Welcome to the
O.S.M.T.J. Knights Templar (O.S.M.T.J. stands for the French, “Ordre Souverain et Militaire du Temple de Jérusalem”). The Knights Templar are a Christian (Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox) fraternal and chivalric Order. We have no Masonic or political affiliations. We are ecumenical meaning we are not affiliated with any single denomination but represent all of Christendom.
We are part of a world-wide organization for the fellowship and networking of like-minded individuals. Our Order is organized Internationally. The Grand Master of the Order is: H.E. Philippe Ghostine Matta, KGCTJ.
Our Order vows to hold to the virtues of Honesty, Loyalty, Perseverance, Charity, Humility, Courage, and Honor. We take our vows seriously and hold each other accountable as our ancient statue proscribes: “Each day we must help our brethren for whom we are responsible, for one day God will say, ‘Where is thy Brother?'”
In contrast to much of today’s society, with people moving from place to place, and from relationship to relationship, this Order calls Knights and Dames to live a committed life of purpose.
Historically, the Knights Templar were a Christian order of warrior monks founded about 895 years ago in 1118 A.D.. Named for the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the Templars initially protected pilgrims traveling through the Holy Lands, but eventually evolved into a powerful military force that waged war to protect the Holy Land during the Crusades (See “History”).
With the blessings of Grand Master Zdrojewski and Swiss Grand Prior, Alfred Zappelli, Father Philip Guarino founded this United States Grand Priory of the OSMTJ Knights Templar in 1973. Guarino was an Italian-American former Roman Catholic Priest, who had attended Seminary in Italy. He moved to Washington D.C. in 1945 and was long time friends of Alfred Zappelli. Read more about our founder by clicking here.
The reasons for the order are to:
– Spread the light of Christ in an increasingly dark world. Today’s Templars are faced with a spiritual battle instead of a physical one.
– Practice works of mercy, charity, and benevolence.
– Act as a force to unify all Christians, Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox, under the banner of Christ. Today, Christians are under attack by extraordinarily powerful enemies. “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” ― Benjamin Franklin
– Perpetuate the traditions of the Knights Templar by defending Christendom through non-violent means.
– Live a life of Chivalry and hold each other accountable to a lifestyle of excellence.
– Promote historical studies, heraldry, and the genealogy of the Order.
– Promote, through the values of friendship, loyalty and respect, feelings of universal brotherhood and ideals of solidarity between all people.
The 12th century Cistercian Abbot, Bernard of Clairvaux wrote, ”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. 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?”
One of our primary focuses is raising money and awareness for our chosen charity. We currently work with several outstanding and trustworthy local and international N.G.O's.
Why not do something extraordinary to make a difference in the world for good? Being a Knight Templar means being committed to an ancient holy order 895 years old. It is not a remnant of the past, it is a way of life.
The US Priory of the Knights Templar and our foreign Prioies are looking for those upstanding Christians interested in becoming exceptional. Few are chosen and the standards are rigorous, but the reward of Knighthood in this ancient and storied Order awaits you. Do you dare to try? For more information on how to join us, go to our Contact page and send a message or click Join the Knights Templar tab.
Become a Leader to help others.
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