Following Orders

[Marcus of Ibelin]

Thanks for sharing brother Marcus. Most interesting indeed.

Thank you Marcus of Ibelin for sharing this with us.

Your welcome, my friends.

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Leper Knights (a quick review):

This is an interesting study of a Military Order of the Crusades that developed due to a sickness that was experienced with increased frequency in the Outremer.

It is believed that the first Master of this Order was a former Templar, who left his original Order to follow a higher calling, in support of the sick in the region.

The Order of Lazarus shared a lot of the Rules of both the Hospital and the Temple. The Templars had even acknowledged the increased frequency of the disease in the Rule. And as it was made clear to applicants of the Templar Order, should they be released for any reason from the Order, they would not return back to secular life, but be transferred to another religious Order. This definitely shows the Temple's military aspect and the lack of ability to care for very sick Brothers, as the Hospital had no such statute.

Leprosy as a whole was apparently viewed with much less fear in the Middle Ages (early) than most believe. It seems it was viewed as a touch from God and resembled "Purgatory" on Earth. Many of the Royal factions contributed to the Order of Lazarus during its' start, to include the father of Baldwin IV. Baldwin IV appears to not have been much assistance or focus of this new Order, even though he was himself a leper.

The Order of Lazarus actually adhered to two Rules; one for the untouched Brothers and then those that had contracted the illness. The author also makes a compelling case that the Brothers of the Lazarus Order may have been even more devout in battle than those of the Temple. Having been "touched" by God, and understanding their limited internment on Earth, they could freely devote them selves in body and spirit to the cause of the defense of the Holy Land.

Contrary to some web links on the internet, this Order didn't vanish after the Batle of Hattin in 1187. They did have a quarter in the city of Acre during the fall in 1291.

More to follow as I finish this book.

[Sir William Marcus]

Very Interesting.

[Sir William Marcus]

You know what to do Reynald




How about a couple more BIG guy?

[Lady Christina de Pond]

 

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Apparently after the fall of the last Christian strongpoint in the Outremer, the Leper Knights fell back on the Western holdings to help them survive. It appears that Western Europe felt them a parasite to society. They didn't develop like the Hospitallers did, into a maritime authority fighting Turks and pirates, they didn't have the power and prestige that held up the Templars, and they didn't seek other lands to "convert" like the Teutonic Order.

Phillip IV was actually a strong supporter of the Leper Knights (probably to throw off suspicion).

After the 1500s, it looks like the Order disappeared, and shares much of the same "myths" of continued underground existence, that we see with the Templars, to include a Masonic connection. The Order or quasi manifestations of it were reinstated several times, and there developed branches of it much like we see in the Masonic world: York, Scottish, Prince Hall, but based off of georgraphical areas of support: Paris, Scotland, England, etc..

It should also be noted that originally the "Master Generals" were leprous, but after so many disasters (they didn't have any fights that resulted in victories according to the author), the Pope moved to have healthy Brothers elected to the position, to possibly circumvent the "self destructive" nature of God's chosen in the Warrior Monk profession. (Don't rush off to martyrdom so quickly)

As to the iconic image for the Leper Knights, there is still some debate as to the nature of their habit. The green "Couped Cross" on a white background, seems to stem from some artistic renditions, but there is also evidence of the Red on a white background (much like the Templars, who were their "sponsors" initially). This appears to be adopted after the dissolution of the Templar Order, and may also be used to differentiate the Brothers in England (St George had a great following their and it might have helped to generate revenue to support the Order with this social tie).They have also seen a greenish cross, or dirty white on a green background for some standards.

A Couped Cross is a cross that does not extend to the all of the edges of the flag or dress.

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

What if.....?

(It may have looked like this if the Templars visited years before Columbus)

[Sir William Marcus]

"Say hello to our little friend!"

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

And who is this Teutonic Brother?

[Sir William Marcus]

I honestly can't remember, real nice guy too. We ran into him quite a few times yesterday at the Ohio faire.



We also ran into a few more preparing to march under Urbans plea.





GOD WILLS IT!!

[Sir William Marcus]

Just discovered this image



We did manage to unite with fellow brethren Sir Samuel from Loveland castle. We are hoping to make a trip there in a few weeks.

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Outstanding photos Brother. I hope to contribute after this weekend's Crusade to the CRF.

[Femme Falchion]

Wonderful images Brothers!  Such fine examples of the Order.

I am looking forward to many photo opportunities when Warrior Monk and his esteemed family join us in Carolina to celebrate Samhain in just a few nights.  We will do our best to return him to the Preceptory in one piece.  

[Lord Clisto of York]

Fantastic pictures my brothers. Did Doctor Joe the knight show up this past weekend. Wish I could have been there.

[Sir William Marcus]

Unfortunately, Joe didn't make it along with several others we were hoping would of been there.  As of the Friday prior we actually didn't think we was going to go either. Then the night before we we decided to go for it.  We wished you could of been there as well M'Lord.  Come next year we will have to coincide our visits for sure.