Thank you for visiting the page of the Grand Lodge, Domain of New York, of the Knights of Pythias. The Order of Knights of Pythias, a great international, non-sectarian fraternity, founded in Washington, DC, by Justus H. Rathbone, in 1864, became the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the Congress of the United States after careful investigation by then-President Abraham Lincoln. Our fraternal order follows three distinguishing principles: Friendship, Charity and Benevolence. Domains of the Order exist in most states and provinces, and subordinate lodges are located in many cities and towns across the United States, Canada and Europe. Our order bases its lessons and builds it ritual largely on the familiar story of the friendship of Damon and Pythias. These historical characters lived about four hundred or more years before the beginning of the Christian era. They were members of a school, founded by Pythagoras, who was known as the father of Greek philosophy. Their loyalty to each other, the adventures that beset them, and the outcome of this noble friendship, form the basis for one of the most beautiful stories of history as exemplified in our ritual. Grand Lodge supports charitable, benevolent, fraternal and social activities for its subordinate lodges, their members and the communities each services. Charities supported by the New York Grand Lodge include The Pythian Humanitarian Fund, Diabetes Research Association, Pythian Camp, Dr. Morris Smoller Social Service Fund (which supports health and elder care institutions) and the Special Olympics. Districts and Lodges all support additional charities and programs upstate and downstate. Some are common to each other. All Grand Lodge officers, including our Grand Chancellor who leads our order, remain involved in their local lodges and districts and their charities and programs. New York Grand Lodge also provides scholarships to eligible children of members. The real common thread throughout the Knights of Pythias involves our commitment to help people; when asked what we do, we answer quite simply: We volunteer! We help people! This common thread shows itself in everything we do. If someone approaches a Pythian and asks what we do, a Pythian simply list the things that our order and the Pythian's home lodge does and ask them if they want to help volunteer. Each year, the Grand Chancellor's Message, which outlines our annual program, reflects that imperative. Check out "Pythian Events" (aka our calendar) on our website for upcoming events and programs. Review "Pythian News" on our website for additional information on past programs and events. The Pythian Knight Magazine offers semi-annual news about the New York Grand Lodge and events in the domain. "Pythian Resources" on our website links to useful information and serves as a vital portal to other Grand Lodge programs and services, including Supreme Lodge, subordinate lodge bulletins, the Grand Lodge on Facebook and Pythian Products. For information on becoming a member of the New York State Order of the Knights of Pythias please send an email to our Grand Secretary Roy Triguero [email protected]. Grand Lodge's membership chairman will follow-up to assist you with information about our Order and joining the Knights of Pythias [Please include your Full Name; Address, City, State, Zip Code; Email; Telephone; Best Time to Call and Information about your request]. You may find a lodge near you by visiting the lodge listing page, or by contacting Grand Lodge at (516) 739-5000.
