Arms of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem — OSMTH OSMTH Regional Magistracy

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Order ranks structure

The history of the Supreme Knightly Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (OSMTH - Magnum Magisterium) is built on the principles of strict subordination, discipline and the preservation of the ancient traditions of Christian chivalry. In accordance with the Statute, the Order is divided into internal spiritual degrees and preparatory stages.

Important legal notice. Knightly degrees (ranks, titles) in the Order are approved exclusively by the Grand Master and can be inherited. Brothers and Sisters appointed to officer positions (Marshal, Chancellor, etc.) are Officers solely by administrative position, but not by spiritual rank. Titled members of the Order may not hold any positions.

Supreme Order Power

Grand Master of the Order of the Temple of Jerusalem

Supreme Head and sovereign head of the International Magistrate (Magnum Magisterium). Has the exclusive right to issue Edicts, grant titles and change the Charter. In official documents he puts the Triple Cross in front of his name. The titular address “Your Highness” is applied to the Grand Master. The current, 52nd Grand Master of the Order is His Highness Don Albino Rodriguez Neves Filho.

Knightly Degrees (Transferred by inheritance)

I. Knight/Dame Grand Cross (Eques Magnus Crux — KGCTJ / DGCTJ)

The highest knightly rank in the Order. Appointed for exceptional, long-term service to the Order.

  • Insignia and etiquette. They wear a gold Order badge on the left side of the chest and a large equal-sided claw cross with a crown on a wide red or gold ribbon (cordon) over the right shoulder. Documents are signed using a double cross (╪).
  • Official appeal. According to the Order protocol, members of the Order with the rank of Grand Cross are addressed as “Your Excellency”.

II. Grand Officer (Magnus Officialis — KGOTJ / DGOTJ)

A high hierarchical rank that requires significant work for the benefit of the expansion and strengthening of the Order.

  • Insignia. They wear the Order badge on the left side of the chest and a neck cross with a crown and a military trophy on a red ribbon. In documents and signatures, a double cross (╪) is placed before the name.
  • Official appeal. According to the order protocol, the address “Your Excellency” is applied to Great Officers.

III. Commander (Commendator — KCTJ / DCTJ)

A respected rank, indicating the ability of a Brother or Sister to successfully lead structural units (Commanderships, Ballages) or coordinate educational missions.

  • Insignia. They wear a breastplate of the Order on the left side of the chest, as well as a neck cross with a crown and a gold military trophy on a black ribbon with a red border.
  • Official appeal. According to the order protocol, the address “Your Excellency” is applied to Commanders.

IV. Officer (Officialis — KOTJ / DOTJ)

A rank awarded for active and conscientious work, easy and precise coordination of order assignments.

  • Insignia. They are distinguished by the right to wear around the neck the Order Cross with a crown and a gold military trophy (an image of a cuirass with a helmet and banners) on a black ribbon with a red border.
  • Official appeal. According to the Order protocol, the address “Your Excellency” is applied to Officers of the Order.

V. Knight/Dame of the Temple (Eques — KTJ / DTJ)

Full members of the Order who have successfully completed all the preparatory stages and taken the solemn oath at the Investiture. The minimum age for initiation is 25 years.

  • Insignia and etiquette. A traditional red cross with a double crossbar under a crown on a black ribbon is worn around the neck. For rituals, a white cassock with a red cross on the chest, belted with a rope with nine knots, a white Knight's cloak (mantle) with a red Lorraine cross on the left side of the chest, and white gloves are used. When signing documents, a cross and the letter F are placed in front of the name (Frere - Brother).
  • Official appeal. According to the order protocol, the Knights and Ladies of the Temple are addressed as “Noble Brother” or “Noble Sister”.

Preparatory Stages

Squire

The highest level of preparation before investiture into knighthood. Awarded by decision of the Grand Prior for diligent service.

  • Clothes for rituals. A white cassock with a red cross on the chest, belted with a rope. They have the right to wear the Knight's Cross on a white ribbon.
  • Official appeal. According to the order protocol, Armigers are addressed as “Brother” or “Sister”.

Sergeant

The first stage of order service. Initiation to Sergeant occurs after successful completion of the probationary period.

  • Clothes for rituals. A brown tunic with a red Order Cross on the chest, belted with a brown belt. They wear the Knight's Cross on a white ribbon.
  • Official appeal. According to order protocol, Sergeants are addressed as “Brother” or “Sister”.

Candidate (probation)

A person at least 18 years of age who sincerely professes the Christian Faith and possesses the decency and virtues of a true Christian. They undergo a mandatory probation period of at least 3 months. Strict civilian attire (dark suit/evening dress) is permitted at ritual Chapters.

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