History of the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem

Originating from a community of Armenian monks active since the ninth century, the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem devoted itself from its inception to welcoming and caring for lepers. Religious and hospitable, the Order became military in order to participate in the defence of the Holy Land. After the fall of Saint-Jean d’Acre in 1291, the Knights of Saint Lazarus developed leprosariums throughout Europe and established their headquarters in Boigny, near Orléans, France. Inspired by Basilian and Augustinian spirituality, the Order has endured over the centuries and, since the 19th century, has welcomed Orthodox and Protestant members, promoting Christian unity. Now present on every continent, the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem continues its mission to help the most disadvantaged from commanderies adapted to our times, in the form of small fraternal communities of faith. Its members are lay men and women, guided in their spiritual commitment by chaplains. Preface by His Eminence Cardinal Antoine Kambanda