History

The Order of St. John, formerly known of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, was constituted by Queen Victoria by Royal Charter on May 14, 1888. Membership of the Order is open to suitable candidates of any Christian faith who demonstrate the tenants of the Order by acting to prevent and relieve sickness and injury as well as to enhance the health and well-being of people anywhere in the world. The Order is conferred in 5 grades. Members are most often admitted at lower grades and later promoted to higher grades in recognition of dutiful service and good deads. Membership of the Order is also limited to 35 000 members. There may be additional grades associated with the Order.

For all members of the Order, when the ribbon is worn alone a small silver Maltese cross is worn on the ribbon.

Knight/ Dames of Justice and Knights/Dames of Grace hold the same rank within the Order. However, Knights or Dames of Grace may be reclassified by a Grand Prior into a Knight or Dame of Justice. Most Knights and Dames of Justice members are required to hold to right to bear arms. Members of the Knight/Dame of Justice are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "KStJ" or "DStJ" within the organization.

Until 2001, Crosses worn by Dames of Justice were issued in a smaller size. Since 2001, the Cross is worn by Knights of Justice around the neck and by Dames of Justice on the shoulder from a bow.

The Knight/Dame of Justice Cross features gold lion and unicorn embellishments.

There are multiple versions of the Cross which differ by composition. There may be additional versions not featured here.