* To perpetuate the legacy of the Royal Ghassanids, an Arab dynasty that ruled several realms from the third through the eighteenth centuries of the Common Era. Historically, the Ghassanids were the very first Christian knights and Defenders of the Holy Land, even several centuries before the First Crusade.
*To provide financial support to the Royal House of Ghassan for its charitable and cultural projects.
To know more about the Royal House of Ghassan, please CLICK HERE
* It has as its supreme goal the active compassion and altruism in its various forms. To cultivate the honor and the fraternity.
* The defense of the right of personal Religious choice. The absolute respect and coexistence.
* Through Chivalry, destroy the greatest enemies: the ignorance, the fear, the prejudice, the vanity and the suffering.
* Defend the oppressed and through philanthropic and charitable endeavors help the poor and the needy.
* To confer upon the worthy and eligible persons a tangible recognition for outstanding service, through direct effort, for the positive development of the human condition, and the ethical and moral growth of the individual and Society.
"This order will continue the tradition of chivalry in the modern world, with a paramount commitment to diminishing the suffering of all beings and to making the world a better place."
The Humanitarian work is an integral part of the House and Orders. It's divided in two categories:
- Raising awareness - Maybe more important than anything else since attacks the cause of the problem. We advocate several causes: sectarian conflicts, against women's abuse, animal's cruelty, prejudice, etc.
- Bringing relief - To attack the cause is crucial; however, the consequences also have to be relieved. The House donates part of its income and also directly supports fundraising to several charities.
The Royal House of Ghassan has being active in charitable projects being recognized by the American, Brazilian, Jordanian and Emirati Governments. The House of Ghassan is also recognized by the United States IRS (Internal Revenue Service) as a legitimate 501 (c) 3 organization and the donations made in the US are tax deductible. The Royal House of Ghassan is accredited by the United Nations being in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 2016
The Royal House has two charitable arms: The Prinz Gharios Stiftung (Germany) and the One Voice Foundation (Lebanon)
Learn more HERE
May be one of the most important mission of the House of Ghassan is cultural. "To set the record straight", as far as the Middle Eastern history showing the world the incredible deeds of the Ghassanid Arabs and their contribution to the modern civilization.
Some of our cultural projects:
- Publication of two books: "Dynastic & Nobility Law - The end of a myth" about international jurisprudence on titles and honors and about the specific historical rights of the Ghassanid Dynasty. It's the only specific book about the subject available in the English language. Also "Middle East - the secret history and possible solutions" which was awarded in Italy with the "21st International Cultural Award of Trentino-Abruzzo Alto Adige" in the "History" category. The award is very prestigious and given by governmental decree. Prince Gharios was the first Arab author to receive this award.
Also recently, the production of the documentary "The Christian Kings of the Middle East", about the historical journey of the Ghassanid rulers.
The House commissioned a painting from H.E. Michael Peschka, showing the bestowal of the imperial dignity ("King of all Arabs") to King Al-Harith (Arethas) by Byzantine emperor Justinian I. The depiction was only available in primitive illustrations.
The House is also commissioning the translation of several historical texts and documents from Arabic to English.
Learn more HERE
Previously known as "Sacred Order of Saint Michael Archangel" until 2019, is a non-religious and temporal Order of Chivalry and Knighthood. It is sovereign in the conduct of its affairs; subjected only to the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan. It isn't subjected to any religious affiliation, hierarchy or denomination, while maintaining its not-for-profit educational corporate status. The Order doesn't claim a link with any historical Order of chivalry. However, claims to be the legitimate heir of one the oldest - if not "the oldest" - Christian knights in history. It's documented that the Ghassanids were the first knights protectors of the Holy Land under the Byzantine Empire around 500 years before the First Crusade and the creation of the first Orders of Chivalry. Although not organized in Orders "per se", the Ghassanids were the first defenders of Christianity in history to incorporate what's known today as a "code of chivalry" (originated from the Arab concept of "Muru’a") which means bravery in war, hospitality, respect for women and for honor, and protection of the weak and the orphans. (see the book "Faris", or “knight” in Arabic, from B. Lewis, C. Pellat and J. Schacht, also the book "Byzantium and the Arabs in the Sixth Century", pages 304-305 Dumbarton Oaks Research Library - Harvard University by Prof. Dr. Irfan Shahid, PhD (Princeton University) Professor Emeritus of Georgetown University)
* Under the "Fons Honorum" of HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII whose rights and titles were internationally recognized. LEARN MORE HERE
In 2014, Prince Gharios was invested as a knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem (lat.: Ordo Equestris Sancti Sepulcri Hierosolymitani, OESSH). The Order is a Roman Catholic order of knighthood under the protection of the Pope. It traces its roots to Duke Godfrey of Bouillon, principal leader of the First Crusade (circa 1099 CE). The Pope is sovereign of the Order, and it enjoys the protection of the Holy See and has its legal seat at Vatican City. Is one of the oldest, most respected and recognized Orders of Chivalry in the whole world.
* The Order is recognized by the some of the main political and religious leaders in the Middle East like: His All Holiness Bartholomew I the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, His Holiness the Coptic Pope Tawadros II, His Eminence and Beatitude Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai the Maronite Patriarch, His Excellency Monsignior Maroun Lahham the Archbishop of Jordan, His Excellency Moussa El-Hage the Maronite Archbishop of the Holy Land, etc
* In 2016, the Order was canonically erected in the Roman Catholic Church by His Excellency Bishop Dom Roberto Francisco Ferreria Paz of the Diocese of Campos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil recognizing the Sacred Order of Saint Michael Archangel - Grand Priory of Brazil as a valid Canonical Organization according to the laws of the Holy See (Vatican) LEARN MORE HERE
* Chartered under The Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan; registered in the United States of America (CA), Recognized in the United States as a tax deductible charity under the section 503 (c) 3 of the IRS - Internal Revenue Service.
* The Royal House of Ghassan is accredited by the UN being in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
* All requests require the approval of the Grand Chancellor before the requisition by the Armorer may be filed with the vendors.
* Payment is due at the time the insignia request is made.
* Please note, that depending on the vendor, additional shipping or tax charges may be applied and invoiced separately. All insignia is custom-made and takes about four to six weeks to make, and five days to ship.
* Insignia for Hospitaller (health professionals) is placed with the Chancellor for the Hospitallers.
*Contact the Grand Chancellor for information on ordering a Gala Uniform directly from the vendor.
* Mantels and Mozzettas of the EOMA are ordered directly from Gaspards and the Royal House and Orders do not receive any commissions from the purchases. Third Class Ranks are unlined, Second Class Ranks have Royal Blue Satin Lining, and First Class Ranks have Royal Purple Satin Lining. Click Here to Order.
* For individual parts of insignia or replacements, please contact the Grand Chancellor of Orders and Honors of the House: grandchancellor@royalghassan.org
The Order includes a "Hospitaller" corp, exclusive to medical professionals like physicians, pharmacists, nurses, health technicians, etc. Also specific
The Order includes a "Hospitaller" corp, exclusive to medical professionals like physicians, pharmacists, nurses, health technicians, etc. Also specific donors and sponsors to medical missions and projects.
The Order may also be granted as "honorary" to heads of state, religious leaders, dignitaries, and others as the Grand Master determines.
Thank you for your interest in the Order.
Please complete the online petition form by clicking on the link below:
Contact our Grand Chancellor for more information at grandchancellor@royalghassan.org
Your donation is Tax Deductible in the United States under the Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)
WHEREAS the Ghassanids are the descendants of a group of South Arabian sedentary tribes that emigrated in the early 3rd century from Yemen to the Hauran in southern Syria, Jordan, and the Holy Land, where some intermarried with Hellenized Roman settlers and Greek-speaking Early Christian communities. The term Ghassan refers to the kingdom of the Ghassanids. The Sabean Prince Jafna bin 'Amr emigrated with his family, retinue north, and settled in Hauran (south of Damascus, present Syria), where the first Ghassanid state was founded. From him, the Ghassanid line is also sometimes known as the Jafnids. It is assumed that the Ghassanids adopted the religion of Christianity after they reached their new home. The Romans found a powerful ally in the new coming Arabs of Southern Syria. The Ghassanids were defenders of the buffer zone against the other Bedouins penetrating Roman territory. The capital was at Jabiyah in the Golan Heights. Geographically, it occupied much of Syria, Mount Hermon (Lebanon), Jordan and Israel, part of present Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, and its authority extended via tribal alliances with other Azdi tribes to the northern Hijaz as far south as Yathrib (Medina);
WHEREAS, the Ghassanids were the first Fursan (Arabic, plural of faris, which means knight or horseman) and protectors of the Holy Land under the Byzantine Empire, around 500 years before the First Crusade and the creation of the first Orders of Chivalry;
WHEREAS, the Ghassanids, although not organized in Orders per se, were the first defenders of Christianity in history. They incorporated what's known today as a 'code of chivalry' (originated from the Arab concept of 'Muru’a'), which means bravery in war, hospitality, respect for women, as well as honor and protection of the weak and the orphans. This code of chivalry, a testament to their noble character, was a cornerstone of their defense of Christianity, a role they played with utmost dedication and valor.
WHEREAS, HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII was legally recognized as the head of the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan by the International Arbitration Award 0413/2011 issued in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 18th, 2011;
WHEREAS, In Brazil, after the advent of Federal Law number 9307 of 1996 (articles 18 and 31), all the Arbitral Awards had the same value of a Federal Court Verdict;
WHEREAS, As per the international legal treaty known as “The 1958 NY Convention on Arbitration” or “Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards,” the arbitration decision issued in a signatory country has to be recognized and enforced in the other 147 (one hundred and forty-seven) signatory nations;
WHEREAS, Both Brazil and the United States were signatories of the aforementioned treaty (Brazil on June 7th, 2002, and the USA on 30 September 1970);
WHEREAS, The International Arbitration Award 0413/2011 was recognized and enforced by the Los Angeles Superior Court (USA) on February 24th, 2012 (Hon. Judge Matthew C. St. George);
WHEREAS, The International Arbitration Award 0413/2011 was recognized on a sworn, notarized affidavit by 3 (three) Brazilian judges in 2013: Hon. Chief Judge Alemer Moulin, Hon. Judge Carlos Magno M. Lima, and Hon. Judge Felipe Bertrand Sardenberg Moulin;
WHEREAS, HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VII’s titles were recognized by the United States Congress on June 20th, 2014, and on July 17th2017;
WHEREAS, HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII’s titles were recognized by the Vatican Secretariat of State and by His Holiness the Pope through the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem (April 17th, 2015) as well by the main religious authorities in the Middle East;
WHEREAS, The International Arbitration Award 0413/2011 was again recognized and enforced by the Los Angeles Superior Court (USA) on March 15th, 2016 (Hon. Judge Mark A. Borenstein);
WHEREAS, HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII’s claims and titles were officially recognized by a sworn legal affidavit in 2018 by the world’s leading scholar in Middle Eastern Royal Succession, Professor Dr. Joseph Albert Kechichian, PhD., Senior fellow of the King Faisal Research Center in Saudi Arabia and also previously a senior fellow of several organizations including Stanford, UCLA and University of Virginia;
WHEREAS, under the Fons Honorum of HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII, whose rights and titles have been internationally recognized, a dynastic royal order was formed as the Sacred Order of Saint Michael Archangel;
WHEREAS, in 2016, the Order was canonically erected in the Roman Catholic Church by His Excellency Bishop Dom Roberto Francisco Ferreria Paz of the Diocese of Campos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, recognizing the Sacred Order of Saint Michael Archangel - Grand Priory of Brazil as a valid Canonical Organization according to the laws of the Holy See (Vatican);
WHEREAS, the Royal House of Ghassan is accredited by the United Nations as being in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council;
WHEREAS, the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan was officially recognized by the Government of the Lebanese Republic by Presidential Decree number 5800/2019, voted unanimously by the Cabinet of Ministers and signed by the President, His Excellency General Michel Aoun and the Prime Minister Said Hariri;
WHEREAS, on January 10th 2020, the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan and all HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII’s titles and claims were officially recognized by the authority of The Omukama (ruling King) of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom His Majesty Rukirabasaija Agutamba Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, an internationally recognized “Fons Honorum” (or fountain of honors) officially recognized by the Republic of Uganda by the Amendment [No. 8] Act - Statute No. 8, Article 118 (1)- of 1993 enacted by the Parliament of Uganda, officially recognized and protected by the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda by Chapter IV. –Article 37.-, Chapter XVI. -Article 246. (1) – (6)- of 1995, by the Amendment [No. 2] Act -schedule V. -Article 178.8- of 2005 and by the Acts Supplement [No. 4] -Act 6. of 2011;
WHEREAS, HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII’s titles and sovereign claims were fully recognized by The Global Imams Council, the world’s largest non-governmental body with over one thousand Muslim leaders from both Sunni and Shia traditions, by official decree number GIC0072020 signed on 18th of June 2020;
WHEREAS, the Order was Chartered under The Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan, registered in the United States of America (CA), and recognized in the United States as a tax-deductible charity under section 503 (c) 3 of the IRS - Internal Revenue Service;
WHEREAS, previously known as "Sacred Order of Saint Michael Archangel" until 2019, the name of the Order was legally changed to the “Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel”;
WHEREAS, in 2021, HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII saw the need for reforms to the Order so that it may grow in its mission and purpose;
WHEREAS, the following Constitution for the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel has been erected and declared in force on 17 July 2021, Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary;
THEREFORE, seeing the need to update the Constitution post-pandemic and having made slight revisions, the following Constitution was declared in force on 29 September 2023, the Feast of Saint Michael Archangel.
ARTICLE I
Name of the Order
Saint Michael is an archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. He is viewed as the field commander of the Army of God. He is mentioned by name in the Book of Daniel, the Book of Jude, and the Book of Revelation. In the Book of Daniel, Michael appears as "one of the chief princes" who, in Daniel's vision, comes to the angel Gabriel's aid in his contest with the angel of Persia. As per Imperial and Royal Decree No. 0008/2019, the name of the Order, in honor of its patron, shall be the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel.
ARTICLE II
Fountain of Honor
The fountain of honor is the Head of the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan.
ARTICLE III
Order Defined
The Royal Ghassanids were an Arab dynasty that ruled several realms from the third through the eighteenth centuries of the Common Era. Historically, they were the very first Christian knights and Defenders of the Holy Land several centuries before the First Crusade. Thus, this dynastic Order has been created under this ancient historical mandate to perpetuate the legacy of the Royal Ghassanids.
The Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel is a modern chivalric and international community organized under the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan. The members of the Order support the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan for its charitable and cultural projects.
The Order is non-religious and temporal, sovereign in its affairs, and subjected only to the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan. It shall not be subject to any religious affiliation, hierarchy, or denomination while maintaining its not-for-profit educational corporate status.
The mission of this Order is to continue the tradition of chivalry in the modern world, with a paramount commitment to diminishing the suffering of all beings and making the world a better place.
The supreme goal of the Order is active compassion and altruism in its various forms, as well as to cultivate honor and community.
The priorities shall be to defend the right of personal religious choice, with absolute respect and coexistence; through chivalry, destroy the greatest enemies: ignorance, fear, prejudice, vanity, and suffering; defend the oppressed; through philanthropic and charitable endeavors, help the poor and the needy; and confer upon the worthy and eligible persons a tangible recognition for outstanding service, through direct effort, for the positive development of the human condition, and the ethical and moral growth of the individual and society.
The Order upholds the ideals of a free world and the rights of people as defined in the Universal Declaration of the United Nations. The community is made up of individuals who are distinguished by their origin, education, upbringing, capacities, and worthy deeds. While taking an established and indispensable hierarchy into account, as well as the historic Christian roots and faith of the Order and the Royal House of Ghassan, the Order adopts the principle of social equality of all its members.
ARTICLE IV
The Guiding Principles for Knights and Dames of the Royal Order
Section 1: The Code of Honor (Muru’ah)
One seeking to be a member of the Order indicates a wish to further the ancient chivalric code of knighthood (Muru’ah). The following principles are presented here as a Code of Honor or ethics for members.
As a member of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel, in obedience to the Grand Master under the Constitution of the Order, I commit myself to the following standards of ethical conduct. I will conduct my life in a manner that is faithful to the ancient and modern chivalric code. Therefore, I will:
Practice disciplines of study, prayer, reflection, stewardship, and service;
Be honest and truthful in my relationships with others;
Be faithful, keeping the covenants I make and honoring vows;
Treat all persons with equal respect and concern as beloved children of God;
Maintain a healthy balance among the responsibilities of my work and volunteerism, my commitments to family and other primary relationships, and my need for spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual renewal;
Refrain from abusive, addictive, or exploitative behavior and seek help to overcome such behavior if it occurs;
Refrain from gossip and abusive speech; and
Maintain an attitude of repentance, humility, and forgiveness, responsive to God’s reconciling will.
I will conduct my life reflecting the values of this Order so that nothing needs to be hidden. Therefore, I will:
If a Christian, preach, teach, and bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ with courage, speaking the truth in love;
Honor the sacred trust of relationships within the covenant community and observe appropriate boundaries;
Be judicious in the exercise of the power and privileges of my membership in the Order, as well as the office and positions of responsibility I hold;
Avoid conflicts of interest that might compromise the effectiveness of the Order;
Refrain from exploiting relationships within the community of the Order for personal gain or gratification, including sexual harassment and misconduct;
Respect the privacy of individuals and not divulge information obtained in confidence without express permission unless an individual is a danger to self or others;
Recognize the limits of my gifts and training, and refer persons and tasks to others as appropriate;
Claim only those qualifications attained, give appropriate credit where credit is right and due;
Refrain from decisions, actions, and relationships that might compromise my trustworthiness or the confidence of the Order to uphold its standards and purpose;
Be a faithful steward of and fully account for funds and property entrusted to me, and
Accept discipline and the appropriate guidance of those to whom I am accountable.
If I'm Christian, I will partner with others in the ministry and mission of the Church Universal. Therefore I will:
Participate in the mission and governance of the Order and work for the unity of the holy Christian church;
Show respect and encourage all followers of Christ, as well as other faith traditions;
Recruit members for the Order responsibly, respect existing relationships, and refrain from exploiting persons in vulnerable situations; and
Cooperate with those working for justice, compassion, and peace in the world, including partners of other faith traditions.
ARTICLE V
The Seat of the Order
The seat of the Order is the same as that of the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan.
ARTICLE VI
Governance
Section 1: The Grand Master
The Grand Master is the Head of the Royal House of Ghassan. He shall serve for life or until he retires.
If, because of incapacity, he is unable to serve as Grand Master, the family of the Royal House of Ghassan with the Privy Council may call a Special Chapter General. On the advisement of the Privy Council and the Royal House of Ghassan, the Royal Family will appoint a Regent until the Grand Master may reassume duties or his successor is elected by the Royal Family.
The Grand Master shall appoint all members of the Order’s bodies under this Constitution. His approval is required for the appointment of all officers of the Order named in the Constitution, as well as in the Statutes, Rules, and Regulations. He is the sole authority for the creation of a Knight or Dame and bestowing honors of the Order and the Royal House. No member shall be admitted into the Order against the objection of the Grand Master. All members of the Order appointed to any office or dignity within the Order shall serve at the pleasure of the Grand Master.
ARTICLE VII
Associations of the Order
Section1: Priory
A Priory is the regional level of the Order led by a Knight/Dame, holding at least the rank of Knight/Dame Commander, appointed by the Grand Master as the Prior in that region.
The Priory is organized with a Priory Council with the officers of the Prior and Chancellor. Only Officers of a Priory may be appointed by the Grand Master to officiate at the bestowing of an accolade.
Priories are created by the Grand Master, who also appoints the Prior to organize and administer the association of the Order in the given region.
All Equestrian members will be appointed to a Priory for the association.
Brazil is given the honor of the title “Grand Priory” as it was the founding body canonically erected in the Roman Catholic Church by His Excellency Bishop Dom Roberto Francisco Ferreria Paz of the Diocese of Campos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Section 2: Commanderies
A Commandery is the basic sustaining organization at the local level. The Commander, a Knight/Dame holding at least the rank of Knight/Dame Commander, is the leader of the Commandery. A Commandery is established by the Grand Master.
After establishment, a Commander is elected by the Commandery Council under its own Rules and Regulations, subject to the approval of the Prior, who guides the activities of a Commandery of the Order.
The Commander, in turn, is assisted by several Knight/Dame officers who help in programming and fundraising.
A Priory may assign Equestrian members to a particular commandery under its association’s Rules and Regulations.
Section 3: Transfers
An Equestrian member within the Order may belong to only one Priory and Commandry. Transfer between priories is possible; however, the applicant must have the permission of both the gaining and losing Prior. The process must be initiated by the member who desires to transfer. Transferring from one Commandry to another is under each Priory's Rules and Regulations.
ARTICLE VIII
Members of the Order
Section 1: Admission Protocols
A person requesting admission to the Order, and especially to be invested and receive the accolade of a Knight or Dame, should be aware that he/she will become a part of a dynastic chivalric institution representing the Royal House of Ghassan and be recognized as a member of the Royal House under traditional customs.
Section 2: Qualifications
Acceptance into the Order is based on the assessment of the human values and quality of character of the applicant, without distinction or discrimination based on religious, social class, race, political tendencies, physical disability, or sexual orientation.
I. The following are among the desired qualifications for membership in the Order:
To be at least 18 years of age for the rank of Member and 21 years or older for the title and rank of Knight/Dame and higher ranks.
To be a stable person holding dignified and steady employment.
To be morally and socially well-considered.
To be practitioners of any learned profession or members of the Armed Forces.
To be retired persons or veterans of military service.
To be persons considered socially and professionally as capable, just, honest, compassionate, and courageous.
To be persons willing and have the economic capacity to pledge, meeting successfully at least the minimum amount of contribution.
II. The following are impediments to attaining membership:
To be employed or follow professions or lifestyles that could be viewed as dishonorable by generally accepted standards.
These are automatic disqualification criteria for candidates who intend to use, mislead, or misrepresent falsified or faux royal, aristocratic, or nobility titles; falsified or faux awards, honors, orders, etc.; falsified or faux academic titles and degrees.
Section 3: The Process of Nomination, Honorarium Passage Fees, and Annual Membership Dues
A Petition for Membership may be submitted by any Member of the Royal Order for any individual who meets the nomination criteria. The Nominator must be a member in good standing of the Royal.
The Petitioner completes a Petition under the Grand Council’s Rules and Regulations. If the Petition is approved by the Grand Council, and the Petition is recommended to the Grand Master by the Grand Chancellor or appointed Officer of the Grand Council, the Honorarium Passage Fee shall be discussed with the Petitioner as well as the incoming rank.
Passage Fees are subject to annual revision based on the recommendation of the Grand Council following the Constitution of the Order. In extraordinary cases of need, the Grand Council may waive fee payment.
Advancement within The Royal Order is based upon merit and the individual’s activities, not through a monetary donation, contingent only upon the recommendation of a regional Officer of a Priory, the Grand Council, and the Royal House.
The International Order shall set the annual oblation due from each Knight and Dame of the Order on the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels.
Each Priory may also set an annual oblation to help support its charitable works and its part of the mission of the Order.
The bestowing of honors, promotions, and awards will occur quarterly, corresponding to the following:
On or near the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels (29 September);
On or near the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord (6 January);
On or near the Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord; and
On or near the Feast of the Twelve Apostles (30 June).
Section 4: The Ranks
Of the Equestrian ranks,
Third Class of Merit
Member, Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (MMA);
Commander, Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (CMA);
Of the Second Class Of Knights and Dames
Knight/Dame (Faris/Farisa), Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (KMA/DMA));
Knight/Dame (Faris/Farisa) Commander, Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (KCMA/DCMA);
Of the First Class, Grand Knights and Dames
Grand Knight/Dame (Faris/Farisa al-Kabiral-Kabir) Commander, Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (GKMA/GDMA);
Grand Knight/Dame (Faris/Farisa al-Kabir) of the Cross, Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (GCMA); and
Grand Knight/Dame (Faris/Farisa al-Kabir) of the Collar, Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (GColMA).
Of the Honorary ranks, any of the above ranks may be bestowed by the Grand Master to particular heads of state, heads of royal houses, ecclesiastical leaders, and so on. The honorary members of the Order are not bound to rules and regulations, particularly annual oblations, and are not members of any priory or commandry. There are no styles, titles, or post-nominals for these ranks.
Of the Hospitaller ranks, the title “Hospitaller” is given exclusively to professionals of the medical field, like physicians, pharmacists, nurses, health technicians, et cetera. It is also given to donors and sponsors of medical missions and projects. The ranks are Knight/Dame Hospitaller (KHMA), Knight/Dame Hospitaller Commander (KHCMA), Knight/Dame Hospitaller Officer (KHOMA), Knight/Dame Hospitaller Grand Cross (KHGCMA), Knight/Dame Hospitaller of the Collar (KHGMA). The styles and titles are like the Equestrian.
Those granted titular honors of the House of Ghassan may be recognized as Knights or Dames of Justice and include "(J)" at the end of their post-nominal.
Section 5: Style, Title, and Address of the Knight or Dame
The Style, Title, and Address of the Knight or Dame are customary within the Royal House of Ghassan. Style, title, and address may or may not be recognizable under the laws and statutes of the member’s place of citizenship, and members should be guided by the customary and lawful practices of said places.
Traditional Arabic: Faris, Farisa.
Traditional French: Chevalier, Chevaleresse (Chev./Chevss.)
Traditional Italian: Cavaliere (Cav.)
Traditional Spanish: Caballero (Cab.)/Dama
Traditional Portugeuse: Cavaleiro (Cav.)/Dama
Traditional English: Sir, Dame. Note: Members who reside in one of the Commonwealth of Nations are advised to use the Arabic or French titles to avoid confusion or conflicting with British customs.
The title and honor shall be issued by Letters Patent. Rank and appointments of office shall be assigned by a Brevet. These are issued by the Grand Master through the Chancellery.
This Order does not confer nobility upon the member of any rank. The title and honor of the Order are not inheritable.
Knights and Dames of the first-class and second-class ranks are entitled to the courtesy style of “His/Her Excellency,” followed by the title of “Faris” or “Farisa” (or “Sir” and “Dame”), name, and the appropriate post-nominals. Therefore, a female holder's full name, title, and style is “Her Excellency, Farisa/Chevaleresse/Dame First Name Middle Name Second Middle Name [if any] Surname, post-nominals." The male holder's full name, title, and style is "His Excellency, Faris/Chevalier/Sir First Name Middle Name Second Middle Name [if any] Surname, post-nominals."
If the Letters Patent or Brevet for a particular recipient contains a different style, title, and address than the above, the Letters Patent or Brevet will triumph only for that particular recipient.
There is no courtesy title for the lawful spouse or children of a member of the Order.
Section 6: Degradation
The Grand Master, by his rights and prerogative as Sovereign and on recommendation by the Royal House, Grand Council, Grand Priory, or individual Priors, may remove a member of any rank or any honors or awards bestowed.
If a member in the Equestrian ranks is delinquent in remitting their annual oblation, the Chancellery may place that person, after notification to the individual and priory of membership, into inactive status. If a member in the Equestrian ranks is delinquent in remitting their annual oblation after two years, the member shall be considered “absent-without-leave,” and the Chancellery may strike through that person, after notification to the individual and priory of membership, within the rolls. The member may be restored to active duty if their past oblations are satisfied and on the recommendation of an Officer of the Order (a priory or of the Grand Priory).
If a member in the Equestrian ranks is delinquent in remitting their annual oblation after three years, the member shall be considered a deserter of the Order, and the Grand Master may remove the member from the Order and all honors and awards bestowed. If the member seeks to be re-admitted, the Grand Master may matriculate them, but only at the beginning Equestrian rank of Member.
A knight or dame who joins any other chivalric order or confraternity without the expressed permission in writing from the Grand Master through the Chancellery may be immediately degraded.
ARTICLE IX
Renunciation of Honor, Title, and Awards
Honor, title, and awards may be renounced by a member at any time and for any cause. The renunciation must be in writing and witnessed by an individual unrelated to the member. The witnesses should sign and date the renunciation with the renouncing member, and the document should be delivered to the Chancellery.
A knight or dame who joins any other chivalric order or confraternity not recognized by the House of Ghassan may be assumed by the Grand Master to have renounced any given honors, titles, and/or awards.
ARTICLE X
Heraldic Privileges
By the right and privileges conferred through Letters Patent, the Knights and Dames of the Order have a Royal Warrant to use particular heraldic devices related to this Order and the Royal House. A heraldry guide will be provided by the Chancellery.
As the custom of other Royal Houses worldwide, a member shall submit a copy of their arms to the Chancellery for review if the Knight or Dame seeks to adopt the Royal House and Order's particular heraldry devices. With the Chancellery’s approval, the achievement will be registered on the Royal House’s Roll of Arms, which may be published and made public.
With the Knight or Dame’s achievement recorded by the Chancellery, they may register their arms with any registries.
Members of the second class may use the likeness of their medal suspended from their escutcheon as decorations.
Members of the first class may use the likeness of their medal suspended from their escutcheon as decorations and encircle their arms with the Garter of the Order. A Knight or Dame of the Grand Cross may also include the coronet of a knight on the helmet instead of a torse or the coronet of a knight in place of a helmet. A Knight or Dame of the Grand Collar may also include heraldic supporters in addition to the aforesaid.
ARTICLE XI
Uniforms and Insignia
Section 1: Uniforms and Insignia
The uniform, insignia, and armorial bearings of the Order shall be as prescribed by the Grand Master and shall be promulgated in the Rules and Regulations of the Order, making allowance for the traditions of regions and national jurisdictions.
The insignia of the Royal Order shall be a medal designed to be worn as full or miniature by the Grand Master and holders of the honor. The full or miniature medal shall be worn by members where the wearer is representing the Royal House, the Order, or meetings at which similar decorations are worn. The full-sized medal is to be worn on the left pocket with business attire. Ladies may wear the medal fastened to the left side of their attire at a convenient location. Members attired in military uniform should wear the medal per the requirements of the service or branch in which they are serving. Full-sized medals are not worn with civilian evening dress. The miniature of the medal should be worn on the left lapel, following standard rules of dress, either alone or with other miniatures mounted on a bar or another holder. Ordinarily, miniatures are worn only with formal and semi-formal attire (i.e., white tie and black tie).
Section 2: Awards
A system of awards for acts of valor, distinguished service, or periods of outstanding service existed in the military forces of many ancient peoples. The Grand Master recognized the need for an appropriate awards system apart from promotions. The Grand Master may create and bestow awards and honors to members of the Order for various achievements or to memorialize events. These awards honor members of the Order, and in certain instances, non-members, for single acts of valor, distinguished or meritorious service, or long and faithful service to the Order. With the Chancellery’s assistance, the Grand Marshall shall be the steward of the system of awards.
Each Grand Priory may create a system of awards under its own, with the Chancellery’s assistance, which shall be the steward's own Rules and Regulations as long as the awards are consistent with the nature and purpose of this Order.
Section 3: Insignia of Classes and Ranks
Of the Equestrian ranks, third class, Of Merit, all may bear a Rosetta or Lapel Pin of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (business), a full medal (morning dress or black tie), as well as a miniature medal (black tie or white tie). The mantle of the Order is unlined.
Of the Equestrian second class,
Knight/Dame, the blue badge of the Order on a Royal Blue Necklet, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel;
Knight/Dame Commander, the blue badge of the Order on a Royal Blue Necklet, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel.
The mantle of the second class is lined in royal blue satin.
A Knight/Dame, especially those Commanders in command of a commandry or priory, may include the designated star on the collar of the mantle (one star, knight/dame; two stars, commander).
Of the Equestrian first class,
Grand Knight/Dame Commander, the blue badge of the Order suspended below a trophy bail on a Royal Blue Necklet, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel
Grand Knight/Dame of the Cross, the blue badge of the Order suspended below a trophy bail on a Royal Blue Necklet, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel. Knights selected for the dignity of the Cross are also entitled to wear the Grand Cordon or sash of Royal Blue (over the right shoulder).
The Grand Cordon is worn only with a full evening dress (white tie and tails).
Grand Knight/Dame (Faris/Farisa) of the Collar, the purple badge of the Order suspended below a trophy bail on a Royal Blue Necklet or chain, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel. Knights/Dames selected for the dignity of the Collar are also entitled to wear the Grand Cross regalia, which is only worn with a full evening dress (white tie and tails).
The mantle of the first class is lined in imperial purple satin.
A Grand Knight/Dame Commander, Knight/Dame Grand Cross, and Knight/Dame Grand Collar may include the designated stars on the collar of the mantle (three stars, Grand Knight/Dame Commander; four stars, Grand Cross; five stars, Grand Collar).
Of the Honorary ranks, the Grand Master may present any of the above insignia described for the Equestrian members.
Of the Hospitallers of the Equestrian Order of St Michael Archangel,
Knight/Dame Hospitaller, the white badge of the Order on a Royal Blue Necklet, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel;
Knight/Dame Hospitaller Commander, the white badge of the Order on a Royal Blue Necklet, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel.
Knight/Dame Grand Hospitaller, the white badge of the Order, is suspended below a trophy shield on a Royal Blue Necklet, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel.
Knight/Dame Hospitaller Grand Cross, the white badge of the Order suspended below a trophy shield on a Royal Blue Necklet, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel. Knights selected for the dignity of the Cross are also entitled to wear the Grand Cordon or sash of Royal Blue (over the right shoulder).
The Grand Cordon is worn only with a full evening dress (white tie and tails).
Knight/Dame (Faris/Sayida) Hospitaller of the Collar, the purple badge of the Order suspended below a trophy bail on a Royal Purple Necklet or chain, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel. Knights/Dames selected for the dignity of the Collar are also entitled to wear the Grand Collar regalia, which is only worn with a full evening dress (white tie and tails).
The mantle of the Hospitallers is black and bears a white Maltese cross on the left breast.
Dames may also wear the necklet insignia in the following manners:
The badge of the Order is suspended from a bow made with the ribbon of the Order to be worn over the heart.
Of Clergy, insignia are the same as the Equestrian and Hospitallers. Clergy may choose a mozzetta instead of a mantle worn with choir habit in the Roman Catholic or Anglican tradition. The lining of the mozzetta corresponds with the class of membership.
ARTICLE XII
Validity of Acts
Section 1: Chapter General
Every act of the Chapter General shall be valid when the same shall have been affirmatively approved by the majority of the members present.
Section 2: Grand Priory and Grand Council
Every act of the Grand Priory and Grand Council shall be valid when the same shall have been approved by the majority of those present.
Section 3: Proxy Voting
Voting by proxy shall not be permitted at any meeting.
Section 4: Electronic Meetings
Members of the various councils of governance named in this Constitution may participate in meetings of those governing councils through electronic communications, videoconferencing, teleconferencing, or other available technology that allows the members to communicate simultaneously or sequentially. According to this subsection, participation in a meeting constitutes presence in person at the meeting. Each Council of Governance shall create a policy for such meetings to ensure every participant is able to participate in deliberations and exercise their voice and vote.
ARTICLE XIII
Amendments to the Constitution
The Grand Master may amend the Order's Constitution. If amended, the Constitution shall be published and distributed to all members of the Order, at which time the amendments come into effect. The Amended Constitution shall be posted and distributed by Michaelmas at the latest.
ARTICLE XIV
Statutes, Rules, and Regulations of the Order
The Grand Master may promulgate such Statutes, Rules, and Regulations not inconsistent with any provisions of this Constitution as may be necessary or desirable for the government of the Order.
A Statute is a decree made by the Grand Master alone that SHALL be observed. It may be permanent or temporary in nature, declarative and actionable. A Statute is effective across the whole Order and enforced, and transgressions against Statutes may result in a judicial process before the Grand Master.
A Rule is defined as a set of governing principles and standard practices, or policies, established by the Grand Master with the advisement of the Grand Council that SHOULD regulate the common life of the Order. Rules may be set aside under extraordinary cases with the permission of the Grand Master.
A Regulation is defined as a customary practice that may be set by the Grand Master and priors after consulting with the Grand Council and that MAY regulate the common life of the members of the Order concerning particularities of practice.
Promulgated in Beverly Hills, CA, USA on 29 September 2023
Feast of Saint Michael Archangel
SIGNED AND SEALED BY
His Imperial and Royal Highness
Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan "de Jure" Al-Nu'Man VIII
Sovereign Head of the Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan
Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel
Dynastic Royal Order of Chivalry Constituted in 2008
Constitution amended on 29 September 2023, Feast of Saint Michael Archangel
HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII
Head of the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan
Copyright © 2024 Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan - All Rights Reserved.
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