Sovereign of St. John of Jerusalem Hospitaller

Founded in Jerusalem 1113, continuing through Czar Nicholas II Confirmed by the Royal and Constitution of H.M. King Peter II of Yugoslavia

Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum Welcome to the December 2015 Issue of the International Newsletter Part 1

CHRISTMAS LETTER FROM THE H.M.E.H. DAVID R. L. ROLFE, GCSJ, CMSJ, MMSJ

Dear Friends in St. John

Another year is coming to a close and, as always, this causes one to reflect on what has taken place in the world, and our Sovereign Order. In the Order ten Investitures were held during 2015: 1, Finland 1,Denmark 1, Scotland 1, United States 3, and Canada 3. Margaret and I were able to attend those in San Francisco, Ottawa, Victoria, Vancouver, Glasgow, and Palm Beaches. Conventual Bailiff Dag Von Schantz officiated at those in France, Finland and Denmark and Conventual Bailiff William Peacock at the Investiture in Reno. It is a heart –warming experience to attend the Investitures and I’m constantly overwhelmed by the volunteerism that takes place in each . The charitable efforts include everything from putting together care packages for the poor, making sure children don’t go to school hungry, palliative care, children’s cancer agencies, to building a hospice caring for those nearing the end of life. Our Knights and are to be commended for fulfilling the vows taken when they were invested in by the Order by working together to help ease the lives of the Lord’s sick and poor.

In recent weeks, terrorism has once again shaken the free world and horrified us all with the actions of the maniacal terrorist. We must firmly hold onto our own values and beliefs and continue our resolve to work together for Peace and Goodwill in a tumultuous world. Our heartfelt condolences and sympathy goes out to all those affected by the barbarous acts. We are eternally grateful and give thanks for our freedom when many live in fear and oppression.

The bi-annual Sovereign Council Meeting will be in Cleveland, Ohio, next September and I urge you to consider attending this very special event. The members of Cleveland Commandery have worked hard to organize the five days (Sept. 23rd- 27th). You will have received the program for the meeting and events and I hope you will consider attending. The meeting is a perfect venue for you to meet Knights and Dames from 20 and

International SOSJ Newsletter December 2015 1 share experiences of your service to the Lord’s Sick and The Investiture took place in the lovely Orchardhill the Poor. Parish Church where we were welcomed by the former Moderator of the Church of Scotland, The If I can be of any help to any of you at anytime please Very Reverend John Miller. Our Grand Master, do not hesitate to contact me. H.M.E.H. David Rolfe, GCSJ, CMSJ. MMSJ presided with the ceremony being conducted by Chevalier the Margaret joins me in wishing you all A Very Happy Reverend David Mills. Christmas and Best Wishes for Peace and Good Health in 2016. Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate, Hominum Three new members were invested and several promotions conferred including Grand of the Yours in St. John UK and Ireland Jim Wylie, Prior of Scotland Alan David R.L. Rolfe McCulloch, of Glasgow, Rose Mary Grand Master Harley, MBE.

RECENT INVESTITURES The ceremony was augmented by the magnificent singing by 50 members of the famous Phoenix Choir COMMANDERY OF GLASGOW, SCOTLAND including the stirring rendition of the hymn “Highland During the weekend of August 20th to 22nd. Cathedral.” members of the Commandery of Glasgow royally entertained visiting members of the Sovereign A gala dinner was held at the impressive Trades Hall Order from Canada, England, Germany and the United of Glasgow, built in 1784. Musical entertainment States to a memorable weekend of formal and informal was provided by the Finlay MacDonald Band and the events. Korda String Quartet. On the Thursday evening the Commandery hosted a dinner for Glasgow members, aspirants and guests.

On Friday morning the commanders of Glasgow and London Commanderies presented their annual reports and the Grand Prior of the UK and Ireland, Jim Wylie, reported on the financial states of the Grand Priory of the UK and Ireland.

On Friday evening guests and members of the Glasgow Commandery attended the world-renowned and spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo featuring Glasgow Investiture bands from around the world, combined with lively and colourful music, dancing and entertainment. A memorable evening concluding with a convivial bus ride back to Glasgow.

Edinburgh Tattoo Glasgow Investiture Reception International SOSJ Newsletter December 2015 2 GRAND PRIORY OF ST. HENRIK, FINLAND

On August 29th the Grand Priory of Finland held another memorable Investiture this time in the Old Church of Hyvinkää, at a village deep in the woods about 50 km from Helsinki.

The Investiture was presided by Conventual Bailiff Dag von Schantz, GCSJ, PUHO, CMSJ on behalf of the Grand Master David Rolfe. The ceremony was conducted by Prelate Hannu Salonoja and supported by Chaplain Matti Tenkanen.

Bailiff May Storrie, CBE, GCSJ, MMSJ, who is the Lt. Grand Priory of St. Henrik 2015 Investiture Grand Commander for Europe, came from Scotland to participate in the Investiture. GRAND PRIORY OF DACIA In addition to several promotions, two new Dames and eight new Knights were invested into the The Grand Priory of Dacia includes the Scandinavian Sovereign Order countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Due to the initiative of Commander Michael Gertsen, At the Gala Banquet Bailiff Dag von Schantz brought KCJSJ, Commander of the Commandery of Saint Knud greetings from the Grand Master and members of Le Hertug (Canute the King), the Grand Priory hosted an Petit Conseil and Bailiff May Storrie brought greetings Investiture on 31st of October 2015. from Grand Commander Owen Brown. The Investiture and events took place at the small Grand Prior Markku Salmenpohja made a well town of Svendborg on the Danish island of Fyn. received speech. Thanks to a prior television interview by Commander Gertsen and media reports, the church of Saint Finally Knights Tuomo Pälviranta, Esko Raipia and Nicolai was full of townspeople for the Investiture Matti Frantsila were awarded the Cross of Merit of in addition to members of the Sovereign Order and St. Henrik for their significant work for the Grand their guests. Priory. Grand Conservator Bailiff Dag von Schantz presided at the Investiture for the Grand Master. Two Knights were promoted to Knights of Grace and then installed as Commanders. They are Commander Christian von Düring of the Commandery of South Germany and Per Østergaard of the Commandery of Saint Kjeld (Saint Ketillius), Denmark.

Invested into the Sovereign Order were one Cleric,four Knights and three Dames.

The Investiture Service incorporated an ancient tradition of the lighting of candles by each new member introducing their personal light into the Order. The custom is to light the candle twice—at their Investiture and the day following their death.

International SOSJ Newsletter December 2015 3 Speeches were given at the gala banquet including by Conventual Bailiff Dag von Schantz, Bailiff May Storrie, Lt. Grand Master OSJ , Peter Gabrielsen, Grand Prior Johan Knickrehm and Commander Michael Gertsen.

Supporting the Investiture were Grand Prior of the German Langues Martin Marschner von Helmreich and his wife, Commander of Monaco in For