Chivalry Lives! International Knightly Order of St. George Establishes the Priory of Toronto

(PRWEB) October 30, 2005 -- The International Knightly Order of St. George, Grand Priory of Canada, will hold the Inaugural Investiture Ceremony of the new Priory of Toronto. The event, which will take place at the St. George’s Eglinton United Church in Toronto at 11:00 a.m., marks the creation of the second priory of the International Knightly Order of St. George in Canada. A total of fourteen new Dames and Knights will be dubbed, welcoming them into the Order. “New postulants (prospective Knights and Dames) are recommended and selected based on demonstrated character and service to their community”, says Toronto Prior Elect Charles Hill. The Grand Prior of Canada, General Gareth Green explains: “Our purpose is two-fold. First, to recognize the outstanding character of these fine individuals and welcome them into the Order as new Dames and Knights. Second, we want to harness these formidable talents to promote the work of the Order as a force for good in our society”. “Traditionally”, adds Prior Elect Hill, “A knight was someone who dedicated themselves to helping the poor, the oppressed, and ‘damsels in distress’. We want to take that noble concept and redefine it within a modern context. What does it mean to be a Knight in the 21st Century? Well, that’s what we’re going to show people”.

States Green “The Order was established as a Royal Military Order on knighthood, in Hungary, in 1326 by His Majesty King Charles Robert 1st. The first Priory in Canada was inaugurated in Niagara Falls, Ontario on the first of March 2003. The natural expansion of the Order is to develop regional priories in key locations across the country. Therefore, the Toronto Priory, under the leadership of Charles Hill, is a first, historic step in this natural development”.

Since the establishment of the first Canadian Priory in Niagara Falls in 2003, members of the Order have been hard at work developing and promoting the Order in Canada. Much has been accomplished in a brief two years, as a total of 71 Dames and Knights have been invested into the Order.    

In undertaking this demanding role, General Green receives inspiration from The Grand Master of The Order of St. George, His Excellency Major General v. J.D. Karaszy-Kulin, MVO, GCStG, GCLJ, LLD (Hon), a patriot and hero of the Hungarian people, remembered for his courage during the 1956 uprising against the Communist regime. Other Grand Masters have included Kings, Emperors, Heads of State and great national figures, including Pope Paul III. Originally a military and charitable Order, military service is no longer an absolute requirement, although much of the ceremony and pageantry of The Order continues to imbibe a military flavour.

The founding documents of The Order are preserved in the archives of the Hungarian National Museum.

“One thing you can count on”, says Green. “Chivalry is alive. The International Knightly Order of St. George is growing, and will become an important and influential force for good in our society in the years ahead. Just watch us”.

Link to map for St. George’s United Church: http://www.esgunited.org/map.htm
Link to file photo: “General Green dubbing a new Knight of the order”:

The International Knightly Order of St. George is a royal military order founded on Christian values and principles. Founded in 1326, it is the oldest knightly order of chivalry in existence today. Investiture into the Order is by invitation; our Web site is open to all at www.knightstgeorge.com. Chivalry Lives!

In Veritate Justus Sum Huic Fraternali Societati
(In Truth and Justice I will always be True to the Brotherly Order)

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