Knight of Obedience

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Borstkruis van een Ridder van Obediëntie

Knight of Obedience is a rank in the Souvereign and Military Order of Saint John of Rhodes and Malta. Unlike the priests and monks who take vows of chastity, poverty and obedience these Knights only take the vow of obedience to the teachings of the Roman-Catholic church. The rank was instituted between the wars because there were not enough professed members and the Order wanted to strengthen it's religious and spiritual character. The Knight of Obedience take a vow to live as a "perfect christian" and wears a rhombic star (depicted) on his left breast.

In the Order of Malta (Sovrano Militare Ordine Ospedaliero di Rodi e di Malta) the noble Knights of Justice are the highest in rank. Then there are the Knights of Obedience, the Knights of Honour and Devotion, Dames, Religious Members "ad honorem", Magistral Religious Members, Knights of Grace and Devotion, Honourary Knights of Grace, Knights of Magistral Grace and Donats.

The Catholic Constantinian Order has no Knights of Obedience.

The protestant Johanniterorders have no Knight of Obedience.


Literature:

  • Paul Hieronymussen, "Orders medals and decorations" Londen 1967
  • J.W. Jongedijk, "Ridderlijke Orden in Nederland", Zaltbommel 1965
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