Distinctive Insignia

INTRODUCTION:

The information contained herein is provided to give potential applicants a brief overview of the various insignia and decorations of the Order. The heraldry of such orders is of considerable interest to many. Chivalric Order such as ours have always provided significant recognition to their members through the award of various decorations to signify rank and outstanding performance of the Knights and Dames assigned.

The Insignia of Membership*

The Insignia of Membership and honor is worn at the formal ceremonies of the Order/Exarchate when announced and on public occasions when decorations are worn.

* A Knight of the Order’s Insignia is worn around the neck (as shown above) and a Dame of the Order’s Insignia, is traditionally worn on a similar red ribbon bow which is worn over the Lady’s heart. Each Knight and Dame of the Order is also provided with a miniature medal of the Cross of Constantine to be worn with their individual medal arrays.

THE AMI DU PATRIARCAT AWARD

Within the Order, there is a status known as the Ami du Patriarcat, which may be obtained for a specially designated charitable donation to the Patriarch. Participating members receives a unique diploma and both full-sized and miniature medals when one becomes an Ami du Patriarcat.

Knights, Dames, and other friends of the Order are encouraged to join the Ami Du Patriarcat (the Friends of the Patriarchate). The purpose of this donation is to build bridges between our Order and the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

By making a one-time donation, one becomes a permanent member of this body. Each Member is recognized with a membership diploma and the above-pictured full-size and miniature silver medals featuring a double eagle on a blue ribbon. 

The amount of charitable donation is determined by the International Order and is a reasonable amount of money and is a one-time donation.

MEDALS AND CROSSES OF MERIT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ORDER

These Medals and Crosses of Merit are awarded by the Master of the Order for meritorious action on behalf of the goals and activities of the Order. The requirements for these medals and crosses are specifically explained in a document issued by the Government of the Order.

These are always presented at formal functions of the Order and are announced upon approval by a publication issued by the International Order.

A SERVICE MEDAL FOR AWARD AND PRESENTATION BY THE EXARCH OF THE UNITED STATES

The Service Medal of the Exarchate of the United States (below) is awarded in three (3) levels to recognize different degrees of honorable service/achievement to the Exarchate/Order:

(1) The Distinguished Service Medal (with Gold Palm-shown below);

(2) The Exceptional Service Medal (with Bronze Palm-shown below); and

(3) the Commendable Service Medal (with no appurtenance)*.

*The Commendable Service Medal is also authorized for award to non-members of the Exarchate for their continuous or special support of the Exarchate.

A SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL CELEBRATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORDER

This Commemorative Medal (below) was presented to all who attended the 2013 Convention in Europe & Presented by the Exarch of the United States to all who were members of the Exarchate in 2013. There is no miniature medal of this decoration.

The presentation of Commemorative Medals is not a requirement, but rather an additional honor bestowed upon participating members of the Order by the host of the special event.

SENIOR RANK INSIGNIA OF THE ORDER

The Insignia represented above are Grand Cross Constantini Magni (GCCM-upper insignia), Knight Commander Constantini Magni (KCCM-lower left insignia), and Grand Officer Constantini Magni (GOCM-lower right insignia). These senior ranks are approved by the Master of the Order.

THE INSIGNIA OF HONOR

The following Rank Insignia outlined above are listed in order of rank (the first being the most senior)

Grand Cross Constantine Magni (GCCM)– A Shoulder Sash with a golden chain for the Patron and Master of the Order  

Grand Officer Constantine Magni (GOCM)-A Golden Breast Star

Knight/Dame Commander Constantine Magni (KCCM or DCCM)-A Silver Breast Star

Knight/Dame Insignia of Membership in the Order (KCM or DCM)-A Red enameled Clover Cross with Red Ribbon (neck or broche) of the Cross of Constantine

THE BANNER and PENNANTS OF THE ORDER

The Banner of the Order is a red clover-cross on a golden field. The Pennants of the Order represent the various Bailiwicks and are Red on a golden field.

The Banner (centered above and behind the Altar) displayed by the Exarchate of the USA was designed and constructed to the exact size and standards historically used during the Crusades.

Similarly, the pennants for each of the Bailiwicks (to the left and right of the Banner) were also designed using the same historical standards.