The Great Priory of Malta is contained within The Great Priory of the United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St. John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta of England and Wales and its Provinces Overseas. Prospective Candidates must be a Knight Templar and possession of the Malta degree is a requirement to become Eminent Preceptor of a Knights Templar Preceptory. The Order of Knights of the Hospital of St. John at Jerusalem was founded in the early twelfth century, originally to care to poor or distressed pilgrims to the Holy Land. Following the reconquest of the Holy Land by Islamic forces, the Order was subsequently based in Rhodes and Malta. The Masonic Malta degree appeared as an Appendant Order to the Masonic Knights Templar at an early stage. The main ceremony, which is preceded by the short ‘passing degree’ of Knight of St. Paul, or Mediterranean Pass, recounts the long history of the Order during its journey from Palestine to Malta.

M.E. & S.Kt. Paul R. Clement, OStJ, G.C.M.

V.E.Kt. Dr Nigel Francis John Scott-Moncrieff

One must be a Royal Arch Companion and profess a belief in the Trinitarian Christian Faith. The Marks to be prefixed to the signature of each Member of the Order according to his Rank

Since its move to East Jerusalem 50 years ago, The St John Ophthalmic Hospital has evolved into a series of centres of ophthalmic excellence right across the occupied Palestinian territory. Though a mere fifty years is nothing when compared to the 128 years that the Hospital has been in the Holy Land – and pales into insignificance alongside the original Order of St John Hospital, established in Jerusalem in 1099 – the last half a century has seen some momentous changes in the nature of what has become the modern Hospital Group. Here we take a look back at some of the greatest achievements accomplished during these 50 years, which serve to highlight just how much of an impact our charity continues to make in a very troubled region of the world.

Experience the last Great Priory of Malta Meeting

Great Priory of Malta 2025

On Monday, 10 November 2025, Brother Knights gathered at Freemasons’ Hall, London, for the Annual Chapter of the Great Priory of Malta, presided over by the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master, Paul Raymond Clement. The meeting saw the appointment of R.E.Kt. Jonathan Charles Whitaker as Knight Grand Cross of the United Orders, the announcement of V.E.Kt. Dr Nigel Francis John Scott-Moncreiff as Great Prior of Malta, and the re-appointment of V.E.Kt. Alan Thomas Howls as Great Sub-Prior. The Great Prior of Malta then led the Installation of three Knights of Malta, including a full Masonic Degree Ceremony for true Candidates, while 143 Brother Knights received appointments, promotions, or investitures. The event concluded successfully, with thanks to all attendees, and remains a highly anticipated annual gathering for the Order.