Knight of the Order of the Pantocrator

From NSwiki, the NationStates encyclopedia.
Jump to: navigation, search

A Knight of the Order of the Pantocrator is a member of the Chivalric Order of the Pantocrator, Pantocratoria's primary order of merit to which people (usually Pantocratorian citizens) may be inducted in recognition of some great service to Pantocratoria, humanitarianism, or outstanding contribution to their field. Knights of the Order of the Pantocrator are exclusively men.

Knighting

A man becomes a Knight of the Order of the Pantocrator by being knighted by the Grandmaster of the Order of the Pantocrator (which is to say, the Emperor of Pantocratoria). An honours list is prepared by the Pantocratorian Imperial Government every year, recommending various people to be awarded various orders. The most prestigious honour which can be recommended on the honours list is a Knighthood of the Order of the Pantocrator.

A successful candidate is knighted in a solemn religious ceremony, usually at the Cathedral of Christ Pantocrator, New Rome, although sometimes at the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator itself. The knight takes an oath to defend the Order and the Emperor, is touched on the shoulders with a sword by the Emperor, and is then presented with a knight's badge and sword.

Pre-18th Century Knights of the Order of the Pantocrator

Before the Rebellion of the Fifth Pantocratorian Crusade, a Knight of the Order of the Pantocrator was a quasi-religious warrior, with fairly wide-ranging power and authority, both civil and military. For instance, in the absence of an imperial court of law in an area, a Knight of the Order of the Pantocrator was expected to act as a judge and could direct local law enforcement accordingly. A Knight of the Order of the Pantocrator could assume the command of up to a company of infantry, ahead of that company's own captain, although he could not override the orders of a colonel or officer of higher rank.

At this time, Knights of the Order of the Pantocrator lived according to a daily routine, similar in form to the daily routines of members of religious orders, although less strict as the knight lived amongst the community, not in a cloister. A knight had to attend Mass at least once a day, with Vespers being preferred over other service times because it allowed the knight the most daylight time for martial training. A knight also had to spend the first hour of every morning in silence while he went about his business, praying, meditating, or simply reflecting on the nature of God. During peacetime, two hours were spent practising with a sword, one with another weapon, and at least one spent riding. During wartime, including the calling of a Pantocratorian Crusade, the knight's day was spent in military service. Knights of the Order of the Pantocrator generally served as cavalry officers, or as elite cavalry troopers.

Modern Knights of the Order of the Pantocrator

Most modern Knights of the Order of the Pantocrator are men who have made an outstanding contribution to society in some way. After receiving their honour, they carry on much as they did before, although they are now entitled to be addressed as "sir" (see below). Modern knights do not live their lives according to a daily routine of prayer and martial training.

Style

Knights and Knights Master of the Order of the Pantocrator are addressed as Sir, followed by their Christian name, for instance, Sir Michél. They may be referred to as Sir <First Name> <Last Name>, but never as Sir <Last Name>, or Mr <Last Name>. Noble and imperial titles take precedence over the form Sir, but ordinary titles (such as mister or doctor) do not. For example, Henri de Montmanuel, despite being a Knight Master of the Order of the Pantocrator, is referred to as Monsieur le Duc de Montmanuel, not as Sir Henri, or even Sir Henri, Duke of Montmanuel.

In written correspondence, it is typical for the name of the knight (with the appellation Sir if appropriate) to be followed by the acronym KOP, which should precede all other qualifications and Pantocratorian Imperial honours. For example, a letter to Sir Thierry del Moray would be addressed in the form Sir Thierry del Moray KOP.