INTRODUCTION
EXARCHATE: The Exarchate of the U.S.A. is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization whose purposes are to promote Knightly Virtue, to defend the Christian religion against attacks of atheism and materialism, to work for the building of spiritual bridges between cultures in all fields of daily life, and to aid mankind.
The Exarchate of the USA is currently headquartered in Washington, DC. Our five (5) regional Bailiwicks are populated with Knights and Dames located throughout the United States and it is these members who generously contribute substantial annual financial support to the International Order, which in-turn supports the Patriarch and his many charities throughout Africa.
At the request of the members of the Exarchate of the USA, the Exarchate has also begun providing financial support to a number of U.S.-based local churches and U.S. students attending two American Universities. Additionally, the Bailiwicks financially support local charities based on the needs of local communities.
We believe each of these endeavors advances the Christian message, both in support of the International Order and of the Exarchate of the U.S. here in the North American continent.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The leadership team of the Exarchate is carefully structured to provide the appropriate advice and counsel to the Exarch and the other key members of the leadership. This leadership team advises the administration of the Exarchate in accordance with the Constitution of the International Order and the Patriarch and Master of the Order and the Constitution of the Exarchate.
EXARCH OF THE USA: The head of the Order in the United States of America is an individual elected by the Council of the Exarchate (the Bailies) to fill the senior position as the Exarch of the USA. The Exarch is then approved by the Master of the International Order. He is then required to commit to the Master of the Order that he will adhere to the rules of the Constitution and values of the Order. The current Exarch of the USA is Dr. Orfeo (Chuck) Trombetta, Jr.
BAILIWICKS: The Order is organized into a number of individual regional units or Bailiwicks. These are normally aligned to a geographical area of the United States.
BAILIES: Each Bailiwick is lead by a Bailie who is elected by the members of the Bailiwick. The selectee’s name is then recommended by the Exarch to the International Order which confirms the election and issues a Certificate validating the individual’s selection in this leadership position.
COUNCIL OF THE EXARCHATE: Collectively the Bailies comprise the Council of the Exarchate which is responsible for assisting the Exarch in managing the Exarchate in the USA.
EXECUTIVE STAFF: The Order also has an Executive staff that is comprised of the following important administrative positions:
Director of Administration & Treasurer: Chevalier Nicholas Caramanica
Director of Admissions & Honours: Chevalier Kent Clark
Director of Special Projects & Protocol: Dame Elizabeth Trombetta
Director of Information Technology: Chevalier Nicholas Caramanica
Director of Fundraising & Outreach: Vacant
SPECIAL STAFF: The Order also has a Special Staff that provides guidance and council directly to the Exarch and the other members of the combined leadership team. These important positions are as follows:
Consul and Vice-Consul to the Exarch: Chevalier Ambassador (Ret.) Michael Gfoeller, KCCM and Dame Ambassador (Ret.) Tatiana Gfoeller, DCM
Chaplain & Spiritual Advisor to the Exarch: Chevalier Archbishop Andrew McMenamin, KCCM
Legal Consul: Chevalier Max Lederer, KCCM
The Exarchate is currently incorporated under the laws of the State of Minnesota. The Exarchate conducts an annual national meeting of the Corporation each Fall. Corporation meetings are normally held in conjunction with the Annual Divine Services and Investiture and the Exarchate’s Annual Leadership Meeting.
The formal Induction of new Knights and Dames normally takes place annually in Washington, DC., under the auspices of the Exarchate of the USA. This is traditionally a very formal and exquisite event to honor and welcome the new Knights and Dames into the Order and to renew friendships with our current members. Existing Knights and Dames, together with those who are about to be Knighted, typically invite members of their families and friends to these events.
Traditionally, investitures in the Exarchate of the United States are conducted at a prestigious venue, accompanied by a Formal Dinner to celebrate and welcome our newly inducted Knights and Dames.
In the past few years, efforts have included the introduction of more religious and chivalric elements associated with the original ceremonies recognized during the Crusades that were involved in bestowing such knighthoods on deserving men and women.
These newly added enhancements includes the addition of a formal Holy Altar with Budded Cross and Candelabra, and an OCM Altar Cloth. The Sword used for the formal ceremonies is actually encrusted with the Double-Headed Gold Eagle which serves as the Seal of the Order. During the Investiture, the Insignia of the Order (Cross of Constantine), and the various awards, decorations, and Diplomas of recognition are prearranged on the Holy Altar in order for all of these items to be included in the Blessing of Regalia conducted by the Archbishop at the beginning of these ceremonies.
Recently added are the budded Cross and Candelabra together
with the OCM Altar Cloth and The Sword of Constantine
The Exarchate of the USA is honored to be currently sponsored by a member of the Exarchate who is also a member of the very prestigious Cosmos Club in Washington, DC. Accordingly, the past two annual events have been held at the Cosmos Club.
The International Order meets as an international whole every two or three years at a suitable European location. In 2005, the Order gathered in Constance, Germany; in 2008, in Kungsalv, Sweden; in 2010, Porvoo, Finland; in 2013 the international convention was conducted in Salzburg, Austria, and in 2017, the International Convention was held in Lund, Sweden.
The next International Investiture was previously scheduled to be held in Washington, DC in 2020 and hosted by the Exarchate of the USA; however, due to the world-wide Corona Virus Pandemic, this most important international event has been rescheduled to be held in August 2021 in Washington, DC. This will be the first time in the history of the modern Order that an International Convention will be held in the U.S.A.
Each convocation provides an excellent opportunity for inductions into the Order, for promotions to be made, and for the award of Medals, Crosses of Merit, and other decorations presented to well-deserved and dedicated members of the Order.