The Spiritual Protector of the Order of Saint Lazarus

A few years ago I was invited to join the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem (Order of Saint Lazarus, or OSL, for short). This was once an order of knighthood recognized by the Holy See, although during the centuries the patronage of the Order passed to other sovereigns. Today, it is no longer an order of knighthood under the Pope, and has evolved into an ecumenical Christian order (as opposed to exclusively Catholic). The Order still has a Spiritual Protector, however, who is the Catholic Patriarch of Antioch of the Melkites, Bishop Joseph Absi. And as it happens, he is also at the Synod!

It was an honour to meet him, and I made sure to get a selfie to share with the other members of the Order back home. I'm happy to share it with you as well!