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The First Quarter SAINT STANISLAS HERALD was NOT published due to a lack of material. If you hold the appointment of "Priory Secretary," it is your responsibility to send me (in English) a 200-word overview of the activities of the Order in your part of the world.
Thank you.
Chev. Michael Subritzky-Kusza Ct, GCCStS pp.
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Grand Master's Decree:
Decree NO: 2/2003 - This decree cancels and supercedes all previous decrees and appointments regarding the Organization and the Chancery of the Americas..
With immediate effect, Latin America is now separated from North America. The Chancellor for Latin America, and the Chancellor for North America will BOTH be members of the Grand Magistry with the status of Grand Cross with Collar.
Prince Grand Master Juliusz Nowina-Sokolnicki
PRAYERS:
Brothers and Sisters,
In your prayers:
Please remember our Companions who are currently serving their countries, in harm's way, in "Operation Enduring Freedom" (in Afghanistan and Iraq), and the various other Peacekeeping Operations throughout the world.
Changes in the Grand Magistry:
The Grand Master thanked them for their contributions to the Order (see Roll of Honor).
The Gold Cross was given in recognition for their service.
New appointments were made on the following dates:
Grand Master's Residence, March 30, 2003.
New Grand Priors :
25th Anniversary Medal to be Struck:
July 1, 2003.
Dear Companions of the Order,
The Grand Master has proposed that a medal be struck to commemerate the 25th Anniversary of the Re-establishment of the Order of Saint Stanislas in 1979. To this end, a design was submitted to the Grand Master. This design has now been accepted for production.
The medal will appear as follows:
It will be silver-colored. On the obverse, will be the head of Saint Stanislas, and around the edge, at the top, will read "Order of St. Stanislas." On the reverse, it will say "Re-establishment of Order," around the top edge. On the bottom edge it will read: "St Stanislas," with "25th Anniversary 1979-2004" in the center. Ribbons will be white with the Polish silver eagle attached (upon).
The approximate cost of each medal will be GBP $20.00, plus postage and handling, with an extra cost for a miniature version. The miniature will be a replica of the full-size medal.
Will all Priories interested in obtaining this medal, which will be issued and available for ONE YEAR ONLY, please advise Chevalier Norman Offield at:
nloffield@fsbdial.co.uk. All orders will be available later on in this year.
Priories in Poland Activated:
The Priory of Kujavia:
The Court in Torun registered the Priory of Kujavia, of the Order of Saint Stanislas, as a charitable organization, thus giving it a number at the statistic office in Warsaw, Poland; and the Priory of the Land of Sandomierz-Lublin from the Court in Kielce.
The Priory of Kujavia has held its first meeting.
The Deputy Prior, Chev. Cieszynski, has sucessfully dealt with all legal matters, for months, leading up to the registration of this Priory
The Priory of Mazovia:
The much larger Priory of Mazovia held its first meeting.
Priory of Sandomierz-Lublin:
The Priory of Sandomierz-Lublin, is part of the present vovoidships of Swietokrzysko and Lublin.
This Priory focuses on rendering assistence to the Sanctuarium of Kalkow-Godow by providing a home for handicapped children. Recently, Chev. Ryszard Bak and his wife Beata, kindly donated three ponies for these children.
Chamber of Memory - A Chamber of Memory, which is currently being created, in the Sanctuary, features the history of the Grand Master during his tenure as President of the Polish Government (In Exile); the Sanctuary is visited daily by thousands of pilgrims.
PLEASE NOTE: All contributions for the continuation of the work of the Sanctuarium of Kalkow-Godow should be sent directly to the account of the Sanctuarium as follows:
Bank PeKaO SAII O Starachowie Ul Lipowa 29
Priory of Silesia:
The Priory of Silesia recently organized a ball to raise funds for the mentally and physically handicapped children in Czestochowa. This even was attended by the President of the City of Czestochowa and the Bishop of the Diocese.
The Grand Master recently praised the charitable activities of the Priory of Silesia. After the upcoming investiture ceremony, to be held in the Santuary of Kalkow-Godov, the Grand Master and Countess Avril intend to visit the Priory of Silesia, in Czestochowa, and the Prior of Little Poland in Krakow. The Priory of Little Poland is led by Chevalier Bohdan Mielowski.
South Carolina, U.S.A. - Request for Books:
While attending the May 2003 Investiture in Kalkow-Godow, I happened to meet a couple of English teachers from the local high school. We talked about the importance of Polish children learning English, and I asked if some current magazines, in English, might be useful.
The response was enthusiastic, to say the least.
Upon my return to the United States, I made up two packets of current magazines. There were thirty-two (32) different publications in all. I mailed them off. According to the e-mail, I received from one of the teachers, the most popular magazines were People and Mad.
Accordingly, I have arranged to get subscriptions for both of these publications and will have them sent to the school in Poland. I also sent a copy of a Thesaurus and asked if it would be useful, for their students. Again the reply was positive. This time the letter was signed by the headmaster of the school.
After these communications, I asked the Directors of the Saint Stanislas Foundation, of the U.S.A., for permission to purchase 250 copies of the book (Thesaurus), and sent them to the high school for use in the fall semester. The Board of Directors approved the purchase, and as I write this, there are six boxes of books (to be sent) in my living room. The books will be given to each student, at the beginning of the year (fall 2003), to help them in their English studies, and these books will be the student's to keep. By giving each student a book, we are not only honoring the original aims of the Order, but we are helping to educate the next generation, of Polish students, so they can fully participate in world affairs!
Good reference books for their teachers, is another need. If any companions wish to help in this effort, please do not hestitate to contact me. I am maintaining a list of magazines, and other books which would be useful>
My e-mail: mmichaelski@sc.rr.com
My Mailing Address is:
Chev. Michael Michaelski
| RECENT INVESTITURES:
New Zealand Investiture: March 1, 2003
New Zealand Grand Priory
The annual Investiture ceremony in New Zealand was held on March 1, 2002, at the Roman Catholic Church, in Ponsonby, in Auckland. This ceremony was officiated by Monsignor Paul Cronin VG, OBE Honorary Chaplain to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Guests included: HE Patricia Thake, the Honorary Consul for Malta; and Papal Dame Lyndsay Freer DGGS who sang Schubert's "Ave Maria."
A number of long-serving Companions were also very deservedly promoted.
Dame Jillian Sobieski, CStS, from the Cook Islands, presented the Priory with a very large and beautiful painting of our beloved patron, Saint Stanislas.
Chev. Kevin Couling of Glengibbons, CStS
AND CLICK HERE for photographs of this event.
85th Investiture: April 12, 2003
The Priory of England held its Annual Investiture at the Parish Chirch of Saint James the Great, in Colchester, on Saturday April 12, 2003. This investiture was held in the presense of our Prince Grand Master, HSH The Count Juliusz Nowina-Sokolnicki, and his wife, the Countess Nowina-Sokolnicki.
Father Peter Walker SSC, the Parish Priest officiated ath this ceremony.
NEW Grand Master's Page - Master Arron Evans
In attendence, at the Investiture were: Chev. Paul Burton, GCStS, Grand Prior of Great Britain.
A collection was made, in the Church, of 170 Pounds, plus 6-50 Euros. This money was donated to the church funds as thanks from the Order.
After the Investiture Ceremony, a reception was held in George Hotel. The total sit-down guests were fifty-two (52). This reception was held during a raffle which raised 127 Pounds. The Celebration Dinner was served at 19:30 (7:00 p.m.) in the George Hotel. Following the dinner, members retired to the lounge, where old friendships were renewed, and new friends were made.
My sincere thanks to all who attended this event, you made all the effort very worthwhile. We had a beautiful ceremony for the Order.
Chev. Norman Offield, GCStS, Prior of England.
86th Investiture: May 10, 2003
As in previous years, a large International Investiture of the Order took place at the Sanctuarium of Kalkow-Godow. The Sanctuarium is the third most frequented place of Pilgrimage in Poland.
The Grand Master and Countess Arvil arrived, in Warsaw, Poland, on May 7, 2003, and stayed at the Hotel "Gromada" near the Okecie Airport. They were joined there by the Chancellor of Europe, Chev. Count Orland Machnikowski. GCCStS; Chancellor for Latin America and Prior of Mexico, Tomas Lorant, GCCStS, and his wife Dame Donna Teresa; the Grand Archivist Chev. Lt. Col. Michael Michaelski, GCCStS and his wife Dame Barbara; the Prior of California, the Reverand Bishop Louis Carlson, O.S.T., CSStS; and Chev. Jorge Hernandez Pliego, CSStS, and his wife Dame Maria from Mexico.
On May 9, 2003, the Grand Master, dignitaries of the Order and foreign guests left by motorcoach for the Hotel Gromada, in Ostrowiec Swietokzyski. They were welcomed by the organizers of the Investiture: Chev. Mark Surlik-Dulkowski, GCStS, Prior of the Land of Sandomierz-Lublin, his Deputy, Janusz Mazur, GCStS, and the Prior of Silesia Chev. Lech Maciej Grzybowski, GCStS.
The Investiture took place at the Church in Kalkow-Godow at 12:00 p.m. (noon). The Mass was celebrated by seven priests. Reverend Father Waclaw Chmielarski, DSStS, who is well known for his oratorical gift, delivered an excellent speech on the life of our Patron Saint Stanislas, and the ongoing and present charitable activities of the Order.
Between the very small invested and promoted members of the Order were guests from Switzerland, Chev. Peter Shilington, and his wife Solange.
The Grand Secretary, Countess Arvil Nowina-Sokolnicki, GCCStS, was presented with the Cross of Grunwald by Vice Admiral Henryk Leopold Kalinowski, GCStS. The Prior of Silesia, Chev. Lech Grzytbowski, GCStS received the Order of Guadalupe, from the Grand Prior of Mexico.
*Mrs. Bak and Mrs, Durlik-Sulkowski decorated for their assistance in matters relating to the Santuary of Kalkow-Godow.
These three gentleman (above) were awarded for their ongoing involvement in the charitable work in the Sanctuarium.
That evening a large banquet was held at the Hotel Gromada, in the Ostrowiec Swietokryski. Guests were Denator Dr. Jerzy Suchanski, Chairman of the Parliamentarian Committee for Restructuring of Energy.
The next day, the Grand Master and all foreign guests attended an open-air reception in the restaurant of one of the local knights, Chev. Zbigniew Kozla, CSStS. Here we had a chance to taste a wide selection of roasted meats and sausages. In spite of the rain, everyone enjoyed themselves.
On May 12, 2003, all the the guests proceeded, by coach, to Czestochowa where they enjoyed a visit to the famous monastery of Jasna Gora (meaning "Bright Mountain"). Companions may remember that the very FIRST Brevet, Grand Cross, and Grand Cordon, of the re-established Order of Saint Stanislas, was placed at the Shrine of Our Lady, by the late Rev. Gen. Bernard Witucki, GCStS, on behalf of the Polish Government-in-Exile.
The Grand Master, Countess Avril, and the Prior of Silesia, Chevalier Grzybowski, later visited "Bethel." Bethel is home to handicapped children, sponsored and supported by the Silesian Priory through a variety of fund-raising activities. In the evening there was a small Investiture ceremony for those postulants who were unable to attend Kalkow-Godow. The next day, there was a visit to the Salt Mines at Wieliczka, and Wawel Castle in Kracow, Poland. The silver casket holding the remains of Saint Stanislas are suspended above the altar, inside of the castle's Cathedral.
The organizers of the Kalkow-Godow Investitures did an outstanding job. There is also a plan to set-up an "Order of Saint Stanislas Village" for the handicapped children of Kalkow-Godow. Saint Stanislas will ask its members to support this worthy project.
On May 14, 2003, the Grand Master and Countess Avril few from Warsaw, Poland; to Madrid, Spain.
87th Investiture - May 17, 2003
On Saturday, May 17, 2003, the first Investiture, in Spain, took place in the cultural center of the Armed Forces, located in Madrid. The ceremony was ably organized by the Grand Prior of Spain, Chevalier Colonel Jose Antonio Almarza Martin Vegue, GCStS.
During the ceremony, the Grand Prior of Spain, Chevalier Colonel Jose Antonio Almarza Martin Vegue, GCStS; the Deputy Grand Prior, Chev. Lt. General Angel Solaz Tarin; and the Grand Master made speeches.
The Grand Master was honored by Chev. Lt. General Angel Solaz Tarin, who presented him with an appointment as an Honarary Colonel of the Spanish Armed Forces. Thirty-two (32) new knights were invested into the Order, with a sword replica of the famous Spanish warrior El Cid, from the XI century. Chev. Henry Neumuller acted as swordbearer.
The Grand Priory of Spain:
The Grand Priory of Spain was formally established and the following appointments were made:
At 21:30 hours (9:30 p.m.) that evening, the Grand Banquet was held at the Restaurant "El Labriego." The Grand Banquet was attended by over 120 companions, their spouses, and guests. All Companions enjoyed the great hospitality and good comradery between the Spanish Knights and their foreign confreres. Excellent food and drinks were served until well after Midnight, to the enjoyment of everyone in attendence.
The Order of Saint Stanislas in Spain, was established on very firm ground, and is in capable hands. It is expected that it will grow and spread the Order's charitable message by adding to the good works of our Beloved Order.
The Grand Master's Report |
Ukraine Annual Ball - 2003
Dear Cavalier/Dame,
On September 12, 2003 in Kyiv/Kiev.
A charitable exhibition-sale of children invalid's artwork will be carried out between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Departure of guests may be set from September 14-15, 2003.
CHARGES FOR THIS EVENT:
....Single rooms - $70.00 per night (including breakfast)
PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR PLANS BY: August 10, 2003.
Contact us for details:
Telephone: (380-44) 468-84-85
Dress for this event will be:
....Both hotels are located on Kreshchatik Street, the Main Street in Kiev/Kyiv.
....Double room - $100-250 per night (including breakfast)
***Cost of rooms depend on the room category. We ask that you tell us which category you prefer, and the price category you require. All other expenses:
Will be covered by the Ukranian Priory.
FAX: (380-44) 468-84-49
E-Mail: acoss@rambler.ru
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News From the Americas:
Message from Chevalier Roger Sherman of Castlemore, GCCStS
There is not much news from Florida, U.S.A. However, I do continue to receive inquiries about membership into the Order of Saint Stanislas. These inquiries are then forwarded to the proper heads of jurisdiction.
California, U.S.A.:
"The Christmas Knights"
It is Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (and Hanukkah!) ... It is never too late, or too early, to begin planning to do wonderful things for children who need your help. Christmas and Hanukkah traditions exemplify the spirit of giving. This is an important time for adults around the world, in particular those adults whom God has blessed financially, to join in the spirit of giving. These blessed families should act to arrange new ways to help provide clothing, toys, food, medical supplies and attention to those less fortunate. The Prior of California, in co-operation with the Commandery of Los Angeles and Commander Chev. Bradley J. Harmer, KOStS, is pleased to announce a new initiative within the Order of St. Stanislas, California. These people will be called "The Christmas Knight." *Of course, if you are of the Jewish faith, then you would be called "The Hanukkah Knights."
With a play on the words in our "title," we will begin, at once, to collect and arrange, for future collections (in November 2003) the following items:
These items will be donated to the Orphanage at the Sanctuarium of the Mother of God (a significant organization supported by the worldwide Order of Saint Stanislas), in Poland.
We will work closely with other organizations, including the military, to arrange transportation of these items to Poland.
***Collections from the Hanukkah Knights will go to Jewish children in Poland, as requested.
Who is a Christmas/Hanukkah Knight?
YOU ARE!!!
If you are a Knight or Dame of the Order, at any grade or ranking, in ANY Commandery within the Priory, you may join in this Happy Holiday endeavor. Please inform the Commander of your Commandery if you wish to participate as a Christmas of Hanukkah Knight. Your Commander will then notify the Prior.
Special Christmas/Hanukkah Knight's business cards are being prepared along with Letters of Authority for each Knight and Dame who volunteers his/her services. You will be asked for a small donation to defray the cost of the business cards.
The mechanics of the new program are simple"
FOR EXAMPLE:
I am arranging, now, for Holiday donations for poor and orphaned children in Poland. Could you possibly donate gifts (specify types from the listing above). My Order of Chivalry, the Order of St. Stanislas, is the sponsoring organization. Here is my Letter of Authority to ask on their behalf.
We will pick-up donated items in October for transportation to Poland.
INFORM YOUR COMMANDER AND THE PRIOR Please!!!
Putting together a succesful charitable project, required lots of record keeping, plus co-ordination of transportation.
Your Commander and Prior, of the state of California, will need to co-ordinate the pick-up, transportation, and shipment of all those items that you solicit.
My e-mail is: lcarson@fairhavenmemorial.com.
In the event that transportation of donated items to Poland is not available (for whatever reason, including prohibitive costs or unavailable Airlift Command flights) all items will be donated to Polish charities within the United States as sanctioned by the Grand Master and/or the Grand Secretary or our Grand Prior.
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Roll of Honor:
Chev. Capt. Tadeusz Stocki, GCStR pp...
We announce the death of the Prior of Greater Poland, Chevalier Captain Tadeusz Stocki, GCStS pp, who passed away on March 31, 2003. The funeral was held with full military honors at the Poznan Junikowo Cemetary, and was attended by many members of our Order. The Prior of Silesia, Chev. Lech Maciej Grzybowski read the speech of the Grand Master and the Rev. Father Henryk Jankowski, head of the Basilica of St. Brygida, in Gdansk, celebrated the Requiem Mass and spoke of the many achievements of our departed brother.
Dame Countess Jolanta Nowina-Sokolnicki, GCStS.
Dame Countess Jolanta Nowina-Sokolnicki died suddenly on April 5, 2003, in Poznan. Poland. Countess Jolanta is the wife of Lt. Grand Master, Count Piotr Nowina-Sokolnicki, GCStS. Countess Jolanta was a great supporter of the Order and a very special Lady. The Grand Master and Countress Avril were with them last Christmas, which for the Grand Master was his first Christmas in Poland for sixty (60) years.
Chev. Brigadier General Douglas Riach GCStS:
We announce the death of Chev. Brigadier General Douglas Riach, GCStS pp, former Prior of California. He died after a long illness. The Order was represented, at his funeral, by the former King of Arms, Chev. Mervyn Malcolm, GCStS.
Chev. Stanislaw Tebinka, OCStS pp,
In April 2003, Chev. Tebinka passed away in Thunder Bay, Canada. He was a former Sergeant in the Polish Free Army and a veteran of Monte Cassino during WWII. After the war, he settled in Canada and was active in both the SPK (Polish Combattant's Association) and the Royal Canadian Legion. The Order was represented, at his funeral, by Chev. Frank GCStS, Grand Prior Emeritus for Canada.
Chev. Marchese Cesare Sabutucci, GCCStS.:
Chev. Daithi Hanly, GCCstS:
The Chancellor Emeritus for Europe, died in Dublin, Ireland, on June 26, 2003, after a lengthy illness. Chancellor Hanly was the recipient of recognition of the Papal Gold Cross of Merit, from Pope John Paul II, for his architectural contributions of the building of the Dublin Cathedral. He was also distinguished with the Polish Gold Cross of Merit from the Polish Government (In Exile) during the Cold War. At the end of his tenure as Chancellor of Europe, he was decorated with the Gold Cross of Merit of Saint Stanislas. His widow, Dame Joan is also a member of our Order.
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of these Companions. They will be missed.
From the Editor's Desk:
The Saint Stanislas Herald is printed very simply and cheaply.
The Order of Saint Stanislas prides itself on being an "All Volunteer" organization and that includes HSH, The Grand Master. We aim to ensure that virtually every single dollar we raise will find its way to those more needy in Poland and Eastern Europe.
Please note that this colorized version is only available on the internet, and is to be printed or read at your own desire. Spelling errors can and do happen, however, every effort is made to make our type in American English. Remember that this edition is receiving submissions from all over the world. Since American English is becoming the trade language of the world, and because our webmaster is American all submissions are made into this one version of the English language.
Editor's Postal Address:
Michael Subritsky-Kusza Ct., GCCStS
email: kusza@ihug.co.nz
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LATE BREAKING NEWS:
These two items were sent after the deadline for the St. Stanislas Herald. So I have added them on another page:
Please note: I am NOT a member of St. Stanislas, so please direct all inquiries to Michael Subritzky-Kusza. Thank you.