Statutes of the
Dynastic Orders of the House of Savoy
The Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus

To emphasize and facilitate the personal commitment of its members to the spirit and objectives of the Order, the Statutes provide that a limited number of Knights or Dames of Devotion may be appointed among members of the Order. Such members will have already demonstrated particular dedication to the Order and shall undertake a solemn vow, renewable on an annual basis, to serve the Order with special commitment, and consistent with the Order's original Christian purposes, to perform works of a humanitarian nature in the social, medical or charitable spheres. Knights and Dames of Devotion will wear a golden knot of Savoy next to the insignia of their grade. Any such commitment to the Order must be specific and not merely general, in accordance with requirements set forth in published rules and regulations for Knights and Dames of Devotion.

 

VICTOR EMMANUEL
by the Grace of God,
Duke of Savoy, Prince of Naples, Head of the Royal House of Savoy by the Grace of God
and by hereditary right,
XVII Grand Master of the
Order of Sts. Maurice and Lazarus

​Our August Parent, H.M. King Umberto II, decreed that the Statutes of the Order of Sts. Maurice and Lazarus, a dynastic Order of Our House of Savoy, instituted by the Supreme Pontiff Pope Gregory XIII by Papal Bull on September 16 and November 13, 1572, be amended so as to reflect the constitutional changes that had occurred in Italy. To which ends, and in conformity with the wishes of Our August Parent, We, his successor as Head of the House of Savoy, ordered some initial modifications to be made to the Statutes in June, 1985. We now deem it opportune to further amend the Order’s purposes and structure, so that they may be in conformity with the changing times and circumstances. Let it hereby be known, that by Motu Proprio and by Magisterial Authority, we decree as follows:

Article 1

The Order’s purposes are both humanitarian and philanthropic. These objectives, which were established at the time the Order was founded, were later expanded, but, nevertheless remain constant even in our own time.

Moreover, the Order continues to recognize those who make significant contributions to science, literature, the arts, industry, trade, scholarship and research, the liberal arts, the professions, public service, and other worthy fields of endeavor, which bring honor and greatness to the House of Savoy and benefits to humanity.

Article 2

Knights of the Order are divided into the following five grades:

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1. Knights Grand Cross with Grand Cordon

2. Grand Officers

3. Commanders

4. Officers ​

5. Knights

Dames of the Order are divided into three grades:

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1. Dames Grand Cross with Grand Cordon

2. Dame Commanders

3. Dames

Article 3

By magisterial decree, there may be established for worthy recipients an Honorary Commandery of Jus Patronatus, with corresponding titles of Commanders of Honor Jus Patronatus.

Article 4

A limited number of Knights or Dames of Devotion may be appointed among Members of the Order. Such members will have already demonstrated particular dedication to the Order and shall undertake, by solemn vow, renewable on an annual basis, to serve the Order with special commitment, and consistent with the Order’s original purposes, to perform works of a humanitarian nature in the social, medical or charitable spheres.

Article 5

Admission to the Order, regardless of the nationality of the candidate, shall be either by Magisterial Motu Proprio, or based upon the recommendation of the Council or the Commission of the Order. The annual quota for admissions shall be limited to three Knights Grand Cross with Grand Cordon, one Dame Grand Cross with Grand Cordon, six Grand Officers, twelve Commanders, and eight Dame Commanders. There shall be a category of Devotees of Merit with medals in gold, silver and bronze, which shall be composed of individuals who, while not members of the Order, have made commitments to perform charitable works for the Order, or who have already demonstrated, through their charitable works, a particular affinity for the Order.

Article 6

Admission to the Order shall be effective upon registration of a Decree of Nomination at the Chancellery of the Order. Prior thereto, candidates shall refrain from wearing the Order’s insignia.

Article 7

The insignia of the Order shall consist of a white enamel Cross of Saint Maurice superimposed on the emerald green Cross of Saint Lazarus. The insignia of Devotees of Merit shall consist of a medal with the Cross of the Order in relief.

Article 8

The insignia of the grades of the Order are described in Appendix A annexed hereto which is incorporated herein by reference and made a part of these Statutes.

Article 9

Members of the Order may wear its ceremonial robe only with prior approval requested or authorized by the Grand Chancellor and only for religious ceremonies. The ceremonial (church) robe is described in Appendix B annexed hereto which is incorporated herein by reference and made a part of these Statutes.

Article 10

The Grand Master of the Order is Supreme Head of the Grand Magistry, and administers the Order through the following: The Council, the Commission, the Grand Chancellor, the Grand Treasurer, and the Grand Prior of the Order.

Article 11

The duties which are the responsibility of the Council of the Order are as follows:

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1. To advise, whenever requested, on the establishment and application of the Order’s statutes and rules

2. To administer the Order’s properties and assets

3. To propose the acceptance of candidates applying for admission to the Order

4. To advise on administration of the Order and to make recommendations to the Grand Master concerning the nomination of Delegates and Vice-delegates, who shall be vested with national or regional responsibilities

5. To provide advice and recommendations on other matters as may arise

Article 12

The Council of the Order is composed of: the Grand Chancellor, the Grand Treasurer, the Grand Prior and six other councillors nominated by the Grand Master, from among the Order’s Knights and Dames Grand Cross with Grand Cordon, its Grand Officers, its Commanders, its Dame Commanders, and its Knights or Dames of Devotion. Each council member shall serve for a three-year term, which may be extended for two additional non- renewable periods of not more than three years each.

The Grand Master shall appoint two members of the Council to serve as President and Vice President.

The Offices of President of the Council of the Order, Grand Chancellor, Grand Treasurer and Grand Prior are bestowed by the Grand Master and are conferred for an indefinite period. Holders of these titles have the right to be addressed as “Excellency.”

Article 13

The Grand Chancellor shall have the responsibility of submitting reports to the Council. The President and the Council may designate to one or more Councilors the responsibility of investigating or taking action as to matters upon which the Council may deliberate.

The Council shall elect, from among its members, a Secretary, whose task it will be to record the minutes of its sessions.

Article 14

Notices of meetings of the Council shall be sent upon the initiative of the Grand Master, the President, or the Vice President, and by prior arrangement with the Grand Chancellor. Notices of meetings must be received not later than fifteen (15) days prior to the dates on which the meetings are scheduled to be held.

Except in special cases, meetings of the Council shall be held at the Chancellery of the Order. A quorum consisting of at least four members of the Council, including the President, in attendance, shall be required in order to conduct the business of the Council.

Article 15

The Commission of the Order shall consist of five members appointed on recommendation of the Council and by Magisterial decree. Each member of the Commission shall serve for a three-year term, which may be extended for two additional non-renewable terms of not more than three years each. The Grand Master shall appoint two members of the Commission to serve as President and Secretary. A quorum consisting of at least three members of the Commission including the President, in attendance, shall be required in order to conduct the business of the Commission.

Article 16

The duties of the Commission are to verify that candidates proposed for admission to the Order conform to the standards established in its Statutes and Rules.

The Commission’s reports and recommendations concerning proposals for admission to the Order, regardless of whether these proposals have been approved, shall be presented by the Grand Chancellor to the Grand Master. Decrees of admission shall explicitly set forth the Commission’s favorable recommendations, except in cases of admission by Magisterial Motu Proprio.

Article 17

In special cases, the Commission may deliberate and decide upon matters that are normally the responsibility of the Council. In such cases the Council must ratify such deliberations and decisions at its next meeting.

Article 18

The Grand Chancellor is chief administrator of the Chancellery of the Order. He shall be custodian of the Seals of the Order. These shall be affixed, in his presence, to all Magisterial and Council decrees; he shall countersign all Magisterial decrees of admission to the Order signed by the Grand Master; he shall report to the Grand Master on the deliberations of the Council and of the Commission, and he shall ensure that these contain nothing inappropriate or offensive to the Grand Master or to the dignity and interests of the Order. He shall further ensure that all documents concerning the Order are diligently preserved in the Order’s archives; he shall safeguard and defend the rights and privileges of the Order and shall act as it’s legal representative. He shall be responsible for supervising the ceremonial activities of the Order.

Article 19

The Grand Treasurer shall supervise every aspect of the administration of the Order’s properties and holdings.

To this effect, he shall ensure that all books of account and ledgers shall be accurately and
diligently maintained. He shall direct the collection of all monies due to the Order and shall make recommendations to the Council on matters he deems necessary to improve the administration of the Order.

The Grand Treasurer shall report to the Council on all budgetary matters, on accounts presented by financial advisors and custodians of the Order’s funds, on general administrative matters, and on disbursement of balances remaining at the close of each fiscal period. In consultation with the Grand Chancellor, the Grand Treasurer shall determine the temporary uses of disposable funds.

Article 20

The Grand Prior shall exercise the rights and prerogatives conferred upon him by Papal Bull pertaining to the Order. He shall supervise all matters pertaining to Divine Worship, as well as to the observance of the moral code of the Order.

Article 21

A member whose conduct is lacking in honor and loyalty toward the Order and its governing principles, or towards the House of Savoy, shall be struck from the register of the Order and deprived of the right to wear the insignia and use the titles of the Order. Revocation of membership in the Order shall be effected by Magisterial Decree and a decision of the Council of the Order. Prior to reaching its decision, the Council shall, through its President, notify the member of its intention to revoke membership in the Order and the reasons therefor, and shall establish a deadline for receipt of a written response from the member. This procedure shall not be necessary if the allegation against the member is established by documents of indisputable authority or has been confirmed by court ruling.

APPENDIX A

(Relating to the insignia of the Order’s Members and Devotees of Merit)

Knights Grand Cross with Grand Cordon

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• Sash: worn from the right shoulder to the left hip; made of emerald green silk, 100mm in width, fastened with a bow. To this is pendant a 67 mm wide white enameled botonnée Cross, edged in gold, superimposed on a transparent emerald green Maltese Cross. The Cross is surmounted by a gold royal crown measuring 42 mm across.

• Breast star: made of silver with eight groups of short, diamond-cut rays measuring 85 mm in diameter, superimposed with a 55 mm Cross of the Order.

• Miniature: a 13 mm miniature of the breast star is pendant from an emerald green silk ribbon.

• Rosette: a miniature of the breast star in the center of an emerald green 12mm wide rosette.

• Uniform ribbon: emerald green silk 37 mm in width, superimposed with three royal crowns in gold.

Grand Officer

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• Neck ribbon: emerald green silk, 50 mm wide from which a 55 mm Cross of the Order surmounted by a 38 mm wide royal crown is pendant.

• Breast star: silver with four groups of short diamond-cut rays, 75 mm in diameter, upon which a 41 mm Cross of the Order is superimposed.

• Miniature: a 16 mm miniature of the breast star from which a 13 mm emerald green silk ribbon is pendant.

• Rosette: a miniature of the breast star in the center of a 12 mm emerald green silk rosette.

• Uniform ribbon: a 37 mm wide band of emerald green silk with two royal crowns in gold superimposed.

Commander

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• Neck ribbon: emerald green silk, 50 mm wide, from which a 55 mm Cross of the Order surmounted by a 38 mm royal crown is pendant.

• Miniature: a 16 mm Cross of the Order surmounted by a gold royal crown pendant from an emerald green silk ribbon 13 mm wide, upon which is superimposed a single gold crown.

• Rosette: a gold royal crown at the center of a 12 mm emerald green silk rosette.

• Uniform ribbon: 37 mm wide emerald green silk surmounted by a gold royal crown, with the Cross of the Order with gold royal crown pendant.

• Uniform ribbon: a 37 mm wide band of emerald green silk.

Officer

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• Miniature: a 16 mm miniaturization of the Cross of the Order surmounted by a gold royal crown pendant from an emerald green silk ribbon 13 mm wide.

• Rosette: a silver royal crown at the center of a 12 mm emerald green silk rosette.

• Uniform ribbon: 37 mm wide emerald green silk ribbon with Cross of the Order with a gold crown pendant.

Knight

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• Miniature: a 16 mm miniature of the Cross of the Order pendant from an emerald green silk ribbon 13 mm wide.

• Rosette: a 12 mm wide emerald green silk rosette.

• Uniform ribbon: 37 mm wide emerald green silk ribbon with the Cross of the Order (without gold crown) pendant.

 

Dame Grand Cross with Grand Cordon

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• Sash: worn from the right shoulder to the left hip, made of 50 mm wide emerald green silk, ending in a bow from which is pendant a 55 mm wide Cross of the Order, surmounted by a 38 mm wide gold royal crown.

• Miniature: a 16 mm miniaturize of the Cross of the Order surmounted by a gold royal crown, suspended from an emerald green silk ribbon with a 13 mm wide bow with serrated fringe.

Dame Commander

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• Ribbon: a 37 mm wide emerald green silk ribbon in the form of a bow, from which a 41 mm Cross of the Order surmounted by a 16 mm gold royal crown is pendant.

• Miniature: a 16 mm Cross of the Order surmounted by a gold royal crown pendant from an emerald green silk ribbon with a 13 mm bow.

Dame

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• Ribbon: emerald green silk, 37 mm wide in the form of a bow from which a 41 mm Cross of the Order, without crown, is pendant.

• Miniature: a 16 mm miniature of the Cross of the Order, without crown, pendant from a bow of emerald green silk ribbon 13 mm wide.

Commander of Honor (Jus Patronatus)

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• Neck Ribbon: the same as Commander.

• Breast star: a 55 mm Cross of the Order (without rays).

• Miniature: the same as Commander, but bearing a miniature of the breast star in lieu of the royal crown.

• Rosette: the Cross of the Order at the center of a 12 mm emerald green silk rosette.

• Uniform ribbon: 37 mm emerald green silk with the Cross of the Order at its center.

Knights and Dames of Devotion

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• A golden Savoy Knot is worn next to the insignia of their grade in the Order

Devotees of Merit

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• Ribbon: emerald green silk, 37 mm wide, from which a medal 32 mm in diameter is pendant. The medal bears a Cross of the Order, in relief, without enamel. On the reverse side, at the top, the words “Bene Merenti” are inscribed. A space below the inscription is provided for the recipient to engrave his or her name and the date of presentation of the medal.

• Miniature: a 13 mm emerald green silk ribbon, from which a medal 16 mm in diameter is pendant.

• Lapel Pin: a bow of 13 mm wide emerald green silk.

• Medals are of gold, silver or bronze. Gold-medal holders wear a gold star at the center of the bow; silver medal holders, a silver star at the center of the bow, bronze medal holders wear a bow without star.

APPENDIX B

(Relating to Church ceremonial dress)

The men’s church robe of the Order for all grades will be of crimson silk with white trim (collar and cuffs), a fabric Cross of the Order edged with yellow-gold silk embroidery, and a wide cordon ending in two tassels in front.

Knights Grand Cross with Grand Cordon, Grand Officers and Commanders of Honor (Jus Patronatus), wear an embroidered fabric breast star in accordance with their grade in the Order: the royal crown embroidered in gold for Commanders: in silver for Officers.

Dames wear a black silk cloak and small black velvet collar with fine gold edging. On the left side there is sewn a Cross of the Order in fabric embroidered with yellow-gold silk edging.

Geneva, October 10, 1996
Victor Emmanuel
G. Balbo di Vinadio

THE NEW STATUTES

The origins of the combined Order of Sts. Maurice and Lazarus derive from a Papal Bull issued by Pope Gregory XIII. At its inception, the Order reflected the political and religious concerns of the 16th Century. Therefore, its goals included both defense against Muslim military forces in the Mediterranean region and the “heretics” in Europe, as well as the care of those suffering from leprosy.

By sending a fleet to patrol the waters of the Mediterranean, and by opening leprosariums and hospitals, the Order acquitted itself of both tasks with distinction. The French Revolution, the shock waves of which were felt throughout Europe from the fall of the Bastille through the Napoleonic Era, brought fundamental changes to European life and, indeed, to the very nature of the great Orders of Knighthood. The Orders of the House of Savoy were no exception. One of the results of this revolutionary period was that from the reign of King Carlo Alberto (1830-1848) onwards, the Orders were increasingly placed “on loan” to the State. Although this did not change their fundamental juridical status as belonging to the Sovereign (the Head of the Royal House of Savoy), the Orders were administered as though they belonged to both Crown and State. In due course, the gap between the rank of a public official and the grade to which he could hope to aspire within the Order began to narrow.

Naturally, with the departure into exile of H.M. King Umberto II in 1946, this system changed. His Majesty continued to decorate individuals who had distinguished themselves, not only through their actions, but also through their complete loyalty to the Sovereign and to the Dynasty.

Today, confronting circumstances that have again changed, it is an opportune time for the Order to revert to its original ideals and to rededicate itself in our modern social and historical setting to the purposes for which the two Orders (St. Lazarus and St. Maurice) were initially joined into one Order by the Pope. Of course, today it is no longer a question of defending the Faith “per se,” but rather those fundamental principles which constitute the common heritage of civilization in its noblest and most ecumenical attributes. The mission of the Order is, and must continue to be, to bring assistance, no longer just to those afflicted with leprosy, but to all those who suffer, whether from disease, war, or hunger. In practical terms, the Order embarked upon this route some years ago. Now, the Order must be structured to extend its activities to fulfill its humanitarian ideals. For this reason it is important that membership in the Order should be a matter of personal commitment on the part of each member to work to the best of his or her ability towards a common goal of aiding and comforting the suffering, thus emulating the spirit of chivalry that motivated the ancient orders of knighthood.

In this respect, we recall the words written by a confrere in the Order and published in January 1995: “...We too carry the Cross, even if we are lay people. We try to carry it with dignity, dedicating ourselves to the works of the Order, ensuring that it will once again become a united effort fostering worthy causes, and not merely an empty display of vanity.”

Article I of the Statutes has, accordingly, been re-written to state: “The Order’s purposes are both humanitarian and philanthropic. These objectives that were established at the time the Order was founded were later expanded; but, nevertheless, remain constant, even in our own time.

Moreover, the Order continues to recognize those who make significant contributions to science, literature, the arts, industry, trade, scholarship and research, the liberal arts, the professions, public service, and other worthy fields of endeavor, which bring honor and greatness to the House of Savoy and benefits to humanity.”

The emphasis on humanitarian goals, however, does not diminish the Order’s other attributes. It is also worth noting that the words “granting” or “conferral” are no longer used; instead, one is “admitted” to the Order. The Order is aligning itself once again, with the values that have always been the guiding spirit of the great Orders of history, such as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, to name but one.

To emphasize and facilitate the personal commitment of its members to the spirit and objectives of the Order, the new Statutes provide for the creation of: “a limited number of Knights and Dames of Devotion. Such members will have already demonstrated particular dedication to the Order and shall undertake, by solemn vow, renewable on an annual basis, to serve the Order with special commitment and with the Order’s original purposes, to perform works of a humanitarian nature in the social, medical or charitable spheres.” (Article 4). “Knights and Dames of Devotion will wear a golden Knot of Savoy next to the insignia of their grade.” Any such commitment to the Order must be specific and not merely general, in accordance with requirements set forth in published rules and regulations for Knights and Dames of Devotion.

To confirm the principle that membership in the Order requires direct, personal involvement, a category of Devotees of Merit has been created. Such persons “...with medals in gold, silver and bronze, shall be composed of individuals who while they are not members of the Order, have made commitments to perform charitable works for the Order, or who have already demonstrated through their charitable works particular affinity for the Order.” (Article 5) This includes those who have not yet performed sufficient acts of merit, even if only by reason of their youth, to become full members of the Order, but who aspire to enter its ranks, or those who have already, in specific instances, contributed towards the Order’s goals.

Other amendments to the Statutes are primarily concerned with form. For example, it is stated clearly that the robe of the Order may be worn: “...only with prior approval requested or authorized by the Grand Chancellor and only for religious ceremonies” (Article 9).

Other amendments include the following new provisions covering correctly embroidered insignia for men’s robes: none for Knights, a crown embroidered in silver for Officers, and in gold for Commanders. Embroidery for the respective breast insignia for Grand Officers and Knights Grand Cross remain unchanged. This protocol should eliminate, or at least reduce to a minimum, the misunderstandings regarding precedence for procession, or for seating in church.

Of greater significance however, is the introduction of a fixed number of members for admission to the Order’s higher grades; limited annually but not in the aggregate. To this effect, Article 5 stipulates: “The annual quota for admissions shall be three Knights Grand Cross with Grand Cordon, One Dame Grand Cross with Grand Cordon, six Grand Officers, twelve Commanders and eight Dame Commanders.” “Annual” means the period between one Chapter of the Order and the next. This limitation in numbers has been enacted so as to emphasize the degree to which membership in the Order, and above all in its higher grades, should reflect, as much the candidate’s desire and commitment to work for the Order’s goals, as the careful evaluation of his or her capabilities by the Grand Magistery.

The Statutes of the Civil Order of Savoy have been confirmed with only minor amendments intended to both modernize them and to adapt them to specific circumstances. The Order remains the eminent recognition for those who: “...have by their long and diligent efforts, become outstanding members of society, or who have contributed greatly to the common good.” The Order’s nature is, therefore, fundamentally different from the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus and the Order of Merit of Savoy. Changes relating to the Order of Merit of Savoy are also primarily a matter of form. Article 1 no longer uses the appellation “Order of Civil Merit of Savoy”, but rather the “Order of Merit of Savoy”, a name that is known and in current use. Article 8 specifies that the robe of the Order can be worn, “...when expressly requested or authorized by the Grand Chancellor, for the Order’s own religious ceremonies, or for those of any other dynastic Order of the House of Savoy...” Finally, Article 9 states: “The Grand Master shall administer the Order through the Council of the Civil Order of Savoy.”

The creation of the Cross of Merit of Savoy is of significant importance. It is intended to reward those who by their actions or deeds are deserving of recognition, but not to the extent that it would be possible for them to be awarded a knighthood. Comparison can be made between the Cross of Merit and the Medal of the Devotees of Merit of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. The Cross of Merit can also be conferred upon young people who, because of their youth, cannot qualify for entering the Order of Merit. The Crosses of Merit are conferred in two classes: gold and silver. Both resemble the Crosses of the Order, but without enamel.

The modifications made to these statutes distinguish between the different purposes of the three Orders. Thus, the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus resumes its original role of “sacred militia,” a role it has played for centuries. The Civil Order of Savoy remains virtually the same as when it was conceived and created by H.M. King Carlo Alberto, a recognition of distinguished services in different intellectual fields. The Order of Merit of Savoy reaffirms its purposes of rewarding “special and specific acts of merit...” benefiting the Royal House of Savoy and towards its Dynastic Head.

It is, therefore, impossible to establish any form of “hierarchy” between the three orders. Each has its own distinct character and pursues its own specific goals even if, as is well known, all three are united in the observance of chivalric traditions and loyalty to the House of Savoy.

 

THE GRAND MAGISTERY OF THE ORDER OF
SAINTS MAURICE AND LAZARUS

VICTOR EMMANUEL
Duke of Savoy
Prince of Naples
XVII GENERAL GRAND MASTER OF THE ORDER OF SAINTS MAURICE AND LAZARUS

By virtue of his Magisterial prerogatives
Has issued the following decree:

“For the purpose of conforming and adapting the administration of the Order to modern times and new objectives”

LET NOTICE HEREBY BE GIVEN

Of the following revisions to the Statutes of the Order:

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• Article 12, paragraph 1: “twelve” councillors instead of “six”

• Article 12, paragraph 3: The “title of Excellency”: the last sentence is deleted

• Article 14, paragraph 2: “six” members instead of “four”

• Article 16, paragraph 2: “... candidates regardless of whether they are approved, shall be presented to the Grand Master by the Grand Chancellor"

• Article 17: “... may deliberate directly on matters relative to paragraph 3 of Article 11, except such decisions must be ratified...”

 

We charge the Grand Chancellor
H.R.H. Prince Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy
with the duty of implementing the provisions of this decree.”

Signed at Geneva on October 30, 1999​
SIGNED Victor Emmanuel of Savoy