Western Lieutenancy

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

We are a Catholic order of chivalry commissioned to support the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Christian presence in the Holy Land.

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Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting 2026

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Serving the holy Land

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is the only lay institution of the Vatican State charged with the task of providing for the needs of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and of all the activities and initiatives to support the Christian presence in the Holy Land.

Our members dedicate themselves to personal sanctification, fidelity to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, and support of the Christian Community in the Holy Land.

F.A.Q.

What is the Mission of EOHSJ?

What is the Hierarchy of the Order?

The origins of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem date back to the First Crusade, when its leader, Godfrey de Bouillon, liberated Jerusalem. As part of his operations to organize the religious, military and public bodies of the territories newly freed from Muslim control, he founded the Order of Canons of the Holy Sepulchre. According to accounts of the Crusades, in 1103 the first King of Jerusalem, Baldwin I, assumed the leadership of this canonical order, and reserved the right for himself and his successors (as agents of the Patriarch of Jerusalem) to appoint Knights to it, should the Patriarch be absent or unable to do so.

What are the Origins of the Order?

What is the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem?

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem is the Latin Catholic ecclesiastical patriarchate in Jerusalem, officially seated in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem is now the archbishop of Latin Church Catholics of the Archdiocese of Jerusalem with jurisdiction for all Latin Catholics in Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Cyprus. The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem also holds the office of grand prior of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

How do I Contribute to EOHSJ?

We accept donations in many kinds, which ultimately are put to use in service of the Church and communities of service in the Holy land. Please visit our Giving page for ideas on how to support the Holy Land through our efforts. Alternatively, donations can be made directly to many of our Ministries.

Can I Request a Mass for an Intention?

Yes! We encourage everyone to avail themselves of this Mass Card service. Once we receive the specific information about your Mass intention, we will send it to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem where a Mass will be celebrated for the intended person. Please see more here.

How Can I Join the Order?

Entry into the order is through a nomination process. Candidates who show an active interest in the Order and its mission are nominated and seconded by existing members of the Order who have firsthand knowledge of the candidate’s active participation in Parish and Diocesan works. Please read more here.

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem​