Rank and function of the Knighthood
Admission to Knighthood or the promotion or advancement of a member of Knighthood takes place during a solemn liturgy service.
With admission (Investiture) into the Knighthood of Holy Sebastian in Europe and the receipt of the Knight’s Cross, one has the rank of Devotion Knight. One can be elevated to Devotion Donor and bearer of the Officer’s Cross after at least three years of dedicated service.
Further awards and honours are reserved for members of the Council of Knights and spiritual members.
Only the Grand Officer’s Cross can be awarded as a special rank to high-ranking personalities who have rendered outstanding services to Christian Europe.
Knight's Cross
Knight's Cross
for Devotions Knights
With admission (Investiture) into the Knighthood of Holy Sebastian in Europe and the receipt of the Knight’s Cross, one has the rank of Devotion Knight.
Wearing: As a ribbon order on the left side of the chest
Officer's Cross
Officer's Cross
for Devotions Knights
Wearing instructions: As a ribbon on the left side of the chest
Members of the Knighthood may be elevated to the rank of Devotion Donor after at least three years of dedicated service.
The Council of Knights may grant exceptions by majority vote.
The application must be submitted in the same manner as for knighthood.
Above all, the justification must highlight the above-average achievements in European integration and commitment to the Church.
Magistral Cross
Magistral Cross
For Magistral Cross
Wearing instructions: As a ribbon on the left side of the chest
The chairmen of the commanderies and the chairmen of the branches are awarded the title of Magistral Knight upon their election.
Donate Cross
Donate Cross
for judicial donations
Wearing: As a ribbon on the left side of the chest
The members of the Council of Knights, with the exception of the higher ranks (commanders and members of the government), receive the title of Chapter Lord/Lady upon their election or appointment.
Admission to this rank takes place in an Investiture in accordance with the provisions of the Knighthood.
The Donatus Cross may also be awarded as a special rank for outstanding achievements in the context of Christian European unity.
In this case, the decision on the award is made by the plenary on the recommendation of the Council of Knights.
The award is presented by a member of the Government during an Investiture.
Commander's Cross
Commander's Cross
for Komture
Wearing: As a Hasl order
The chairmen of the commanderies are elevated to the rank of Commander upon their election.
Admission to this level takes place in an Investiture ceremony in accordance with the provisions of Knighthood.
Grand Officer's Cross
Grand Officer's Cross
Wearing instructions: As a neck order
The shoulder strap runs from the right shoulder to the left hip.
Wearing instructions: As a pin-on order
On the right side of the chest
The Chancellor and the Treasurer are elevated to the rank of Grand Officer upon their election.
Admission to this rank takes place in an Investiture ceremony in accordance with the provisions of the Knighthood.
The Grand Officer’s Cross may be awarded as a special rank to high-ranking personalities who have rendered outstanding services to Christian Europe.
The decision on the award is made by the Plenary on the recommendation of the Council of Knights.
The award is presented by a member of the government during an Investiture ceremony.
Grand Cross
Grand Cross
for knights professed
Wearing style: As a neck order
The shoulder strap from the right shoulder to the left hip.
For Prior
Wearing style: As a neck order
The shoulder strap from the right shoulder to the left hip. The star on the left side of the shoulder strap.
The Subpriors are elevated to the rank of Professed Knight upon their election.
Admission to this rank takes place during an Investiture ceremony in accordance with the provisions of the Knighthood.
The Prior of the Knighthood is elevated to the rank of Professed Bailiff upon his election. He wears the Grand Cross with a shoulder strap and star.
Admission to this rank takes place during an Investiture ceremony in accordance with the provisions of the Knighthood.
Piis Meritis in Bronze
Piis Meritis in Bronze
for clergy members
Wearing: As a Hasl order
Clergymen are decorated with the Piis Meritis insignia upon admission to Knighthood.
The conditions for admission are the same as for the other levels.
This also applies to the application process and membership.
The respective ecclesiastical regulations on the wearing of orders and decorations for priests remain unaffected by this.
Piis Meritis in Silver
Piis Meritis in Silver
for Komtureikaplan
Wearing: As a Hasl order
The spiritual leader of the Commandery is the Commandery Chaplain.
He is appointed by the government on the recommendation of the Commandery.
Admission is in accordance with the provisions of the Knighthood within the framework of an Investiture.
The respective ecclesiastical provisions on the wearing of orders and decorations for priests remain unaffected by this.
Piis Meritis in Gold
Piis Meritis in Gold
for President of the Knighthood
Wearing: As a Hasl order
The spiritual leader of the Knighthood is the President of the Knighthood.
The appointment is made by the Catholic Church in consultation with the Knighthood.
The appointment as President takes place in an Investiture ceremony in accordance with the provisions of the Knighthood.
Collane
Collane
for Grand Master
The Grand Master of the Knighthood wears the Collane (chain) as a sign of his dignity.