Welcome
~ Acts 1.8
The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem – Eastern Lieutenancy is an order of chivalry under papal protection entrusted with an important mission from the Holy Father: to serve as witnesses to the Christian faith and protectors of the church and the living Christian communities in the biblical lands of the Middle East. The Eastern Lieutenancy is the oldest Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in the United States. It is comprised of four eastern states – New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and the Bahamas.
The order’s mandate originates from the time of the crusader knights who were responsible for protecting the Christian pilgrims traveling to the sacred sites. Today the order’s members continue to aid the church in the Holy Land and to strengthen the practice of Christian life amongst its members.
The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is the only lay institution of the Holy See charged with the task of providing for the needs of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and of all the activities and initiatives to support the Christian presence in the Holy Land. The contributions made by its members are therefore the patriarchate’s main source of funding.
Message from the Lieutenant
9 February 2026
After two long years, we are returning to the Holy Land. The holy sites are open, and the Christian community has long been waiting to welcomepilgrims back.
The Eastern Lieutenancy will embark on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, June 1–10, 2026. We go in support of our Christian brothers and sisters and in solidarity with the church in the Holy Land. We would like to extend this very special invitation to you, your friends, and family. Come and walkwith us in the footsteps of Jesus. Come see the place of His Annunciation and birth. Come and walk the Way of the Cross sharing in His Passion. Come and pray at the Holy Sepulchre, the Empty Tomb of our Risen Lord!
The Gospels will come alive for us as we visit, pray, and celebrate the Eucharist at the places held most sacred to Christians. We fully expect this pilgrimage to be one of the most spiritually uplifting experiences of our lives.
Knights and Dames who make this pilgrimage will have the opportunity to receive the pilgrim’s shell. We pray our return and presence will once again strengthen the Church and the Christian community.
Deus lo volt!
18 December 2025
(photo: OSV News/Brendan McDermid, Reuters)
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The Eastern Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in the United States extends its warmest wishes and prayers to Archbishop-designate Ronald A. Hicks, KC*HS, upon his appointment as archbishop of New York. We are overjoyed that Pope Leo XIV has selected from among his shepherds a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem to lead the 2.8 million members of the Archdiocese of New York and look forward to welcoming him into the Eastern Lieutenancy. “The lieutenancy also expresses its most heartfelt gratitude to His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, for his years of leadership in the Archdiocese of New York and as grand prior of our lieutenancy. His unwavering support of the people of the Holy Land has been visible by his frequent pastoral visits to that part of the world and his deep support for the work of our beloved order.” “We are grateful for his years of spiritual leadership and guidance as our prior, allowing our members to grow in holiness and devotion by his example. May the Lord bless him with years of good health as he enters the next chapter of his ministry.” |
LINKS
Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
The Holy See
Custodia Terrae Sanctae
The Catholic Channel – SiriusXM
