Dr. Andrew Zsigmond

An Introduction

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The Origins:

 

There is sound evidence that The Lepers of St Lazarus were housed outside the north western corner of the walled city of Jerusalem during the Crusader period of 1099-1187, which evolved from the 4th century, treating the diagnosed lepers of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, Knights of St John and Knights Templar. Military duties were assumed after the Order was instituted by the Bull of Pope Pascall II in 1115. It was granted sovereignty over Montmusard Acre in 1191. Knights of St Lazarus attained bravery, many dying in the defence of Acre in 1291.

 

As the position of the Crusaders deteriorated in the Holy Land the Order moved to Boigny at the invitation of King Louis IX of France in 1254, where the Grand Magisterial seat stayed until the French Revolution. Attempts by the Papacy and the Order of St John to appropriate the Orders were foiled in 1318 and 1489. From 1608 until the fall of the Bourbon dynasty in 1830 the Order even had a naval fleet.

 

In 1841 the Melkitide-Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch, in communion with Rome became the Spiritual Protector, under whom the Grand Council governed until 1935, when the Grand Magistery was formed with the election of HRH Don Francisco de Bourbon de la Torre as Grand Master.

 

The Order spread through Europe with the returning Crusaders and was brought to England by the first Baron Mowbray, who gave it a house and land in Burton (Lazars). All religious orders were dissolved by Henry VIII in 1544. The Order was re-established by Grand Magisterial Decree in 1960 and has attained State recognition in several countries.

 

Admission of Protestants into this exclusively Catholic Order led to schism in 1969 with the formation of the Malta and Paris obediences. but the reunification of these are currently in advanced stage.

 

The Aims:

 

The members of the ecumenical Order should form a spiritual family and fraternity, sharing and helping each other in times of trouble and grief. Each member is asked to participate in Hospitaller work for the sick, the disabled, the elderly and all who are in need.

 

The ceremonies of the Vigil and Investiture, pilgrimages wearing the cape and the green cross are more than ritualistic maintenance of an ancient tradition, they are outward symbols of brotherhood and dedication to Christianity.

 

The Order is still involved in the care, cure and rehabilitation of those with leprosy and with measures designed to eradicate the disease throughout the world. The scope now includes support of hospices of the terminally ill and an infant welfare centre in Jerusalem.

 

 

The Order of St Lazarus was one of the two orders of chivalry to survive the downfall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the attempts by the Crusader knights to win control of the Holy Land from the forces of Islam.

From its foundation in the twelfth century, the members of the Order were dedicated to two ideals: aid to those suffering from the dreadful disease of leprosy and the defense of the Christian Faith.

 

 

Deputy Bailiff (North of England) now Emeritus.

MERSEY COMMANDERY Commander Emeritus, Dr the Chev. Andrew v. Zsigmond KCLJ CMLJ.