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Patrons of the Order
The Spiritual Patrons of the Order are Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios
(Geevarghese Pallathitta Chathuruthil) and Saint Thomas, Apostle of
Jesus Christ and the bringer of Christianity to India.
The Ecclesiastical Patron, Fons Honorum and Founder of the Order is His
Holiness, Mathias Mar Yusef, Patriarch of the Apostolic Orthodox Church
of India (Nasrani Mappila).
Founding of the Order
Letters Patent establishing the POMG in perpetuity was signed and on
the 12th day of August, 2004 by His Holiness, Mathias Mar Yusef.
Status
The POMG is distinctly Christian in nature. It is ecumenical and shall
not impose a specific denominational theology or dogma upon its
members. The Order is completely autonomous from any and all
ecclesiastical, as well as civil, authority.
The Order does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of
gender, race, color, nationality or denomination. Membership in the
Order, however, is reserved to those who profess the Christian Faith,
be they Catholic, Orthodox or Protestant.
Purposes
The Order exists to further the spiritual life and growth of each
member, to pursue philanthropic and charitable works, and to promote a
Code of Chivalry. While the Order may from time to time rally its
membership around a common charitable effort, it places its primary
focus at the local level. Knights and Dames within a region may either
band together, work individually or both to aid their communities. This
aid may be in the form of monetary donations, providing needed
materials (such as lumber for a building), the volunteering of time and
talent or a combination of any or all of these.
Officers
Ecclesiastical Patron
The Ecclesiastical Patron of the Order shall be the incumbent Patriarch
of a Church possessing valid apostolic succession. The Patriarch may
decline the Office and may appoint the Patriarch of another Church
holding valid Apostolic Succession, such appointment meeting with the
approval of the Supreme Council.
Sovereign Grand Master
The Sovereign Grand Master of the Patriarchal Order of Mar Gregorios
shall be appointed by the Ecclesiastical Patron. The Sovereign Grand
Master shall have the right to nominate his successor.
Grand Priors
Grand Priors hold national jurisdiction. They are appointed appointed
by the Sovereign Grand Master.
Other Officers
Priors and Other Grand and Local Officers, are elected and appointed
per the Rule of the Order.
Priory
A Priory consists of at least three members of the Order, one of whom
must be a Knight or a Dame.
Ranks Within the Order
Novice
The Novice is the first step towards Knighthood and begins immediately
after acceptance into the Order. The Order realizes that spiritual
discipline is of primary importance to the Christian Knight. Therefore,
the new member will be given instruction in such spiritual practices as
meditation and contemplation. Once the mind is quiet and controlled, it
may begin to grasp and absorb those things of a higher nature. The
Novice then begins a systematic study of the spiritual aspects of
Chivalry as set forth in Ephesians 6:11-17 (the “Whole armor of
Christ”). These studies center around the practical application of
spiritual principles into daily (material) life. Finally, the Novice
will learn to enter the “Fortress of Solitude.” For it is in the
Fortress, a spiritual place of regeneration and renewal, where the
Knight or Dame receives strength and inspiration. Throughout this
course of study, Novices will be asked to express in writing, through
answering a series of questions, their views on the material
presented.
Postulant
After successfully completing the Novitiate, the member passes to the
second prepatory step of the Postulancy. As the Novitiate was concerned
with the spiritual aspect of Chivalry, the Postulancy addresses the
material or mundane aspect. Included in the course of study is a
history of Chivalry as pertains to Christianity, in Myth and in
reality, and most importantly, how the Code of Chivalry can be applied
to the Postulant’s personal life. Again, the Postulant will be asked to
submit written answer to questions posed. The Postulant will then begin
the final phase of his or her journey towards Knighthood—the Quest.
Simply put, the Quest is a plan for action, formulated by the Postulant
with aid from his or her Prior, of a charitable or philanthropic
nature. This may be outright donation of funds to a worthy cause,
volunteering of time and talent, or combination of both. The Postulant
will set forth a timeline and expected results; the Quest shall be
approved by the Postulant’s Prior, and a detailed report shall be
submitted by the Postulant when the Quest is completed.
Knight/Dame
A Postulant is elevated to the rank of Knight or Dame upon completion
of the Quest. The Investiture must be in person; there are absolutely
no exceptions. As is traditional, the Postulant shall travel to the
nearest Chapter; all expenses for travel and lodging shall be borne by
the Postulant. The Order recognizes that duties of home and work and/or
finances may prevent the new Knight or Dame from immediately attending
his or her Investiture, however, every effort must be made to arrange
one’s Investiture as soon as possible. We view Knighthood not as merely
postnominals after one’s name or carrying a membership card in one’s
wallet or purse, but as a spiritual estate, not unlike the dignity of
the Clergy. As the Clergy must be empowered through ordination to
perform their duties, so too through the Investiture is the Knight or
Dame empowered.
Advancement Within the Order
Through the consistency of their Good Works, Knights and Dames may be
advanced in Rank. The Knight or Dame does not petition for advancement,
but rather is nominated by the members of his or her Chapter; the
nomination is then ratified by the Prior, who petitions his Grand Prior
to Advance the Knight or Dame in Rank. The Ranks of the Order are:
Knight/Dame Officer
Knight/Dame Commander
Knight/Dame
Grand Officer
Knight/Dame of Saint Thomas
For exemplary service to mankind or to the Order, a member may be
granted the Rank or Knight/Dame of Saint Thomas. This is the Order’s
highest accolade and is only granted by the Sovereign Grand Master
and/or Ecclesiastical Patron. This Rank may be awarded at any time
during membership in the Order; it is not a step in advancement, but
rather a singular honor.
Nobility Recognized Within the Order
As is common in all Orders of Chivalry, the Patriarchal Order of Mar
Gregorios recognizes the Honorable Estate of Nobility. The possession
of a Title, however, is not always an indicator of the worthiness or
the bearer; therefore, Nobles do not, ipso facto, possess positions of
leadership within the Order, nor are they accorded deference over other
members.
The Order, through the Patriarchal Household may ennoble members as a
Mark of Honor; the Order or individual members may petition the
Household to grant Noble Titles to those in their community who have
performed outstandingly worthy service that betters the lot of
individuals or humanity in general.
The Noble Titles recognized by the order are as follows:
Page/Damosel (children
ages 5-12)
Squire/Damsel (young men
and women ages 13-18)
Knight/Dame
Vidame/Vidamesse
Baron/Baroness
Viscount/Vicountess
Count/Countess
Marquis/Marchesse
Duke/Duchess
Prince/Princess
Entry into the Order
Entry into the Patriarchal Order of Mar Gregorios may be by petition or
by recommendation of a member in good standing. Any individual of good
moral character and standing who considers him- or herself a Christian
is eligible to petition or be recommended for consideration of
membership. All prospective members must present:
A completed Petition for Consideration
Curriculum Vitae
Passage Fees as set by the Order
Download
Membership Application Form
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