Our modern Order of St. John is an ecumenical, international, Christian organization directly descended from the close collaboration of crusader knights with the hospitaller activities of the hospice founded by Amalfi merchants for pilgrims in Jerusalem before the turn of the 12the century.

The resultant knight/hospitaller organization was recognized as an Order of Chivalry by Pascal II in a Papal Bull dated February 15, 1113. The Order strongly influenced history in the Holy Land, Rhodes and Malta over the next six tumultuous centuries, and established itself in its hospitaller role as well. Our modern Order of St. John descends from the Russian Priories established by Grand Master Tsar Paul I of Russia, who welcomed the Order following the conquest of Malta by Napoleon in 1798.

Today, the Knights and Dames of the Order have a strong sense of its history and Hospitaller traditions. They believe in the need to support local charities, and deliver benefits for the sick and poor in Christ, both in a material and spiritual sense.