International Academy of Order of Saint Lazarus publishes new research
International conference to be held at Valletta university campus in October
The International Academy of the Order of Saint Lazarus (Sancti Lazari Ordinis Academia Internationalis) has published the eighth volume of its academic journal called Acta Historiae Sancti Lazari Ordinis. Edited by Charles Savona-Ventura, Horatio C.R. Vella and Michael Ross, and published in English, the volume contains a varied collection of interesting papers.
These include ‘The death knell of an Order in 16th century England’ by C. Savona-Ventura; ‘An old map of Akko and the Knights of the Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem’ by H.C.R. Vella; ‘A brief history of the Grand Priory of Sweden of the Paris Obedience: A personal view’ by K.H. Harrskog and J. Westdahl; and ‘A financial transaction of the Order of St Lazarus in the 18th century’ by C. Savona-Ventura.
Five further papers in this volume deal with ‘An early 20th century breast insignia of the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel’ by E. Cassar; ‘Lazarite officers in the American Revolution’ by D.S. Raese; ‘The Jus Patronatus commanderies of the Italian Knights Hospitallers in the 17th and 18th centuries’ by R. Gatt; ‘Admission of minors to the Order of St Lazarus’ by C. Savona-Ventura; and ‘Addendum to past articles’ by E. Cassar.
The eighth volume, and the seven previous ones, can be purchased separately or together here.
Based in Malta, the academy is a registered non-profit, voluntary and public benefit association, governed by Maltese legislation. The association is enrolled with the Malta Business Registry.
Its objectives include the promotion of historical knowledge relating to the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem established in the 11th century, and other related Crusader and orders of chivalry. Historical research may relate to the hierarchy, traditions, their laws and ancient history, as well as their relations with Christian Churches.
Since its setting up, the academy has organised several international conferences, including in Malta in 2015, 2019 and 2024, Palermo in 2017, and in Gotha, Germany in 2023.
The next international conference is being held at the Valletta Campus of the University of Malta from October 22 to 24, 2026.
Interested persons may register via this link.
In collaboration with the University of Malta, the academy organises an online biennial course run by Savona-Ventura on the history of the Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus. It is hoped that the University of Malta will repeat the course in February 2027.
Those interested in history are invited to join the International Academy of the Order in the correspondents category, which is open specifically for non-members of the Order. One can register here.
For more information, e-mail s.lazari.ordinis.academia@gmail.com, or visit the academy’s website.