Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani

Origins of the Modern Era

The Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani (OSMTH) is a Christian ecumenical organization with roots in the early 19th century. The modern Order was formed in 1804 under the initiative of the physician Bernard Raymond Fabré-Palaprat.

Fabré-Palaprat was a product of the “Age of Enlightenment,” driven by humanitarian and humanistic ideals. Under his guidance, the Order gained significant recognition, including the support of Napoleon in 1811, who formally altered the Order’s statutes. By the 19th century, the Order counted prominent societal figures and protectors among its ranks, cementing the concepts of “Templar” and “Templarism” as synonyms for decency, dedication, and chivalrous behavior.

Honoring the Ancient Tradition

While the OSMTH was founded in 1804, it operates in a manner that deeply honors the traditions of the medieval Knights Templar.

• The Ancient Roots: The original Order was founded by Hugues de Payens in 1118 to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land. They evolved into a sophisticated banking, transport, and security network.
• The Dissolution: Due to political greed and false accusations of heresy, Pope Clement V dissolved the original Order in 1312.
• The Vindication: In 2001, the Chinon Parchment was discovered in the Vatican Archives, a document that granted the Templars absolution of their sins, correcting the historical record regarding their heresy.

The Romantic Era and Mysticism

Because the modern Order developed during the height of the Romantic era, the Templar name became associated with the mystical world. During this period, legends regarding the lost treasure of the Templars, the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Shroud, the Holy Grail, and Rosslyn Chapel became prominent parts of the cultural lore surrounding the Order.

Modernization and Restructuring

Following World War II, the direct descendants of Fabré-Palaprat’s Templars adopted the name OSMTH. However, the path to the present day has involved necessary changes to ensure democratic governance.

• 1995 Salzburg Resolution: The majority of OSMTH Templars (including Grand Priories from Austria, France, Italy, Finland, England & Wales, Scotland, NATO, and the USA) assembled in Salzburg, Austria. They voted to restructure and modernize the Order.
• Current Status: Today, OSMTH is an apolitical, non-governmental organization (NGO). It holds special consultative status at the United Nations and is registered as a not-for-profit organization in Geneva, Switzerland (Federal Registry number CH-660.197299-4).

Our Mission Today: The Word, Not the Sword

The principal mission of the modern Templar is charity. We are a secular-military order of chivalry intended for accomplished Christian military and civilian men (Knights) and women (Dames) who possess high ethical principles.

Our Order is guided by the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. We are devoted to:

1. Liberty: Preserving freedom of conscience and religion for all.
2. Patriotism: Each autonomous Grand Priory (such as the SMOTJ in the United States) is committed to the betterment of its host country and respect for its constitution.
3. Action: Using the “Word” followed by action to help the oppressed, promote education, and assist those in harm’s way.

By reconstituting an ancient chivalric order in an age of materialism, OSMTH seeks to show that spiritual idealism is relevant, vital, and consistent with civic duty.