Overview
As an ecumenical Christian Knighthood whose ties stretch back to the Crusades, the Priory of the Christian Soldier is intended for those of the Christian Faith who would defend their faith and give a good and lasting example of Christian principles in life
This Priory was organized and recognized in Pasadena, CA in 2009 under the direction and auspices of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, Autonomous Grand Priory of the United States of America. The Autonomous Grand Priory of the United States is one of twenty two such Grand Priories under the parent organization, the Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani, headquartered in Switzerland. The Grand Priory of the United States of America is the largest of the Grand Priories. Its membership and its jurisdiction extend from the border with Canada to include the 50 states.
The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem is a Chivalric Order of Knighthood. It is not a fraternal order. It is fully autonomous and has no affiliation with other Chivalric Orders or any other fraternal organizations. It seeks to uphold, emulate, serve, and promote the ideals of the Order of the Knights Templar, ordained in 1119. A major goal of the Order is humanitarian relief and myriad charitable endeavors in the United States and worldwide.
As a modern Christian Order of Knighthood, we are dedicated to:
- Seeking God in our lives and promoting love and respect for our community.
- Increasing understanding between religions, helping pilgrims visit holy places, and maintaining a Christian presence in the Holy Land.
- Supporting the poor, sick, and unjustly accused; standing against oppression, and protecting freedom of speech.
- Encouraging the noble ideas of Chivalry; maintaining the monuments, archives, and history of the Knights Templar.
