Knightly Investiture in the Order of Saint George

The Investiture Ceremony

Investiture is one of the most solemn and significant events in the life of the Order of Saint George (Szent György Lovagrend). The ceremony is conducted in accordance with chivalric traditions and represents an important moment for the entire community. During the investiture, the aspirant makes a solemn oath to represent chivalric values in both their life and activity. The ceremony is not merely a symbolic act, but an expression of the trust placed in the new knight by the community, and of their commitment to representing the chivalric ideal.

Order of the Ceremony

The knighting ceremony traditionally takes place in a festive setting, often as part of a Holy Mass or a community celebration.
The main elements of the ceremony are:
• Presentation of the Postulants
Those who have been nominated for knighthood are presented before the community.

• Taking of the Oath
The postulants make a solemn pledge to uphold the chivalric values.

• The Act of Investiture
The Chancellor of the Order, or a knight designated for the ceremony, performs the symbolic act of investiture using a ceremonial sword, and presents the newly invested knight with a certificate bearing the seal of the Order.

• Welcome by the Community
The new knights are welcomed by their fellow members and received as full participants in the community.

The Text of the Knightly Oath

“I, ………, solemnly pledge
that I will faithfully uphold the rules set forth in the constitution of our ancient Order of royal foundation,
and will carry out with loyalty the rightful instructions of my superiors.
I pledge to encourage my brethren toward an active and virtuous life,
and to serve our community through personal example.
I will defend my beloved homeland, my faith and our Order,
in times of peace and in times of war alike.
I pledge that I will support and assist my fellow members,
the weak, the fallen and the poor,
to the best of my ability.
So help me God.”
(So be it.)

Knight’s Certificate

A Celebration of the Community

Investiture is not only an important event for the newly admitted knights, but also a celebration of the entire community.

The ceremony brings together members of the Order, family members and the wider community, reinforcing the continuity of chivalric values. It offers an opportunity to experience and live the traditions of the Order in a meaningful and dignified way. Following the ceremony, a traditional chivalric “banquet” takes place.

In 2025, for example, new knights were solemnly invested in the Saint George Church in Székelyudvarhely, within the framework of the 31st Dr. István Bárdos Summer University.