CONSTITUTION of the
EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF MICHAEL ARCHANGEL
WHEREAS, the Ghassanids are the descendants of a group of South Arabian sedentary tribes that emigrated in the early 3rd century from Yemen to the Hauran in southern Syria, Jordan, and the Holy Land where some intermarried with Hellenized Roman settlers and Greek-speaking Early Christian communities. The term Ghassan refers to the kingdom of the Ghassanids. The Sabean Prince Jafna bin 'Amr emigrated with his family and retinue north and settled in Hauran (south of Damascus, present Syria), where the first Ghassanid state was founded. From him, the Ghassanid line is also sometimes known as the Jafnids. It is assumed that the Ghassanids adopted the religion of Christianity after they reached their new home. The Romans found a powerful ally in the new coming Arabs of Southern Syria. The Ghassanids were defenders of the buffer zone against the other Bedouins penetrating Roman territory. The capital was at Jabiyah in the Golan Heights. Geographically, it occupied much of Syria, Mount Hermon (Lebanon), Jordan and Israel, part of present Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and its authority extended via tribal alliances with other Azdi tribes to the northern Hijaz as far south as Yathrib (Medina);
WHEREAS, the Ghassanids were the first Fursan (Arabic, plural of faris, which means knight or horseman) and protectors of the Holy Land under the Byzantine Empire, around 500 years before the First Crusade and the creation of the first Orders of Chivalry;
WHEREAS, although not organized in Orders per se, the Ghassanids were the first defenders of Christianity in history to incorporate what's known today as a "code of chivalry" (originated from the Arab concept of "Muru’a") which means bravery in war, hospitality, respect for women, as well as for honor, and protection of the weak and the orphans;
WHEREAS, HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII was legally recognized as the head of the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan by the International Arbitration Award 0413/2011 issued in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on July 18th, 2011;
WHEREAS, In Brazil, after the advent of the Federal Law number 9307 of 1996 (articles 18 and 31), all the Arbitral Awards had the same value of a Federal Court Verdict;
WHEREAS, As per the international legal treaty known as “The 1958 NY Convention on Arbitration” or “Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards” the arbitration decision issued in a signatory country has to be recognized and enforced in the other 147 (one hundred and forty seven) signatory nations;
WHEREAS, Both Brazil and the United States were signatories of the aforementioned treaty (Brazil on June 7th, 2002 and the USA on 30 September 1970);
WHEREAS, The International Arbitration Award 0413/2011 was recognized and enforced by the Los Angeles Superior Court (USA) on February 24th 2012 (Hon. Judge Matthew C. St. George);
WHEREAS, The International Arbitration Award 0413/2011 was recognized on a sworn notarized affidavit by 3 (three) Brazilian judges in 2013: Hon. Chief Judge Alemer Moulin, Hon. Judge Carlos Magno M. Lima and Hon. Judge Felipe Bertrand Sardenberg Moulin;
WHEREAS, HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VII’s titles were recognized by the United States Congress on June 20th 2014 and on July 17th2017;
WHEREAS, HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII’s titles were recognized by the Vatican Secretariat of State and by the His Holiness the Pope through the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem (April 17th 2015) as well by the main religious authorities in the Middle East;
WHEREAS, The International Arbitration Award 0413/2011 was again recognized and enforced by the Los Angeles Superior Court (USA) on March 15th 2016 (Hon. Judge Mark A. Borenstein);
WHEREAS, HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII’s claims and titles were officially recognized by a sworn legal affidavit in 2018 by the world’s leading scholar in Middle Eastern Royal Succession, Professor Dr. Joseph Albert Kechichian, PhD., Senior fellow of the King Faisal Research Center in Saudi Arabia and also previously a senior fellow of several organizations including Stanford, UCLA and University of Virginia;
WHEREAS, under the Fons Honorum of HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII, whose rights and titles have been internationally recognized, a dynastic royal order was been formed as the Sacred Order of Saint Michael Archangel;
WHEREAS, in 2016, the Order was canonically erected in the Roman Catholic Church by His Excellency Bishop Dom Roberto Francisco Ferreria Paz of the Diocese of Campos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil recognizing the Sacred Order of Saint Michael Archangel - Grand Priory of Brazil as a valid Canonical Organization according to the laws of the Holy See (Vatican);
WHEREAS, the Royal House of Ghassan is accredited by the United Nations as being in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council;
WHEREAS, the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan was officially recognized by the Government of the Lebanese Republic by Presidential Decree number 5800/2019, voted unanimously by the Cabinet of Ministers and signed by the president His Excellency General Michel Aoun and the Prime Minister Said Hariri;
WHEREAS, on January 10th 2020, the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan and all HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII’s titles and claims were officially recognized by the authority of The Omukama (ruling King) of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom His Majesty Rukirabasaija Agutamba Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, an internationally recognized “Fons Honorum” (or fountain of honors) officially recognized by the Republic of Uganda by the Amendment [No. 8] Act - Statute No. 8, Article 118 (1)- of 1993 enacted by the Parliament of Uganda, officially recognized and protected by the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda by Chapter IV. –Article 37.-, Chapter XVI. -Article 246. (1) – (6)- of 1995, by the Amendment [No. 2] Act -schedule V. -Article 178.8- of 2005 and by the Acts Supplement [No. 4] -Act 6. of 2011;
WHEREAS, HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII’s titles and sovereign claims were fully recognized by The Global Imams Council, the world’s largest non-governmental body with over one thousand Muslim leaders from both Sunni and Shia traditions, by official decree number GIC0072020 signed on 18th of June 2020;
WHEREAS, the Order was Chartered under The Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan; registered in the United States of America (CA), and recognized in the United States as a tax-deductible charity under the section 503 (c) 3 of the IRS - Internal Revenue Service;
WHEREAS, previously known as "Sacred Order of Saint Michael Archangel" until 2019, the name of the Order was legally changed to the “Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel”;
WHEREAS, in 2021 HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII saw the need for reforms to the Order so that it may grow in its mission and purpose;
THEREFORE, the following Constitution for the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel has been erected and declared in force on 17 July 2021, Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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ARTICLE I
Name of the Order
Saint Michael is an archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. He is viewed as the field commander of the Army of God. He is mentioned by name in the Book of Daniel, the Book of Jude, and the Book of Revelation. In the Book of Daniel, Michael appears as "one of the chief princes" who in Daniel's vision comes to the angel Gabriel's aid in his contest with the angel of Persia. As per Imperial and Royal Decree No. 0008/2019, the name of the Order, in honor of its patron, shall be the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel.
ARTICLE II
Fountain of Honor
The fountain of honor is the Head of the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan.
ARTICLE III
Order Defined
As the Royal Ghassanids were an Arab dynasty that ruled several realms from the third through the eighteenth centuries of the Common Era, and, historically, were the very first Christian knights and Defenders of the Holy Land several centuries before the First Crusade, this dynastic Order has thus been created under this ancient historical mandate to perpetuate the legacy of the Royal Ghassanids.
The Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel is a modern chivalric and international community organized under the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan, and the members of the Order provide support to the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan for its charitable and cultural projects.
The Order is non-religious and temporal, sovereign in the conduct of its affairs, and subjected only to the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan. The Order shall not be subjected to any religious affiliation, hierarchy, or denomination while maintaining its not-for-profit educational corporate status.
The mission of this Order is to continue the tradition of chivalry in the modern world, with a paramount commitment to diminishing the suffering of all beings and to making the world a better place.
The supreme goal of the Order is active compassion and altruism in its various forms, as well as to cultivate honor and community.
The priorities shall be to defend the right of personal religious choice, with absolute respect and coexistence; through chivalry, destroy the greatest enemies: ignorance, fear, prejudice, vanity, and suffering; defend the oppressed; through philanthropic and charitable endeavors, help the poor and the needy; and confer upon the worthy and eligible persons a tangible recognition for outstanding service, through direct effort, for the positive development of the human condition, and the ethical and moral growth of the individual and society.
The Order upholds the ideals of a free world and the rights of people as defined in the Universal Declaration of the United Nations. The community is made up of individuals who are distinguished by their origin, education, upbringing, capacities, and worthy deeds. While taking an established and indispensable hierarchy into account, as well as the historic Christian roots and faith of the Order and the Royal House of Ghassan, the Order adopts the principle of social equality of all its members.
ARTICLE IV
The Guiding Principles for Knights and Dames of the Royal Order
Section 1: The Code of Honor
One who is seeking to be a member of the Order indicates a wish to further the ancient chivalric code of knighthood. The following principles are presented here as a Code of Honor or ethics for members.
As a member of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel, in obedience to the Grand Master under the Constitution of the Order, I commit myself to the following standards of ethical conduct. I will conduct my life in a manner that is faithful to the ancient and modern chivalric code. Therefore, I will:
Practice disciplines of study, prayer, reflection, stewardship, and service;
Be honest and truthful in my relationships with others;
Be faithful, keeping the covenants I make and honoring vows;
Treat all persons with equal respect and concern as beloved children of God;
Maintain a healthy balance among the responsibilities of my work and volunteerism, my commitments to family and other primary relationships, and my need for spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual renewal;
Refrain from abusive, addictive, or exploitative behavior and seek help to overcome such behavior if it occurs;
Refrain from gossip and abusive speech; and
Maintain an attitude of repentance, humility, and forgiveness, responsive to God’s reconciling will.
I will conduct my life reflecting the values of this Order so that nothing needs to be hidden. Therefore, I will:
If I'm Christian, Preach, teach, and bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ with courage, speaking the truth in love;
Honor the sacred trust of relationships within the covenant community and observe appropriate boundaries;
Be judicious in the exercise of the power and privileges of my membership in the Order, as well as office and positions of responsibility I hold;
Avoid conflicts of interest that might compromise the effectiveness of the Order;
Refrain from exploiting relationships within the community of the Order for personal gain or gratification, including sexual harassment and misconduct;
Respect the privacy of individuals and not divulge information obtained in confidence without express permission, unless an individual is a danger to self or others;
Recognize the limits of my gifts and training, and refer persons and tasks to others as appropriate;
Claim only those qualifications attained, give appropriate credit where credit is right and due;
Refrain from decisions, actions, and relationships that might compromise my trustworthiness or the confidence of the Order to uphold its standards and purpose;
Be a faithful steward of and fully account for funds and property entrusted to me; and
Accept discipline and the appropriate guidance of those to whom I am accountable.
If I'm Christian, I will participate as a partner with others in the ministry and mission of the Church universal. Therefore I will:
Participate in the mission and governance of the Order and work for the unity of the holy Christian church;
Show respect and encourage all followers of Christ, as well as other faith traditions;
Recruit members for the Order responsibly, respect existing relationships, and refrain from exploiting persons in vulnerable situations; and
Cooperate with those working in the world for justice, compassion, and peace, including partners of other faith traditions.
ARTICLE V
The Seat of the Order
The seat of the Order is the same as that of the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan.
ARTICLE VI
Governance
Section 1: The Grand Master
The Grand Master is the Head of the Royal House of Ghassan. He shall serve for life or until he retires.
If, because of incapacity, he is unable to serve as Grand Master, the Grand Council may call a Special Chapter General. On the advisement of the Grand Council and the Royal House of Ghassan, the Chapter General may decide to elect a Regent until the Grand Master may reassume duties or his successor is elected by the Royal Family.
The Grand Master shall appoint all members of the Order’s bodies under this Constitution. His approval is required for the appointment of all officers of the Order named in the Constitution, as well as in the Statutes, Rules, and Regulations. He is the sole authority for the creation of a Knight or Dame and bestowing honors of the Order and the Royal House. No member shall be admitted into the Order against the objection of the Grand Master. All members of the Order appointed to any office or dignity within the Order shall serve at the pleasure of the Grand Master.
Section 2: Grand Priory
The Grand Priory shall be the highest functioning body of the Order and shall comprise of the Priors of each national or regional jurisdiction (Priory) or his/her designated representative (member of a Priory Council, holding rank at least of Knight Commander).
The Chair of the Grand Priory is the Grand Master. The Grand Master may appoint a member of the Grand Council to Chair in his absence.
The Grand Priory will meet at least every four years or on the order of the Grand Master.
Section 3: Grand Council
The Grand Council is composed of the executive officers of the Grand Council and oversees the daily governance of the Order. The executive officers are called Grand Officers.
Members ordinarily hold the rank at least Grand Knight Commander (the Grand Master has full right to make exceptions). The Grand Council shall have the authority to call a meeting of the Grand Priory on a vote of three-fourths of its members.
The Grand Council nominates to the Grand Master members of the Grand Priory to the Grand Council.
The Grand Council shall consist of the following Grand Officers:
Grand Master. The Head of the Royal House of Ghassan.
Grand Chancellor. The Grand Chancellor serves as an appointed executive of the Royal House and Order by the Grand Master. The Grand Chancellor assists the Grand Master as an ad-hoc secretary of state, managing the Chancellery of all foreign affairs and diplomatic missions of the Order, and representing the Grand Council to all official or strategic third parties. The Grand Chancellor also organizes and mobilizes various offices and agencies of the Chancellery, according to the directives of the Grand Master, and is the chief administrator of the Royal Order.
Grand Marshal. The Grand Marshal is the first servant of servants of the Royal House, adviser to the crown, and is the marshaling or organizing officer and advisor of the priories, priors, and ranks of the Order. The Grand Marshal assists the Grand Priory and Council in fulfilling the chivalric missions of the Order, in the supervision of Priories, Commanderies, and of Knights and Dames in their appointed region, and reports to the Grand Council on the state and life of the Order. The Grand Marshal also serves as master of ceremonies and oversees the honors system of the Royal House and Order in consultation with the Grand Chancellor.
Grand Secretary. The Grand Secretary is the secretary-general for internal administration and coordination of the Grand Priory and the Grand Council, presenting subjects for consideration, and providing records of meetings and decisions. The Grand Secretary also assists with the administration of all Royal Orders and the work of the Chancellery.
Grand Treasurer. The Grand Treasurer shall administer the funds of the Order and keep appropriate records of all transactions. The Grand Treasurer also serves as the executive officer overseeing the charitable works and distribution of funds.
Other offices may be created by the Grand Master as advised by the Grand Council and established in the Statutes, Rules, and Regulations of the Order.
The Grand Master may delegate the duties of a Grand Office to another Grand Officer if the position is vacant.
All Decrees, Statutes, Rules, Regulations, Letters Patent, and Brevets of the Order shall be issued by the Grand Master through the Chancellery.
The Grand Council Meeting shall comprise all members of the Council in good standing.
The Grand Council Meeting shall convene at least annually. It shall be summoned by the Chancellor on the order of the Grand Master. Notice of not less than one hundred and eighty (180) days being given and an agenda shall similarly be distributed in advance of such Grand Council Meeting.
Section 4: The Privy Council
The Privy Council consists of members of the Order appointed by the Grand Master to advise him when so requested.
Section 5: The Chancellery
The Chancellery is the Chancellery of the Royal Order and is composed of the Grand Chancellor and any required offices, agencies, commissions, or committees to fulfill the duties assigned to the Chancellor, as well as any of the other Grand Officers if the positions are vacant.
ARTICLE VII
Associations of the Order
Section1: Priory
A Priory is the regional level of the Order lead by a Knight, holding at least the rank of Knight Commander, appointed by the Grand Master as the Prior in that particular region.
The Priory is organized similarly to the Grand Priory with a Priory Council and officers. Only Officers of a Priory may be appointed by the Grand Master to officiate at the bestowing of an accolade.
Priories are created by the Grand Master, who also appoints the Prior to organize and administer the association of the Order in the given region.
All Equestrian members will be appointed to a Priory for the association.
Section 2: Commanderies
A Commandery is the basic sustaining organization at the local level. The Commander, a Knight holding at least the rank of Knight Commander, is the leader of the Commandery. A Commandery is established by the Prior and the first Commander is appointed by the Prior under the advisement of the Grand Council.
After establishment, a Commander is elected by the Commandery Council under its own Rules and Regulations, subject to the approval of the Prior, who guides the activities of a Commandery of the Order.
The Commander, in turn, is assisted by several officers, whose duties and functions are similar to the Grand Council.
A Priory may assign Equestrian members to a particular commandery under its own association’s Rules and Regulations.
Section 3: Transfers
An Equestrian member within the Order may belong to only one Priory and one Commandry. Transfer between priories is possible; however, the applicant must have the permission of both the gaining and losing Prior. The process must be initiated by the member who desires to transfer. Transfer from one Commandry to another Commandry is under the Rules and Regulations of each Priory.
ARTICLE VIII
Members of the Order
Section 1: Admission Protocols
A person requesting admission to the Order, and especially to be invested and receive the accolade of a Knight or Dame, should be aware that he/she will become a part of a dynastic chivalric institution representing the Royal House of Ghassan and are recognized as a member of the Royal House under traditional customs.
Section 2: Qualifications
Acceptance into the Order is based on the assessment of the human values and quality of character of the applicant, without distinction or discrimination based on religious, social class, race, political tendencies, physical disability, or sexual orientation.
I. The following are among the desired qualifications for membership in the Order:
To be at least 18 years of age for the rank of Member, and 21 years or older for title and rank of Knight/Dame and higher ranks.
To be a stable person holding dignified and steady employment.
To be morally and socially well considered.
To be practitioners of any learned profession or members of the Armed Forces.
To be retired persons or veterans of military service.
To be persons considered socially and professionally as capable, just, honest, compassionate, and courageous.
To be persons willing and have the economic capacity to pledge; meeting successfully at least the minimum amount of contribution.
II. The following are impediments for attaining membership:
To be employed or follow professions or the lifestyles that could be viewed as dishonorable by generally accepted standards.
These are automatic disqualification criteria for candidates with intention to use, mislead, or misrepresent: Falsified or faux royal, aristocrats, or nobility titles; Falsified or faux awards, honors, orders, etc.; Falsified or faux academic titles and academic degrees.
Section 3: The Process of Nomination, Honorarium Passage Fees, and Annual Membership Dues
A Petition for Membership may be submitted by any Member of the Royal Order for any individual who meets the nomination criteria. The Nominator must be a member in good standing of the Royal.
The Petitioner completes a Petition under the Grand Council’s Rules and Regulations. If the Petition is approved by the Grand Council, and Petition is recommended to the Grand Master by the Grand Chancellor or appointed Officer of the Grand Council, and the Honorarium Passage Fee shall be discussed with the petitioner as well as incoming rank.
Passage Fees are subject to annual revision based upon the recommendation of the Grand Council following the Constitution of the Order. In extraordinary cases of need, payment of fees may be waived at the discretion of the Grand Council.
Advancement within The Royal Order is based upon merit and the individual’s activities within the Order, not through a monetary donation, contingent only upon the recommendation of a regional Officers of a Priory, the Grand Council, and the Royal House.
The international Order shall set on the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels the annual oblation due from each Knight and Dame of the Order.
Each Priory may also set an annual oblation due to help support its charitable works and its part of the mission of the Order.
The bestowing of honors, promotions, and awards will occur quarterly, corresponding to the following:
On or near the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels (29 September);
On or near the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord (6 January);
On or near the Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord; and
On or near the Feast of the Twelve Apostles (30 June).
Section 4: The Ranks
Of the Equestrian ranks, first class,
Member, Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (MMA);
Officer, Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (OMA);
Commander, Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (CMA);
Of the second class,
Knight/Dame (Faris/Sayida), Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (KMA/DMA));
Knight/Dame (Faris/Sayida) Officer, Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (KOMA/DOMA);
Knight/Dame (Faris/Sayida) Commander, Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (KCMA/DCMA);
Of the first class,
Grand Knight/Dame (Faris/Sayida) Commander, Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (GKMA/GDMA);
Grand Knight/Dame (Faris/Sayida) of the Cross, Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (GCMA); and
Grand Knight/Dame (Faris/Sayida) of the Collar, Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (GMA).
Of the Honorary ranks, any of the above ranks may be bestowed by the Grand Master to particular heads of state, heads of royal houses, ecclesiastical leaders, so on and so forth. The honorary members of the Order are not bound to rules and regulations, particularly annual oblations, and are not members of any priory or commandry. There are no styles, titles, or post-nominals for these ranks.
Of the Hospitaller ranks, the title “Hospitaller” is given exclusively to professionals of the medical field, like physicians, pharmacists, nurses, health technicians, et cetera. It is also given to donors and sponsors of medical missions and projects. The ranks are Knight/Dame Hospitaller; Knight/Dame Hospitaller Commander, Knight/Dame Grand Hospitaller, and Knight/Dame Hospitaller Grand Cross. There are no styles, titles, or post-nominals for these ranks.
Section 5: Style, Title, and Address of the Knight or Dame
The Style, Title, and Address of the Knight or Dame are customary within the Royal House of Ghassan. Style, title, and address may or may not be recognizable under the laws and statutes of the member’s place of citizenship, and members should be guided by the customary and lawful practices of said places.
The title and honor shall be issued by Letters Patent. Rank and appointments of office shall be assigned by a Brevet. These are issued by the Grand Master through the Chancellery.
This Order does not confer nobility upon the member at any rank. The title and honor of the Order are not inheritable.
Knights and Dames (title, Faris, and Sayida) of the second-class ranks are entitled to the courtesy style, “The Honorable,” followed by the title “Faris” or “Sayida,” the member’s name followed by with the appropriate post-nominals. Therefore, the full name, title, and style of a holder of the knight is “The Honorable, Faris First Name Middle Name Second Middle Name [if any] Surname, KMA”.
Knights and Dames (title, Faris, and Sayida) of the first-class ranks are entitled to the courtesy style of “His/Her Excellency,” followed by the title of “Faris” or “Sayida,” name, and the appropriate post-nominals. Therefore, the full name, title, and style of a holder of the dame is “Her Excellency, Sayida First Name Middle Name Second Middle Name [if any] Surname, GMA”.
If the Letters Patent or Brevet for a particular recipient contains a different style, title, and address than the above, the Letters Patent or Brevet will triumph only for that particular recipient.
There is no courtesy title for the lawful spouse or children of a member of the Order.
Section 6: Degradation
The Grand Master, by his right and prerogative as Sovereign, as well as on recommendation by the Royal House, Grand Council, Grand Priory, or individual Priors, may remove a member of any ranks or any honors or awards bestowed.
If a member in the Equestrian ranks is delinquent in remitting their annual oblation, the Chancellery may place that person, after notification to the individual and priory of membership, into inactive status. If a member in the Equestrian ranks is delinquent in remitting their annual oblation after two years, the member shall be considered “absent-without-leave” and the Chancellery may strike through that person, after notification to the individual and priory of membership, within the rolls. The member may be restored to active duty if their past oblations are satisfied and on the recommendation of an Officer of the Order (a priory or of the Grand Priory).
If a member in the Equestrian ranks is delinquent in remitting their annual oblation after three years, the member shall be considered a deserter of the Order and the Grand Master may remove the member from the Order and all honors and awards bestowed.
If the member seeks to be re-admitted, the Grand Master may matriculate them, but only at the beginning Equestrian rank of A knight or dame who joins any other chivalric order or confraternity without the expressed permission in writing from the Grand Master through the Chancellery may be immediately degraded.
ARTICLE IX
Renunciation of Honor, Title, and Awards
Honor, title, and awards may be renounced by a member at any time and for any cause. The renunciation must be in writing and witnessed by an individual not related to the member. The witnesses should sign and date the renunciation along with the renouncing member, and the document should be delivered to the Chancellery.
ARTICLE X
Heraldic Privileges
By the right and privileges conferred through Letters Patent, the Knights and Dames of the Order have a Royal Warrant to use particular heraldic devices related to this Order and the Royal House. A heraldry guide will be provided by the Chancellery.
As the custom of other Royal Houses around the world, a member shall submit a copy of their arms to the Chancellery for review if the Knight or Dame seeks to adopt the Royal House and Order's particular heraldry devices. With the Chancellery’s approval, the achievement will be registered on the Royal House’s Roll of Arms, which may be published and public.
With the Knight or Dame’s achievement recorded by the Chancellery, they may register their arms with any registries.
Members of the second class may use as decorations the likeness of their medal suspended from their escutcheon. Members of the first class may use as decorations the likeness of their medal suspended from their escutcheon, as well as encircle their arms with the Garter of the Order, heraldic supporters, and the coronet of a knight on the helmet instead of a torse, or the coronet of a knight in place of a helmet.
ARTICLE XI
Uniforms and Insignia
Section 1: Uniforms and Insignia
The uniform, insignia, and armorial bearings of the Order shall be as prescribed by the Grand Master and shall be promulgated in the Rules and Regulations of the Order, making allowance for the traditions of regions and national jurisdictions.
The insignia of the Royal Order shall be a medal designed to wear as full or miniature by the Grand Master and holders of the honor. The medal, in full or miniature size, shall be worn by members where the wearer is representing the Royal House, the Order, or meetings at which similar decorations are worn. The full-sized medal is to be worn on the left pocket with business attire. Ladies may wear the medal fastened to the left side of their attire at a convenient location. Members attired in military uniform should wear the medal per the requirements of the service or branch in which they are serving. Full-sized medals are not worn with civilian evening dress. The miniature of the medal should be worn on the left lapel, following standard rules of dress, either alone, or with other miniatures, mounted on a bar or another holder. Ordinarily, miniatures are worn only with formal and semi-formal attire (i.e. white tie and black tie).
Section 2: Awards
A system of awards for acts of valor, for distinguished service, or periods of outstanding service was in existence in the military forces of many ancient peoples. The Grand Master recognized the need for an appropriate awards system apart from promotions. The Grand Master may create and bestow awards and honors to members of the Order for various achievements or to memorialize events. These awards honor members of the Order, and in certain instances, non-members, for single acts of valor, distinguished or meritorious service, or long and faithful service to the Order. The Grand Marshall with the Chancellery’s assistance shall be the stewards of the system of awards.
Each Grand Priory may create a system of awards under their own Rules and Regulations as long as the awards are consistent with the nature and purpose of this Order.
Section 3: Insignia of Classes and Ranks
Of the Equestrian ranks, first class, all bear a Rosetta or Lapel Pin of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel.
Of the Equestrian second class,
Knight/Dame (Faris/Sayida), a full-size Medal and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel;
Knight/Dame (Faris/Sayida) Officer, the blue badge of the Order on a Royal Blue Necklet, a full-size Medal and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel;
Knight/Dame (Faris/Sayida) Commander, the blue badge of the Order on a Royal Blue Necklet, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel
Of the first class,
Grand Knight/Dame (Faris/Sayida) Commander, the blue badge of the Order suspended below a trophy shield on a Royal Blue Necklet, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel
Grand Knight/Dame (Faris/Sayida) of the Cross, the blue badge of the Order suspended below a trophy shield on a Royal Blue Necklet, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel. Knights selected for the dignity of the Cross are also entitled to wear the Grand Cordon or sash of Royal Blue (over the right shoulder).
The Grand Cordon is worn only with a full evening dress (white tie and tails).
Grand Knight/Dame (Faris/Sayida) of the Collar, the purple badge of the Order suspended below a trophy shield on a Royal Purple Necklet, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel. Knights selected for the dignity of the Collar are also entitled to wear the Grand Collar, which is only worn with a full evening dress (white tie and tails).
Of the Honorary ranks, the Grand Master may present any of the above insignia described for the Equestrian members.
Of the Hospitaller ranks,
Knight/Dame Hospitaller, the white badge of the Order on a Royal Blue Necklet, a full-size Medal and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel;
Knight/Dame Hospitaller Commander, the white badge of the Order on a Royal Blue Necklet, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel.
Knight/Dame Grand Hospitaller, the white badge of the Order suspended below a trophy shield on a Royal Blue Necklet, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel.
Knight/Dame Hospitaller Grand Cross, the white badge of the Order suspended below a trophy shield on a Royal Blue Necklet, the Star of the Order, a full-size Medal, and a Miniature Medal of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel. Knights selected for the dignity of the Cross are also entitled to wear the Grand Cordon or sash of Royal Blue (over the right shoulder).
The Grand Cordon is worn only with a full evening dress (white tie and tails).
Dames may also wear the necklet insignia in the following manners:
The badge of the Order is suspended from a bow made with the ribbon of the Order to be worn over the heart.
ARTICLE XII
Validity of Acts
Section 1: Chapter General
Every act of the Chapter General shall be valid when the same shall have been affirmatively approved by the majority of the members present.
Section 2: Grand Priory and Grand Council
Every act of the Grand Priory and Grand Council shall be valid when the same shall have been approved by the majority of those present.
Section 3: Proxy Voting
Voting by proxy shall not be permitted at any meeting.
Section 4: Electronic Meetings
Members of the various councils of governance named in this Constitution may participate in meetings of those governing councils through electronic communications, videoconferencing, teleconferencing, or other available technology which allows the members to communicate simultaneously or sequentially. Participation in a meeting according to this subsection constitutes presence in person at the meeting. Each Council of Governance shall create a policy for such meetings to ensure every participant is able to be part of deliberations and exercise their voice and vote.
ARTICLE XIII
Amendments to the Constitution
The Constitution of the Order may be amended at the will of the Grand Master. If amended, the Constitution shall be published and distributed to all members of the Order, at which time the amendments come into effect. Amended Constitution shall be posted and distributed at the latest by Michaelmas.
ARTICLE XIV
Statutes, Rules, and Regulations of the Order
The Grand Master may promulgate such Statutes, Rules, and Regulations not inconsistent with any provisions of this Constitution, as may be necessary or desirable for the government of the Order.
A Statute is defined as a decree made by the Grand Master alone that SHALL be observed. A Statute may be permanent or temporary in nature, as well as declarative and actionable. A Statute is effective across the whole Order and enforced, and transgressions against Statutes may result in a judicial process before the Grand Master.
A Rule is defined as a set of governing principles and standard practices, or policies, established by the Grand Master with the advisement of the Grand Council that SHOULD regulate the common life of the Order. Rules may be set aside under extraordinary cases with the permission of the Grand Master.
A Regulation is defined as a customary practice which may be set by the Grand Master, and priors after consulting with the Grand Council, which MAY regulate the common life of the members of the Order concerning particularities of practice.
Promulgated in Beverly Hills, CA, USA on July 17th 2021
Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
SIGNED AND SEALED BY
His Imperial and Royal Highness
Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan "de Jure" Al-Nu'Man VIII
Sovereign Head of the Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan
Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel
Dynastic Royal Order of Chivalry Constituted in 2008
Constitution amended on 17 July 2021, Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
HIRH Prince Charios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII
Head of the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan
ROYAL DECREE
In Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council