A Community in Service of Chivalric Values
Grand Priory of Southern Transylvania
The Grand Priory of Southern Transylvania of the Order of Saint George (Szent György Lovagrend) is the local community of the Order, dedicated to serving the intellectual, cultural and natural heritage of Seklerland (Székelyföld).
Our Grand Priory is a community in which people of diverse professions and backgrounds—historians, archaeologists, engineers, economists, priests educators and other professionals—work together in the spirit of the chivalric ideal.
Our aim is to represent the centuries-old tradition of the Order of Saint George authentically, even in the face of the challenges of the present day.
As we celebrate the 700th anniversary of its foundation, we do not merely commemorate a historical date, but an intellectual and spiritual heritage that has shaped our communities across seven centuries.
The purpose of the Order’s foundation was to live and transmit the ideals of faith, loyalty, courage and service within an organized community framework. The chivalric ideal is not merely a historical concept, but a moral and communal compass.
Mission and Role
The activities of the Grand Priory of Southern Transylvania are organized around four main areas:
Preservation of Tradition and Heritage
One of our key responsibilities is the safeguarding of historical and cultural heritage, the transmission of chivalric traditions, and the strengthening of collective memory within the community.
Support for Intellectual and Academic Life
Through the organization of conferences, lectures and professional events, we contribute to the intellectual life of the region and to the transmission of enduring values.
Community Service
Through our programs and initiatives, we strive to strengthen cooperation among communities, promote the preservation of values, and encourage a sense of responsible thinking and engagement.
Charitable Activity
In the spirit of the chivalric ideal, we consider it essential to support those in need and to reinforce solidarity within the community. Through our charitable initiatives and support programs, we aim to contribute to a stronger culture of social responsibility.
Community Life and Activities
The life of the Grand Priory is shaped by a wide range of activities that integrate tradition, intellectual engagement and active community presence.
Academic and intellectual life plays a central role within the Grand Priory. Studies, books, conferences, lectures and the annual Dr. István Bárdos Summer University provide a structured framework for the exchange of knowledge and ideas. During these events, historians, archaeologists, theologians and other experts present their research, while members of the Order contribute to the transmission of accumulated knowledge and experience.
The Grand Priory organizes an annual charity ball, bringing together members and guests in support of community initiatives.
In addition, in preparation for the holy celebration of Christmas, we take part in collecting and distributing care packages for those in need, expressing our commitment to solidarity and service. Representatives of our Historical Reenactment Division bring medieval warfare and martial traditions to life based on authentic historical sources, local archaeological findings and regional traditions. They reconstruct the weaponry, attire and combat techniques of 14th–15th century Sekler warriors, presenting these through combat demonstrations and participations in various medieval heritage events and court festivals. Their activity also includes historical dance, experimental archaeology and alternative educational programs, offering engaging and experience-based ways of understanding the past. https://www.aranygriff.ro/).
In addition, we organize a Squire Camp for children and young people aged 10–17. Investiture ceremonies represent the most solemn moments of our communal life. Cultural and heritage-related programs form another important dimension of our activity. These include visits to historical and ecclesiastical sites, guided heritage tours, commemorative events and pilgrimages.
Such occasions offer opportunities not only for learning, but also for reflection and the strengthening of shared identity rooted in history and tradition.
Forestry and Environmental Responsibility
One of the distinctive areas of activity of the Grand Priory of Southern Transylvania is sustainable forestry and the preservation of natural heritage.
We believe that responsibility for the created world is an integral part of the chivalric value system.
For this reason, we place particular emphasis on environmental protection and the responsible management of forests.
The Grand Priory of Southern Transylvania of the Order of Saint George comprises the following Priories:
– Udvarhelyszék Priory
– Csíkszék Priory
– Gyergyószék Priory
– Kézdiszék Priory
Discover the Priories
Contact us
Feel free to contact us with your questions or collaboration inquiries.
You can also follow our activities on our social media platforms.