HISTORY

According to belief, Christian chivalry began with the Emperor Constantine in the Fourth Century about A.D. 312. This is attributed to his vision of a flaming cross in the sky - that of the True Cross of Christ - on October 28th, A.D. 312, just before he rode into battle against Manentius. In this vision he also saw the words "In Hoc Signo" meaning "In this sign you will conquer." Constantine was victorious under this sign and the first Christian Empire was founded in Byzantium. The fifty warriors that he had selected to carry the new imperial banner that contained the cross became the first Golden Knights. They were organized into what was called the Sacred Knightly Guard, also known as "Torquati" (Golden Knights) and "Perfectissimi" (Most Perfect Knights).

The basic ethical code of chivalry stressed justice and care for the needy and the defenseless and, as time went on, service to the Church became obligatory. In fact, these Orders of Chivalry later became involved in major wars surrounding the Holy Land where these knights battled to protect what was sacred to Christianity. There has always been a chivalric ideal in knighthood that adds to the honor of those who carry such a distinction. There are many Orders of Chivalry today that are under Royal, State or Church administration. The Roman and Orthodox Christian Churches have many great orders serving God. Over time these Orders of Chivalry shifted from all male to the inclusion of female members known as Dames. The first such order in the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church was that of the Order of St George founded by Archimandrite Robert St Germain-Iler in 1981 but later transferred to the Syrian Church. The Chivalric Order of St Michael (Archangel) was founded in 2001 replacing the Order of St John founded in 1990. This Order now is more a parochial one that exists in parishes for men dedicated to service to their parishes.

The ancient legislation and canons recognize that all patriarchs, metropolitans, archbishops of canonically legitimate apostolic lines can bestow honorary distinctions, decorations and positions upon others and that they hold the powers of jus honorum, i.e., right honors. Under fons honorum (source of honors), he can bestow decorations, titles, ranks and may create new Orders of Chivalry. Many bishops grant titles of personal and hereditary nobility, but within the Syro-Russian jurisdiction only personal titles of nobility are granted.

His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen, Primate of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church, founded Christ the Pantocrator Sovereign Order of Chivalry, on September 10th, A.D. 2005. The Archbishop was knighted twice first in 1993 by the Order of St John and then in 1995 by the Orthodox Order of Holy Mother of God and Virgin Mary of Milan Italy as a Knight of the Grand Cross. The Order recognizes honorable service and individual merit and contribution to the Church and Society through one's personal and professional life and achievements. The Order also recognizes those who aid the Church through service and financial support and other efforts of good will. The Order embraces a hierarchy of classes that are achieved through honorable and committed service to it and the Church.

The Order is solely governed by and is under the auspices of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church and its Metropolia. It is under the Kingship of Christ the Pantocrator, and the patrons of the Order are the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Michael the Archangel. As we know, St Michael defended heaven and the Throne of God against the fallen angels and is one that all members should truly emulate. The Primate holds the highest title of the Order, i.e., Grand Master & Prince Sovereign by right of his ecclesial office.