INTERNATIONAL ORDER
Serving as Grand Master: H.E. Philippe Ghostine Matta
The United States Grand Priory of The Supreme Military Order of the Jerusalem Temple was founded in 1973 by Father Philip Guarino with the permission and appointment of then Grand Master Antoine Zdrojewski and Swiss Grand Prior Alfred Zappelli.
The OSMTJ strives to the highest ideals of and draws its inspiration from the ancient Order of the Temple. Although no group can claim direct descendancy from the ancient Order, we strive to be the spiritual and philosophical heirs to the ancient Knights Templar founded by Hugues de Payens in 1118.
The Knight Templar is truly a fearless knight and secure on every side, for his soul is protected by the armor of faith just as his body is protected by armor of steel. He is thus doubly armed and need fear neither demons nor men.— Bernard of Clairvaux, 12th Century Cistercian Abbot
OUR VALUES
The Seven Virtues
Honesty
Act honestly and responsibly, even when no one is watching. Each day we must help our brethren for whom we are responsible.
Loyalty
We promote, through the values of friendship, loyalty and respect, feelings of universal brotherhood and ideals of solidarity between all people.
Perseverance
This Order calls Knights and Dames to live a committed life of purpose in a world where people move from place to place, and from relationship to relationship.
Charity
Practice works of mercy, charity, and benevolence. One of our primary focuses is raising money and awareness for our chosen charity.
Humility
When the Knights Templar were founded in 1118 A.D., they were known as the "Poor Knights of Christ." The Order did not allow individual knights to own anything except their mantles and weapons.
Courage
Stand firm when challenges call for strength. "Not that he fears death - no, he desires it. Why should he fear to live or fear to die when for him to live is Christ, and to die is gain?"
Honor
Live a life of Chivalry and hold each other accountable to a lifestyle of excellence.
OUR MISSION
Spread the Light of Christ
Our reasons for the Order are to: Spread the light of Christ in an increasingly dark world; Practice works of mercy, charity, and benevolence; Act as a force to unify all Christians - Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox - under the banner of Christ; Perpetuate the traditions of the Knights Templar by defending Christendom through non-violent means; Live a life of Chivalry; Promote historical studies, heraldry, and the genealogy of the Order.
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