The Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem is an international, ecumenical Order of Chivalry in direct continuity from the original Order of Hospitallers of Saint John founded in the Holy Land in the year 1048.

This Order became ecumenical and open to each religion discipline since His Highness Czar Paul I, Emperor of all the Russians was elected and accepted proudly to be Grand Master on 1798. The Order dedicates itself to humanitarian causes, development of schools and services in favour of people in need, establishment of medical centres and wants to expand contacts between peoples from all the monotheistic Confessions recognised in the world.
The Order does not interfere in politics.

The Order is and will remain in perpetuity (GOD so willing) independent of any and all kingdoms, governments and other worldly authorities; its recognised sovereignty, independence, extra-territorial status and fons honorum having been honoured and substantiated by numerous Treaties, Acts, Bulls, Edicts and Ukases (like the Treaties of Amiens on 1802) by the continuing exercise of its ancient rights, privileges and prerogatives.

The principal objectives of the Order are the furtherance of charity and the defence of the Human rights against all contrary dogmas.

S.A.R. il Principe Reale Don Thorbjorn I Paternò Castello Guttadauro d'Ayerbe d'Aragona di Carcaci d'Emmanuel Principe di Valencia Capo di Nome e d'Arme e Protettore Ereditario