2020.7.14 Potential Anti-Christian events in the Middle East

Dear brothers and sisters knights and dames of the Ordre Souverain et Militaire du Temple de Jerusalem,

Two recent attacks on Christianity by governments in the Middle East have come to our attention. First, the statement by the President of the Republic of Turkey to allow the most holy Christian site of the ancient Hagia Sofia (officially the Great Mosque of Ayasofya) to be reconverted to religious use as a Mosque. This imposing edifice, completed in 537 AD under the Emperor Justinian I in the center of the Turkish capitol of Istanbul/Constantinople, was converted to a museum by Kemal Ataturk in 1936, in order to preserve its importance to Christian and Muslim worshippers. Opening the Hagia Sophia as a Mosque, even though open to visitors of all faith, places a chill on the practice of Christianity and may portend further limitations on Christian sites in Turkey. We strongly oppose making this simple of Christianity into a sole religious site for the Muslim religion.

Further, developments in Jerusalem around the Jaffa Gate, based on a court decision, have the potential to obstruct the Christian pilgrim route and weaken the Christian presence in Jerusalem. As with the cased of the Hagia Sofia, this court decision not only affects the Greek Orthodox Church which claims ownership of the gate and its surrounding structures, but it may also disturb peaceful nature coexistence among the multiple Christian and Muslim communities in Israel. OSMTJ strongly supports the attached joint plea of the several Christian Patriarchs resident in Jerusalem.

Dr. Nicolas Haimovici Hastier, Regent, OSMTJ 

PATRIARCHS AND HEADS OF LOCAL CHURCHES OF JERUSALEM

Joint Statement from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem

We, the Heads of the Churches […]

New Grand Prior of Italy Appointed!

Grand Prior Edgardo Marziani

The Regent of the OSMTJ, Dr. Nicolas Hastier, has appointed our incredible Brother Marco Ponzalino, to be the Grand Prior of Italy!

Marco Ponzalino well deserves this accolade as he has had a distinguished career and for so many years, has been a Templar committed to our vows of Knighthood of defending those who can’t defend themselves. Regent Dr. Hastier wrote, “I am so pleased to announce the formation of The Grand Priory of Italy, under the most intelligent Grand Prior Marco Ponzalino!”

You can learn more about our Christian Brother from his page here: https://www.facebook.com/marco.ponzalinoPlease help us congratulate our Brother and share this post on your page!

————————- Italiano ———————-

Il Reggente dell’OSMTJ, Dr. Nicolas Hastier, ha nominato il nostro incredibile Fratello Marco Ponzalino Gran Priore d’Italia!Marco Ponzalino merita questo riconoscimento perché ha avuto una carriera illustre e per tanti anni è stato un Templare impegnato nei nostri voti di Cavalierato di difendere coloro che non possono difendersi. Il Reggente Dr. Hastier ha scritto: “Sono così lieto di annunciare la formazione del Gran Priorato d’Italia, sotto il più intelligente Gran Priore Marco Ponzalino!”Puoi saperne di più sul nostro fratello cristiano dalla sua pagina qui: https://www.facebook.com/marco.ponzalinoPer favore aiutaci a congratularci con nostro fratello e condividi questo post sulla tua pagina!

                         ———————– Español ———————–

¡El Regente de la OSMTJ, Dr. Nicolas Hastier, ha designado a nuestro increíble Hermano Marco Ponzalino, para ser el Gran Prior de Italia!Marco Ponzalino bien merece este galardón ya que ha tenido una carrera distinguida y durante tantos años ha sido un Templario comprometido con nuestros votos de Caballería de defender a aquellos que no pueden defenderse […]

Zoran Vojnić Tunić Returns!

The honorable Zoran Vojnić Tunić Returns as Grand Prior of Croatia

The man with more leadership skills and more qualified to be the Grand Prior of Croatia has returned by popular demand to take his rightful place.

“I was very pleased to attend the Templar conclave in Zagreb. I am also pleased to welcome you back as the Grand Prior of Croatia. Attached is our certificate confirming your position. I look forward to working with you in the future to build the strength of our noble Order.In fraternal bonds,”

United States Army (Retired)