Order of Saint Lazarus - Grand Priory of America

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Order of Saint Lazarus - Grand Priory of America

The Grand Priory of America continues this mission of faith, charity, and Christian unity. The Grand Priory of America, founded in 1971, serves as the U.S.

Ecumenical Christian chivalric order founded in 1098 A.D., uniting clergy & laity in service to the sick and poor—especially those with Hansen’s Disease (leprosy). The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem is one of the world’s oldest Christian chivalric orders, tracing its origins to circa 1098 in the Holy Land. Originally founded to care for those suffering from leprosy (H

ansen’s disease) and to defend pilgrims and the Holy Places, the Order has always embodied a unique balance of military courage and hospitaller compassion. Over the centuries, the Order has evolved into an ecumenical body, uniting Christians of many denominations under the banner of the green Maltese cross. Its members – men and women, lay and clergy – are committed to living out the Gospel through charitable works, service to the sick and marginalized, and the promotion of Christian unity. jurisdiction of the Order. Since its founding, it has led national and international humanitarian efforts, organized pilgrimages to sacred sites, and fostered fellowship among Christians across the country. From disaster relief to medical aid and outreach to those most in need, the Grand Priory continues to translate ancient ideals into modern action.

06/17/2026

What kind of organization asks its members to make this promise?

"𝐈 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐄."

When asked to summarize the essence of the Order of Saint Lazarus - Grand Priory of America, longtime member H.E. CAPT The Chevalier Mitch Lathrop, USNR (Ret), GCLJ offered just three words.

For Lazarites, service is more than a motto. It is a way of life.

In a world that often asks, "What can I gain?" Saint Lazarus invites us to ask:

"𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐦 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞?"

What does "I SHALL SERVE" mean to you?

Learn more about the Order of Saint Lazarus at st-lazarus.us/membership.

06/16/2026

Pictured processing in choir during Vespers, H.E. The Most Reverend Bishop Timothy Freyer, ECLJ, Auxiliary Bishop of Orange, California, and Chaplain of the Grand Commandery of the West, offers a quiet witness to the spiritual heart of the Order of Saint Lazarus - Grand Priory of America.

Drawn to the Order as a priest through its unique ecumenical mission and its enduring commitment to those affected by Hansen's disease, Bishop Freyer found a community dedicated to becoming the presence of Christ for those who suffer.

Today, he carries that same charism into his episcopal ministry: proclaiming the Gospel through both word and deed, fostering Christian unity, accompanying those in need with compassion and hope, and reminding us that prayer and service belong together.

Recognizing the importance of investing in future generations of Lazarites, Bishop Freyer also helped establish the Orange County Cadre alongside Anthony Vultaggio, OLJ, helping create new opportunities for fellowship, formation, and service.

In a world often shaped by self-interest, his witness reminds us to ask not, "What can I gain?" but:

"𝑾𝒉𝒐𝒎 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆?"

Christian chivalry is not confined to history.

It is lived today.

✚ Faith in action
✚ Service to those in need
✚ Christian unity in action

06/15/2026

In an increasingly isolated world, people are longing for belonging, purpose, and opportunities to make a difference.

One of the great blessings of the Order of Saint Lazarus - Grand Priory of America is the community that forms through shared prayer, charitable service, and Christian fellowship. What begins as a commitment to serving others often develops into friendships that span generations, professions, and Christian traditions.

The mantles and ceremonies may be what people first notice about the Order, but those who remain soon discover something deeper: a fraternity rooted in faith, strengthened by service, and sustained by genuine care for one another.

In a society where loneliness has become a growing reality, communities that encourage us to look beyond ourselves and serve alongside others are not luxuries. They are essential.

As our Grand Commander often says, "Good people doing good things and having a good time at it."

Perhaps one of the greatest witnesses we can offer today is to remind others that they do not have to walk alone.

Christian chivalry is not confined to history.

It is lived today.

✚ Faith in action
✚ Service to those in need
✚ Christian unity in action

06/14/2026

He joined the Order of Saint Lazarus - Grand Priory of America in 1969.

He was invested by the Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

More than 55 years later, he is still serving.

Why?

In this powerful conversation, Anthony Vultaggio, OLJ, Vice Director of the Grand Priory of America's Social Media Team, speaks with H.E. CAPT The Chevalier Mitch Lathrop, USNR (Ret), GCLJ, GCMLJ, GCrLJ, DC1stLJ, JD, one of the longest-serving active Lazarites in the United States.

Attorney. Naval veteran. Longtime General Counsel of the Order.

But titles alone do not explain a lifetime of commitment.

Mitch shares what first drew him to the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem: a mission rooted in serving those living on the margins of society. He reflects on the friendships forged through decades of involvement, the Order's unique ecumenical spirit that unites Christians in common service, and the joy of belonging to a community dedicated to putting faith into action.

At a time when commitment is often measured in months, his witness spans generations.

More than fifty-five years of serving others.

More than fifty-five years of friendship.

More than fifty-five years of Christian fraternity.

More than fifty-five years of answering the call to live one's faith through action.

The world changes.

The mission remains.

If you've ever wondered whether there is still a place where faith, service, tradition, and authentic community come together, perhaps this conversation is an invitation to learn more.

Christian chivalry is not confined to history.

It is lived today.

✚ Faith in action
✚ Service to those in need
✚ Christian unity in action

06/13/2026

In the 1100s, Jerusalem was a kingdom under pressure.

Armies threatened its borders.
Politics divided its nobles.
Disease frightened almost everyone.

Leprosy was one of the most feared afflictions of the medieval world. Many who suffered from it were pushed outside the walls, away from ordinary life, family, work, and worship.

The House of Saint Lazarus cared for the l***r, the wounded, the contagious, and the forgotten. The Order of Saint Lazarus began as a hospitaller order, rooted in a l***r hospital of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Its first work was not ceremony.

It was mercy.

King Almeric was remembered not for standing above the sick, but for bending down before them.

He washed their feet.
He made their beds.
He kissed the leprous brothers after Mass.
He carried the weak on his shoulders.

In an age when many stepped away from l***rs, a king stepped closer.

Christian nobility is not measured by how high a man sits, but by how low he is willing to bend in love.

The story becomes even more powerful when we remember that Almeric’s own son became Baldwin IV, the famous L***r King of Jerusalem.

Leprosy had reached the throne.

And Saint Lazarus reminds us that no suffering person is outside the reach of Christian dignity.

That is the green cross.

06/12/2026

90 DAYS until the 2026 Grand Prioral Council.

From September 10–13, members of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem will gather in New Orleans, Louisiana, for one of the most significant moments in the life of the Grand Priory of America as we celebrate the 55th Anniversary of its founding.

The Grand Prioral Council is more than an annual meeting.

It is where postulants become members.
Where friendships are renewed.
Where the mantle is received.
Where the call to service is reaffirmed.
Where Lazarites from different backgrounds and Christian traditions come together in prayer, fraternity, and common mission.

This year's gathering will include the Vigil at the Chapel of St. Ignatius and the Gayle & Tom Benson Jesuit Center, Investiture at historic St. Mary's Church, the National Shrine of the Grand Priory of America, and fellowship throughout the city of New Orleans.

As we begin the final countdown, we ask for your prayers for all who are preparing to attend, especially those who will take their first steps into the Order and declare before God and one another:

"I SHALL SERVE."

90 days to go.

New Orleans awaits.

✚ Faith in action
✚ Service to those in need
✚ Christian unity in action

06/11/2026

New Member Profile: Liza Ferer

The Order of Saint Lazarus, Western Commandery, Orange County Cadre, is honored to welcome Liza Ferer.

Liza brings a unique blend of scientific, healthcare, business, and community leadership experience. With a background in biology, medical research, veterans’ healthcare, and neurology practice management, she now serves as an award-winning Coastal Orange County luxury real estate advisor.

Her life and work are deeply rooted in faith, resilience, and service. Liza actively serves as a lector at both Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Aliso Viejo and Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach, offering her gifts in devotion to God and the Church.

We are grateful to welcome Liza into the Order and look forward to her fellowship, leadership, and compassionate service in support of its charitable and humanitarian mission.

06/10/2026

Before the procession begins, there is a cross.

The Green Cross of Saint Lazarus has long been the defining symbol of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. More than a decoration or historical emblem, it represents a mission that has endured for nearly a thousand years.

It is a reminder that faith must be lived through action. It calls Lazarites to serve the sick and vulnerable, to practice Christian charity, to work for Christian unity, and to place the needs of others before their own.

Throughout history, members of the Order have carried this sign into hospitals, communities afflicted by disease, and places where hope was needed most.

Today, the mission remains unchanged.

The cross points beyond itself to the One whom we seek to imitate through lives of faith, compassion, and service.

The mission continues.

✚ Faith in action
✚ Service to those in need
✚ Christian unity in action

06/09/2026

Not every sword is carried into battle.

Some are touched in commitment.

Pictured during the 2024 Grand Prioral Council in Newport Beach, California, His Excellency, The Chevalier Ryan Burke, KCLJ, now Chancellor of the Grand Priory of America and then serving as Vice Commander of the Grand Commandery of the West, carries the Sword of State in solemn procession.

At the Prayer Vigil preceding Investiture, postulants place their hand upon the Sword of State and swear an oath that has echoed through generations of Lazarites:

“I SHALL SERVE.”

These three words capture the heart of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. They are a pledge to place faith into action, to care for the sick and vulnerable, to work for Christian unity, and to answer the call to Christian service with humility and courage.

The mantle, the cross, and the sword point beyond themselves. They remind us that Christian chivalry is not about privilege or prestige, but about accepting responsibility in service to others.

In an age searching for authentic leadership, this ancient declaration remains as relevant as ever:

I SHALL SERVE.

Christian chivalry is not confined to history.

It is lived today.

✚ Faith in action
✚ Service to those in need
✚ Christian unity in action

06/07/2026

New Member Profile: Michael Skillman

The Order of Saint Lazarus, Western Commandery, Orange County Cadre, is honored to welcome Michael Skillman.

Michael brings nearly three decades of leadership in investment management and currently serves as Managing Director of Institutional Consulting at Beacon Pointe Advisors in Newport Beach, where he helps mission-driven organizations steward their resources with purpose and responsibility.

A committed follower of Christ and active member of Mariners Church, Michael has long connected faith, service, and stewardship in both his professional and personal life. He also serves in several board leadership roles, including with MemorialCare Health System and the Saddleback Medical Center Foundation.

Michael and his wife, Sherri, have been married for 38 years and are blessed with three daughters and three grandchildren. We are grateful to welcome Michael and look forward to his fellowship and service in support of the Order’s charitable and humanitarian mission.

Address

200 West Weber Circle
Lake Charles, LA
70611

Website

http://www.st-lazarus.us/, https://linktr.ee/stlazarus.america

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