February 24^th was a historic day for the international Order of St George. The twenty-first century is a world of divisive politics and rising global conflict. How refreshing and encouraging to see the Grand Priors of the Order of St George in the UK, The United States, and Canada came together in Atlanta Georgia to sign a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to coordinate and cooperate on fundraising and expansion efforts in programs of mutual benefit to the Order and to Veterans.

The Order of St. George is the oldest non-secular Knighthood of men and women founded on Chivalric values in the world. Founded in 1326 AD, the Order of St. George has survived and grown to serve hundreds of thousands of veterans, their families, and the public, the world over. 

Ours is a tradition that dates back to the 14th century. King Károly Róbert of Hungary (1288-1342), also known as Charles Robert, Duke of Anjou, founded the Fraternal Society of Knighthood of St George as the first monarchical, chivalric and secular order of its kind. While the exact date is lost to history, there is evidence that the Society was in existence in 1326 on St. George’s Day, now celebrated annually on April 23rd. Indeed, the story of St. George as a legend of Christian martyrdom informs the chivalric ideals that underpin our Order.

Today our members are drawn from all walks of life and reflect the great diversity of our society. What joins us is our common cause of helping people in need.

A new Priory has been established in the United States of America, while retaining important links to The Order of St. George Grand Priory of Canada, as well as to the Grand Priory of the Americas.  

Congratulations to Chevalier Steven Mohns KGCStG, Chevalier Gordon Kelly KGCStG and the members of our former Pewaukee Bury for their vision and invaluable efforts in realizing this significant development. 

Chevalier Steven Mohns was appointed Prior of The Order of St. George Priory of the United States of America (USA Priory) effective October 26, 2023.  

The USA Priory is incorporated in the State of Wisconsin and its Tax Free 501C (3) status has been approved with the Internal Revenue Service. Their Employer Identification Number, also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, has been registered and is now valid for donations and distributions. As such, the Priory is able to donate to American registered causes and to issue tax receipts to donors. 

Going forward, the USA Priory will manage its own membership and charitable causes and importantly, conduct its own Investiture ceremonies for new Postulants. Prior Steven Mohns has indicated that they intend to support veteran and humanitarian causes and programs within the USA, as well as “hands across the border” support for programs that exist in both Canada and the USA. He also advises that while the yearly membership fee is $150 USD, the USA Priory will provide a US tax receipt for $100 USD of the membership fee. 

All Knights & Dames resident in the USA are hereby welcomed to transfer their membership to the USA Priory, if they wish. Members of the USA Priory will be invited to donate to similar charitable causes and will receive a USA tax receipt. 

Please contact Chevalier Steven Mohns if you wish to be transferred to the new USA Priory. The membership fee is $150 USD, payable by cheque to:

The Order of St George

and sent c/o:
Chevalier Gordon C Kelley KGCStG
Apt. # 276
15100 West Cleveland Ave.
New Berlin, Wisconsin  53151

Prior Steven Mohns may be reached for questions at prior@ostgusap.com

We are truly excited for this development and opportunity for growth of The Order of St. George in both Canada and the USA. Our ties are strong through the many years of friendship and connection, and I expect this relationship and our mutual good works to continue and thrive in the future.

Yours in the Spirit of St. George,

Chevalier Charles R. Hill KGCStG
Grand Prior
OStG Canada

The Order of St. George was one of the earliest chivalric Orders. It was founded by King Charles I of Hungary, also known as Károly Róbert of Hungary, on St. Georges Day in 1326. It began as a brotherly union of knights who swore to defend the realm and protect the king, and to follow him in ‘pastimes and knightly sports’ – doubtless a reference to tournaments they contested.”

This means, of course, that 2026 will mark the 700th Anniversary of the founding of the original Order of St. George.

Today, there are various Orders of St. George in several countries. All are united in our common heritage, dating back to 1326, the inspiration of St George, and the code of chivalry that he embodies. Our 700th anniversary provides a unique opportunity for the various Orders of St. George to come together in friendship and co-operation as we celebrate this unique milestone as one family.

2026 may seem some time off but it will in fact soon be upon us, so we need to start planning now.

To facilitate this the Septcentenary Council has been established with the aim of having representation from all the active Orders of St. George.

The 2026 Sept-centenary of the Order of St George may seem like it’s a distant future event but plans and preparations for the celebration of 700 years of service take time. As volunteers work together to ensure an appropriate celebration, we, as individual members, should take the time to reflect on what our membership in the Order of St George means.

Ours is Chivalric family of volunteers dedicated to supporting charities that work with current and former service personnel and first responders as well as youth in the Cadet Corps. Did you know that St George is the Patron Saint of England as well as the Patron Saint of soldiers and the Boy Scouts of America.  

As members of The Order of St George, we swore an oath at our investiture to work together to sustain the work of the Order directly by means of an annual subscription, and indirectly by voluntary donations, and by actively engaging in charitable activities – large or small. To quote the Orde of St George Americas:

“The Order of St. George promotes and pursues the timeless traditions of chivalry by compassion and supporting works of charity. The Order focuses on supporting charities which work with current and former service personnel, [and] youth organizations . . . ” 

What does it mean today to promote and pursue the traditions of chivalry? Once again, I will borrow from the Order of St George Americas. The concepts of chivalry grew out of an idealized image of the medieval knight as a noble warrior who was not only fair in his dealings on the battlefield but also with women and with God.

Chivalry is an informal code; there is no set list of chivalrous rules. However, one commonly accepted list of chivalric virtues was drawn up in Bruges in 1430 by the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good, who established the knightly Order of the Golden Fleece to celebrate his marriage to the Portuguese Princess Isabella.

The Duke defined 12 chivalric virtues:

Faith
Charity
Justice
Sagacity
Prudence
Temperance
Resolution
Truth
Liberality
Diligence
Hope
Valour

Although originally generally associated with manly values, as early as 1149 there were also grades of knighthood available to women. Over time, the meaning of chivalry has been refined to emphasize more general social and moral virtues upheld with honour, fortitude and dignity by both gentlemen and ladies.

Today we as Knights and Dames of the Order of St. George should seek, in a modest way, to live by chivalry’s timeless social virtues of integrity, compassion, charity, faithfulness and courage. We welcome into membership ladies and gentlemen who wish to be involved in improving the lives of others, but as we do so we should remember our solemn commitment to do the same.