The Purpose of a Traditional Order of Chivalry in Modern Times
Part 3
Why should something as "medieval" as an Order of Chivalry even exist at the turning point of the new millineum? What can an Order of Chivlary such as The Religious and Military Order of Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem contribute to modern society? That is--What is the purpose of The RMOKHSJ? Why should anyone seek to enter an Order of Knighthood? Sepulchre Knights have inherited the chivalric tradition which teaches that society can only exist when there is
This Order of Knighthood teaches and believes that we live in a "moral environment" (to quote Professor Christina Hoff Sommers), and this Order of Knighthood--as a religious Order of Chivalry--promotes a moral environment for its Knights who valiantly resist cruelty, cheating, and cowardice, first in themselves, and then--by example--in others. The Order's moral environment insists that a standard of ethical ideals consists of "integrity, respect for human life, self-control, honesty, courage, and self-sacrifice" (Sommers).
Furthermore, this Order promotes the concept of personal achievement and excellence in whatever field of endeavor individuals select, drawing its women and men Knights from many fields, but always selecting for Knightly elevation those who have worked hard and achieved. This Order believes that Knightly elevation--with the titles, ranks, and awards that go with Knighthood--is worthwhile because such elevation brings with it a dedication to excellence within a moral framework. To achieve this moral framework, the RMOKHS
The Work of authentic Sepulchre Knighthood is found in the constant practice of these ancient ideals of Chivalry. Knights are equipped with "the whole armour of God" by presenting to them the ancient accouterments of battle, including a holy relic which is worn by each Knight as part of the Sepulchre Uniform. The Knights of the Holy Sepulchre also regularly fulfill The Discipline of the Sword of the Spirit, a spiritual rite of prayer and enlightenment.
Both men and women are eligible for knightly elevation and honor in the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. The title follows the Continental (not British) custom, either "The Right Honorable Chevalier" or "The Right Honorable Dame." Knights are generally admitted at the age of twenty-one or older. For younger persons, youth ranks are provided.
Just as the wholesome influence of genuine Chivalry is needed in these modern times, so are there men and women who seek the Knightly Orders as a fulfillment of a spiritual quest. The ranks of Chivalry are always open to the worthy, the sincere, and the honest who strive to nurture God's world through service.
If the purposes and goals of this Order of Chivalry are also your goals, and if you are interested in determining your eligibility for Knighthood, you may write the Grand Magistry at
The Grand Magistry
OKHS
3620 W. 10th St. B-150
Greeley, CO 80634 USA
Or, if you prefer, you may contact the Order by submitting this FORM.
Note: inquiry by regular postal mail must include full name, full postal address where information can be sent, and a brief explanation as to one's interest in chivalry and knighthood.
About the Sovereign Grand Master
To see a photograph and brief biography of the Duke of Maxalla, the Prince Grand Master, click HERE
About Abbot-Bishop George
To see the Charter and read about the Abbot-Bishop, click here.
More About The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
To go to links where you can learn more about The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, click HERE.
To return to the main page, click HERE
To return to Part 1 of this History, click HERE
To return to Part 2 of this History, click HERE
© 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003 The Religious and Military Order of Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. All rights reserved. This article may not be reproduced in any manner or by any means, including electronic, without prior written permission of the copyright holder. The person who retrieves this article may archive the file and may print a single copy for archival purposes.
- honesty
- civility
- consideration, and...
- self-discipline.
This Order of Knighthood teaches and believes that we live in a "moral environment" (to quote Professor Christina Hoff Sommers), and this Order of Knighthood--as a religious Order of Chivalry--promotes a moral environment for its Knights who valiantly resist cruelty, cheating, and cowardice, first in themselves, and then--by example--in others. The Order's moral environment insists that a standard of ethical ideals consists of "integrity, respect for human life, self-control, honesty, courage, and self-sacrifice" (Sommers).
Furthermore, this Order promotes the concept of personal achievement and excellence in whatever field of endeavor individuals select, drawing its women and men Knights from many fields, but always selecting for Knightly elevation those who have worked hard and achieved. This Order believes that Knightly elevation--with the titles, ranks, and awards that go with Knighthood--is worthwhile because such elevation brings with it a dedication to excellence within a moral framework. To achieve this moral framework, the RMOKHS
- provides for its Christian members a foundation for personal spiritual and prayerful life that draws upon the discipline of the ancient Chivalric Tradition, and
- elevates to the Knightly class persons who possess spiritual virtue and personal and professional achievement and who have made sustained and outstanding contribution to religion, or to mankind, or to both.
The Work of authentic Sepulchre Knighthood is found in the constant practice of these ancient ideals of Chivalry. Knights are equipped with "the whole armour of God" by presenting to them the ancient accouterments of battle, including a holy relic which is worn by each Knight as part of the Sepulchre Uniform. The Knights of the Holy Sepulchre also regularly fulfill The Discipline of the Sword of the Spirit, a spiritual rite of prayer and enlightenment.
Both men and women are eligible for knightly elevation and honor in the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. The title follows the Continental (not British) custom, either "The Right Honorable Chevalier" or "The Right Honorable Dame." Knights are generally admitted at the age of twenty-one or older. For younger persons, youth ranks are provided.
Just as the wholesome influence of genuine Chivalry is needed in these modern times, so are there men and women who seek the Knightly Orders as a fulfillment of a spiritual quest. The ranks of Chivalry are always open to the worthy, the sincere, and the honest who strive to nurture God's world through service.
If the purposes and goals of this Order of Chivalry are also your goals, and if you are interested in determining your eligibility for Knighthood, you may write the Grand Magistry at
The Grand Magistry
OKHS
3620 W. 10th St. B-150
Greeley, CO 80634 USA
Or, if you prefer, you may contact the Order by submitting this FORM.
Note: inquiry by regular postal mail must include full name, full postal address where information can be sent, and a brief explanation as to one's interest in chivalry and knighthood.
About the Sovereign Grand Master
To see a photograph and brief biography of the Duke of Maxalla, the Prince Grand Master, click HERE
About Abbot-Bishop George
To see the Charter and read about the Abbot-Bishop, click here.
More About The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
To go to links where you can learn more about The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, click HERE.
To return to the main page, click HERE
To return to Part 1 of this History, click HERE
To return to Part 2 of this History, click HERE
© 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003 The Religious and Military Order of Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. All rights reserved. This article may not be reproduced in any manner or by any means, including electronic, without prior written permission of the copyright holder. The person who retrieves this article may archive the file and may print a single copy for archival purposes.