistles (1902–03) and the doctrinal books published
after 1904. Their author, Isabelo de los Reyes, Sr., a
Philippine senator and trade unionist, returned to
the Catholic Church in 1936
In 1940 the former Senator Santiago Fonacier
succeeded him as supreme bishop.
From its early days, two principal factions co-existed
uneasily within the IFI, one Unitarian and the other
AGLIPAYAN CHURCH
Differences between the Aglipayans and the Roman Catholic

Church:
1. The church has its own spiritual head the Obispo Maximo.
2. Clerical celibacy is optional.
3. Women can be ordained.
4. The Church released a pro-equality statement on the
LGBTIQ+ community entitled “
Our Common Humanity, Our Shared Dignity.”
THEOLOGY
The Aglipayan Church is a Trinitarian
denomination, which means it believes in one
God who exists in three persons: the Father,
the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. It
also believes in the Holy Scriptures as the
primary source of Christian doctrine and
teaching.
AUTHORITY AND GOVERNANCE
The Aglipayan Church is an Episcopal

denomination, which means it is governed by
bishops who oversee the spiritual and
administrative affairs of the church.
WORSHIP AND LITURGY IN THE AGLIPAYAN CHURCH
Church Calendar and Festivals: The Aglipayan Church observes

the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church, with some
modifications.
Eucharistic Liturgy: The Aglipayan Church’s Eucharistic liturgy is
similar to that of the Catholic Church but with some notable
differences.
Hymns and Music: The Aglipayan Church has a rich tradition of
hymnody and choral music.
Church Architecture and Art: The Aglipayan Church’s buildings
and artwork reflect a blend of Catholic and Philippine cultural
influences.
KEY SEASONS IN MANY LITURGICAL CALENDAR
Advent
Christmas
Lent
The Triduum
Easter
Ordinary Time
SACRAMENTS OF THE AGLIPAYAN CHURCH
The Aglipayan Church recognizes seven sacraments,

which are similar to those of the Roman Catholic
Church. These sacraments include baptism,
confirmation, Holy Eucharist, penance,
anointing of the sick, holy orders, and
matrimony. However, the Aglipayan Church has its
unique approach to administering these sacraments.
PRACTICES OF THE AGLIPAYAN CHURCH
The Aglipayan Church has several unique practices that are not found
in other Christian denominations. One of these practices is the use of
Tagalog liturgy during worship services.
The Aglipayan Church also celebrates several important feast days.
These include the Day of the Dead, which is celebrated in November,
and the feast of the Holy Child, which is celebrated in January. The
Church also recognizes saints who are not recognized by the Roman
Catholic Church, including San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino Saint.
Another unique practice of the Aglipayan Church is the use of native
vestments during services.
ROLE OF THE AGLIPAYAN CHURCH IN FILIPINO
SOCIETY
The Aglipayan Church has played a significant role in Filipino

society since its establishment in the early 20th century. Its
strong commitment to social justice and nationalism has led
it to be involved in various social and political movements,
advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and
pushing for social reforms.
The church has also played a role in promoting ecumenism
and interfaith dialogue in the Philippines. It has sought to
build bridges between different Christian denominations and
religious groups and has been involved in various interfaith
initiatives aimed at promoting peace and understanding
CHALLENGES AND CONTROVERSIES FACING THE AGLIPAYAN
CHURCH TODAY
Here is a list outlining some of the most significant issues

confronting the church today:
Declining Membership
Internal Disputes
Political Influence
Modernization
Ecumenical Relations
GROUP ACTIVITY
1. Who are the
founders of the
Aglipayan Church?
ANSWER:
Rev. Fr. Gregorio Aglipay and

Isabelo de los Reyes Sr.
2. GIVE THE NAME OF THIS MAN:
ANSWER:
Isabelo de los Reyes Sr.

3. It is the church’s spiritual
head.
ANSWER:
Obispo Maximo
4. When was the Aglipayan Church founded?
a. August 3, 1903
b. August 2, 1902
c. August 3, 1902
d. August 9, 1902
ANSWER:
a. August 3, 1902
True or False
5. Clerical Celibacy in Aglipayan Church is a
must.
ANSWER:
False
6. He was a former Roman Catholic priest
who was the first ever bishop to be
consecrated in the IFI.
ANSWER:
Fr. Pedro Brillantes

7. When did Aglipay celebrated his first mass as the de
facto Supreme Bishop?
a. October 26, 1903
b. October 25, 1902
c. October 26, 1902
d. October 25, 1903
ANSWER
C. October 26, 1902

8. Below are the key seasons in many liturgical calendar
except:
a. Christmas
b. Lent
c. The Triduum
d. Mama Mary’s Birthday
ANSWER:
D. Mama Mary’s Birthday

True or False
9. Women can be ordained in
Aglipayan Church.
ANSWER:
True
10. The Aglipayans believe that
God exist in three persons and
these are:
ANSWER:
The Father, The Son, and The Holy

Spirit
BONUS
11. It is also known as the Philippine

Independent Church, and is a unique
denomination in the Philippines that
combines elements of Catholicism and
Protestantism.
ANSWER:
Aglipayan Church/IFI

Aglipayan Church

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AGLIPAYAN CHURCH

Fr. Gregorio Aglipay Isabelo de los

Differences between the Aglipayans and the Roman Catholic

The Aglipayan Church is an Episcopal

Church Calendar and Festivals: The Aglipayan Church observes

The Aglipayan Church recognizes seven sacraments,

The Aglipayan Church has played a significant role in Filipino

Here is a list outlining some of the most significant issues

Rev. Fr. Gregorio Aglipay and

Isabelo de los Reyes Sr.

Fr. Pedro Brillantes

C. October 26, 1902

D. Mama Mary’s Birthday

The Father, The Son, and The Holy

11. It is also known as the Philippine

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