OSJ
The Order of Saint John is a humanitarian, ecumenical Christian Order of chivalry with roots in the city of Jerusalem at a time anterior to the Crusades. The Order is non-political and the purpose of its charities is to bring relief to people living in poverty, illness and distress.

 

As the modern Order does no longer fight battles against “infidels” or non-Christians, its chivalry has become symbolical and the activities of the Order today are mainly centred on charity work. The poor, sick and lonely are the true Lords of the Order who's Knights and Dames serve in the name of Christ.

 

You may assist us in two ways, either by joining our practical humanitarian work or financially by donations aimed at our work. All donations are applied 100 % to the purpose for which they are received. Please read more about this on the following pages.

 

The full, registered legal name of the Order is in Latin:

SUPREMUS ORDO DOMUS HOSPITALIS SANCTI JOHANNIS HIEROSOLYMITANI

It translates into English as The Sovereign Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. In short the Order is termed The Order of Saint John and is abbreviated OSJ.

 

The principal emblem of the Order is the eight-pointed cross of Saint John, white on a black or red field. Originally this cross was brought to Jerusalem by merchants from Amalfi who assisted in the erection of the Hospital in that city. The cross is devised by four arrowheads pointing towards a middle point. 

 

 

The flag of the Order is a straight white cross on a square red field.