Orthodox Leper Brother Knights of Bethany
The Brotherhood of the Leper Brother Knights of Bethany or later known as the Lazarists, was a monastic hospitaller and military order created long before the fall of Jerusalem to the first Crusaders and is most certainly the earliest such order in the Holy Land. In those days noble knights, men only, from all three monotheistic religious groups present at that time in Jerusalem, Jews, Muslims and orthodox Christians of Greek, Armenian, Georgian, Abyssinian faith and origin served a true and noble cause without falling into the trap of oecumenia, where everyone has for the sake of a truce, to give up something crucial of his own belief, were treatened alike, and treated frail travelers, patients and leprosy affected sick people to the best of their knowledge.
Later, during the 1130s the Brotherhood merged in as a hospitaller order, and the earliest reference to the order's new military activity is dated to 1234. It was recognized by King Fulk in 1142, and canonically recognized as a hospitaller and military order of chivalry under the rule of Saint Augustine in the Papal bull “Cum a Nobis Petitur” of Pope Alexander IV in 1255. Although they were centered on their charism of caring for those afflicted with leprosy, the Lazarite Knights notably fought in the Siege of Acre in 1191, in Arsuf, in the Battle of Jaffa in 1192, the Battle of La Forbie in 1244, and in the Defense of Acre in 1291. The titular seat was successively situated at Jerusalem, then Acre.
After the fall of the Kingdom of Acre, the order split into two main branches - in Italy and in France and while it slowly disappeared, only to be revived in 1910, but to this date still not recognized by the Pope. The three hospitals in Jerusalem, of Saint Mary, Saint John and Saint John the Babtist continued to be taken care of and ran, by the same orthodox brotherhood, first under the rule of Salaheddin and then under his successors and through the time.
The Orthodox Leper Brother Knights of Bethany do not claim to be an offshoot of a long-defunct “order”. On the contrary, they are a “real” “new” brotherhood that lives and works exactly according to the principles of the original brotherhood. In the Dominican Republic, but also elsewhere, everywhere where the knights of the brotherhood, who is a noble fraternity dedicated to serving the most vulnerable and upholding the timeless values of compassion, charity, and faith, have taken the correct knightly vow, which is taken after 4 years, of work as a cadet.
Rooted in the sacred traditions of the Orthodox Christian Church of the earliest days, not divided in the three monotheistic faiths but united in them and their unique value, this distinguished brotherhood traces its spiritual lineage to the ancient Brotherhood of Bethany, a community renowned for its selfless care of lepers and the marginalised.
Established as a beacon of hope and service in the Holy Land, Austria, France, the United Kingdom, North America, as Grand Commanderies, the Dominican Republic as the Seat of the Grand Master and many Commanderies in many countries, the Orthodox Leper Brother Knights of Bethany work tirelessly to address pressing social challenges. Through a combination of charitable initiatives, spiritual outreach, and humanitarian programmes, the brotherhood provides aid to the impoverished, care for the sick, and support for those in need. At the heart of its mission lies a profound commitment to embodying the teachings of the Early Christianity, with a focus on healing, reconciliation, and community building. The Brotherhood actively engages with local communities, promoting not only physical well-being but also spiritual growth and cultural preservation.
By honouring its historical heritage while addressing contemporary needs, the Orthodox Leper Brother Knights of Bethany intend to create a new pillar of compassion and dignity, fostering unity and faith in the World.
