Dearest Members of our Royal Order
I have asked Duke Gerhart to post my Welcome Letter, as we all are still in the on-boarding stage of our new membership system.
At this time, please let me share with you some organizational matters. Our previously-named "Imperial and Charitable" Order of Chivalry has, through the past several years, evolved into a growing "Royal Order" under the patronage of H.R.H. Prince Rafael Andujar y Vilches and The Royal and Sovereign House of Cappadocia and San Bartolomeo. Prince Rafael serves as Prince Grand Master of our Royal Order. Texts highlighted in blue are links that will allow you to switch to pages on our Royal Order's website.
Following are some of the questions we initially receive from those interested in our organization. Our responses follow:
Our Foundations and Charity Work?
Both, H.R.H. Prince Rafael, and The Royal and Sovereign House of Cappadocia and San Bartolomeo are internationally recognized for their significant contributions to charitable needs, with particular emphasis focused on disadvantaged, intellectually/developmentally disabled, abused or neglected children. Our long-term Vision will be shared with you during our upcoming Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers and Investiture Gala on September 13 - 14, 2019 in Beverly Hills. Please use the RSVP button to reserve your seat. In the past, other areas where the Royal Order also supported needs included our military troops and families, emergency service first responders, and abused spouses.
Our Royal Order's Leadership?
The leadership for the success of the Royal Order rests ultimately with H.R.H. Prince Grand Master, His Royal and Serene Highness Prince Rafael Andujar y Vilches, a retired international business executive, world-recognized humanitarian, and a highly respected citizen of Spain. He is the titular head of the Sovereign and Royal House of Cappadocia and San Bartolomeo. In addition, he serves as Prince Grand Master of two other famous Orders of Chivalry, The Constantinian Order of Cappadocia and The Royal Military Order of Saint Charles. The can find out more about The Royal Order of Constantine the Great and Saint Helen's leadership team, the geographical location of Grand Priories and Priories on our Leadership page.
Our objective is to re-introduce to society "The Knightly Renaissance", wherein members breathe life back into the often forgotten beliefs and efforts of protecting or aiding those less fortunate.
Modern Day Knighthood?
Several Orders of Chivalry -- like our Order -- are considered to be "working" Orders with expectations that Knights and Ladies will participate in charity work, and will attend the meetings, workshops and other activities of the Order. All will continue to develop and to live a life that expresses the tenets and beliefs of chivalry.
What is the Purpose of Chivalry today?
It has been said that Chivalry sets a standard of conduct that transcends era or culture. It maintains a code of conduct that traditionally upholds a practical guide to living in a changing world, and it provides discipline within an often undisciplined environment. Chivalry embraces a spiritual path of personal development that combines bravery and gentleness with a fierce compassion for the welfare of others. The Knight or Lady's interest and goal in life is to protect those who cannot defend themselves, be it physical, spiritual, or economical, and to fulfill a desire for personal excellence.
The original Crusader Orders were comprised of "Men-in-Armour on charging steeds". However, females began to be invited into Orders of Knighthood as early as the 1600s, primarily because many women, who were powerful nobles in their own right, sought admission to the prestigious Orders of Chivalry. Ladies or Dames of the Order are fully equal in status to their male counterpart Knights.
Can Americans be knighted?
Yes, United States citizens may accept a Knighthood. There is no law preventing the granting of Knighthood to a citizen of the United States of America (Our former President Ronald Reagan, for instance), nor does the Constitution of the United States prevent the Investiture of a man or woman as a Knight, Lady or Dame (the Constitution does prevent the United States Congress itself from granting a knightly title). American citizens may also hold valid and legitimate titles of Nobility and even Royalty.
Gentlemen and Ladies of class, deportment and achievement, from all walks of life, may qualify for Investiture into our Royal Order. Young ladies and gentlemen are also invited to consider being appointed as Ladies-in-Waiting or Squires, learning and serving as they grow into Dame or Knight status.
You are invited to view our photo gallery of Investitures, spot our celebrities, see our regalia and learn about our Order Events.
I hope that you find our website and our Order of Chivalry of interest. Please let us know how we can assist you. And, yes, you can access myroyalorder.org on your phone.
Noble and sincere regards
Duke Michael
H.G. Michael Spencer Teilmann, KGCIGC
Deputy Grand Master
The Royal Order of Constantine the Great and Saint Helen