Order of the Redeemer
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The Order of the Redeemer (Greek: Τάγμα του Σωτήρος) is an Order (decoration) of Greece. The Order of the Redeemer (Saviour) is the highest decoration awarded by the Greek government .
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[edit] History
The Order of the Redeemer was the first Hellenic Order to be established by the Fourth National Assembly at Argos in 1829, during the Greek War of Independence. The award bears the name Redeemer due to the Assembly's belief that the Greek nation was reborn through divine assistance. The relevant Decree was signed in Nauplio by King Otto of Greece on May 20, 1833. From that date onwards, the insignia of the Order were conferred on Greeks and foreigners alike who were distinguished during the struggle for independence.
Among those who were first awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer were King Ludwig I of Bavaria, the father of King Otto of Greece, in 1833; Andreas Miaoulis in 1835, Baron Guenther Heinrich von Berg 21st Feb 1837 Petrobey Mavromichalis, Alexandros Mavrokordatos and Lazaros Kountouriotis in 1836, Andreas Zaimis, Theodoros Kolokotronis and Georgios Kountouriotis in 1837, and Constantine Kanaris in 1864.
Currently, the degrees of the Order of the Redeemer are bestowed by the Greek government to distinguished Greek citizens who have defended the interests of the country in time of war or, who have rendered highly exceptional social services in Greece or abroad. The Order is also conferred upon eminent persons who are not Greek citizens.
[edit] Grades
The Order has five classes:
- Grand Cross ('Μεγαλόσταυρος') - wears the badge of the Order on a sash on the right shoulder, and the star of the Order on the left chest;
- Grand Commander ('Ανώτερος Ταξιάρχης') - wears the badge of the Order on a necklet, and the star of the Order on the left chest;
- Commander ('Ταξιάρχης') - wears the badge of the Order on a necklet;
- Gold Cross ('Χρυσούς Σταυρός') - wears the badge on a ribbon on the left chest;
- Silver Cross ('Αργυρούς Σταυρός') - wears the badge on a ribbon on the left chest.
[edit] Insignia
The form of the insignia has altered in several respects in the 170 years since the establishment of the Order. Today, the badge of the Order consists of a white enamelled cross pattée, in silver for the Silver Cross and in gold for the other grades, set on a green enamelled wreath, one half of which is an oak branch and the other half a laurel branch. The central disc bears an icon of Jesus, the Redeemer of Orthodox Christian soteriology; this is also made of enamel. The icon is surrounded by this inscription on a blue enamelled ring:
Η ΔΕΞΙΑ ΣΟΥ ΧΕΙΡ, ΚΥΡΙΕ, ΔΕΔΟΞΑΣΤΑΙ ΕΝ ΙΣΧΥΙ ("Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power", Genesis, 15:6)
The reverse of the medallion carries the inscription:
Η ΕΝ ΑΡΓΕΙ Δ´ ΕΘΝΙΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΩΝ ΣΥΝΕΛΕΥΣΙΣ - 1829 ("The IV National Assembly of the Hellenes at Argos - 1829")
The star of the Order is an eight-pointed faceted silver star with the same central disc as on the badge of the Order. At first the stars were embroidered; later, stars made of solid silver prevailed, as is the case today.
The ribbon of the Order is light blue, with a narrow white border on both edges, reflecting the Flag of Greece.
