IDTG

I just received a book from a friend in Greece titled “Heraldry of Zakynthos from the Codex 17 of the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece” or “Οικόσημα της Ζακύνθου από τον Κώδικα 17 της Ιστορικής και Εθνολογικής Εταιρείας Ελλάδος” by John Laskaratos-Typaldos (Ιωάννης Λασκαράτος-Τυπάλδος).

This book is a reprint from issue 31 of 1988 of the periodical of the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece.

This Codex was donated to the Society in 1882 by a noted personality of Zakynthos named Sergio Christodoulou Raftanis.

The late Dr. Typaldos painstakingly went through the poor quality images of the Codex 17, indexed them, researched them and tried to match them to the appropriate names. The book has images of the original pages and it is easy to see the poor quality images as well as the  round shields that distorts the charges a bit.

What makes this research work special is 1) the length the author went to tie the heraldry together and 2) that it lists burgher and corporate arms in addition to those of the nobility.

The original text had names written incorrectly or in a way that couldn’t be read clearly. Typaldos managed to make the links and used as a source the unpublished archives of count Alexander Merkatis. These archives contain a treasure trove of genealogical and heraldic information for the families of the island.

The book contains 296 shields with their blazons and names they are associated with. Not only are those of the local Greek populace listed but also that of Venetian nobles that were temporarily stationed on the island as governors, military chiefs, etc. Also, a unique occurrence in Greece, we find corporate arms such as those for the customs & duties office of the island. Moreover, the codex is the largest armorial ever discovered in the Greek language.

In reading the entries for each shield and name, one learns of the title of the person (if titled) or if the family is non-noble. We also learn what are the roots of the family (e.g. Crete, Constantinople, Morea, Athens, Chios, etc.), what is the first recording of the family on the island and in general. We also learn of when was the family first inscribed in the Libro d’Oro of Zakynthos, if applicable.

It should be noted that Zakynthos, along with the other Ionian islands, was under Venetian rule until 1797 when Napoleonic France took over. Thus, the customs, mannerisms and traditions very much mimicked Italy. To this day, the accent of those from Zakynthos has a distinct Italian “feel” to it.

The names covered are the following (in parentheses is the name in Italian):

In future posts, I’ll be presenting some of the more interesting arms in the armorial.

The Order of the Redeemer or, in Greek, “Το Τάγμα του Σωτήρος” is the foremost order of merit in Greece. Interestingly, it not only is the first in order of precedence, it is also the first to be established after the revolution from Ottoman rule. Specifically, the Order was established in 1829 (the final year of the revolution) by Fourth National Assembly (Δ’ Εθνική Συνέλευση) in Argos. However, it was not awarded until 1833 when given to King Ludwig I of Bavaria, father of the new King of Greece, King Otto I.

Though decided upon in 1829 by a revolutionary assembly, it officially became an order of the country on May 20, 1833 by royal decree (ΦΕΚ 19, τ.Α΄από 20.1.1833).

It was so named as a constant reminder of the divine assistance to the liberation of the Greek people.

The Order of the Redeemer, even while Greece was a kingdom, never conferred nobility and always was an order of merit.

As with the rest of the Orders of the country, it is awarded in five classes: Grand Cross, Grand Commander, Commander, Gold Cross and Silver Cross.

The insignia of the Order has at its center an image of Jesus Christ the Redeemer encircled with the text “Η ΔΕΞΙΑ ΣΟΥ ΧΕΙΡ ΚΥΡΙΕ, ΔΕΔΟΞΑΣΤΑΙ ΕΝ ΙΣΧΥΙ” (“Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power”). On the reverse, the text reads “Η ΕΝ ΑΡΓΕΙ Δ΄ ΕΘΝΙΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΩΝ ΣΥΝΕΛΕΥΣΙΣ αωκθ΄” (“In Argos IV National Assembly of Greeks 1829″). The enameled center rests upon a white enameled cross over a wreath whose dexter half is of oak and the sinister of laurel. The stars of the Grand Cross and the Grand Commander have eight radiated points instead of the enameled cross.

Initially, the Order was awarded to those, Greeks and foreigners, who gave great service to the cause of Hellenic liberation. Today, it is awarded to Greek citizens who have provided an exemplary service to Greece or have distinguished themselves in some way. The Grand Cross of the Order is typically awarded to foreign heads of state.

The Presidency of the Hellenic Republic has a comprehensive website covering the history of this and the other orders of the country at http://www.presidency.gr/en/tagmaSwthr.htm

Note: images from the website of the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic

There are many quasi-orders and other self-styled Orders who use “Orthodox” in their name and claim to be under the protection of some Orthodox bishop or archbishop. Some claim to continue the Orthodox branch of some ancient Order. While others even go so far as to claim recognition by the Holy See in Rome! Perhaps the most notorious of all these Orders are those that claim some kind of descent from the famous Orders of the Crusades and in their names use such terms as “Templar” or “Hospitaller” or both.

The Order being presented today is none of the above. It is a very much bonafide Order but, its current status is questionable.

Before continuing, I would like to clarify that I tried contacting the government of the Republic of Cyprus through the country’s embassy in the United States, the Press Office of the government and the Office of the President of the Republic. Unfortunately, I never even received a form email saying that my message was received.

What is especially interesting about the Order of the Orthodox Hospitallers is that it has a purely Orthodox Order with an unquestionable fons honorum, something that has not always been the case with Orthodox Orders.

The Order was established in December of 1972 by His Beatitude Archbishop Makarios III of Cyprus. The Archbishop was the head of the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Cyprus which is in full communion with the other Orthodox Churches of the world. However, Archbishop Makarios was also the President of the Republic of Cyprus and as such, combined in his person both the highest spiritual and temporal power of the sovereign nation. This combination is not found anywhere else, with the best comparison being His Holiness the Pope.

It must be noted that the Order was not created as an Order of Chivalry and it does not confer nobility, in any way, to any of its members. Simply put, the Orthodox Church does not have a tradition of nobiliary corporation and the granting nation is a presidential republic.

The governance of the Order was established with the Grand Master being the Archbishop of Cyprus and the Temporal Protector the President of the Republic. The headquarters were set to be in the monastery of St. Barnabas, Famagusta (Αμμόχωστος). It should be noted that after the 1974 invasion of Cyprus by Turkey, Famagusta (and thus the monastery) ended up on the Turkish occupied side of the now divided island. It is not clear what the status of the monastery and the headquarters of the Order is today. However, in Peter Bander van Duren’s “The Cross and the Sword” it is mentioned that the Turkish authorities have allowed the Order to retain the seat there. Personally, I find that to be highly implausible; especially knowing how the Turkish authorities have treated anything Greek or Orthodox in the north of the island.

The Order is a purely Orthodox one and has obtained the recognition of all the other heads of Orthodox Churches in communion with the Church of Cyprus. Furthermore, these Archbishops and Patriarchs are considered as the Spiritual Protectors of the Order within their territories. Membership in the Order is restricted strictly to those members of the Orthodox Church however, non-Orthodox may be recognized as Companions of the Order. Members and Companions have the Badge of Honor conferred upon them. The symbol of the Badge is simply a gold trimmed white enameld cross botonny. The higher levels have the text “FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE GOOD OF MANKIND” encircling the cross.

Companionships exist in three classes: Companion, Companion First Class and Companion with Star. It should be made clear that a companionship does not equate membership in the Order.

When Archbishop and President Makarios instituted the Order, he decreed that certain non-Orthodox personages receive the Companionship with Star automatically, these are: the Apostolic Pro-Nuncios to Cyprus and the UK, the Aglican Bishop of Cyprus and the Vicar General of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem in Cyprus. He also believed strongly that the Order can be used to strengthen inter-faith and interdenominational relationships and suggested that perhaps the religious leaders of territories hosting large Orthodox communities should be honored.

Unfortunately, it is unclear what has happened to the Order since His Beatitude died in 1977 and a number of organizations have popped up claiming to be the continuation of it. However, none of them are headed by the Archbishop of Cyprus nor by the President of Cyprus and don’t include an explanation as to how this radical change occured. Peter Bander van Duren includes a picture of President Spyros Kyprianou, who succeeded His Beatitude, wearing the insignia of the Order and thus, one can infer that it was still in existence for at least a few years after Archbishop and President Makarios’ death.

As mentioned earlier, none of my attempts to get official information about the current status of the Order met with success. Hopefully, I will uncover some information in the near future.

The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle is one of the premier Orthodox Orders in the world and it is under the protection of His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. Members of this Order are not called Knights or Chevaliers (which is French for knight). Each member is called Archon (Άρχων; pl. Άρχοντες) which is Greek for “Ruler”. However, it must be noted that this Order is one of merit and not of chivalry.

The Order was created on March 10, 1966 when His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos, as a representative of the then Patriarch Athenagoras I of Constantinople. On this day, the first 30 members of the Order were honored with the title of Archon with the full support of Patriarch Athenagoras I of Constantinople.

The Archons are not mere members of an organization whose only commitment is to pay an annual oblation and attend an event. Each Archon holds an Offikion (Οφφίκιον) or Office of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and acts in that capacity.

Though the 1966 act was not unique in the investiture of official Patriarchal offices upon laymen, it was unique in that it was done in such an organized matter. Historically, the Patriarch has bestowed an Offikion upon members of the Church as far back as the Byzantine era and continued until present. However, before the Order came into being, it was extremely limited to those very extraordinary laymen who also were able to visit the Patriarchate and were personally honored by the Patriarch.

Each of the Archons take an oath to defend and promote the Greek Orthodox faith and tradition with their work and treasure.

Below is a list of Offikions:

• Grand Deputy (Μέγας Λογοθέτης)
• Grand Orator (Μέγας Ρήτωρ)
• Grand Archivist (Μέγας Χαρτοφύλαξ)
• Grand Counselor (Μέγας Πρωτέκδικος)
• Grand Liaison Officer (Μέγας Ρεφενδάριος)
• Grand Notary (Μέγας Πρωτονοτάριος)
• Grand Recorder (Μέγας Υπμνηματογράφος)
• Grand Jurist (Μέγας Δικαιοφύλαξ)
• Grand Lawkeeper (Μέγας Νομοπύλαξ)
• Grand Overseer (Μέγας Ιερόμνημων)
• Grand Sacristan (Μέγας Σκευοφύλαξ)
• Recorder of the Court (Ακτουάριος)
• Summoner (Δεπουτάτος)
• Teacher of the Gospel (Διδάσκαλος του Ευαγγελίου)
• Teacher of the Apostle (Διδάσκαλος του Αποστόλου)
• Teacher of the People (Διδάσκαλος του Γένους)
• Interpreter (Διερμηνεύς)
• Counselor (Έκδικος)
• Exarch (Έξαρχος)
• Secretary (Χαρτοφύλαξ)
• Archivist (Χαρτουλάριος)
• Chaplain (Καστρίνσιος)
• Overseer of the Holy Chrism (Μύρεψος)
• Lawkeeper (Νομοφύλαξ)
• Notary (Νοτάριος)
• Commissioner for the Orphans (Ορφανοτρόφος)
• Ostiary (Οστιάριος)
• Lay Ecclesiarch (Πρίμικρος)

Important positions all of them that have maintained their significance for over a millennium. I am not going into details on each Offikion above as the Order’s official website is very comprehensive.

Along with their duties, the Archons are also very active in their pursuit to protect the Patriarchate of Constantinople and its rights in Turkey from an ever increasing zeal to take away more from it. Their attempts in promoting religious freedom, relaxing the overbearing controls on the Church and the return of the stolen properties have met mixed success.

It should be noted that a similar organization covering the members outside of the United States was created in 1991 called the Brotherhood of the Most Holy Lady Pammakaristos”.

The Order of Saint Andrew maintains a very informative and comprehensive website at http://www.archons.org

Much in the same vein as the last post on helms in heraldry, we’ll be examining the details of coronets (or crowns) in heraldry. Specifically, the use of a coronet in the crest of a heraldic achievement. Though the proper term, as used in the title of this post, is “crest-coronet”, I’ll be using the shorter “coronet” or “crown” throughout. Also, if the crest-coronet does not have the cloth padding it is called a “circlet”.

Coronets as well have special meanings and the details are just as important as the helms. In many grants of arms we see the phrase “a coronet of rank” in the blazon of the armiger’s crest. Just like with helms, coronets differ according to the various ranks of the armiger. Also, there are some minor differences between the heraldic traditions of various countries and they will be pointed out as we go along. Naturally, the display below is not an exhaustive list of all the various forms of crest coronets or circlets used throughout history and the world.

Crowns of Sovereigns

The crowns above are those used in the heraldic achievements of sovereigns, such as kings and queens. I would especially like to point out the top left one as it is considered an imperial crown. This one is typically seen in the achievement of the various Holy Roman Emperors and of the Russian Czar. When using this form of crown, the blazon is “imperially crowned”. The other crowns displayed above are versions found throughout Europe:  the UK (top right), Italy (bottom left) and France (bottom right).

Crowns of Princes

Those above are those of princes and correspondingly displayed in those heraldic achievements. This is the list of the ones displayed (from top to bottom and left to right):  Hereditary Prince of the Holly Roman Empire; Prince of Wales (or heir to the UK throne); Hereditary Prince (Italy); Generic prince; Prince – offspring of heir apparent (UK); Prince – offspring of sovereign (UK); Infant of France; Prince of the Blood Royal.

Crowns of dukes

When it comes to dukes, we have less variety than with the previous ranks of nobility. Not all traditions make distinctions amongst the kinds of dukes (e.g. Royal vs. “normal” or Peer vs. non-peer). The crowns above are: Generic Duke; Royal Duke (UK); Duke of Sweden; non-peer Duke (France). For French dukes who are also Peers of France, the crown is displayed with the cloth top, typically in blue.

Crowns of a Marquis/Marquess

In the rank of Marquess or Marquis, the coronets used are those displayed above. As you can see, the more one moves down the table of precedence, the less ornate the crowns become.

Crowns of Counts & Earls

When it comes to the rank of count or, the English equivalent, Earl, the crowns are even simpler. Of the crowns displayed above, the one on the right is the one typically used for Earls of the United Kingdom.

Crowns of Viscounts

Moving on to the next level, Viscounts use the crowns above. A little simpler but, still with their own beauty.

Crowns of Barons

If you were a Baron, you would probably use those above. In the case of a Scottish feudal baron, a chapeau would be used instead of a crown. As such, I have not included it in this list. Perhaps when I write a post on Scottish feudal baronies, that appear to have a lot of controversy surrounding them, I will cover all the heraldic entitlements the title has.

Crowns of Lords, Knights and untitled nobility

At the end of the table of precedence, we have those titled as Lords or Señores, as well as Knights or Chevalier, in addition to the untitled nobility (most famously the Hidalgo of Spain). These armigers would use the crowns displayed above.

Burgher/Esquire crown

Finally, we have the rest of us Those who are not of the nobiliary ranks, but are nonetheless armigers, also have the right to use a coronet. It would be, as expected, the least decorated of them all and it is the one seen above.

Of course, the use of the coronet is not required and especially in the case of burgher arms it is not very common to see the corresponding coronet. On the other hand, in the cases of the arms of the nobility it is very uncommon to *not* see the armiger’s coronet of rank.

However, the crest coronets and circlets displayed above are not the only ones one finds in heraldry. Beyond the variations of those for the titles previously mentioned, there are “special” crowns as well. These special crowns either apply to individuals or ships or even towns and cities!

Loyalist crowns

When in 1776, the British colonies that became the United States declared their independence and chose to rise up against the Crown, not all the residents of those territories agreed. A large number of Colonials preferred to remain loyal to Crown and chose to stand against the American Revolution. As we all know, the Loyalists lost. What many don’t know is that these Loyalists and their descendants (if they choose to honor this part of their heritage) have the special heraldic entitlement to use one of the crowns displayed above. The one on the left is the civilian version while the one of the right is the military version. A good summary of the history of the Loyalists during the American Revolution can be found in the corresponding Wikipedia article.

Naval crowns

As we all know, heraldry is not restricted to individuals. All entities are eligible to have a coat of arms to identify them and, in many cases, have special heraldic considerations. In the case of the heraldry of naval vessels or even naval units, the use of a naval crown is common. There are, as always, many variations but, the general pattern is the same: they all display ship’s sails and helms. Above we can see two variations of naval crowns that are used.

Mural crowns

When it comes to communities of residents (i.e. towns, cities, etc.) another special crown type is used, the mural crown. The crowns resemble castle walls and the number of towers increases as the type of community rises in rank. Though there are many variations encountered in different traditions (e.g. in Italy, many of these mural crowns are silver), a sampling is displayed above.

Note: All images are courtesy of Wikipedia