Who are the Knights and Dames of Jerusalem?

Those who visit Jerusalem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre may see men and women wearing distinctive white and black cloaks with prominent red crosses. The cross is known as the red Jerusalem cross; the men and women are the Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (EOHSJ).

The EOHS is an order with ancient roots. A reference in a historical document notes the Order was active in 1336, but many believe the Order played a role in defending Jerusalem during the crusades of the late eleventh century.

Catholic Church officials established the Knights of Jerusalem to aid in securing and defending the holy city (which, for the most part, was under Muslim control between 638-1917). 

In 1113 Pope Paschal II officially affirmed the Order's purpose, and in 1122 Pope Callistus II issued a decree establishing it as a lay religious community with the specific responsibilities of guarding the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. 

In the 19th century, Pope Pius IX reorganized the Knights of Jerusalem and charged them to oversee the spiritual and humanitarian needs of those serving the Lord in Jerusalem. 

Today, more than 30,000 men and women serve as knights and dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. These 30,000 individuals represent more than 40 nations and, through their generosity, provide more than $12 million annually in support ministry efforts in Jerusalem.

Financial support from the Order supports 45 patriarchate schools serving approximately 19,000 students. The Order also financially supports ministry and educational goals advanced by the region's churches, convents, and seminaries.

Who can serve as a knight or dame of Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre? 

The Order of the Holy Sepulchre is open to Catholic laity (male and female) and members of the clergy who are at least 25 years of age. Requisites to serving in the Order include active participation in a local church, regular financial support of a local parish and diocese, and understanding (and supporting) the Order's mission as defined in its Constitution.

Members in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem are distinguished by their sincere faith, moral conduct, involvement in service and fellowship activities of the Church, and an active interest in the needs and problems of the Holy Land.

In 1926, Church leaders founded an Order in the United States, where today it is made up of nine lieutenancies. The Southeastern Lieutenancy includes Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina and boasts a membership of more than 1,500 Knights and Ladies, with 248 Clergy Knights.

How to become a knight or dame of the Holy Sepulchre

Joining the Order is a lifetime commitment—it is not a decision to be taken lightly. One must commit to being a witness for Christ, to lead an exemplary Christian life marked by generous giving with a focus on supporting the Christian communities in the Holy Land. In addition to supporting Christian work in Jerusalem, Knights and Dames are to be gracious servants in their homes, community, and local church.

Becoming a member of the Order is a process. Generally, existing members recommend new candidates for consideration. Leaders in the Order screen recommended candidates and review their service and charitable giving records.

Those who move through this phase will meet with a local Order representative (a "Delegate" or a "Section Head"). Those who are recommended to move forward in the process will begin a period of "formation," a one-year period in which the candidate will attend a number of instructional and devotional sessions.

Those who move through this process may apply for admission to the Order through a local Lieutenancy. That leadership body will review the application and if approved, forward it to the "Grand Magisterium" in Rome for final approval.

Special services for new members are generally held at a cathedral or significant church within the Lieutenancy. Members of the Order are expected to attend the annual or bi-annual meetings coordinated by Lieutenancies and meetings coordinated by Sections and Delegations. 

What are the fees associated with serving as a Knight or Dame of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem?

Members of the Order offer an initial contribution of $1,300 and minimum annual contributions of $600 to the Order. Members are also expected to cover their travel costs to local and regional meetings and to make at least one pilgrimage to the holy land.  

Donations to the Order support the work of the Office of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Christian work throughout the holy land.