Venerable Order of Saint John

Venerable Order Of Saint John

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (French: L'Ordre très vénérable de l'hôpital de Saint-Jean de Jérusalem), is a royal order of chivalry established in 1831 and found today throughout the Commonwealth of Nations, Hong Kong, Ireland, and the United States of America, with the world-wide mission "to prevent and relieve sickness and injury, and to act to enhance the health and well-being of people anywhere in the world." It is commonly referred to simply as the Order of St. John, or as the Venerable Order of Saint John (VOSJ) when distinction from other similarly named orders is desired.

The order's approximately 25,000 confrères, supported by 4,000 employees and 300,000 volunteers, are mostly of the Protestant faith, though those of other Christian denominations or other religions are accepted into the order, but usually honorary membership is awarded to deserving and distinguished adherents of other religions. Except via appointment to certain government or ecclesiastical offices in some realms, membership of the order is by invitation only, and individuals may not petition for admission. It is perhaps best known through its service organizations, St John Ambulance and St John Eye Hospital Group, the memberships and work of which are not constricted by denomination or religion. It is also a member of The Alliance of the Orders of St. John of Jerusalem.


Read more about Venerable Order Of Saint John:  History, Vestments and Insignia, Eligibility and Appointment, Precedence in Each Realm

Famous quotes containing the words venerable, order, saint and/or john:

    For mankind, speech with a capital S is especially meaningful and committing, more than the content communicated. The outcry of the newborn and the sound of the bells are fraught with mystery more than the baby’s woeful face or the venerable tower.
    Paul Goodman (1911–1972)

    I knew I had to do it. It was an order from the coach.
    Charlotte Smith (b. 1974)

    This is the fundamental idea of culture, insofar as it sets but one task for each of us: to further the production of the philosopher, of the artist, and of the saint within us and outside us, and thereby to work at the consummation of nature.
    Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)

    Old men who never cheated, never doubted,
    Communicated monthly, sit and stare
    At the new suburb stretched beyond the run-way
    Where a young man lands hatless from the air.
    —Sir John Betjeman (1906–1984)