Unseasonably cool, but sunny skies welcomed the participants arriving to the magnificent castle, Chateau Bela in Slovakia, where the Hungarian Grand Priory of the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, Federation of the Autonomous Priories (KMFAP) holds its ceremonies recently, for the 4th time in cooperation with the Slovak Grand Priory, so our knights feel almost at home. Each condition can be found in this wonderful place: gorgeous circumstances, intimate atmosphere, competent staff, great cuisine and courteous service; all contribute to the high standard of the investiture.

The series of events – during the Knight Ceremony of the Knights of Malta (KMFAP) and the Sovereign Order of Cyprus (Knights of Sword and Silence) – began on the 16th May 2014, on Friday afternoon.

H.E. Hon. Ltg. Chev. Tadeusz Kaczor – Grand Master of The Order of Saint George, the Martyr meets with the Hungarian members

H.E. Tadeusz Kaczor – using his participation in the KMFAP Ceremony of Investiture – invited the leaders of the Hungarian Grand Priory of the Saint George Order to a small-scale discussion in order to become familiar with the regional leaders. Furthermore he reported briefly about the extremely dynamic development, the international presence, and the most important recent events of the Saint George Order. H.E. Tadeusz Kaczor spoke with recognition and appreciation about the traditionally good, ancient past dating relationship and cooperation between the Knights of Malta (KMFAP) and the Saint George Order.

Meeting with the UN delegation

It was a great pleasure and honour to welcome the Albanian-Indian UN delegation, who visited us in Chateau Béla for a friendly meeting, organised by Sir Alexander Milesz and Sir Attila Borbáth, knights of Malta. The delegation included two large-format, in international politics esteemed personalities: Dr. Madhu Krishan from India – spiritual heir of Mahatma Gandhi, founder and chairman of the Academy of Universal Global Peace; Ambassador Dr. Shefki Hysa from Albania – governor of Diplomatic Mission Peace and Prosperity (DMPP) and their accompaniment.

They were welcomed by the highest ranking leaders of Knights of Malta (KMFAP): HMEH Prince José Cosmelli – Grand Master and Head of the State; H.G. Prof. George Popper – lieutenant general, Executive Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Cyprus, Prime Minister. At the high-spirited meeting – after the detailed introduction of both parties – opportunities for further cooperation were also discussed. Then the UN delegation was invited to attend the next program, the

“General Chapter of Knights and Postulants”

During this event the candidates of Knights of Malta (KMFAP) and of the Sovereign Order of Cyprus were introduced to the present guests and to the Grand Master, from whom they received the official Postulant diplomas, the Ten Commandments of Chivalry, and also learned about the activities and achievements of KMFAP in the year 2013 through a mediated presentation by Sir András Czapáry-Martincsevics. The presentation reported about the various events (happened in the different priories and grand priories of Knights of Malta), the important humanitarian activities of our knights, and the work and organisational development of FEMERAID.

„Watch of the Arms” - meditation

In the unique atmosphere of the Hunting Hall – following the hundreds years of tradition of the Saint John knights – under the direction of HMEH Prince José Cosmelli, Grand Master all the postulants got to know the history and significance of the symbols of the Knight Order. The candidates could think over their life, and ponder what an important event is approaching for them the next day, which is worthy of their former life as a deserved recognition. The Knighthood Ceremony is such an honour, which must be understood as an award received for a lifetime work and activity. On the other hand the highest leaders of KMFAP repeatedly stressed this time as well, what is the duty of the knights and what is expected from them.

After the knightly general assembly and the meditation of the postulants the Official Gala Banquet was organised in the beautiful hall of the castle, which was richly decorated with flowers, as well as with flags and symbols of the Knights of Malta. The delicious knight-cake, the pleasant background music, the dance and friendly conversations created a good atmosphere during the whole evening, so anticipating the experience of the next day's ceremony of investiture, which undoubtedly a unique event in one's life with its solemnity and speciality.

On the 17th May 2014, Saturday morning the knights and postulants had the opportunity to participate in a Roman Catholic Mass, celebrated by Monsignor Sir Ladislaus papal chaplain, Magisterial chaplain of KMFAP, in the Chapel of the Castle.

At 11.00 am the Ceremony of Investiture started in the richly decorated Orangerie hall, which was crowded with family members, guests, diplomats, knights and dames of KMFAP and the Sovereign Order of Cyprus, as well as leaders and members of our Associated Orders – Ordo Hungariae, the Order of Saint George the Martyr, the International Saint Lazarus Hospitaller Order, the International Pro Concordatia Populorum Order, the Order of the Roman Eagle, and the Saint Gerard Transylvanian Order. 20 countries were represented at this solemn event.

The Order of Knights of Malta and the Sovereign Order of Cyprus knighted new candidates from ten countries. The Knights of Malta (KMFAP) invested 17 new knights and dames, while the Sovereign Order of Cyprus, the military wing of KMFAP – knighted 3 gentlemen, who became members of the privileged group of the Knights of Sword and Silence.

Of course our active knights and dames were also rewarded for their outstanding, remarkable humanitarian work and significant activities – done for the benefit of the Order and for those in need – so contributing much to the development of the Knights of Malta: awards, new appointments, and advancements of grade were presented during the ceremony.

The Knighthood Ceremony ended with the congratulations, but for the newly invested knights and dames the real work has just begun with their active participation in our humanitarian work, which is the main activity of the Knights of Malta.

The closing event of the Ceremony of Investiture was the XVIII. International Ball of Knights and Bodyguards in Budapest, Hungary at the Hotel Marriott Ballroom. The newly knighted members of KMFAP and of the Sovereign Order of Cyprus received their official diploma during the significant ball.

The great atmosphere, the delicious dinner and the high-quality performances, the entertaining shows of our Knights and Dames (Lady Anna Hevesi and Sir Lui), who are famous artists, as well as the excellent music of the Smile Orchestra, leaded by Mr. Gábor Gönczi, with their Green Box project (memorial photography with Budapest background pictures), the dancing, the smoking patio, the Old-fashioned photography and the unparalleled beauty of the view from the ballroom to the Castle Hill and the Danube contributed much to the remarkable conclusion, and a memorable day of the Ceremony event.

10th June 2014