Sovereign Order of St.

John of Jerusalem,
Knights Hospitaller

Investiture Manual

Tampere, Finland

Issued by

Conventual Bailiff Grand Marshal Richard D. Earthy, GCSJ, MMSJ

with the authority of Le Petit Conseil

May 2021
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Introduction…………………………………………… ………… 3

Standard Order of Service…………………...………. ………… 6

“Investiture Service” Template.…………………….. ………… 8

APPENDIX A Procession IN………………………… ………… 23

APPENDIX B Procession OUT……………………… ………… 25

APPENDIX C Church Seating……………………….. ………… 27

APPENDIX D Promotions……………………………. ………… 28

APPENDIX E Awards………………………………… ………… 29

APPENDIX F Inductions and Elevations……………. ………… 30

APPENDIX G Flags/Colour Party…………………… ………… 31

APPENDIX H Rehearsal……………………………... ………… 32

APPENDIX I Notice to Commanders and Marshals.. ………… 33

APPENDIX J The Allocution………………………... ………… 34

PAGE 2 MAY 2021

Introduction
This Manual has been approved by Le Petit Conseil (LPC) and is to be used for all SOSJ
Investiture Services.

The Manual is intended to provide guidance and remove uncertainty and not introduce more
bureaucracy to the investiture process.

An Investiture Service may only take place when requested, using the Investiture Request Form
[at https://www.sosjinternational.org/members/administration/] and approved by LPC. Please
note generally a minimum of five (5) Aspirants are required for an Investiture to be held.

Investitures will always be conducted at a time and place approved by LPC. While it is expected
the Service will be in a church approved by LPC there may be occasional exceptions where the
Service is held in another venue approved by LPC.

For an Investiture Service in a non-English-Speaking Country, the printed program will be in the
language of the host Country and English.

The Presiding Officer and Officiating Clergy will decide how much of each language will be
used and where in the Service.

There is flexibility to accommodate local traditions provided the required elements are included
in every Investiture.

The Rules of the Sovereign Order, related to investitures, must be read and complied with when
applying the contents of this Manual.

Commanders and Marshals must be familiar with the Rules of the Sovereign Order [at:
https://www.sosjinternational.org/members/ under the “Rules” Tab.].

The Commander, responsible for an Investiture, shall send a draft of the proposed Investiture
Service Program to the Grand Marshal, the Presiding Officer, and the Convener of the
Ecclesiastical Council at least eight (8) weeks prior to the Investiture. The Presiding Officer, the
Grand Marshal and the Convener of the Ecclesiastical Council are committed to responding
promptly with any comments so final printing can occur on a timely basis.

Throughout this Manual, there is reference to “Commandery”. Some Investitures are presented
by a Priory on behalf of several Commanderies. Wording in the Order of Service should be
altered accordingly.

Much preparation is required in order to have an Investiture Service executed with the
impressive formality which Aspirants and those being promoted deserve to experience as they
join the Sovereign Order or are promoted.

PAGE 3 MAY 2021

An Investiture Committee should be formed approximately four (4) months before the date of
the Investiture.

The Committee should include the Commander, the Marshal, Deputy Marshal(s), Clergy, Head
Usher & Regalia Custodian.

It is important the Marshal of the host Commandery recruit a Team of Members to fill all the
roles essential for a smooth Investiture Service - ushers, flag bearers and Aide-de-Camp (ADC)*
etc.

*The Grand Master’s Aide-de-Camp carries the Grand Master’s Banner and sits adjacent to
the Grand Master on the platform (at Grand Master’s 4 o’clock). When the Grand Master
stands and moves forward for promotion, investiture, induction, the ADC takes the Banner
and moves in tandem.

When the Presiding Officer is not the Grand Master, it is still appropriate for an ADC to be
appointed. The ADC would carry the Flag of the Sovereign Order.

If the Investiture is part of a Sovereign Council meeting, particularly in a location which does not
have a strong local Commandery, the Investiture Committee should include persons suggested
by LPC in order to ensure adequate resources are applied.

Particularly for larger Commanderies, several meetings may be required to ensure the Investiture
Service will run smoothly.

The Committee should ensure it receives and finalizes:

a) The list of attendees to be used to plan the Processions In/Out.

b) A floor plan of the church indicating the speakers’ podium(s) (with microphones), regalia
table, faldstool, etc.

c) A seating plan in the church for the Aspirants, Presiding Officer, Officiating Clergy, and
SOSJ Members arranged appropriately by rank and for the Processions In and Out. The
seating plan will be made available to all ushers before the rehearsal.

d) Appropriate written words to be read from the podium by the Deputy Marshal (or other
Member assigned) with respect to Promotions, Awards and Inductions.

e) A draft of the Order of Service – which will need constant updates as the list of participants
changes.

f) A carefully worded notice to all attendees which emphasizes attendance at the rehearsal for all
officers of the Sovereign Order, ushers, Aspirants, and Members being promoted, awarded or
inducted.

PAGE 4 MAY 2021

At the breakfast for the Aspirants, there should be a full explanation about what will happen at
the rehearsal. The Order of Service, the Processions In/Out, the seating plan in the church, the
flags, the sword and ‘practice’ regalia should be available to ensure the rehearsal prepares
everyone for an impressive Service.

PAGE 5 MAY 2021

Standard Order of Service

Following this commentary, which includes some cautions, is a template suitable to prepare most
Investiture Service Programs.

It must be remembered the traditions of a denomination or of national usage shall take

precedence over a particular form of Service. The principal items set out below should be
observed within any Service, but they are subject to the religious requirements of the host Unit.
i. Allocution
ii. Call to Worship
iii. Reading of The Gospel
iv. Recitation of the Nicene Creed
v. Blessing of the Regalia
vi. Promotions, Inductions, Elevations
vii. Vow of the Aspirants
viii. Investiture
ix. Prayers & Benediction

The choice of hymns and music played during the Service shall be at the discretion of the Clergy
of the Commandery/Unit provided, however, the selected hymns are part of the approval
required for the Order of Service.

Some hymn suggestions…

 Onward Christian Soldiers

 Be Still, My Soul
 Praise My Soul, The King of Heaven
 It Is Well With My Soul
 Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah
 How Great Thou Art
 Lead On O King Eternal
 Lead On O Holy Spirit
 Lord Divine All Love’s Excelling
 Praise to The Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation
 All Things Bright and Beautiful
 Now Thank We All Our God

Special attention should be given to showing participants’ post nominals accurately as reflected
in the Member Directory at https://www.sosjinternational.org/member-directory/ and updated to
show new Ranks and Post Nominals to be confirmed at the Service.

PAGE 6 MAY 2021

When listing the names of those being promoted and/or inducted, it may not be appropriate to list
those who will receive Awards as you may wish to keep this a surprise when the name(s) are
announced by the Deputy Marshal.

Participants in the Service shall remove their right-hand glove before placing their right hand on
the Bible and before shaking hands. It is not necessary for the Presiding Officer to remove
his/her glove.

It is appropriate to have Aspirants and those being promoted receive their Warrants/Certificates
either as they are greeted by the senior leaders following their Investiture – or at the function
following the Service, especially those receiving Medals and/or Crosses of Merit.

The following template has been sized for 8½” x 11” paper. There is no mandated font, paper
size or quality, colour requirement with respect to the printed Order of Service copy except for
the Arms of the Sovereign Order.

Be certain there are enough Orders of Service printed!

Where the words “Presiding Officer” are used in the following template, the name and rank of
the person actually leading the Service e.g., Grand Master, Grand Commander or another
Member of Le Petit Conseil will be inserted.

PAGE 7 MAY 2021

 Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem,
Knights Hospitaller

Grand Priory of (insert)

Priory of (insert)

(Insert) Commandery or (“ies”)

Investiture Service

(Insert) Church
(Insert City, State/Province, Country)

(Insert day of the week and date)

(Insert time of day)

Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum

(For Faith, For Service to Humanity)

PAGE 8 MAY 2021

It is appropriate to use this page for a brief description of the order – which will be expanded
upon by the Allocution. The following wording is appropriate.

The Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller is a Christian, Chivalric,
Ecumenical International community that began with the founding of a hospital in Jerusalem in
the mid-11th century.

The original Hospitaller Brothers served the poor of all origins and faiths at no cost. Pope
Innocent IV later sanctioned a military role for the Brothers, in addition to their Hospitaller
mission. And they became known as the Knights Hospitaller with bases across Europe and
around the Mediterranean.

Today the Sovereign Order continues to serve the sick and the poor of all faiths and origins,
through its Commanderies, operating as Registered Charities. The (insert) Commandery provides
support for (insert brief description of charitable activities)

Persons invited to enter the Sovereign Order are recognized for their achievements and
contributions to their community, as well as their desire to contribute to the goals of the
Sovereign Order.

PAGE 9 MAY 2021

 PRINCIPAL OFFICIATING OFFICERS

GRAND MASTER
e.g. H.M.E.H. Bailiff William D. Stein CMSJ, MMSJ

CONVENTUAL BAILIFF(S)*
(Insert names and titles)

GRAND PRIOR OF *(CANADA, USA…)

PRIOR OF (HOST UNIT)

(LOCAL UNIT) COMMANDER

OFFICIATING CLERGY

MARSHAL (S)

*Note: Senior Leaders should be considered for active roles in the Service!

PAGE 10 MAY 2021

 SOVEREIGN ORDER OF ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM,
KNIGHTS HOSPITALLER
(Insert) Commandery or (“ies”)

INVESTITURE ORDER OF SERVICE

PROCESSIONAL: e.g., “Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven” (or other music chosen)
during which the Colours are received and the Sword is placed on the Lord’s Table.

Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven

1. Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven;

To His feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing:
Praise Him, praise Him, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King.

2. Praise Him for His grace and favor

To our fathers in distress;
Praise Him still the same as ever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Praise Him, praise Him, alleluia!
Glorious in His faithfulness.

3. Fatherlike, He tends and spares us,

Well our feeble frame He knows;
In His hands He gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Praise Him, praise Him, alleluia!
Widely yet His mercy flows.

4. Frail as summer’s flow’r we flourish,

Blows the wind and it is gone;
But while mortals rise and perish,
Our God lives unchanging on.
Praise Him, praise Him, alleluia!
Praise the high Eternal One!

PAGE 11 MAY 2021

5. Angels, help us to adore Him,
Ye behold Him face to face;
Sun and moon, bow down before Him;
Dwellers all in time and space,
Praise Him, praise Him, alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace.

THE NATIONAL ANTHEMS

(The host Country’s Anthem will be sung. This may be preceded by the Anthem of the Presiding
Officer’s Country)

e.g. The Star-Spangled Banner (for Presiding Officer)

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

e.g. O Canada (for Host Country)

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts, we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

The congregation sits.

PAGE 12 MAY 2021

Invocation – Officiating Clergy (Name and Title)

Greeting – Commander (Name and Title)

Requiescat in Pace
We commend the souls of our beloved Dames and Knights of our Sovereign Order into the hands
of a faithful Creator and loving Saviour in the fellowship of the Saints of God.

(The reading of the names of Members who have died since last Investiture.)
(Insert names and titles)

A moment of silence for those Knights and Dames who have died since our last Service.

Officiating Clergy: Father of all, we pray to you for all those whom we love but see no longer.
Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of
all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

ALLOCUTION (History of the Sovereign Order)

(Name and Title)
(Reader uses Allocution found in Appendix J)

READINGS AND PRAYERS

Officiating Clergy:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be
with you all.
Response: And also with you.
Officiating Clergy: Let us pray. O Lord, we beseech you to keep your household the Church in
continual godliness that, through your protection, it may be free from all adversities and given to
serve you in all good works to the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reading: (Officiating Clergy or Name and Title of SOSJ Member)
(An appropriate lesson from the Old or New Testaments selected by Clergy will be read) e.g., a
reading from the first letter of St. John.
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God
and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was
revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through

PAGE 13 MAY 2021

him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning
sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in
us.
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And
we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world. God
abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So, we have
known and believe the love that God has for us. (1 John 4:7-16, NRSV)
The word of the Lord.
Response: Thanks be to God.
The congregation stands.
Officiating Clergy or Name and title of SOSJ Member
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came
to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:1-10 NRSV)
This is the Gospel of Christ.
Response: Thanks be to God.

Sermon: (Officiating Clergy should consider including a brief sermon in the Investiture
Service following the Gospel readings.)

The congregation stands.

Nicene Creed
Aspirants turn and face the congregation while reciting the Creed.
Officiating Clergy: Together, let us make profession of our Christian Faith.
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is,
seen and unseen.

PAGE 14 MAY 2021

 We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being
with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he
became incarnate from the Virgin Mary and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On
the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and
is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no
end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and
the Son. With the Father and the Son, he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through
the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one
baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of
the world to come. Amen.

The congregation sits.

CHOIR: Anthem

The Blessing of the Regalia: Officiating Clergy

Bless, O Lord, the insignia of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights
Hospitaller. May they who wear it be ever faithful to the ideals and loyal to the traditions
of the Sovereign Order. Amen.

The Presiding Officer takes his position behind the faldstool.

PROMOTIONS
Names of Candidates for Promotion will be called by the Deputy Marshal to stand before the
Presiding Officer. (They do not kneel.). The Presiding Officer then confers the new rank on those
being promoted.

AWARDS
The Deputy Marshal shall announce the names of those to receive awards and they will proceed
to the chancel steps for the award presentations.

INDUCTIONS AND ELEVATIONS

The Sword Bearer takes the Sword from the Lord's Table and takes his/her position to the left of
the Presiding Officer, the Sword held at the "present".

PAGE 15 MAY 2021

 The names of Candidates for Induction or Elevation will be called by the Deputy Marshal and
will be led in turn to the chancel steps by the Marshal and the Ceremony proceeds. Note: When
Inductions or Elevations are part of the Service, a separate script must be provided to the
Presiding Officer for each individual. Refer to the appropriate Appendices in the Rules.

INVESTITURE

VOWS
Aspirants will be escorted by the Marshal to stand before the chancel steps.
The congregation stands.
Officiating Clergy: Members of the Sovereign Order are invited to renew their vows with the
Aspirants at this time.
Officiating Clergy leads the Aspirants in their Vows in unison.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Upon the true faith of a Christian, may God witness that I hereby vow, and dedicate myself,
as a servant of Christ and the poor, the first qualification of a true Knight/Dame.
As a member of the Body of Christ, I promise to be faithful and loyal to the ideals of the
Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem; to do everything, in my power, to contribute to
its glory, protection, prosperity, support and utility; to combat everything prejudicial to its
well-being; never to act contrary to its dignity, but conduct myself always as a true
Knight/Dame of Christ, that is to say, as a good Christian and a person of honour.
I therefore in all humility, charity and respect, agree to join to bring about by prayer and
deed, salvation to all, by helping to promote a lasting Christian unity.
I will adorn my knighthood/damehood with true charity, the mother and solid foundation
of all virtues. I will wear on my person the famous Christian Cross of Amalfi with its eight
points constantly reminding me of my religious vow to always bear on my heart the Cross
of Jesus Christ adorned with the virtues that attend it.
Officiating Clergy then stands before each Aspirant who places his/her right hand (with the right-
hand glove removed) on the Bible and says: "So help me God." (In his/her native language)

The congregation sits.

The Marshal will lead Aspirants back to their places.

SYMBOLISM OF THE WHITE CROSS OF AMALFI

Senior Officer (name and title) addresses those to be invested.
We wear this white cross as a sign of purity. Wear it also within your heart, as well as outwardly,
and keep it without soil or stain. This cross has four arms; it has eight points. The arms and the
points have a symbolic meaning. The four arms represent the four cardinal virtues: prudence,
justice, fortitude and temperance. The eight points are signs of the eight Beatitudes, which you
must preserve. In the Beatitudes you are called to holiness and spiritual joy; to be gentle in word
and deed; to long for the coming of the Kingdom; to confidently lean upon God; to seek God's

PAGE 16 MAY 2021

redeeming grace; to have mercy as God is merciful to you; to let the Holy Spirit rule in your life
and to make peace even though you may be reviled and persecuted.

The Presiding Officer welcomes those to be invested.

(Presiding Officer offers some informal words to the Aspirants)

The Deputy Marshal calls the names of Aspirants in turn. The Marshal will direct each Aspirant
to the faldstool. Aspirant bows to the Presiding Officer who returns the acknowledgement. Men
will kneel. Women and Clerics will stand.

The Presiding Officer receives the Sword from the Sword Bearer. Aspirants* receive the
accolade of Knighthood/Damehood from the Presiding Officer.

The Presiding Officer: I, (Use title and name of the Presiding Officer) by the authority
delegated to me (these bolded words are only used if the Presiding Officer is not the Grand
Master) hereby bestow on you the rank of Knight/Dame of Honour of the Sovereign Order of St.
John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller.

The Presiding Officer returns the Sword to the Sword Bearer who holds it at the "present". For
a Cleric, the Presiding Officer will place his/her hand on the Aspirant's shoulder.
*Note: If the Commandery/Priory has not voted to “dub” female Aspirants, the Presiding Officer
will instead place his/her hand on the Aspirant’s shoulder.
The attendant hands the Badge of the Sovereign Order to the Presiding Officer who places it
around the neck of the Knight or Dame, assisted by the attendant.
The Knight or Dame will stand while the robe is placed on his or her shoulders.
Aspirant bows to the Presiding Officer who returns the acknowledgement.
Then each Knight or Dame will proceed to be greeted by the senior leadership present (Grand
Prior, Prior, Commander) and to receive his or her Warrant (unless the Warrant is to be presented
at the function which follows the Service).
As directed, each Knight or Dame will return to his or her seat.
The Presiding Officer and the Sword Bearer resume their places.
ACCOLADE OF DAMEHOOD (for Commanderies/Priories which conducted a vote to
extend the accolade of Damehood, with the sword, to Dames invested prior to this Service.)
The Deputy Marshal: At this time, we are inviting Dames who previously received the formal
accolade of Damehood, and who would like to have that accolade conferred with the sword, to
come forward to be acknowledged and reaffirmed.
Dames stand as a group in front of the chancel steps.

PAGE 17 MAY 2021

The Presiding Officer receives the Sword from the Sword Bearer.
The Presiding Officer: I hereby reaffirm your membership and ranks in the Sovereign Order of
St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller.
Dames receive the accolade of Damehood, with the sword, from the Presiding Officer.
The Presiding Officer returns the Sword to the Sword Bearer who holds it at the "present".
Dames return to their seats.
CHOIR: Anthem
The congregation stands after the Anthem.
PRAYERS

Officiating Clergy: Christ our Lord calls us to bear witness to him. Let us ask that we as
Christians and Knights and Dames of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights
Hospitaller may answer his call. Let us pray.
Bless and strengthen the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller and
inspire and guide its members that all may bear witness to Christ our Lord and our unity with
him. Lord hear us.
Response: Lord graciously hear us.
Officiating Clergy: Grant that all those who are admitted into the Sovereign Order of St. John of
Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller may, by the help of your grace, be always faithful to the vows
they have taken upon themselves. Lord hear us.
Response: Lord graciously hear us.
Officiating Clergy: Bless all those who are united with us in Christian baptism and in your love
and service, that together we may bear witness to your name in this place and throughout the
world. Lord hear us.
Response: Lord graciously hear us.
Officiating Clergy: God we ask you to comfort and support all those who in this life are in
trouble, sorrow, need, or suffering from sickness or any other adversity. Lord hear us.
Response: Lord graciously hear us.
Officiating Clergy: We bless your holy name for all who in life and death have glorified you;
beseeching you to give us grace that we may follow their good examples and, with them, be
partakers of your heavenly kingdom. Lord hear us.
Response: Lord graciously hear us.
Officiating Clergy: Let us pray in the words our Lord taught us, saying together:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us
from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

PAGE 18 MAY 2021

 Officiating Clergy: O God, who by the grace of your Holy Spirit has filled the hearts of your
faithful people with the gift of charity: grant to your servants, for whom we implore your mercy,
health of body and mind, that they may love you with all their heart, soul, mind and strength;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE BLESSING
Officiating Clergy:
The Officiating Clergy will offer a Benediction to the assembly using these, or other words.
Return now to the place where God has given you responsibility. Remember the peace and love
we have celebrated and do not fail to show to all people the new life that is already among us.
Have courage. Hold on to what is good. Return no one evil for evil. Strengthen those who fail.
Support the weak and honour all life. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you now and forever. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Marshal (Name and Title)

PROCESSION OUT:
Print the words of the chosen Hymn here. e.g., “Now Thank We All Our God”.

(At the rehearsal, be sure to emphasize the importance of the procession’s continuing well out of
the church so the procession flows smoothly.)

PAGE 19 MAY 2021

 PROMOTIONS
Knights and Dames Promoted
to the Rank of

Knight or Dame of Grace*

Dame Veronica East, DGSJ

Chevalier Ronald West, KGSJ

Knight or Dame Commander of Grace*

Dame Dorothy North, DCSJ

Chevalier Reginald South, KCSJ

Knight or Dame of Justice*

Dame Samantha East, DJSJ

Chevalier Robert West, KJSJ

Knight or Dame Commander of Justice*

Dame Carolyn North, DCJSJ

Chevalier Oswald South, KCJSJ

*(listed alphabetically)

PAGE 20 MAY 2021

 Knights and Dames Invested
with the Rank of

Knight or Dame of Honour*

Patricia Fisher

Gerald London

Jocelyn Toronto

*(listed alphabetically)

PAGE 21 MAY 2021

 INDUCTIONS OR ELEVATIONS
Knight/Dame Inducted as Commander

Dame Carolyn North, DCJSJ

Knight/Dame Inducted as Prior

Chevalier Robert West, KJSJ

Knight/Dame Inducted as Grand Prior

Dame Joanne C. Tourist, DJSJ

Knight/Dame Elevated to Bailiff

Dame Sally J. Traveler, DJSJ

PAGE 22 MAY 2021

 WITH APPRECIATION
The Commander/Prior gratefully acknowledges the generous hospitality and support of (insert name)
Cathedral/Church and its staff for the use of this splendid place of worship and for providing the spiritual
setting for this Service of Investiture for our Commandery(ies).

We would also like to thank the Organist and the Choir without whom this Investiture Service would not have
been nearly as meaningful and moving.

The Commandery(ies) would also like to express deep appreciation to all our Members who worked long,
hard, and effectively to make this Investiture Service so meaningful.

PAGE 23 MAY 2021

 APPENDIX A

Procession In
This listing is for the Marshal, his/her designate and the ushers.

It may or may not be part of the printed program. It is recommended the listing not be included in the Order
of Service due to the challenge of last-minute changes.

All participants in the procession, except Aspirants, shall wear robes of the Sovereign Order and white gloves.

A permitted variation to the procession sequence is to have the Clergy follow the Crucifer followed by the
National Flags/standards.

Male Aspirants shall wear “white tie” and tails with white gloves.

Female Aspirants shall wear black evening dress with white gloves.

Other participants in the Service may wear “white tie” (and tails), “black tie” (and dinner jacket or mess
dress), military dress uniform and Scottish equivalent if that is the tradition for a particular Commandery.

A Member who is to be promoted, or inducted into an office, or is to receive an award is not placed in the
procession as a “promotion”, “inducted” or “awarded” person if their rank and/or position in the Sovereign
Order places them elsewhere in the procession (usually later) and in the church (e.g., a Commander processes
and sits with other Commanders even if being promoted).

Note: Ensure white gloves are available.

PAGE 24 MAY 2021

 SOVEREIGN ORDER OF ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM, KNIGHTS HOSPITALLER
INVESTITURE – (insert day and date)
(insert name) CHURCH

PROCESSION IN
1. The Crucifer
2. Bible Bearer – it is appropriate for Officiating Clergy to process here or as #21
3. The Colour Party
4. It is appropriate for Regalia Bearers to process here
5. The Choir and Soloist(s)
6. Ceremonial Sword Bearer
7. The Aspirants – (Alphabetically – with higher letter on the left of the pair)
8. Members of the Sovereign Order Promotions (Junior ahead of Senior)
9. Members of the Sovereign Order Inductions (Junior ahead of Senior)
10. Members of the Sovereign Order Awards (No Names if to be “surprised”)
11. Members of the Sovereign Order Knights & Dames local and visiting (Junior ahead of Senior)
12. Former Commanders
13. Former Priors
14. Commanders (Host Country first)
15. Priors Emeriti
16. Priors (Host Country first)
17. Grand Priors Emeriti
18. Grand Priors
19. Bailiffs Emeriti
20. Bailiffs (alphabetical order in pairs)
21. Officiating Clergy – it is appropriate to process here or following the Crucifer as at #2.
22. Grand Counsellor
23. Grand Conservator
24. Grand Hospitaller
25. Grand Marshal
26. Grand Commander
27. Grand Masters Emeriti
28. Sword Bearer
29. Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Grand Master
30. Grand Master
31. Marshal and Deputies
PAGE 25 MAY 2021
 APPENDIX B

Order of Procession Out

At the rehearsal, be sure to emphasize the importance of the procession’s continuing well out of the church so
the procession flows smoothly. It is recommended the listing not be included in the Order of Service to
minimize the challenge of last-minute changes.

PAGE 26 MAY 2021

 SOVEREIGN ORDER OF ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM, KNIGHTS HOSPITALLER

PROCESSION OUT

1. The Crucifer - It is appropriate for Clergy to process here or as #6

2. The Colour Party
3. Regalia Bearer
4. The Choir (if positioned in the church proper).
5. Ceremonial Sword Bearer
6. Officiating Clergy - It is also appropriate for Clergy to process out following the Crucifer
7. Sword Bearer
8. Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Grand Master
9. Grand Master
10. Grand Masters Emeriti
11. Grand Commander
12. Grand Marshal
13. Grand Hospitaller
14. Grand Conservator
15. Grand Counsellor
16. Bailiffs
17. Bailiffs Emeriti
18. Grand Priors
19. Grand Priors Emeriti
20. Priors
21. Priors Emeriti
22. Former Priors
23. Commanders (Host Country First)
24. Former Commanders
25. New Members of the Sovereign Order
26. Members of the Sovereign Order Promoted
27. Members of the Sovereign Order Inducted
28. Members of the Sovereign Order Awards
29. Members of the Sovereign Order – Knights & Dames local and visiting
30. Marshal and Deputies
PAGE 27 MAY 2021
 APPENDIX C
Example of Church Seating

PAGE 28 MAY 2021

 APPENDIX D
Listing of Promotions
Candidates for promotion will be presented in the following order:

Knight/Dame of Grace

Knight/Dame Commander of Grace

Knight/Dame of Justice

Knight/Dame Commander of Justice

Note: All those being promoted to the same new rank will approach the Presiding Officer as a group, in
alphabetical order.

PAGE 29 MAY 2021

 APPENDIX E
Listing of Awards

Candidates approved for Awards will approach the Presiding Officer in the following order:

Certificate of Merit

Medal of Merit

Cross of Merit – Silver

Cross of Merit – Gold

PAGE 30 MAY 2021

 APPENDIX F
Listing of Inductions and Elevations
Those to be inducted to Offices shall be presented to the Presiding Officer in the following order

Commander

Prior

Grand Prior

Bailiff

Conventual Bailiff

Supreme Court

Ecclesiastical Council

Note: When Inductions or Elevations are part of the Service, a separate script must be provided to the Presiding Officer
for each Inductee. Refer to the appropriate Appendices in the Rules.

PAGE 31 MAY 2021

 APPENDIX G
Flags/Colour Party
The National Flags of Countries present shall be paraded “in”, led by the flag of the Host Country with flags
of other sovereign nations in alphabetical order, and followed by flags/banners of the Sovereign Order.

When the flags are placed into their respective stands, the flag of the Host Country should be placed on the far
left (of an observer facing the flags), followed by the flags representing the other sovereign nations ordered
alphabetically and then flags/banners of the Sovereign Order. All flags should be flown on separate
flagpoles at the same height, all being of the same size.

Commanderies are encouraged to have National Flags and the flags of the Arms of the Sovereign Order and
the Cross of Amalfi on a red field. Further details may be obtained from our Master of Regalia.

Arms of the Sovereign Order Cross of Amalfi

Grand Master’s Banner: The Grand Master retains his/her own Banner and will bring it to Investiture
Services where it is carried, in the Investiture Service, by the Grand Master’s Aide-de-Camp.
PAGE 32 MAY 2021
 APPENDIX H
Rehearsal
A rehearsal of the Investiture must always be held in the church. It will probably take from 1-2 hours to
complete. The actual Investiture Service should be planned to conclude within 1 hour.

All officiating leadership, sword bearer(s), flag bearers, Aspirants, Marshals, ushers, candidates for
promotion, candidates for induction, and regalia handlers should be present.

The Rehearsal should always start with a Procession “In” during which all participants proceed to their
appointed seats. The remainder of the rehearsal should then take place and conclude with a Procession “Out”.

Note: You may choose to brief and rehearse the Aspirants ahead of other participants in the Investiture
Service and then let them retire.

A coat rack for Aspirant robes and a regalia table should be put into places convenient for their use during the
Service.

Mobile microphones should be available for the Presiding Officer and the Clergy. A fixed microphone should
be located where the Marshal’s designate will be announcing the names of those to be invested, promoted and
awarded. A microphone should also be available for the presenter of the Allocution.

The Marshal should be free to move around during the Investiture Service and may appoint a Deputy Marshal
to direct the Aspirants and those to be promoted etc. as and when they are to be presented to the Presiding
Officer. There will be no formalities (e.g. bowing) between the Marshal and others.

PAGE 33 MAY 2021

 APPENDIX I

Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem,

Knights Hospitaller
Founded in Jerusalem 1113, continuing through Czar Nicholas II
Confirmed by the Royal Charter and Constitution of H.M. King Peter II of Yugoslavia
Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum

NOTICE TO COMMANDERS AND MARSHALS

Dear Commander and Marshals:

As you have an Investiture Service weekend taking place soon, it is appropriate to send you a few tips to ensure it all
comes off without a hitch.

Accommodations and other Arrangements for Presiding Officer

It is the responsibility of your Commandery to reserve and pay for hotel accommodations, and normal meals, for the
Presiding Officer (usually the Grand Master). Accommodations should be in a Junior Suite.

Logistical Arrangements for Presiding Officer and Senior Leadership

Beginning with airport arrival, pickups should also be organized for meetings, reception(s), rehearsal, Investiture
Service and Gala.

Communication with Presiding Officer and Senior Leadership

Once you know who is presiding and attending, make direct contact by email to plan and confirm arrangements.

Grand Commander’s Update

Plans should be made for a 60-minute Grand Commander’s Update meeting with the leadership of your Commandery
and Priory.

Investiture Service Program*

By now, you should, at least, have a draft of your proposed Order of Service. Please send this along to me for review
and approval as soon as possible.

*Latest version of Investiture Manual is available on the International Website at:

https://www.sosjinternational.org/members/ under “The Investiture Service and Allocution” Tab.

Finally, have a terrific Investiture.

I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Yours in St. John,

Conventual Bailiff Grand Marshal Richard D. Earthy, GCSJ, MMSJ

Email rdearthy@telus.net
PAGE 34 MAY 2021
 APPENDIX J

The Allocution

For convenience, the latest version of the Allocution approved by Le Petit Conseil, and
posted on the International Website at https://www.sosjinternational.org/members/ under
“The Investiture Service and Allocution”, follows…

PAGE 35 MAY 2021