28 February marked a very special day for a selected group of Christian associates from across Europe celebrating their investiture into the Sovereign Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights of Malta, The Ecumenical Order. The occasion was graced by the investiture of His Majesty King Adamtey I of Se (Shai) Ghana, accompanied by the Royal Family.

The solemn investiture comprised of 30 postulants from Malta and Gozo, Italy, Ukraine, Germany and the USA. Castello dei Baroni in Wardija, the Order’s headquarters, presented a picturesque venue for the ceremony, which was lead by the Maltese Grand Prior Major Chevalier Robert C. Vella, accompanied by the Grand Chancellor International Chevalier Baron Malcolm Hitchman under the auspices of The Prince Grand Master Baron Nicholas F. S. Papanicolau and Grand Master Emeritus Duke Adrian Busietta.

The religious discourses were lead by the Orders’ chaplain Reverend George Mercieca and His Grace Archbishop Gregory Holley of Texas.

During his speech The Prince Grand Master Baron Nicholas F. S. Papanicolau highlighted the importance of living true Christian values as Knights and Dames, always remembering the ideology of the Order and endorsing humility.

The Casino Maltese – originally used as the Treasury of the Knights of St John was the venue for the Gala dinner in honour of The Prince Grand Master Baron Nicholas F. S. Papanicolau, attended by His Majesty King Adamtey I and the Royal Family, the new postulants and numerous foreign guests from different European priories including Marquis Francis Tin the Grand Prior of the Orient, Chev. Keith Carson Grand Prior of Florida, Chev. David Musgrave Grand Prior of UK, Chev. Valeriy Vinogradnyy Grand Prior of Ukraine, Chev. Olaf Schabbach Grand Prior of Germany and Chev. Joris Buijs Grand Prior of Benelux.

During the Gala dinner the Prince Grand Master Baron Nicholas F. S. Papanicolau presented a donation to Fr Martin of Id-Dar il-Providenza.

Entertainment during the Gala dinner was performed by the talented Dame Ruth Casingena and her splendid Journey choir who gave an outstanding delightful performance that captivated the audience and warranted a standing ovation.

A thanksgiving Mass was celebrated on Sunday 1 March at St John’s co-cathedral in Valletta attended by The Prince Grand Master Baron Nicholas F. S. Papanicolau himself, the new postulants and numerous foreign knights and dames that attended the investiture.