FAQ

Why have I been nominated to become a member of the Order of St. George?

Membership to The Order is an award.  The person who has nominated you has thought that the contribution you have made to either your community or to humanity, has warranted significant recognition

What is the Order of St. George?

The Order of St. George is the oldest Christian Military Order of Chivalry in Europe.  The Order was instituted by King Charles Robert 1st (Duke of Anjou) and King of Hungary on 23 April (St George’s Day) 1326 in Visograd, Hungary.

Who is the head of The Order?

Gareth J. Green Grand Prior of The Order in Canada and The Americas. He was appointed Hon. Brigadier General of the Hungarian National Guard on the 23rd of April, 2004.

Where is The Order headquartered?

The Grand Magistry of the Grand Priory of Canada and The Americas is based in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.  The Grand Prior of The Order is Hon. Brigadier General Gareth J. Green, CD, GCStG. He is supported by a Grand Council.  The Spiritual Home of The Order in North America is Christ Church – Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The Order was established in Canada on the 3rd of March, 2003.

How much time do I have to commit for The Order?

None.  This is not a ‘working’ Order.  There are no monthly meetings that you are required to attend.  You are however, requested to attend one annual ceremony of investiture to support those new Postulants entering The Order.

Are there any cost involved?    

Yes.  You will be asked to pay a ‘Fee of Passage’ in the current sum of 750.00 Dollars.  This sum of money will include the cost of the following: the regalia you will require as a member of The Order comprising a Knights Fighting Habit; a fully emblazoned wire woven badge sewn on the left breast of the habit; a neck insignia comprising a gold and white enamelled cross florry embossed with the emblem of St. George and the Dragon on a red enamelled oval panel; all suspended from a blood red neck ribbon;  a Brevet Scroll detailing your membership and seniority date within The Order; and also includes the first year’s annual membership fee of  $150.00.

Are there any hidden costs?

No.  The annual membership fee of $150.00 is fixed.  However, over a period of time, this sum may need adjusting in accordance with cost of living (or any extraneous expenditure). It is anticipated that any increase will be of a minimal nature.  

How is the annual membership fee disbursed?

Currently, $50.00 will be used to cover the administrative costs of The Order.  The remaining $100.00 will be placed in the Charity Foundation of The Order.

Can I make more than a $100.00 charity donation to the foundation of The Order?

Yes.  In any amount that is within your own means.

Is a tax receipt issued to me for my charitable donation?

Yes, we are a registered charity and are able to issue tax receipts for donations to The Order.

Are there any other items that are required for membership?

No.  There may be some items offered to the membership from time to time such as crested t-shirts and baseball caps etc. but these would be optionally purchased as a personal item by each individual member.

What if I think I am not worthy enough to receive this award and join The Order?

The determination of your worthiness is in the eyes of the beholder.  It is a judgement that will already have been made by the person(s) proposing and seconding you for membership to The Order.  The fact that you have been selected is a recognition of your contribution to either your community or to humanity in general.  Your proposed inclusion into The Order is a gift for the life works you have already achieved.

What is a Chevalier?

Chevalier, or Sir, is the title given to a male member of The Order and denotes knighthood.  A female member is addressed as 'Dame or Lady of The Order.'  The style of Chevalier is generally accepted in Europe as the translation for Knight and the style is bestowed on persons who are members of  certain Orders of Knighthood.

What are the ranks of The Order?

Ranks of The Order are: Knight; Knight Commander; Knight Grand Cross.  Female rankings follow suit with the word Dame substituted as appropriate.

What do I have to do to advance through the ranks of The Order?

By being recognized as having significantly contributed to the betterment of The Order in several of the following ways; by continuing to uphold the beliefs of The Order as laid down in the Constitution; by recruiting new members for The Order; by serving The Order in an official capacity; by continuing to work for humanity and your community or country in general.

Where can I find out more about St. George in general and the history of The Order in particular?

By referring to the following: your local library; the internet; our web site at: www.knightstgeorge.com

Where do ceremonies of investiture take place?

The spiritual home of the Grand Priory or in the Spiritual Home of a newly consecrated  Commandarie of The Order.

Who will be conducting the ceremony of Investiture?

The Ceremony of Investiture is presided over be the Grand Prior of The Order (or by an officer nominated by the Grand Prior to perform the ceremony ) – assisted by his officer's and other members of   The Order.

Under what authority does the Grand Prior have to preside over a Ceremony of Investiture?

By the power invested in him, as Grand Prior, as described in the Charter of Mandate of The Order in Canada.  This document was issued under seal and was publicly pronounced at the inauguration of the Canadian Priory, held at Christ Church in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on the 1st  March 2003.