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Who we are

SOSJ stands for

Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller

SOSJ is a Christian, chivalric, ecumenical and international Order. We embrace the UN Declaration of Human Rights and there is equality amongst the membership at all levels. More historic details, a video and references are contained on our website —

www.sosjinternational.org

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The history Of our mission

The origin of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem began in the 11th century when merchants from Amalfi in Italy opened a hospital around 1048 in Jerusalem dedicated to its Patron, St. John the Baptist. The hospital complex once covered some 3.7 acres (1.5 hectares). This ancient facility had separate wings dedicated to treating different conditions with up to 4 experienced doctors qualified to examine urine, to diagnosis diseases and to assist with the prescription and administration of medicines. Thus, the beginning of triage. Archaeologists say that the hospital could handle up to 2,000 patients in an emergency.

Staffed by Christian monks it ministered to the sick and poor of all origins and faiths, Christian, Jew, and Muslim alike. In every ward nine servants were appointed to wait upon the sick and the poor, wash their feet and heads, cleanse their garments and bed linens, prepare the food they required and to give them fluids to maintain their hydration levels. These things and more contributed to a superior survival rate. OSJ was also noted for its advancement in surgical and medical techniques over the centuries. Their charity also included receiving and supporting abandoned children and they provided food, clothing, and shelter to the elderly and homeless. The hospital’s original connection to Amalfi is reflected in the adoption of the eight-pointed Amalfi cross as the emblem of the Order. Today, the Knights and Dames of the Order have a strong sense of its history and Hospitaller traditions.

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Today's mission

The core mission of providing hospitals, care, and spiritual ministry to the sick and the less fortunate, regardless of creed, nationality or financial status has endured for nearly 1,000 years while adjusting to contemporary values.

Some examples are:

  • The Priory of Brittany, France, provides housing and employment for homeless and disadvantaged people.
  • The Priory and members of Tampere, Finland acquired and operate a medical clinic, which includes free medical treatment for the sick and poor in Tampere.
  • In 2013 the Vancouver Commandery, Canada financed and built a 14-bed hospice and continues to support palliative care.
  • The Palm Beaches, USA Commandery supports Haitian children with supplies and is helping to finance a school for underprivileged children.

Dagmar Commandery of Denmark

MISSION: To create and deliver benefits for the Lord’s sick and less fortunate. The Dagmar Commandery and its Fond supports and helps to deliver hospice and palliative programs and services in Denmark.

VISION: To build a Centre of Excellence in Pediatric Palliative Care thereby ensuring that Denmark is a country where pediatric and palliative care is provided to every child diagnosed with a terminal illness; that they and their families receive the therapeutic, counselling and respite care as required, and where a natural death is dignified, peaceful and in keeping with our Lord’s love for his children.