Blog

  • Lebanon Aid

    We, in the OSMTJ Grand Priory of Lebanon, are helping Christian families in need especially in these difficult times and that our country is facing.

    When the Beirut’s explosion struck, we stayed with many families who suffered injuries from the explosion. We work alongside the local residents and deploy our unique volunteer model to enable a direct impact helping families in our Christian community recover by donating school fees, food and advice to help our people. The community we serve is not only vulnerable in terms of natural disasters, but also financially. Thanks to passionate volunteers, donors and partners, we’ve provided nearly two years of support to over 120 families and we also have active programs to help kids develop sports activities around the country

  • Potential Anti-Christian Events in the Middle East – 2020.7.14

    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 and Christian Communities in Jerusalem, stand united in our commitment to safeguard the historical Status Quo of the Holy Sites and rights of the Churches which are universally recognised.

    The case of Jaffa Gate threatens this Status Quo. We are concerned by the recent judgment of the District Court of Jerusalem, which dismissed evidence demonstrating the Greek Orthodox Church case. We strongly support the efforts of the Greek Orthodox Church in their plea for justice.

    We don’t see this case as a mere property dispute. We see the undertaking of radical groups to take control of properties at Jaffa Gate as a systematic attempt to undermine the integrity of the Holy City, to obstruct the Christian pilgrim route and to weaken the Christian presence in Jerusalem.

    This case does not affect only the Greek Orthodox Church and its properties. It will harm also the peaceful nature coexistence among the communities for which Jerusalem has been known.

    We call on the Israeli government to act in order to safeguard the integrity of the Christian heritage and patrimony in the Old City, as well as the Holy Sites and the rights of the residents of the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem.

    These are places which over two billion Christians around the world look at as the very heart of their faith; which millions of Christian pilgrims visit each year; and in which the local Christians live out their faith.

    Together with the Prophet Amos, we cry: “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

    +Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek 01thodox Patriarchate
    +Patriarch Nourhan Manougian, Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate
    +Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Apostolic Administrator, Latin Patriarchate
    +Fr. Francesco Patton, ofm, Custos of the Holy Land
    +Archbishop Anba Antonious, Coptic 01thodox Patriarchate, Jerusalem
    +Archbishop Gabriel Daho, Syrian 01ihodox Patriarchate
    +Archbishop Aba Embakob, Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate
    +Archbishop Yaser AL-Ayash, Greek-Melkite-Catholic Patriarchate
    +Archbishop Mosa El-Hage, Maronite Patriarchal Exarchate
    +Archbishop Suheil Dawani, Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East
    +Bishop Ibrahim Sani Azar, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
    +Father Ephram Samaan, Syrian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate
    +Rt Rev. Joseph Nerses Zabarian, Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate


    2020.7.14 potenciales A nti- cristianos acontecimientos en el Medio Oriente

    Queridos hermanos y hermanas caballeros y damas de la Orden Souverain et Militaire du Temple de Jerusale m, Nos han llamado la atención dos ataques recientes contra el cristianismo por parte de gobiernos en el Medio Oriente. En primer lugar, la declaración del Presidente de la República de Turquía para permitir que el sitio cristiano más sagrado de la antigua Santa Sofía ( oficialmente la Gran Mezquita de Ayasofya ) para ser re convierte en religiosa uso como mezquita. Este imponente edificio, completado en 537 dC bajo el emperador Justiniano I en el centro del capitolio turco de Estambul / Constantinop Le, Kemal Ataturk lo convirtió en museo en 1936, para preservar su importancia para los fieles cristianos y musulmanes. Abrir la Hagia Sophia como una mezquita, aunque está abierto a visitantes de todas las religiones, pone un escalofrío en la práctica del cristianismo y puede presagiar limitaciones adicionales en los sitios cristianos en Turquía. Nos oponemos firmemente a que este simple cristianismo se convierta en un único sitio religioso para la religión musulmana.

    Además, los desarrollos en Jerusalén alrededor de la Puerta de Jaffa , basados en una decisión judicial, tienen el potencial de obstruir la ruta del peregrino cristiano y debilitar la presencia cristiana en Jerusalén. Al igual que con la carcasa de Hagia Sofía, esta decisión judicial no solo afecta a la Iglesia Ortodoxa Griega que reclama la propiedad de la puerta y sus estructuras circundantes, sino que también puede perturbar la convivencia pacífica entre las múltiples comunidades cristianas y musulmanas en Israel. OSMTJ apoya firmemente la declaración conjunta adjunta de varios patriarcas cristianos residentes en Jerusalén.

    PATRIARCAS Y CABEZAS DE IGLESIAS LOCALES DE JERUSALÉN

    Declaración conjunta de los patriarcas y jefes de iglesias en Jerusalén

    Nosotros, los Jefes de las Iglesias y Comunidades Cristianas en Jerusalén, estamos firmes unidos en nuestro compromiso de salvaguardar el status quo histórico de los lugares sagrados y derechos de las Iglesias que son universalmente reconocidas.

    El caso de Jaffa Gate amenaza este Status Quo. Estamos preocupados por lo reciente sentencia del Tribunal de Distrito de Jerusalén, que desestimó las pruebas demostrando el caso de la Iglesia Ortodoxa Griega. Apoyamos firmemente los esfuerzos de La Iglesia Ortodoxa Griega en su súplica por la justicia.

    Nosotros no vemos este caso como una mera disputa de propiedad. Vemos la empresa de radicales grupos para tomar el control de las propiedades en Jaffa Gate como un intento sistemático de socavar la integridad de la Ciudad Santa, obstruir la ruta del peregrino cristiano y debilitar la presencia cristiana en Jerusalén.

    Este caso no afecta solo a la Iglesia Ortodoxa Griega y sus propiedades. Va a dañar también la coexistencia de naturaleza pacífica entre las comunidades para las cuales Jerusalén ha sido conocida.

    Hacemos un llamado al gobierno israelí para que actúe con el fin de salvaguardar la integridad de la Herencia cristiana y patrimonio en la Ciudad Vieja, así como en los Sitios Sagrados y el derechos de los residentes del barrio cristiano de Jerusalén.

    Estos son lugares que más de dos mil millones de cristianos en todo el mundo consideran muy corazón de su fe; que millones de peregrinos cristianos visitan cada año; y en que los cristianos locales viven su fe.

    Junto con el profeta Amós, clamamos: “Que la justicia caiga como aguas, y justicia como una corriente que fluye siempre “.

    + Patriarca Teófilo III, griega 01thodox Patriarcado
    + Patriarca Nourhan Manougian , Patriarcado Ortodoxo Apostólico Armenio
    + Arzobispo Pierbattista Pizzaballa , Administrador Apostólico, Patriarcado Latino
    + Fr. Francesco Patton, ofm , Custodio de Tierra Santa
    + Arzobispo Anba Antonious , Patriarcado copto 01todoxo, Jerusalén
    + Arzobispo Gabriel Daho , Patriarcado sirio 01ihodox
    + Arzobispo Aba Embakob , Patriarcado ortodoxo etíope
    + Arzobispo Yaser AL- Ayash , Patriarcado greco-melquita-católico
    + Arzobispo Mosa El- Hage , Exarcado Patriarcal Maronita
    + Arzobispo Suheil Dawani , Iglesia Episcopal de Jerusalén y Medio Oriente
    + Obispo Ibrahim Sani Azar, Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en Jordania y Tierra Santa
    + Padre Ephram Samaan, Exarcado Patriarcal Católico Sirio
    + Rt. Rev. Joseph Nerses Zabarian , Exarcado Patriarcal Católico Armenio


    2020.7.14 potentiels A nti- chrétiens événements au Moyen – Orient

    Chers frères et sœurs chevaliers et dames de l’Ordre Souverain et Militaire du Temple de Jerusale m, Deux attaques récentes contre le christianisme par des gouvernements du Moyen-Orient ont attiré notre attention. Tout d’ abord, la déclaration du Président de la République de Turquie pour permettre le site chrétien le plus sacré de l’ancienne basilique Sainte – Sophie ( officiellement la Grande Mosquée de Ayasofya ) pour être re converti religieux utilisé comme mosquée. Cet imposant édifice, achevé en 537 après JC sous l’empereur Justinien I au centre de la capitale turque d’Istanbul / Constantinop le, a été converti en musée par Kemal Ataturk en 1936, afin de préserver son importance pour les fidèles chrétiens et musulmans. L’ouverture de la basilique Sainte-Sophie en tant que mosquée, même si elle est ouverte aux visiteurs de toutes les confessions, refroidit la pratique du christianisme et peut laisser présager de nouvelles limitations sur les sites chrétiens en Turquie. Nous nous opposons fermement à faire de ce simple christianisme un site religieux unique pour la religion musulmane.

    En outre, les développements à Jérusalem autour de la porte de Jaffa , sur la base d’une décision de justice, peuvent entraver la route des pèlerins chrétiens et affaiblir la présence chrétienne à Jérusalem. Comme pour le cas de la basilique Sainte-Sophie, cette décision de justice affecte non seulement l’Église grecque orthodoxe qui revendique la propriété de la porte et de ses structures environnantes, mais elle peut également perturber la coexistence pacifique de la nature entre les multiples communautés chrétiennes et musulmanes d’Israël. L’OSMTJ soutient fermement la demande conjointe ci-jointe de plusieurs patriarches chrétiens résidant à Jérusalem.

    PATRIARCHES ET TÊTES DES ÉGLISES LOCALES DE JÉRUSALEM

    Déclaration conjointe des patriarches et chefs des églises de Jérusalem

    Nous, chefs des Églises et des communautés chrétiennes de Jérusalem, sommes unis dans notre engagement à sauvegarder le statu quo historique des Lieux Saints et les droits des Églises qui sont universellement reconnus.

    Le cas de Jaffa Gate menace ce statu quo. Nous sommes préoccupés par la récente jugement du tribunal de district de Jérusalem, qui a rejeté les preuves démontrant le cas de l’Église grecque orthodoxe. Nous soutenons fermement les efforts de l’Église grecque orthodoxe dans son appel à la justice.

    Nous ne considérons pas ce cas comme un simple litige immobilier. Nous voyons l’entreprise de radical groupes de prendre le contrôle des propriétés de la porte de Jaffa comme une tentative systématique de saper l’intégrité de la ville sainte, pour obstruer la route des pèlerins chrétiens et d’affaiblir la présence chrétienne à Jérusalem.

    Ce cas n’affecte pas seulement l’Église grecque orthodoxe et ses propriétés. Ce sera nuire également à la coexistence pacifique de la nature entre les communautés pour lesquelles Jérusalem est connue.

    Nous appelons le gouvernement israélien à agir afin de sauvegarder l’intégrité de la Patrimoine et patrimoine chrétiens dans la vieille ville, ainsi que les Lieux saints et la droits des résidents du quartier chrétien de Jérusalem.

    Ce sont des endroits que plus de deux milliards de chrétiens à travers le monde considèrent comme cœur de leur foi; que des millions de pèlerins chrétiens visitent chaque année; et en où les chrétiens locaux vivent leur foi.

    Avec le prophète Amos, nous pleurons: “Que la justice roule comme les eaux, et la justice comme un ruisseau qui coule sans cesse. “

    + Patriarche Theophilos III, Patriarcat grec 01thodox
    + Patriarche Nourhan Manougian , Patriarcat Arménien Apostolique Orthodoxe
    + Mgr Pierbattista Pizzaballa , Administrateur apostolique, Patriarcat latin
    + Fr. Francesco Patton, ofm , Custode de Terre Sainte
    + Archevêque Anba Antonious , Patriarcat copte 01thodoxe, Jérusalem
    + Mgr Gabriel Daho , Patriarcat syrien 01hodhodoxe
    + Mgr Aba Embakob , Patriarcat orthodoxe éthiopien
    + Archevêque Yaser AL- Ayash , Patriarcat grec-melkite-catholique
    + Archevêque Mosa El- Hage , Exarchat patriarcal maronite
    + Mgr Suheil Dawani , Église épiscopale de Jérusalem et du Moyen-Orient
    + Mgr Ibrahim Sani Azar, Église évangélique luthérienne de Jordanie et de Terre Sainte
    + Père Ephram Samaan, Exarchat patriarcal catholique syrien
    + Rt Rév. Joseph Nerses Zabarian , Exarchat patriarcal catholique arménien

  • Welcome Philippe, Grand Prior of Lebanon!

    The OSMTJ is especially proud to announce the promotion of Philippe Ghostine Matta, to Grand Prior of Lebanon!

    Philippe was born in Beirut on January 21st, 1966, and graduated in Business Administration at the American University of Beirut. He’s married with two daughters and one son. Professionally, Philippe is chairman of Mabco Trading & Contracting in Lebanon and Rigotherm Pipes and Fittings in Lebanon and Brazil.

    Philippe holds 12 diplomas in teaching tennis, Clinician/Tester at the Modern Tennis Methodology, also a USPTA and PTR professional. All three are American Associations, and a.+ GPTCA B level coach. He organizes many Tennis Workshops.

    Philippe is finds his greatest joy in teaching others and being a professor and a mentor to so many.

  • New Grand Prior of Italy!

    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.ponzalino
    Please 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.ponzalino
    Per 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 a sí mismos. El regente Dr. Hastier escribió: “¡Estoy muy complacido de anunciar la formación del Gran Priorato de Italia, bajo el muy inteligente Gran Prior Marco Ponzalino!”
    Puedes conocer más de nuestro Christian Brother desde su página aquí: https://www.facebook.com/marco.ponzalino
    ¡Ayúdanos a felicitar a nuestro Hermano y comparte esta publicación en tu página!

    Puede obtener más información sobre nuestro Hermano cristiano en su página aquí: https://www.facebook.com/edgardo.marziani ¡Por favor ayúdenos a felicitar a nuestro Hermano y comparta esta publicación en su página!

  • Welcome Back Domizio Cipriani!

    Grand Prior Domizio Cipriani (center) & former Italian GP, Marco Ponzalino, who is a Mason (left)

    Welcome Back Domizio Cipriani!

    This blessed day, the 9th of January, we warmly and proudly welcome back our honored brother Grand Prior Domizio Cipriani as the Grand Prior of Monaco!

    Domizio is an accomplished and award winning Author, Speaker, and Expert on the history of the Order of the Temple.

    Domizio has played a fundamental role in establishing the Knights Templar in Monaco and will continue to make his mark.

    The honorable Grand Prior of Monaco, Domizio Cipriani

    Italiano

    In questo giorno benedetto, il 9 gennaio, diamo un caloroso benvenuto all’orgoglio di nuovo nostro premiato fratello Priore Domizio Cipriani come Gran Priore di Monaco!

    Domizio è un autore, oratore ed esperto pluripremiato e premiato sulla storia dell’Ordine del Tempio. Domizio ha svolto un ruolo fondamentale nella fondazione dei Cavalieri Templari a Monaco e continuerà a lasciare il segno.

  • Zoran Returns

    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)

  • OSMTJ’s Successful Meeting in Zagreb

    OSMTJ’s Successful Meeting in Zagreb

    In June, the OSMTJ held a successful and productive Meeting in the Capital, Zagreb, Croatia. Many important topics were discussed including:

    1. Groundbreaking agreements between the OSMTJ & OSMTHU
    2. The future of the Order
    3. The Magisterial Council
    4. The Statutes
    5. Our mission and values.

    Please enjoy pictures from the OSMTJ annual meeting below:

  • Protected: Groundbreaking agreement signed between OSMTJ & OSMTHU

    Protected: Groundbreaking agreement signed between OSMTJ & OSMTHU

    This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below.

  • Michel Vanderstock Rejected

    Michel Vanderstock Rejected

    The man who pretended to be the leader of the OSMTJ, Michel Vanderstock, had bad news on June 1st 2018 as those that knew him best in his home country of Belgium, the Grand Priory of Belgium, voted to leave him (See attached declaration below). Turns out that Michel Vanderstock was a fake.

    When reached for comment, the Grand Priory of Belgium said that Michel Vanderstock had been:

    1. Mixing the Order’s funds into his own personal checking out account to fund his lifestyle.
    2. Acting in a way unbecoming of a Templar Leader.
    3. Being morally unfit to continue his role in Templar Leadership.
    Grand Priory of Belgium leaves Michel Vanderstock
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