Order
of St. Michael & St. George
The name Michael signifies "Who is like God?" and was the war cry of the good Angels in the battle fought in heaven against Satan and his followers. Holy Scripture describes Michael as "one of the chief princes," and leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. He has been especially honoured and invoked as patron and protector of the Church from the time of the Apostles. Although he is always called "the Archangel," many place him over all the Angels – as Prince of the Seraphim. The feast day of St. Michael is September 29th, Michaelmas day.
More info at www.catholic.org, www.ewtn.com & Revelation 12:7-9
Order of St. Michael and St. George
The
Order was instituted 27th April 1818 by the Prince Regent (Later George iv), and
it was intended to commemorate the placing of the Ionian Islands
under British protection ; originally it was intended for distinguished citizens
of the Islands, and also of Malta. At first, the Order was conferred on those
holding high position and commands in the Mediterranean; the islands there,
acquired as a result of the Napoleonic Wars, were at that time very
strategically placed and thus of importance to Britain.
Towards the end of the 19th century, due to the expansion of the British Empire, the Order was then extended to those who had given distinguished service in the Dominions and Colonies, as well as foreign affairs generally. Today, the Order is awarded to men or women who have held, or will hold, high office, or who render extraordinary or important non-military service in a foreign country. It can also be conferred for important or loyal service in relation to foreign or Commonwealth affairs.
The Order consists of the Sovereign, a Grand Master (currently the Duke of Kent), and includes three classes: 125 Knights and Dame Grand Cross (GCMG), 375 Knights and Dames Commander (KCMG and DCMG) and 1750 Companions (CMG). Members of the Royal Family may be appointed as Extra Knights and Dames Grand Cross. Foreigners can be appointed as honorary members.
The Order's motto is Auspicium melioris aevi ('Token of a better age'). The banners of arms of the Knights and Dames Grand Cross are hung in the Chapel of the Order, which is in St. Paul's Cathedral. Unique to this Order is the arrangement under which the enamelled metal plates of the complete armorial achievement of all three classes are placed in the seats of the Chapel.
The Star and Badge of the Order feature the cross of St. George, the Order's motto, and a representation of the archangel St. Michael holding in his right hand a flaming sword and trampling upon satan. The collar of the Order is composed alternately of the Lions of England royally crowned and of white enamelled Maltese crosses, and of the cyphers SM (St. Michael) and SG (St. George); the centre of the collar consists of two winged Lions each holding a book and seven arrows, surmounted by an imperial crown. The composition of the collar is therefore a reminder of the origins of the Order.
Badge
of Gold, in the centre a raised figure of St. Michael subduing satan, encircled
by the motto Auspicium melioris aevi
in gold on blue enamel. Set on a white enamel seven armed cross with fourteen
points edged in gold. The badge is surmounted by a royal crown. The reverse
features a raised figure of St. George and the Dragon.
More info at www.royal.gov.uk