The United Grand Priories of

The Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS - GREECE
Sunday, March 16, 2008, 10:59

GRAND COMMANDERY OF GREECE

On Friday 25^th January 2008 the Chancellor of the Grand Priory of the Mediterranean, Chevalier Max Ellul, accompanied by his Deputy Marshal, Confrère William Acton travelled to Athens. Joining them, from London, was the Master-General, Frà John Baron Dudley von Sydow von Hoff and the Grand Treasurer, Dame Commander Pauline Baroness von Sydow von Hoff. The purpose of the visit was to assist in the formation of the Grand Commandery of Greece of the Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem through the establishment of the Commandery of Athens and the Commandery of Piraeus.

The party were met at Athens airport by the Grand Commander designate, Nicolas Laos, the Secretary General designate, Ioannis Patiniotis and other local postulants for membership.

On Saturday 26^th January 2008 an Investiture was held at St Paul’s Anglican Church, in Athens, and the Senior Anglican Chaplain, the Reverend Canon Malcolm Bradshaw assisted in the ceremony. During the ceremony of Investiture Chevalier Nicolas Laos KLJ was invested and installed as a Knight of Grace, and appointed Grand Commander of Greece, and Confrère Ioannis Patiniotis CLJ was invested with the rank of Commander and appointed Secretary General of the Grand Commandery. Also invested with the rank of Commander was Confrère Avraam Papadopoulos CLJ who was appointed Commander of the Commandery of Athens and Consœur Athina Vezyri CLJ who was appointed Commander of Piraeus. Several other Members of the new Grand Commandery were invested on the same occasion.

After the Investiture a Gala Dinner was held for the new members of the Hospitaller Order, and a number of distinguished guests were pleased to attend.

Discussions were held between the senior members of the Grand Commandery, the Chancellor of the Mediterranean and the Master-General, as to what would be the charitable and humanitarian projects for the new Grand Commandery, and plans were formulated which would take place immediately, news of which will be published later in the year.

The Master-General, on behalf of the Members of the Grand Council, congratulated the members of the Grand Commandery of Greece, welcoming them to this international Confraternity of Hospitallers, and pledged them full support and assistance, especially during their formative period.

 

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A Celebration of 15 years.

The 31st Investiture will be held on Saturday September 25th 2010 in the Priory Church of Saint Bartholomew’s at Smithfield, London. The service will include the Tenebrae Choir directed by Nigel Short, with the organ and trumpeters of the Priory Church.

Members of the public are most welcome to join us in our celebration and prayers. Contact the Secretary General to ensure a place.

Saint Lazarus Ladies Adidas Women's 5km Challenge September 5th 2010

If you want to join us on a (we promise!) fun day with 15,000 women of ages, please email us asking for a form. £15 will cover entry and a £5 donation to the Saint Lazarus Hospice Association. The run finishes with a well earned lunch and glass of wine or two at a local restaurant.

 Saint Lazarus Charity Ball, London 

Continuing the celebration of 15 years of charitable work, the Order is holding a Charity Ball, with reels and a stupendous auction of promises on the November 11th in aid of the Saint Lazarus Hospice Association. Email for details.