Founded in 1755 to promote tolerance
and to care for the less fortunate.
The Equestrian, Secular and Chapterial Order of Saint Joachim was established on the 20th of June, 1755 in Leitmeritz, Bohemia by fourteen nobles and distinguished military leaders of the Holy Roman Empire. Having seen the terrible consequences of ongoing religious wars in Europe, our founders dedicated themselves to “worship the Supreme Being, show tolerance towards all religions, loyalty towards their princes, support the needs of their military, the poor, widows and orphans.” The Order was uniquely composed of both Protestant and Catholic nobles and leaders at a time when religion violently divided Europe and the German states within the Holy Roman Empire, and other knightly orders allied themselves exclusively as defenders of one faith or the other.
Today the Order supports its original mission of tolerance by being one of the most inclusive Orders in the world. In addition to religious tolerance, whereby persons of any faith can be admitted as a member of the Order, it has extended that mission of tolerance to a broader socially progressive mandate and welcomes individuals regardless of faith, gender, race, nationality, class or sexual orientation. It stands resolutely opposed to sectarian violence and religious extremism in any form. With Commanderies in four countries and members all over the world, The Order of Saint Joachim continues its charitable mission through men and women who embrace its original chivalric virtues.