In a modern context, Chivalry is expressed in the deliberate pursuit of a positive and proactive lifestyle of integrity, honour, courage, loyalty, compassion, self-discipline, courtesy and service. The ideals of Chivalry are represented in the symbols and pageantry of The Order, and in The Vows of Knighthood reaffirmed at each Investiture.
This Code sets out the values, ethics, and expectations to which we commit as Knights and Dames of our Order.
The Order of St. George has its roots in an ancient Order of Knighthood, established in the early 14th Century by King Kàroly Róbert of Hungary. The vows of a 14th Century Knight were:
“A Knight is sworn to valour, his heart knows only virtue, his blade defends the helpless, his might upholds the weak, his word speaks only truth.”
Once invested, every Knight and Dame takes up our common purpose to serve the aims of The Order and, in the words of the Oath taken at Investiture, reaffirmed at subsequent Investitures,
“To continually practice the Chivalric virtues of Faith, Service, and Honour.”
Although originally a Christian Chivalric Order, our modern Order is a secular organization that values the ideals of faith as they resonate personally with individual members.
Service is expected of each Knight and Dame. Membership in The Order incurs an obligation to serve, support and promote its aims. Fee of Passage and annual dues support the basic operational needs, but are insufficient to sustain the Order’s charitable purpose. While the conferring of membership is, in large part, a recognition of a Postulant’s good works, it is only natural that every Knight and Dame is encouraged, as their resources permit, to contribute to the work of The Order. Such work could include constituency building, as well as fundraising for and/or donating to our Foundation to support its charitable activities. An ongoing commitment to service is expected to be undertaken without personal advantage or conflict of interest.
Finally, Knights and Dames are expected to conduct themselves ethically in all matters both of a personal nature and of the Order.
The Order of St. George is a working Order which strives to be honourable and ethical in its actions. Our members undertake to demonstrate by word and deed their commitment to the Order. The values, ethics and expectations set out in this Code are intended to serve this purpose. I expect that they will be embraced and evident in all we do: Faith, Service and Honour.
Chevalier Charles R. Hill KGCStG
Grand Prior
The Order of St George Canada and the Americas