An abridged history of the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem

Book excerpt: The book reviews the history of the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem originally set up in the wake of the First Crusade in the early decades of the 12th century with the specific aim of helping the victims of Leprosy. It further assumed a military role participating in several military campaigns aimed at opposing the Islamic incursions in the Holy Land. After being expelled from Acre at the end of the 13th century, it established its magistracy in France. Political machinations during the 15-16th century led to the Order being split up into two major fractions - one under the direction of the French Royal house and the other under the direction of the Duke of Savoy. The French Revolution of the 18th century was to see the Order loose its French Royal Protection but retained an identity continuing to direct its philanthropic works in Haifa attracting the attention of the Melkite Patriarchy who assumed the Order's protection. It continues to exist today as an International Organization.