How the shrines of the Order of Malta were transferred to Russiatranslated

On October 25, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the transfer of part of the tree of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord from Malta to Gatchina. This is a rather unusual holiday. It is associated simultaneously with the history of the Order of Malta, Emperor Paul I and three ancient Christian shrines.

Priest Evgeny MURZIN

editor of the direction "Faith and Church"

In fact, on October 25, 1799, according to the new style, on October 12, according to the old style, in addition to the Cross, three shrines that previously belonged to the Maltese spiritual knightly order were transferred to Gatchina:

part of the Tree of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord;

Philermos Icon of the Mother of God;

right hand of Saint John the Baptist.

Order of Malta, or Order of St. John of Jerusalem. It arose after the first crusade in Jerusalem around a hospital where pilgrims and the sick were treated, and in 1113 it was officially recognized by Pope Paschal II. At different periods, its members were called Hospitallers, Johannites, and after the order settled in Malta, the name Maltese was assigned to it.

There are many legends associated with the history of the Order of Malta. Sometimes they try to connect him with Freemasonry, secret societies and various...