ABOUTbABOUTrdene

The Supreme Knightly Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (Latin: Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani - OSMTH, branch of the Magnum Magisterium) is a traditional, Christian, independent and strictly non-political knightly union, operating on the principles of legality and openness.

In its internal spiritual activity, the Order is based on historical acts and continuity:

• Latin Charter, written by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1129);
• Carta Transmissionis, created by the 24th Grand Master Jean-Marc Larmenius on February 13, 1324;
• General Charter adopted at Versailles in 1705;
• The Charter of 1947 and subsequent decrees, adapted to the norms of the New Age.

The Order honors the memory and is the spiritual successor of the ancient knightly brotherhood founded in the Holy Land in 1118–1119.

Legal, political and financial status

The activities of the Regional Magistrate and the Grand Priory of Russia, which is part of it, are based on the principles of complete independence and strict compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation:

• Outside of politics.The organization is not a political party or movement. It does not participate in political activities, does not pursue political goals and does not support political forces either within the country or abroad.
• Financial independence.The organization does not receive any financial, logistical or other assistance from foreign states, foreign organizations or foreign citizens. All statutory, educational and charitable activities are carried out exclusively on voluntary contributions from participants and donations within the Russian Federation.
• Openness.The Order has no relation to Freemasonry, esoteric or secret societies. The activity is completely transparent.

Spiritual basis: Orthodox wing of the Order

The Order is open to Christians professing officially recognized Christian beliefs. At the same time, the Regional Magistrate in our canonical territory has historically been formed and acts as a predominantly Orthodox wing of the Order. In its educational and social work, the Magistrate relies entirely on traditional Russian spiritual and moral values, cultural heritage and the ideals of Christian charity.

Structure and continuity of jurisdiction

The development of our structure reflects the path of spiritual succession and recognition within the traditional knightly institutions:

• Establishment (1993). The Grand General Priory of Russia “of the Most Holy Theotokos Virgin Mary of Jerusalem, Queen of Heaven” was created on August 20, 1993 by the Edict of the Grand Master Don Fernando de Souza Fontes.
• Current status of the Regional Magistrate. In the course of the natural development of the structure and the expansion of its internal activities, the jurisdiction was given the status of Regional Magistrate by the decision of the current 52nd Grand Master, Don Albino Rodríguez Neves Filho.

The Regional Magistrate is the independent and legitimate guardian of tradition in his territory, coordinating the internal life of the Order, the defense of Christian values and the work of mercy under the omophorion of the Grand Master Don Albino Neves.