Dear Members of the International Knightly Order Valiant of St George,
I wish you all a very peaceful Christmastide along with your families and friends.
It is a time when our families and friends come together – a very important moment in our lives.
Our various charities will have received extra support and we can look forward to 2026 with hope in our hearts.
2026 sees the 700th anniversary of our Order and we can remember that St George is the Patron Saint of many countries besides England which include Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Greece, Georgia, Lithuania as well as the mega city of Rio de Janeiro and the Spanish department of Aragon.
The birth of Jesus reminds us of the universal and eternal love of God. He came into the world to guide us in the paths of peace, as is summarised in a line within the carol ‘Oh Little Town of Bethlehem’:
“In your dark streets shineth, the everlasting Light”
He was a vulnerable Child in a hostile world. His first two years were spent as a refugee in Egypt. Joseph and Mary then returned to Nazareth where he grew up.
In the Name of Our Lord and Under the Banner of St George, let us all redirect our lives as we continue our charitable ministrations.
I wish you a very happy Christmas and New Year
The Revd HE the Chevalier Martin Charles GCStG
Chaplain General of the Order
