The oldest of the spiritual orders of chivalry, the Order of Malta, acquired its current name not so long ago. Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem began to be called Maltese only from the moment of their settlement on the island of Malta. True, their stay there did not last long, taking into account the entire nine-hundred-year history of the Order of Hospitallers - only 268 years.
Order of Malta and Russia
The history of this ancient Order is closely interconnected with the history of Russia. This connection was especially strengthened at a time when Emperor Paul I, who was elected Grand Master of the Order, ruled after the surrender of Malta by von Gompesch.
Under Emperor Paul I, the famous sovereign order of Malta 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, awards very often included a cross resembling a Maltese in shape. And there is a simple explanation for this - the Order of Malta was considered a symbol of the valor of warriors, sanctified by the legendary victories of the Knights of Malta.
But at the same time, the cross also symbolized aid, humanitarian and medical. After all, with the help of all those in need, the knights of the hospital began. Now, when many hospitals and medical centers of the Brotherhood of Malta are open in 80 countries, charity has become their main activity.
Activities of the Order of Malta
At the end of the XVII century, the Order became an independent power with its own fleet. The best marine academy in the world has been established in Malta. Many rulers sent their sons to undergo training there. The monarchs of European countries took admirals and captains of the Maltese Academy at their service.
The Order founded public schools and a public library, which at that time was the largest in Europe. In the famous Maltese library, there were more than 900 thousand rare books and manuscripts, but Napoleon, having captured Malta, tried to take everything out, and the library sank with the ship somewhere near Egypt.
The Order of Malta 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 started and the anatomy was studied.
Information about the Order of Malta
Masons have never historically accepted the Maltese order, on the contrary, there are quite obvious contradictions between Freemasonry and the Maltese knights, which are relevant not only for Russia, but for the whole world. Their essence lies in a different attitude towards God. But at the same time, there are associations today, whose members consider themselves to be both knights of the Order of Malta 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 a coin and issue passports.
But at the same time, the Catholic organization is not a state and is subordinate to the Holy See.
The main activity of the Maltese knights is charity, which they are engaged in in 120 countries, including hot spots. The Order's program 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.
