A Tale of Two Mindsets: Justice on the American Frontier

By Fr. David of Rome (Burrows)

At Rome PA LLC, our work as Public Adjusters goes beyond policy language and Xactimate estimates. We are driven by a deep conviction that every person who suffers a loss is an image of God, worthy of comprehensive care and zealous defense.

Our corporate culture—our very approach to adjusting—is rooted in an ancient Christian mindset, or phronema, which we seek to apply to every insurance claim we handle.

This commitment is best illustrated by contrasting two historical approaches to justice and advocacy on the North American continent: the Alaskan Orthodox Mission versus the prevailing Western frontier mentality. This contrast is not merely historical; it explains why we are so zealous in fighting for your claim.

A Tale of Two Mindsets: Justice on the American Frontier

When European powers expanded across the continent, their actions were informed by a distinct set of theological and economic assumptions. The difference in mindset—or phronema—had life-altering consequences for the vulnerable.

The Western Frontier Phronema: Assimilation and Acquisition

In the Lower 48 states, the dominant approach, supported by many Western missions and the U.S. government, linked Christianity inextricably with "Civilization" (meaning, assimilation into Anglo-American culture and economics).

• The View of the Vulnerable: The indigenous person was often viewed as "savage" or "uncivilized," their culture an obstacle to be dismantled.

• The Goal: The ultimate aim was the acquisition of land and resources, leading to state policies like the Trail of Tears and, tragically, systemic exploitation and murder to steal resources, as seen in the infamous Osage Reign of Terror.

• The Problem: The spiritual mission became syncretized—or mixed—with the goals of the dominant secular power. Justice was forsaken for economic gain, resulting in the systematic dispossession and destruction of the very people the missions sought to serve.

The Orthodox Phronema in Alaska: Advocacy and Restoration

In Russian Alaska, a completely different model emerged, spearheaded by figures like St. Herman of Alaska and St. Innocent (Veniaminov). Their approach to justice offers the foundational spirit of RomePA's mission.

• The View of the Vulnerable: The indigenous Aleut and Tlingit people were seen as a full image of God, requiring immediate, equal, and absolute defense against exploitation.

• Advocacy Against Power: St. Herman stood in fierce, direct opposition to the colonial power—the Russian-American Company—which was abusing and enslaving the Native population. He endangered his own life to defend them, acting as the lone moral sentinel. St. Innocent later protected them against both corporate and state brutality, preserving their language by creating a written alphabet and translating Scripture into their vernacular.

• The Goal: The mission was focused on Salvation (Theosis) and Restoration, not merely "civilization" or Russification. Their work involved self-sacrificial service, practical care during epidemics, and the establishment of orphanages and schools, placing the human being and their well-being at the absolute center.

  
  

The crucial difference? The Orthodox clergy recognized the inherent sanctity of the people and consciously used the Church as a sanctuary and a defense against colonial exploitation. Their phronema taught them that advocacy for the weak must be antagonistic to the powerful when the powerful are unjust.

RomePA’s Vocation: The Alaskan Phronema in Action

This is why we are so passionate and zealous in our role as your public adjuster. Our mission is to embody the spirit of St. Herman and St. Innocent by providing Antagonistic Advocacy on your behalf against the "secular power" of any large, self-interested entity that seeks to minimize your loss.

Principle of RomePA	Rooted in the Orthodox Phronema of Alaska
"People Are For Caring"	Views the client as a full image of God, not a policy number, prioritizing restoration over economics.
Highest Fiduciary Standard	Requires fierce, uncompromising defense of the client's interests, even when it means conflict with a larger entity.
Thorough Documentation & Negotiation	Translates the complex "policy vernacular" into a clear path for justice and ensures the truth of the loss is fully brought to light.
Seeking the 'Ideal Solution'	Strives for full and equitable restoration, rejecting the minimal, self-interested solutions offered by the opposing party.

When you hire RomePA, you are hiring more than an insurance expert (though we bring over 25 years of that experience). You are hiring an advocate whose entire corporate mindset is dedicated to fighting for your justice and righteousness.

We are here to restore order to the chaos, not just of your property, but of your life. We invite you to learn more about our commitment and the spiritual heritage of St. Herman and St. Innocent, the great champions of the vulnerable.

advocacy for the weak must be antagonistic to the powerful when the powerful are unjust