Grand Master: H.R.H. Prince Don Francisco de Borbon y de Escasany - Duke of Seville

Bailiff: H.E. The Chevalier Arthur Craddock, O.St.J., G.C.L.J., K.M.L.J., S.Cr.L.J., S.M.L.J.

The ancient and noble, international Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem is an ecumenical Christian Order engaged in charitable works and as such is registered as a Charity with the Commissioners. Since its role during the Crusades it is founded on both a Military Order of Mercy as well as a Hospitaller one, caring for the sick and needy. Based in Malta the Order follows its original, medieval style of chain of command – from the Grand Master via the Grand Magistral Council, through the various national organisations down to individual members. As with other chivalric Orders there are, essentially, four classes of membership, these being Members, Officers, Commanders and Knights. It is open to both men and women

The Order in England consists of a Grand Bailiwick under the jurisdiction of a Bailiff overseeing various geographically located Commanderies, each under its own Commander and various appointed Officers. Fledgling Commanderies may be formed from time to time and are known as Delegations. Locally the Commandery of Mercia is centred around Derby with the Delegation of King Offa more closely located around the County of Warwickshire.

Present role

Since the Order was founded on hospitaller grounds, initially that of looking after leprous knights and others in the Holy Land during the Crusades, we have spread our wings. Although both nationally and internationally the Order still supports the treatment and cure of leprosy our charitable aims have spread more widely to include other skin diseases and the relief of medical suffering in general. As well as national campaigns individual Commanderies may choose additional projects to support, e.g. a specific charity for the care of sick children, the National Skin Bank and an entire Ambulance Corps.

Assisted by a recent £1,000 donation from the Order’s Charity the programme has been able to purchase the means to digitally analyse the photographic slides that have been (and are being) taken. However, there is a need to set up a full-time research officer to co-ordinate and oversee this work. We are hoping to raise the sum of £50,000 for this to be carried out.

Malignant Melanoma

For our relatively thin and fair-skinned population the combination of easier overseas travel allowing a week or two’s intensive sunbathing coupled with the thinning of the protective ozone layer is exposing our skins to the damaging effects of the sun’s ultra violet rays. Too much of this can trigger changes in the body cells’ normally protective melanin (which gives us our sun-tans) into an invasive form of cancer which can ultimately affect the entire body. The early detection of these changes is vital if we are to diagnose the condition in time and to prevent its spread throughout the body.

Tax Relief and the St. Lazarus Foundation

For those who are eligible (e.g. businesses) and because "The St. Lazarus Foundation" is a Registered Charity (No. 1014863) full tax relief is available on contributions. Donations may be made in cash or by cheque (payable to "The St. Lazarus Foundation") and given or sent via Dr. Juby at the address shown above.

"Atavis et Armis"

If you wish to know more about the Order in the United Kingdom and its aims then please contact Dr Juby for further details.

Please remember that behind the history and pageantry is the serious purpose of raising funds for the sick and the needy. If you know of any like-minded friends or acquaintances who would like a copy of this leaflet then please ask.