the EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM
Led by His Excellency Mark Chopko, KC*HS
As Lieutenant of the Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, I extend a warm welcome to our website. We are grateful for your interest in our mission and community.
The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is a papal order of knighthood under the protection of the Holy See. Our primary mission is to support the Christian presence in the Holy Land, particularly through the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Members of the Order, both laypeople and clergy, commit to this mission through prayer, charitable contributions, and pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
Our community is dedicated to deepening the spiritual lives of our members, fostering a sense of unity and purpose. Regular pilgrimages to the Holy Land and support for various projects there are integral to our Order’s life.
Through this website, we aim to provide insight into our identity, responsibilities, and the ways we actively fulfill our mission.
We invite you to explore further. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Blessings to you and your family in Christ,
His Excellency Mark Chopko, KC*HS
Lieutenant, Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy, USA
Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
The origins of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem reach back to the early centuries of Christianity, when pilgrims undertook perilous journeys to venerate the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, seeking spiritual closeness to the Crucified and Risen Christ. During the 14th century, as pilgrimages to the Holy Land increased, the Pope granted the Franciscans the authority to bestow knighthood upon noble pilgrims at the Holy Sepulchre, giving rise to early, informal brotherhoods.
In 1868, Pope Pius IX formally restructured the Order through the papal brief Cum multa sapienter, entrusting it with the mission to support the Catholic faith and the Christian presence in the Holy Land. This date is recognized as the founding of the modern Order. Women were officially admitted beginning in 1888, and successive popes continued to refine the Order’s statutes.
Today, under the leadership of a Cardinal Grand Master appointed by the Holy Father, the Order remains steadfast in its spiritual and charitable mission, offering dedicated support to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Christian communities of the Holy Land. More detailed information on the Order, its Mission and Leadership, and its work through the Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy will be found on this website.
Your contributions directly support the Christian community in the Holy Land, funding schools, parishes, and humanitarian efforts led by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Every gift helps sustain faith, education, and opportunity for those in need.
