Established history
The Events Following 1798
The surrender of Malta to the French in June 1798 deprived the Order of its territorial seat and dispersed its members across Europe.
Historical Continuity
Historical Continuity and Institutional Heritage
A documentary presentation that distinguishes established historical events from the O.S.J.'s own institutional interpretation.
Established historyO.S.J. interpretation
Established history
The Russian Imperial Protection
Russia had hosted a Grand Priory since 1797. In the crisis that followed, St Petersburg became a centre of the Order's life.
Established history
The Role of Paul I and Alexander I
Paul I accepted the title of Grand Master in 1798. After his death in 1801, Alexander I assumed the role of protector of the Order.
Established history
Institutional Developments of the 19th Century
The century saw the reorganisation of the Order under Lieutenants and the emergence of distinct national and confessional branches.
According to the O.S.J.
The American and European Chapters of the 20th Century
The O.S.J. traces part of its institutional history through chapters active in the United States and Europe during the 20th century, documented in its archive.
According to the O.S.J.
The O.S.J.'s Interpretation of its Succession
According to its own institutional interpretation, the O.S.J. regards itself as continuing the Hospitaller tradition through the lineage that passed via the Russian period. Other organizations hold different interpretations; this page does not adjudicate between them.