"Order of St. Ioann of Jerusalem"

The history of this Order began in 1070, when a merchant Panteleon Mauro from Amalfy established a hospital (lat. Posritatis - a guest) near Jerusalim.

It was opened in honor of St. Ivan, a Patriarch of Aleksandria, who lived in XII century (later the better - known protector, St. Ioann Krestitel replaced him). Soon a little community was organized. Its duty was to take care of sick pilgrims who came from Europe to worship God.

Later the community accepted knights as its members. They should have protected pilgrims during their way. So…"The order of St. Ioann of Jerusalem hospital's horsemen" appeared. For the first time it was issued in 1155. Fighting against Mohammedanism, the order had a number of privileges in Europe and Palestine. Already in XIII century the order had a distinguished feature - that is an eight - pointed white cross, which was sewed on a black monastic cassock or a red chivalrous coat.

During a stay in Malta the order's structure was finally formed. Noblemen - Catholics who confirmed their ancient origin. A Great holder of a master's degree could accept in the order a not well- born nobleman only in exceptional cases. In November, 29, 1798, the Russian Emperor was ordained. He became a Great holder of a master's degree of Malta Order.

That day a manifesto "About the instituting of Order of St. Ioann of Jerusalem in favor of Russian nobility" was issued. It consisted of two parts - orthodox and catholic. 50 serves, houses and considerable money profits were granted to the Order.

 The title "a Great holder of a master's degree of the Malta Order" became an official title of an Emperor. Eight - pointed order cross was put on the national coat of arms and on the Great Seal of the Russian Empire. Those men were accepted into the Order whose ancestors belonged to nobility for 150 years.

When join the Order, those of tender age should have paid 2400 gold polish coins and 1200 - those who reached 15 years old. There was established a military qualification for those who wanted to become a commander: it was necessary to perform 4 companies (each of which lasted 6 months), serving them in Russian army or fleet. The Big and Small Orders were instituted for ladies.

There was also a special Malta Decoration for lower ranks.

It was instituted in October, 10 , 1800.

Small cooper soldier crosses were worn on the black ribbon of the Malta Order instead of St. Anna decoration, which was invested to veterans who served 20 years in the army. In 1803 Aleksander I. deserted the post of order protector.

The Malta Cross was removed from the coat of arms:

Composition:

Brooch

Order

Pedestal - velvet

Table (size 500x350)