Grand Master (order)

Grand Master is the title of the highest dignitary of some orders of knighthood, which thus stands at the head of the Congregation as Grand Master.

The Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the spiritual is usually chosen by the General Chapter of the Order. Due to the Rule, the members commit themselves in all respects to absolute obedience to their Grand Master. Despite its primacy his power is limited by the religious section. He thus does not have the ability to arbitrarily change the statutes in order to strengthen its influence.

Of the spiritual order of knights worldly House Order are to be distinguished, which were donated by various European kings as an award or order to strengthen their own power base. Grand Master of the Order was usually the king who inherited the Grandmaster dignity. Some religious orders of chivalry, the Spanish and Portuguese order of knighthood by the end of the Reconquista were in 15-16. Century subordinated to the respective king, who received the Grand Master dignity and henceforth inherited.

  • 2.1 Spiritual Order of Knights
  • 2.2 Secular Order of Knights

Existing Order of Knights

Order of Malta

The Grand Master of the Order of Malta is elected by the General Chapter for life since about 1100, currently has the 79th Grand Master Fra 'Matthew Festing held the office.

Equestrian Order of the Holy grave in Jerusalem

The Equestrian Order of the Holy grave in Jerusalem was fixed in 1847 in its present form. First, he was directly subordinate to the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Some Popes have then personally led the Order before 1949 a Cardinal was established as the Cardinal Grand Master of the Order. Current Grand Master of the Order is Edwin Frederick O'Brien.

Lazarus Medal

Acting 49th Grand Master of the Order of St. Lazarus is Don Carlos Gereda y de Borbon, Marquis de Almazan.

Extinct Order of Knights

The following now extinct orders had a Grand Master:

Spiritual Order of Knights

  • Alcántaraorden
  • Order of Knights of Avis
  • Order of Calatrava
  • Order of Christ
  • Order of San Jorge de Alfama
  • Order of Montesa
  • Order of Santiago
  • Knights Templar

Secular Order of Knights

Order of Christ (Portugal) Order of Sant Jordi d'Alfama Royal Order of Saint George for the Defense of the Immaculate Conception Order of Saint George (Kingdom of Hungary)
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