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The mediaeval knights of the "Order
of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem," commonly known as The Hospitallers, were founded by Blessed Brother Gerard in the twelfth century and devoted themselves to caring for pilgrims on their journeys to the
Holy Land. They established a hospital and a hostel near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, thus the name "hospitallers." They were one of the most famous Orders to come out of the crusades intact.
Their triumphs and conquests are legendary, as were some of their defeats. The end of the ancient order came in the eighteenth century when Napolean's forces laid siege to and conquered the knights at Malta.
Several of the surviving Orthodox knights fled to Russia, where the Order continued in the Orthodox tradition. It is from this group that today's Orthodox Order exist. A more complete history of the
ancient order for inclusion on this website is currently underway. Please check back soon for this information. We thank you for your patience and promise it will be worth the wait! |
