Knights of the Ture Cross Helping Children : Protecting the True Cross Knight of the True Cross

Information and Application Packet

A Sponsored Order of the Dynastic Order of the Green Cross January, 2016

This packet is intended for those interested in membership to the Knights of the True Cross. It contains a brief introduction to the Order, member obligations and an application for membership.

Knights of the Ture Cross Helping Children : Protecting the True Cross

Introduction & History

The Knights of the True Cross (further referenced as the KTC or the Order) is a Chivalric Order dedicated to providing relief to children in hospitals and, in cooperation with the Russian Orthodox Church of America, protecting the True Cross of Anatolia; one of the largest sections of the True Cross of Christ known to exist.. The Order was founded by His Serene Highness, the Doux of St. Cyriacus, Tetrarch of Tiggiano and is blessed to have His Holiness, the Enthroned Archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Americas as its spiritual guide.

His Serene Highness gained inspiration for the Order from his over 15 years of experience helping with children and from the Order of St. Lazarus, which was founded by the Knights Hospitaller of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem in 1098 to help those stricken with leprosy. A direct decedent of Baldwin IV, King of Jerusalem as well as many of the royal families of Europe, His Serene Highness created the Knights of the True Cross as a means to honor and carry on the good service of his ancestors. This Order also has the privileged of protecting a section of the True Cross and bearing testament to the free gift of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice upon that very piece of wood. We proudly identify ourselves as a Christian Chivalric Order but, with the exception of those working directly with the True Cross, we do not require our members to be Christian. We do expect those joining our order to be dedicated to helping children in hospitals by providing encouragement and relief as determined by each local priory. It is also required for non-Christian members of this order to be respectful of the Christian beliefs and principles upon which this Order is founded.

The Knights of the True Cross is a sponsored order of the Dynastic Order of the Green Cross, a chivalric order dedicated to helping those with Autism. That order is organized as a 501(c)(3)non-profit corporation but still maintains all of the traditions of its chivalric foundations. We invite you to learn more about this order at www.dotgc.org.

The Knights of the True Cross is part of a triad of chivalric orders known as the Orders of the True Cross that are run by His Serene Highness, the Doux of Saint Cyriacuz, Tetrarch of Tiggiano with the sponsorship of His Holiness, the Enthroned Archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Americas. The missions of these orders carry on those of the Knights Hospitaller and the Knights Templar: to provide comfort to the sick & injured, to help those in need and to guard one of the largest pieces of the True Cross to have survived the centuries.

Knights of the Ture Cross Helping Children : Protecting the True Cross

Selected members of the Knights of the True Cross also have the privilege and solemn duty of working with two other chivalric orders, the Dynastic Order of the Green Cross and the Order of Saint Andrew the First Called – Knights of the True Cross, in the transport, public showing, and protection one of the largest sections of the True Cross to have survived the centuries and to assist His Holiness, the Enthroned Archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Americas, when he is traveling with the holy relic.

The Orders of the True Cross are comprised of three chivalric orders:

 The Knights Templar of the True Cross

 The Dynastic Order of the Green Cross

 The Order of Saint Andrew the First Called – Knights of the True Cross

Qualifications for Membership

Application to the Order is open to all with no requirement for prior experience working in service organizations and/or chivalric orders. All that is required is a dedication to helping others.

Acceptance to the Order is based on the assessment of the human values and quality of the character of the applicant without distinction or discrimination based on religious, social class, race, political tendencies, physical disability or sexual orientation. The following are among the desired qualifications for membership in the Order:

 To be at least 21 years of age (exceptions given for members of the Armed Forces, Coast Guard, Police and Fire Departments).

 To be a stable person holding dignified and steady employment.

 To be morally and socially well considered.

 To be willing and possessing the economic capacity to pledge periodic contributions and to comply with the annual membership dues.

Knights of the Ture Cross Helping Children : Protecting the True Cross

Economic Commitment

Application: There is a one-time non-refundable application fee of $350 USD. The fee must be received before the application can be processed. Applications will be kept on file for 30 days pending receipt of the application fee. If accepted, new Knights/Dames of the Order will receive a medal signifying their membership in the Order and their rank as part of their application fee.

Annual Dues: To maintain good standing in the Order, each Knight/Dame is required to submit dues of $100 USD each year by midnight, March 31 (PST).

Other Contributions: Periodically, members will be asked to contribute to the Order's fundraising activities. Though not required, each member is expected to contribute as they are able for the good of the Order and the work it does..

Expectations of Knights & Dames

Service: As each is able, so are they to serve. The members of each Order are required to provide service to their Order in some tangible and documented way. Service in not only the very essence of what it means to be a Knight or Dame in the Order, it is the gauge by which those seeking promotion in their Order are measured.

It is assumed that everyone's sincerity toward service is equal, however, it is just a fact of life that not everyone has the same means, ability, temperament or opportunity to provide the same kind of service. The expectation is that Knights and Dames will actively participate in fulfilling the primary missions of the Order.

For a variety of reasons, we understand that not everyone will be able to actively participate in the missions of the Order. However, there are other ways in which members can provide service that are extremely valuable to the Order and its ability to effectively function in fulfilling its missions. These services must have the written approval of the Prior and may include such activities as:

Knights of the Ture Cross Helping Children : Protecting the True Cross

 A monetary donation as substitution of service. No Order can run effectively without money to fund its operations, purchase supplies and provide the seed money to expand its work to new areas.

 Business expertise such as bookkeeping, finance, IT and management. A well run Order not only makes for an effective enterprise, but good business practices encourage long term stability and protect the good standing of the Order in the communities it serves.

 Marketing including graphic and web development. Presentation is vital to any Order. It is the simplest, the first and sometimes the only introduction people have to the Order, what it does, and why they should want to be a part of it. It is also fundamental to creating effective educational and other material that will be freely given to the public.

 Craft skills such a woodworking, jewelry and sewing. Chivalric Orders are expected to have certain flair in how the members dress, what they wear and the things they surround themselves with. This imagery is more than pomp and show; it is a tangible link to the noble history of chivalry. They are the symbols of the very best that chivalry has to offer and are as relevant today as they were centuries ago.

Integrity

Each prospective member of the Order lists work history, civic experience, education and other information pertaining to their character and standing in the community on the Membership Application. They must also sign their chivalric oaths declaring their dedication to honesty, service to others, good citizenship and obedience to their Grand Prior in all matters concerning the function of the Order.

Integrity demands honesty not only what a perspective Knight and Dame do, say and write but also in all manner of their behaviors. Simply put, as a member of this Order, you will be held accountable to do as you say and say as you do.

Knights of the Ture Cross Helping Children : Protecting the True Cross

Maintaining Good Standing

Each member, regardless of rank or position, is required to maintain the standards of service and integrity required by the Order. This includes meeting all financial obligations including annual dues and requirements for service.

Members who fail to maintain good standing are subject to review in accordance to the rules and regulations of their Order.

Oath

All persons upon joining this Order are required to take the following oath:

I of my own free will and desire do solemnly swear by all I hold true and sacred to faithfully serve as a (Knight/Dame) of the Knights of the True Cross.

I do swear to abide by the laws, rules and regulations of this esteemed Order and to live according to the rules of chivalry: primarily, to assist those in need, to live a life of honor and integrity, and to come to the aid and relief of my comrades of this Order so far as I am able.

I will be ever faithful to protect the integrity, honor, and image of this Order and the Orthodox Church and take no action by word or deed which might bring undue discourse or strife to either of these noble institutions.

Knights of the Ture Cross Helping Children : Protecting the True Cross

We invite you to join us in our mission to help those with autism and to promote the principles of chivalry. You will begin this journey by completing the following application and submitting it along with your application fee to:

The Dynastic Order of the Green Cross Attn: Knights of the True Cross PO Box 501 Mukilteo, WA 98275 USA

If accepted to join our Order, you will receive paperwork confirming your rank as a Knight or Dame of this Order and membership booklet detailing types of service, including the Honor Guard of the True Cross and details about how to qualify for promotion. You will also be invited to join us at our annual investiture ceremony to be formerly bestowed with your medal of rank as a Knight or Dame of the Order by His Serene Highness,the Doux of St. Cyriacus, Tetrarch of Tiggiano.

Knights of the Ture Cross Helping Children : Protecting the True Cross

Application for Membership

Preferred Title/Greeting:

Full Legal Name:

Email:

Primary Phone:

Other Phone:

Address:

Nationality:

Date of Birth:

Profession:

Marital Status: Spouse's Name:

Profession:

Education (Degree, Institution, Year Graduated):

Knights of the Ture Cross Helping Children : Protecting the True Cross

Profession:

Education (Degree, Institution, Year Graduated):

Certifications/Professional Licenses (Type, Year Obtained):

Knights of the Ture Cross Helping Children : Protecting the True Cross

Languages (Language, Speaking Fluency, Reading/Writing Fluency):

Titles (Titles Held, Year Obtained, Issuant):

Other Honors (Name, Year Obtained, Issuant):

Knights of the Ture Cross Helping Children : Protecting the True Cross

Memberships (Societies, Fraternal Groups: Organization, Position, Year of Admission):

Civic Activities (Activity, Organization, Years of Involvement):

Knights of the Ture Cross Helping Children : Protecting the True Cross

Charitable & Philanthropic Activities (Activity, Organization, Years of Involvement):

Brief Biography:

Why do you want to join the Order?

How do you intend to use your skills and experience to benefit the Order?

 Please attach a passport size photo of yourself.

 Please attach personal coats of arms if any.

 Please attach family coats of arms if any.

Knights of the Ture Cross Helping Children : Protecting the True Cross

For Knights of the True Cross Use Only

Applicant’s Name:

Date Application Received: Date Application Reviewed:

Fee Submitted? Amount: Remaining:

Reviewing Committee (at least 3 required)

1.______

2.______

3.______

4.______

Review Summary

Committee’s Recommendation to Accept or Reject Applica- tion:______

Application Accepted or Rejected: ______