Under the protection of the Holy See
About the Order
Nine centuries of papal protection and service to the Church in the Holy Land.
A papal order with one sacred mission
The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is a lay institution placed under the protection of the Holy See. Its aim is to strengthen among its members the practice of Christian life, and to sustain and aid the charitable, cultural and social works of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, particularly those of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
The Order is made up of an estimated 30,000 members organised in more than 60 Lieutenancies and Magistral Delegations in almost 40 countries. The contributions made by members are one of the Latin Patriarchate’s main sources of funding, supporting the Christian presence in the lands of the Bible.
Our HistoryThree pillars of service
Every Knight and Dame is asked to live the Order’s vocation in a concrete way: in the chapel, in the Holy Land and in their own diocese.
01
Deepen faith
We foster the practice of Christian life through prayer, spiritual formation and devotion to the Holy Places where Christ walked.
02
Support the Holy Land
We provide vital funding to the Latin Patriarchate, sustaining schools, hospitals, parishes and institutions across Jerusalem, Cyprus and Jordan.
03
Preserve heritage
We safeguard the living Christian presence in the lands of the Bible, so that future generations can encounter the roots of our faith.
30,000
Knights and Dames worldwide, united by one calling
60+
Lieutenancies and Magistral Delegations
40
Countries where the Order is present
Explore the Order
Our History
From the knights who guarded the Tomb of Christ to the Order’s restoration by Pius IX in 1847.
Our Organization
How the Order is governed, from the Cardinal Grand Master in Rome to the Sections of a Lieutenancy.
Papal Knighthood
The chivalric Orders recognised by the Holy See and the five Pontifical Orders of Knighthood.
Feast Days
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Our Lady Queen of Palestine, Saint Helena and Saint Pius X.
Answer the call
A worldwide community of Knights and Dames dedicated to one of Christianity’s most ancient causes: serving the Church where it was born.
Contact Us Friends of the Order