The oldest of the spiritual and knightly orders, the Order of M alta, acquired its current name not so long ago. The Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem were called M altese only from the moment they settled on the island of M alta. True, their stay there did not last long, given the entire nine-hundred-year history of the Order of the Hospitallers - only 268 years.
Order of M alta and Russia
The history of this ancient Order is closely connected with the history of Russia. This connection was especially strengthened during the reign of Emperor Paul I, elected Grand Master of the Order, after the surrender of M alta by von Hompesch.
Under Emperor Paul I, the famous sovereign Order of M alta was one of the symbols of the Russian Empire. The cross was placed on a double-headed eagle. And after the reign of Paul I, very often the awards included a cross, reminiscent of the shape of the M altese. And there is a simple explanation for this - the Order of M alta was considered a symbol of the valor of warriors, consecrated by the legendary victories of the knights of M alta.
But at the same time, the cross also symbolized aid, humanitarian and medical. After all, the knights of the hospital began with helping all those in need. Now that there are many hospitals and medical centers of the brotherhood of M alta in 80 countries around the world, charity has become their main activity.
Activities of the Order of M alta
At the end of the 17th century, the Order became an independent power with its own fleet. The best maritime academy in the world was established in M alta. Many rulers sent their sons to study there. The monarchs of European countries took to their service the admirals and captains of the M alta Academy.
The Order founded public schools and a public library, which at that time was the largest in Europe. The famous M altese library contained more than 900 thousand rare books and manuscripts, but Napoleon, having captured M alta, tried to take everything out, and the library sank along with the ship somewhere near Egypt.
The Order of M alta also founded the most modern hospitals for that time not only on the island, but also in Europe. It was here that the treatment of the mentally ill was first begun and anatomy was studied.
Information about the Order of M alta
Masons have historically never accepted the Order of M alta, on the contrary, there are quite obvious contradictions between Freemasonry and the Knights of M alta, which are relevant not only for Russia, but for the whole world. Their essence lies in a different attitude towards God. But even today there areassociations whose members consider themselves both knights of the Order of M alta and Freemasons.
The Association of Hospitallers has the status of a Catholic knightly order with the rights of an independent state, can conclude international treaties, mint coins and issue passports.
But the Catholic organization is not a state and is subordinate to the Holy See.
The main activity of the Knights of M alta is charity, which they do in 120 countries, including hot spots. The program of the Order includes medical and humanitarian assistance, social support for the disabled and the elderly. Today, about 13,5 thousand people are officially registered as citizens of the order, ready to defend the faith and help the poor.
