The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem is one of the most ancient of the European orders of chivalry, dating from the twelfth century and the leper-house founded outside the walls of Jerusalem. Nine centuries later its vow is unchanged: to defend the Christian faith and to serve the poor, the sick, and those whom society has set aside.
From the first leper-house outside the walls of Jerusalem to today's hospices, refugee services and Hansen's Disease clinics on five continents — the Order has never abandoned its original calling: to receive the sick, to comfort the dying, and to stand beside those whom society has set aside.
Today the Order is an international, self-governing and independent body with its own Constitution, registered as a Foundation in Madrid under the laws of Spain — apolitical, ecumenical, and made up of some four thousand members on five continents.
Madagascar A permanent village treating Hansen's Disease — the Order's original mission carried forward into the modern era.
Read more → Jerusalem The Order's long-standing partnership in Jerusalem — Phase II infrastructure now complete, including palliative care.
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Spain An agreement with the Government of Andalusia to humanise paediatric hospitalisation at the Costa del Sol University Hospital.
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India A long-running leprosy hospital in Bhubaneswar, where Dr Remy Rousselot and team have served generations of patients.
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Ghana A first-aid and emergency hospital under construction for around 50,000 people, two hours from the nearest provincial hospital.
Read more →The Order welcomes those who feel called to its mission — whether through giving, volunteering, or, in time, membership. Every contribution carries the vow forward another day.
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