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Christian Life at the Heart of Our Work

As a Christian Order of Knighthood, OSMTH continues to root its mission in the rhythm of the Church year and the shared life of faith that unites our members around the world. Throughout the seasons, our Grand Priories gather for worship, reflection, and service—moments that strengthen both our spiritual foundation and our commitment to compassionate action.

Across the Grand Priories, Christian events remain central to our identity:

Feast days and liturgical observances remind us of the heritage we steward and the calling we share.

Investitures, admissions, and prayer services mark milestones in the life of the Order, inviting us to renew our vows of faith, humility, and service.

Charitable initiatives inspired by Christian teaching—from supporting families in crisis to international humanitarian partnerships—express our belief that faith must be lived, not merely spoken.

In every gathering, whether solemn or celebratory, we affirm the words of Christ: “Non Nobis Domine, Non Nobis.” Our events are not only traditions—they are opportunities to embody that love in fellowship, worship, and service.

As we move through this year’s calendar of Christian observances, we invite members and friends of the Order to join us in prayer, participation, and renewed dedication to the values that have guided the Knights Templar for centuries.

OSMTH in Action

The OSMTH Medal of Valor is awarded to individuals for extraordinary acts of heroism and bravery, in circumstances of personal danger and voluntary risk to their own lives and involving self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish such individuals above their peers.
This Award has been presented to honor the memory of the American Unknown Soldiers from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, interred within the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, USA, and in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made by all the fallen members of the United States’ armed forces that these Unknown Soldiers represent.
The OSMTH Medal of Valor is the highest international award made by the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem – OSMTH, and this is the first ever occasion on which the Medal has been awarded by the Order.
After a solemn wreath-laying, the OSMTH Medal of Valor and the accompanying Certificate and Citation were presented by the Grand Master Colonel Dr David N Appleby and the Chancellor General Brigadier General Baron John T Digilio, GCSG, in the presence of the Royal Patron of the Order, HRH Princess Elisabeth zu Ysenburg und Buedingen.
The Citation declares that: “These American Unknown Soldiers are a perpetual inspiration to our knightly Order ….” since they “…. epitomize the virtues of a ‘true knight’…. by their selfless acts of chivalry, bravery, self-sacrifice, and dedication to the defence of the principle that government of, by, and for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.”
On the evening prior to the wreath-laying ceremony, the three living Grand Masters, Admiral Jim Carey, Brigadier General Patrick Rea, and current Grand Master Colonel David Appleby, were present at a reception in Washington, DC. This was a historic moment for OSMTH.