Knight of Obedience

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Borstkruis van een Ridder van Obediëntie

Knight of Obedience is a rank in the Sovereign and Military Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta. Unlike those professed chaplains and knights who take vows of chastity, poverty and obedience these Knights, and now Dames,make a promise of obedience. The rank was instituted between the two World Wars because there were not enough professed knights required for the Order to strengthen its religious and spiritual character. The Knights and Dames in Obedience make a promise to live as perfect Christians.The Knights wear a scapular over their choir dress.

In the Order of Malta (Sovrano Militare Ordine Ospedaliero di Rodi e di Malta) the Knights of Justice are in the First class. The Knights and Dames in Obedience constitute the Second class.The Knights and Dames of Honour and Devotion,Conventual Chaplains "ad honorem", Magistral Chaplains, Knights and Dames of Grace and Devotion,Knights and Dames of Magistral Grace and Donats are members of the Third class.

Since the late 1990s the Promise of Obedience is linked to the pre-existing category of a knight or dame. Hence,they become for example, Knights of Magistral Grace 'in' 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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