Founded in 325 by Emperor Costantino, the Byzantine Order of the Holy Sepulchre is a Sovereign, Dynastic, Military and Knightly order, which can be accessed by people “di specchiata condotta” (of exemplary conduct). At each Induction Ceremony, there is a Religious-Equestrian Preliminary, during which loyalty is sworn and a candle and the Sword are presented; the Solemn Investiture, whose ritual takes place with the sword, mantle and decorations.
Then there a diploma is issued and delivered to the candidate who faced th investiture. The diploma reads as follows “Egregiae virtutis in signum moresque bonos commended cupientes indita nobis auctoritate atqve at statutorum normam” (having the authority, as best example of virtue, brought upon us both good morals, with the intent to make us eminent, and the basic standard of legal status). In terms of structure, both national and international, the OBSS is organized in the most excellent manner: the Magisterial Council chaired by the Grand Master, which is the Supreme Organ. Council members meet at the Magistral Office, upon summoning of the Prince Grand Master.
The Executive Council meets every trimester to discuss about the fees and annual taxes paid by National Associations and Grand Priories. We were lucky enough to meet Baron Giampaolo Lo Conte, who entered the Order of the Holy Sepulchre Byzantine in December 2014, facing the whole investiture ritual. “For me – told us Giampaolo Lo Conte – was a significant moment, a prestigious recognition of my personal qualities. OBSS, through its Grand Priory of Italy, reserves as we know the possibility of allowing or not a person in his own order. ” Very active in the world of international diplomacy, Giampaolo Lo Conte is also an investor, researcher and consultant for major international companies. He decided to aknowledge completely the promotional, humanitarian, philanthropic, cultural and ecumenical work of the OBSS, whose entire institutional goals we encourage you to read in their entirety by clickingv on this page of the official website.