Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George
The Constantine Medal ( Sacro Militare Ordine Costantiniano di San Giorgio), also known as Constantinian George Medal for Military Merit, Order of St. Constantine, Religious and Military Constantinischer St. George Medal or Constantinischer Order, is a secular orders of knighthood with the Roman Catholic members.
Objectives of the Congregation
Objectives of the Order are the preservation of faith, the defense of the Holy Catholic Church and the support of the Holy See. The ladies and knights of the Order see yourself in loyalty and devotion to the Holy Father and the teachings and dogmas of the Roman Catholic Church einstehend.
History
The Order should already have been donated by Emperor Constantine in 313. History guarantees the foundation by the Byzantine emperor Isaac Angelus is introduced 1190th Its later descendant of Prince Andreas angelikus Flavius of Macedonia has the Order after his rule loss to Parma in 1699 with papal approval. Later the Order of the Farneser Duke Francis I was sold. Again, is led Duke Carlos a the Order in the Kingdom of Naples. This was a result of his accession to the throne in 1735. The Order was thus awarded in two former States. In these the Order with interruption during the Napoleonic reign until his demise in 1860. Consisted After a not uncontroversial revitalize the center of the Order moved to Rome.
The Order of Constantine is not recognized as a secular Order of the Holy See referred to themselves as an religious - military order and as the only Catholic order of knights with a hereditary Grand Master. Currently, Don Carlos of Bourbon- Sicily ( * 1938 ) head of the Order. The Popes Pius X and Benedict XV. privileged the Order, while Pope Pius XII. himself was a member (see Constantinian Website: Relations with the Holy See).
Order of classes
The Order has four classes
- Grand Cross
- Commander
- Knight, First Class
- Knights Second Class
Currently there are official government recognitions and wearing permission of the insignia and awards of the Order of Constantine by the following countries: Italy, Spain, USA, Mexico, Netherlands.
Order decoration
The decoration is a red enameled Constantinian lily cross with golden edging. Hook is centered in a large gold monogram of Christ, X and P and at its ends the letter IHSV. , Representing the religious motto " in hoc signo vinces " (Latin for " under this sign you will conquer "). The Greek Alpha and Omega on the horizontal cross bar to symbolize the beginning and the end.
Ribbon and carrying method
The ribbon is sky blue. The cross is worn on the ribbon. Knights wear the medal in his buttonhole, the bulk cruisers as a neck order. The first class wearing a breast star, similar to the decoration. In the cross angles silver gilded lace short rays are inserted.
Ceremony clothing
A sky-blue white -lined coat of satin silk is tied by a blue and white cord. For white skirt still include a vest and so-called pantaloons, which are held in sky blue silk. White stockings and black shoes with sky blue ribbons complete the attire. The red velvet hat with white silk lining is decorated with colored feathers. The shape of the hat is created by four-time charge and is visible at the front embroidered with the gold monogram of Christ. The important Degengehänge is decorated in crimson velvet.