OSMTH Grand Commander Message

We are all clearly aware of the conflict which is currently playing out in Ukraine following military action by Russia this week. I write to you today to remind you that both nations are represented within OSMTH by Brothers and Sisters we have come to know over the years. Our immediate thoughts must be to pray that our own knights and dames are protected from harm on either side, and at the same time pray that a speedy diplomatic solution is found to ease tensions in the European east.

I am reminded this week that we Templars are being tested now, as we have often said in the past that we are bridge-builders between nations. Let us hope that all our personal efforts bear fruit and we are able to extend the hand of friendship to both grand priories soon.

What can we do today? Please look for projects that can have an immediate impact, such as those helping the refugees. I have today instructed the Almoner General to make a donation to UNHCR on behalf of OSMTH, and I hope this encourages all OSMTH members to follow this example. Let us not forget that our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, was himself a refugee as his parents fled the terror of King Herod.

nnDnn,
George MacLean GCSG GCTJ
Grand Commander
OSMTH

OSMTH prays for peace in Jerusalem and the Holy Land

Almighty God, the Creator of all, we remind ourselves daily, in our ecumenical Christian and chivalric Order, that the psalmist of old bids us to "Pray for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem and of all peoples". With broken hearts, bruised bodies, and wounded souls, we come before you, praying for peace to reign in the hearts and minds of all people throughout the whole world.

We remember that we are born of God, redeemed by Jesus Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Help all nations and all peoples to put away the crimes of war, the tyrannies of terror, the battles of bitterness and cruelty of one person to another. Help us to see all people as members of the great family of humanity, under God, in a fellowship of peace; with love one for another in the dignity of the human form you have created.

Lord Jesus, you died in the midst of crisis on Calvary's Hill. You were laid in the Sepulchre of Jerusalem and rose above it all to free us from sin and death. Let us now, as Children of God, Sons and Daughters of Abraham, and People of Faith, be dead to the sins of warfare and cruelty; and let us follow a new life of peace, justice, and unity.

This prayer we offer through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, and the Author of our Salvation. And to that we say: Amen, Amen, and Amen.

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Ecumenical Prayer Vigil for Peace On the 24th day of each month, many Christians around the world keep a Prayer Vigil for Peace in Jerusalem, the Holy Land, and the Middle East. OSMTH offers this prayer: Heavenly Father we reach out to you with a plea for the Peace of Jerusalem, the center of our faith. May the city be a center of love and peace, where people of all nations can gather together in harmony and respect. We pray also for all places where terrorism, violence, warfare, and acts of inhumanity are taking place. Guard, protect, direct, and gather us all into one great family; that we may worship you in peace and live together in holy love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Vision “Aiding humanity on the pilgrimage through life.” Christian Ethos, Spirituality and Chivalric Values. Domestic Charity and International Humanitarian Aid Human Rights and the respect for Human Diversity Interfaith Dialogue and Bridge-Building

OSMTH in Action

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Grand Priory of Argentina: Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have tried to find a way to make our contribution to the emergency. The idea of manufacturing surgical masks was an initiative of our "Our Lady of Rosario" Preceptorie, based in the Province of Entre Ríos. We immediately support the project because the need was great. Through the voluntary contribution of textile workers from the City of Paraná (who donated their time), our Brothers managed to launch a production line, which although they produce on a small scale, has already allowed us to make the first donation of masks to the Military Hospital of Paraná. It should be noted that the Argentine Armed Forces are making a great effort to prepare for the peak of infection that is expected in the coming weeks. We look forward to continuing to donate masks to other hospitals and healthcare institutions. A second production line is in the works to increase the number of masks. This initiative is a financial priority for the Grand Priory to purchase raw materials, ensuring the continuity of production. Our "Fray Luis Beltrán" Commandery in the city of Buenos Aires, is also engaged in this effort and hopes to be able to deliver masks in the metropolitan area. After Action information.