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TITLE I

Art. 1 – Institution

The Patriarchal Order of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem, founded by His Beatitude Cardinal Maximos IV, Melkite-Greek-Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, of Alexandria and of Jerusalem, of venerable memory, is restructured by the present Patriarch, His Beatitude Maximos V, in the hope that the Holy Cross may spread its grace upon the whole of mankind and enlighten men’s minds so that they may rediscover the values of justice, brotherhood, understanding and respect. All this in the bond of faith in the mystery of the Redemption and in the fulfillment of the commandment of charity that the Man-God our Master has left us “Love one another as I have loved you.” (St. John 15/12). This Order is reformed and modernized by the present Statutes in order to carry out the aforesaid purposes more effectively.

Art. 2 – Legal status

The Patriarchal Order of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem is subordinated to the authority of the Melkite-Greek-Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, of Alexandria and Jerusalem and enjoys a legal status on its own.

Art. 3 – Non-political character

By its very nature and by the very purposes it pursues, i.e. religious, charitable and social, the Order is non-political.

Art. 4 – Headquarters

The headquarters of the Order and of the Grand Magistracy is located in Damascus: “Patriarcat melkite grec catholique, B.P. 22249 – Damascus – Syria”.

The headquarters of the Governor International is located in Italy “Résidence Patriarcale, Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Piazza Bocca della Verità 18, 00186 Rome”.

Art. 5 – Aims

The Order sets out:

-         to promote, in today’s world, the values of justice, brotherhood, understanding and respect in a tangible way by means of the promotion and support of religious, cultural, charitable and social works and institutions which are the main concern of the Melkite-Greek-Catholic Patriarchal Church of Antioch, and all the East, of Alexandria and of Jerusalem, in conformity with the teachings of the Holy Church and of the directives of the Councils and the Tradition of the Melkite Church;

-         to offer special moral, intellectual or economic assistance to our Eastern Christian Brethren.

Art. 6 – Assets

The assets of the Order consists of donations, offerings and contributions collected by central or peripheral offices and of real estate purchased or bequeathed, and is administered by the Grand Magistracy.

Art. 7 – Legal representation

Legal representation of the Order is effected “de jure” by His Beatitude the Patriarchal Grand Master and by the Governor International, when delegated “ad hoc”.

Art. 8 – Cross of the Order

The Cross of the Order is in the form of a Byzantine Cross, of red or blue color, with a gilded edge. On the Cross is depicted in Greek, vertically the letters “FOS” (light) and horizontally the letters “ZOH” (life).

Art. 9 – Cape

During the ceremonies of the Order, all members wear a cape of white color with the cross described in article 8 on either side of the breast, of uniform dimension and different color for each National Governorate.

TITLE II

Art. 10 – Categories and degrees of Knights and Ladies

The Order is made up of Knights and Ladies subdivided according to the following categories:

a)      Category of Knights and Ladies of the Collar.

It is divided into two groups:

i) The first one is made up of twelve Collars, each one inscribed with the name of an   Apostle, and are reserved for Prelates of the highest rank. The Collar inscribed with the   name of St. Peter the Apostle is assigned the Patriarch Grand Master.

ii) The second group of Collars is reserved exclusively for Heads of State and their Consorts, the Governor International “durante munere” and those distinguished persons who have given an outstanding service to mankind.

b)      Category of Chaplains. It is divided into three groups:

i)   Chaplains Grand Cross

ii)  Chaplains Commanders

iii) Chaplains Knights

c)      Category of Knights. It is divided into four groups:

i)   Knights Grand Cross

ii)  Knights Grand Officers

iii) Knights Commanders

iv) Knights

d)      Category of Ladies. It is divided into four groups:

i)   Ladies Grand Cross

ii)  Ladies Commanders with star

iii) Ladies Commanders

iv) Ladies

Art. 11 – Admission

Admission into the Order is open to all persons of good will who wish to collaborate, in a chivalrous spirit, in the furtherance of these Statutes.

Art. 12 – Procedure for admission and promotion

Proposals for nomination of Knights or Ladies must be presented to the Governor National accompanied by the following documentation:

-         Baptismal Certificate or Church Marriage Certificate (for Christians);

-         Certificate of Residence;

-         Curriculum vitae;

-         two photographs;

-         Letter of Introduction to the Governor National;

-         “nihil obstat” from the Bishop on which each candidate is dependent (for Christians).

Proposals for promotion are to be presented to the Governor National with a statement showing the merits of the candidate. Letters of Introduction and proposals for promotion can originate from any person already belonging to the Order.

Art. 13 – “Motu proprio” nominations.

The Patriarch Grand Master, having heard the opinion of the Governor National, may grant admission or promotion by “motu proprio”.

In such a case, the Governor National shall immediately notify the Governor International stating the reasons for this special procedure of nomination.

Art. 14 – Investiture ceremony

The Knights and Ladies shall receive their investiture, in accordance with the ceremonial of the Order, from His Beatitude the Patriarch Grand Master or from a Delegate appointed by him.

Art. 15 – Special honours

The Patriarch Grand Master may confer special honours on persons for particularly distinguished services to the Melkite-Greek-Catholic Church, the institutions of the Holy Land and the aims of the Order. These honours are:

a)      The Rose of Jerusalem

Blessed by His Beatitude the Patriarch Grand Master on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14, it is given, three in number each year, to the Ladies who have most distinguished themselves in furthering the aims of the Order.

b)      The Star of the Patriarch

Conferred by the Patriarch Grand Master on Knights and Ladies and on those persons who, because of the devotion they have shown to the Melkite-Greek-Catholic Church, have deserved

official and solemn recognition.

c)   The Cross of the Holy Land

It is conferred by His Excellency Monsignor the Archbishop Grand Prior or by His Excellency Monsignor the Archbishop Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem on Knights and Ladies who have completed a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Art. 16 – Participation at the ceremonies of the Order and official representation

The Knights and Ladies are obliged to participate at the ceremonies of the Order, especially when the Patriarch Grand Master is present.

The participation of “official” representatives of the Order in religious, civil, cultural or charitable functions at national level must be authorised by the Governor National; at international level they need the “placet” of the Governor International.

TITLE III

Art. 17 – Government of the Order

The Order is governed by:

-         His Beatitude the Patriarch Grand Master;

-         The Governor International;

-         The Grand Magistracy.

Art. 18 – The Patriarch Grand Master

The Grand Master of the Order is His Beatitude the Melkite-Greek-Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, of Alexandria and of Jerusalem,

 who:

-         presides over the Grand Magistracy;

-         represents the Order, ruling it through the Governor Nationals, assisted by the Grand Magistracy;

-         signs Decrees, Bulls and Notes of Appointment of the Dignitaries of the Order;

-         appoints Knights and Ladies to the various ranks;

-         confers special honours on those persons who have particularly distinguished themselves for their services to the Patriarchate, to the institutions of the Holy Land and of the Order;

-         maintains relations with the ecclesiastical and civil authorities of various countries, either directly or through the Dignitaries of the Order.

Art. 19 – Governor International

The Governor International is appointed by a Bull of the Patriarch Grand Master and, under his immediate authority and guidance:

-         governs the Order with wide powers. For a smoother and more efficient organisation of the Order, the Patriarch Grand Master may grant the Governor International special powers not foreseen by the present Statutes;

-         ensures the exact application of the Statutes by the Governor Nationals and the faithful observance of the directives of the Grand Magistracy;

-         prepares programs and supervises all the International activities of the Order;

-         performs delegated functions with the Patriarch Grand Master’s prior consent;

-         represents the Order in legal matters of general character, with the right to delegate this power to the Governor Nationals for problems of local character;

-         governs the Order in the place of the Patriarch Grand Master, in case of vacancy of the Patriarchate;

-         can propose the names of the Governor and Prior Nationals to the Patriarch Grand Master;

-         decides concerning the maintenance of the National Governorate’s Council, in the case of the Governor National’s resignation;

-         chooses the Councillors of the Grand Magistracy among the Knights and Ladies, in accord with the Archbishop Grand Prior;

-         assigns to each Councillor of the Grand Magistracy a specific function, after having heard the opinion and obtained the “placet” of the Patriarch Grand Master;

-         grants the “placet” for the participation of official representatives of the Order at religious, civil, cultural and charitable functions at International level.

Art. 20 – The Grand Magistracy

The Grand Magistracy is presided over by the Patriarch Grand Master and is composed of:

-         the Governor International;

-         the Governor Nationals;

-         His Excellency the Archbishop Grand Prior;

-         the Prior Nationals;

-         the Councillors;

-         the Secretary General;

-         the Chancellor.

The Dignitaries of the Grand Magistracy will remain in office for three years and may be reappointed.

The Grand Magistracy assists the Patriarch Grand Master in the direction of the Order and collaborates with the Governor International in the governance of the Order for the fulfilment of its statutory aims.

In particular, it is incumbent on the Grand Magistracy:

-         to interpret the statutory regulations and the governing directives;

-         to be the body empowered to make changes in the statutes wherever necessary;

-         to be the collegial body which settles any controversies that may arise and to supervise, with the powers of a trade union, all administrative acts.

The Grand Magistracy meets once a year unless the Patriarch Grand Master considers other meetings appropriate, and deliberates by simple majority problems concerning the running of the Order and the fulfilment of its statutory aims.

During the vacancy of the Patriarchate and of the Grand Mastership, the members of the Grand Magistracy remain in office to assist the Governor International in the fulfilment of the governing functions for the ordinary administration only, excluding admission to the Order and promotions of Knights and Ladies to the various degrees.

The Grand Magistracy is entrusted with the administration of the property of the Order, both movable and immovable, for the pursuance of its statutory aims.

Art. 21 – His Excellency the Archbishop Grand Prior

 His Excellency the Archbishop Grand Prior is the highest spiritual Dignity after the Patriarch Grand Master and is appointed by means of a Patriarchal Bull.

-         He gives directives to the Priors of the National Governorates for the religious and spiritual assistance of the Knights and Ladies.

-         He coordinates the organisation of pilgrimages and is responsible for the religious functions of the Order.

-         He presents to the Patriarch Grand Master, Prelates and other ecclesiastics for admission into the Order with the degree corresponding to their rank, and informs the Secretary General in good time so that he may prepare the corresponding Decrees.

-         He periodically informs the Governor International on the needs of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem for a more efficient planning of the work and activities of the Order in the Holy Land.

-         He provides assistance, with the collaboration of His Excellency Monsignor the Archbishop Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem, to the pilgrimages of the Order to the Holy Places and confers the Cross of the Holy Land on Knights and Ladies having completed the pilgrimage.

-         He seals the reliquary containing a fragment of the Rock of Calvary encrusted in the decorations of the Knights and Ladies.

-         He supervises all relief services of the Order, which effects its social assistance in accordance with its own statutory aims, as the aid to needy brethren has been a fundamental norm of Christianity throughout the ages, and has furthermore been the commitment of honour of Christian Chivalry.

-         He coordinates the activities of the Order in the cultural field with particular reference to the knowledge and the study of the various rites of the Oriental Churches, by means of organizing ceremonies, lectures and other functions.

-         With the prior approval of the Patriarch Grand Master he may establish special study commissions and organize seminars and exhibitions with relevant publications.

-         It is incumbent on him to present the Patriarch Grand Master with a proposition of nomination of the Master of  Ecclesiastical Ceremonies.

Art. 22 – The Deputy General

-         He is appointed by a Patriarchal Decree and assists the Governor International in all that concerns the       organisation and functioning of the National Governorates.

-         He deputizes for the Governor International when absent or impeded or when delegated by him.

Art. 23 – The Councillors

The Councillors of the Grand Magistracy, three in number, are chosen from among the Knights and Ladies by the Governor International in accord with the Archbishop Grand Prior, and are appointed by a Note of the Patriarch Grand Master.

The Councillors are called upon to give their opinion on the more important questions concerning the Order, as stated in article 20.

Each Councillor shall have, as regards the government of the Order, a specific function assigned to him by the Governor International, after having heard the opinion and obtained the “placet” of the Patriarch Grand Master.

Art. 24 – The Secretary General

The Secretary General, appointed by a Note of the Patriarch Grand Master, depends directly on the Governor International and his functions consist of:

-         assuring the normal functioning of the secretariat of the Grand Magistracy and of the Governor International;

-         keeping of the minutes of meetings, of the acts of the Order in general, and assuring the organisation and preservation of the archives;

-         submitting Bulls, Decrees and Notes of Appointment to the Patriarch Grand Master for signature, as well as for countersigning the same and affixing the seal of the Order to them.

Art. 25 – The Chancellor

He is appointed by a Note of the Patriarch Grand Master and is responsible for all the acts of the Chancery.

-         He authenticates the official documents of the Order, Bulls, Decrees and Notes of Appointment signed by the Patriarch Grand Master.

-         He updates and keeps the Honour Roll of Knights and Ladies.

-         He signs the “identity cards” of the members of the Order.

Art. 26 – The Master of Ecclesiastical Ceremonies

Appointed by a Note of the Patriarch Grand Master and under the direction of the Archbishop Grand Prior, he provides for the order of precedence and the assignment of seats for the ceremonies in which the Knights and Ladies participate. He assists His Excellency Monsignor the Archbishop Grand Prior in promoting the spiritual welfare of the Order and maintains regular contacts with the Priors and the Masters of Ceremonies of the National Governorates for the purpose of co-ordinating the spiritual activity of peripheral organisations.

Art. 27 – Dissolution of the Grand Magistracy

For very serious reasons, the Patriarch Grand Master may dissolve the Grand Magistracy at any time.

Art. 28 – The title of “Excellency”

The Governor International and the Governor Nationals are entitled, “durante munere”, to use the title of “Excellency”.

Art. 29 – The title of “Illustrious”

All the Knights and Ladies of the Order are entitled to use the title of “Illustrious Knight” or “Illustrious Lady”.

TITLE IV

Art. 30 – National Governorates

The Order is organized into National Governorates. The National Governorate is governed by a Governor National and receives its spiritual guidelines from a Prior National, preferably a Bishop.

Art. 31 – The National Governorate’s Council

The Council of each National Governorate is composed of the following members:

-         the Governor National;

-         Monsignor the Prior National;

-         the Secretary National, who acts as Treasurer and Master of Ceremonies;

-         three Councillors;

-         the regional Delegates (cf. Art. 33).

Art. 32 – Dissolution of the National Councils and   revocation of the appointment of Dignitaries

The Patriarch Grand Master, should serious reasons arise and after having heard the opinion of the Grand Magistracy, may dissolve the Council of a National Governorate or revoke the nomination of one or more of its Dignitaries.

Art. 33 – The Governor National

The Governor National is appointed by a Bull of the Patriarch Grand Master.

The Governor National, in accord with Monsignor the Prior National, chooses the members of the National Governorate’s Council from among the Knights and Ladies and of which he immediately informs the Patriarch Grand Master and the Governor International.

Furthermore:

-         he ensures the exact application of the Statutes and the faithful observance of the directives of the Grand Magistracy in his country;

-         he prepares all the documentation required by the Statutes concerning new members of the Order in his country;

-         he endeavours to recruit new members of the Order in the whole of the country where he is Governor;

-         he has the duty to send to the Governor International an annual report on the activities of his National Governorate;

-         in accord with Monsignor the Prior National, he may set up regional delegations in his country, which shall operate according to the directives established by the National Council, and of which he informs the Governor International (the regional delegates are entitled to sit on the National Council);

-         it is his duty to convene the National Council at least once a year;

-         he intervenes directly in disciplinary matters in the whole of the National territory;

-         he maintains direct contacts with Monsignor the Prior National and with the members of the Order in the whole of the National territory.

Art. 34 – Extraordinary resolutions of the National Council

In order to become valid, the extraordinary resolutions of the National Council must obtain the approval of the Grand Magistracy.

Art. 35 – Special regulations of the National Governorates

The National Governorates may have their own special regulations in order to regulate possible privileges and to direct the works and the activities on the National level, provided that they are inspired by the present Statutes. In any case, the approval of the Grand Magistracy must be obtained.

Art. 36 – Modifications of the present Statutes

The Patriarch Grand Master, having heard the Grand Magistracy, may authorize the Governor Nationals to effect modifications of the present Statutes.

Art. 37 – General convocation of Governor and Prior Nationals

The Grand Magistracy of the Order convokes, at least once every three years, the Governor and Prior Nationals for the examination and the discussion of various questions pertaining to the life and the works of the Order.

Art. 38 – Continuance in Office of the National Council

In case of the Governor National’s resignation of his office, for whatever reason, the Governor International having heard the opinion of the Patriarch Grand Master, will decide about the continuance in office of the National Council.

TITLE V

Art. 39 – Decrees of appointment of Knights and Ladies

The Knights and Ladies are appointed by the Patriarch Grand Master by means of a Decree bearing his signature and seal. Every Decree is countersigned by the Secretary General who shall affix the seal of the Order to it, and by the Chancellor who shall enter it into the Honour Roll of Knights and Ladies.

Art. 40 – Term of office

All the Dignitaries of the Order remain in office for three years and may be reappointed; the term of office begins from the date of the Bull, Decree or Note of Appointment.

Art. 41 – Official language of the Order

The official language of the Order is the French.

Art. 42 – The feast of the Order

The Order celebrates its Feast on September 14, the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Art. 43 – Final provisions

The coming into effect of the present Statutes shall abrogate the preceding Statutes and any other contradictory provisions. The coming into effect of the present Statutes will be on September 14, 1997, the day of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.