Order of the Star - Est 1022

The Lord Seignuer of the Fief Blondel maintains the Chevalier Order of the Star ( Ordre de l'Étoile ) which is probably the 2nd oldest knighly order of chivalry of the Franks and Normandy.

By virtue of nobility and titles being outlawed in France and the fact that the Channel Islands are part of Normandy, the Seigneur has authorized the Order of the Star to operate on the lands and shores of the Fief Blondel in Guernsey where the Feudal Laws of the Fief s and the Bailiwick of Guernsey still apply.

The Seigneur of Fief Blondel is a direct descendant of William the Conqueror, the Royal Capets, Charles de Valois 1270–1325 and the De Martels of France. The Seigneur of Fief Blondel has expanded the order to 120 Knights. The Seigneur's 16th great-grandfather is Louis IX Capet de Bourbon, King of France. The Seigneur of Fief Blondel today is the Chief Captain and Baron of Annaly-Longford, Lord Baron of Ennerdale Copeland and Lord of the Liberty of Stoborough.

The Royal Eftail (or, as it is sometimes spelled, Royal Effet) of the Order of the Star (Ordre de l'Étoile) was a code of conduct that emphasized a stringent loyalty to the king, embodying an unbreakable dedication to chivalric principles. Founded in 1351 by King John II of France from the Capetian dynasty, the order aimed to strengthen the French nobility's sense of duty to the monarchy and to set a high standard of chivalric behavior.

Key aspects of the Royal Eftail included:

1. Unwavering Loyalty and Obedience: Members were sworn to absolute loyalty to the king and were expected to follow royal orders without hesitation. This ensured a direct bond between the knights and the monarch.

2. Prohibition on Retreat: A famous rule was the prohibition against retreating in battle, except under highly specific conditions. The knight had to vow never to take more than four steps back during combat, symbolizing an unyielding courage and commitment, even at personal risk.

3. Chivalric Purity and Nobility: Members of the Order of the Star were held to high standards of moral purity, chivalric honor, and noble behavior. The order sought to create an elite circle of knights who embodied the ideals of knighthood as loyal defenders of the kingdom and its people.

4. Symbolic Emblems and the Star Badge: The star symbol, worn by members of the order, was meant to symbolize the heavenly guidance of knights by the virtues they were sworn to uphold.

While the Ordre de l'Étoile was short-lived, the strict Royal Eftail left a legacy in the ideals of chivalric orders that followed. The order struggled to sustain itself largely due to its rigid rules, especially the prohibition on retreat, which led to significant losses among knights in subsequent battles.

Knights Prayed or Recited the 3rd Part of th Rosary which is the Glorious Mysteries.

The division of the Rosary into three main sections, or sets of mysteries, in the traditional Catholic practice. Traditionally, the Rosary was divided into three parts, each containing five mysteries:

1. The Joyful Mysteries
2. The Sorrowful Mysteries
3. The Glorious Mysteries

Each set represented a significant aspect of the life of Jesus and Mary, and reciting a "third part of the Rosary" referred to praying one of these sets of five mysteries. This practice was common in the medieval period when knights, along with other Christians, might have committed to reciting part of the Rosary as a devotional act, often as a form of penance, thanksgiving, or prayer for divine assistance.

In 2002, Pope John Paul II introduced the Luminous Mysteries, creating a fourth set, though traditionally, the Rosary was divided into these three parts.

In the traditional Catholic Rosary, the "third part" refers to the Glorious Mysteries, which focus on events celebrating the resurrection and the triumph of Jesus and Mary. The five Glorious Mysteries are:

1. The Resurrection – Jesus rises from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, symbolizing victory over sin and death.
2. The Ascension – Jesus ascends into heaven, promising to prepare a place for humanity with the Father.
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles and Mary at Pentecost, empowering them to spread the Gospel.
4. The Assumption of Mary – Mary is taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
5. The Coronation of Mary – Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth, honored as the Mother of God.

These mysteries are traditionally prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays, as well as during the Easter season, reflecting the hope and glory central to the Christian faith.

Here is the text of the third part of the Rosary, focusing on the Glorious Mysteries:

1. "The First Glorious Mystery – The Resurrection of Jesus: We meditate on Jesus' victory over death, rising from the tomb on the third day."

2. "The Second Glorious Mystery – The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven: We reflect on Jesus' return to the Father, ascending into Heaven and promising to prepare a place for us."

3. "The Third Glorious Mystery – The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles: We consider the Holy Spirit's descent on Mary and the Apostles at Pentecost, filling them with courage and wisdom."

4. "The Fourth Glorious Mystery – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: We ponder Mary's assumption into Heaven, body and soul, where she is reunited with her son, Jesus."

5. "The Fifth Glorious Mystery – The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth: We honor Mary's crowning as Queen of Heaven and Earth, recognized as the Mother of God and our advocate in Heaven."

Each mystery is traditionally followed by the Our Father, ten Hail Marys, the Glory Be, and the Fatima Prayer. These Glorious Mysteries are prayed with the intention of deepening one’s faith and reflecting on the hope of eternal life.

Chancellor of the Order  -

Commissioner Dr. George Mentz, Seigneur of Blondel has been appointed by the Patriarch as the Chancellor of the Worldwide Anglican Church of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda which are larger than the United States. Lord Chancellor is the top legal official of the Worldwide Anglican Church which was also known as the Ancient Orthodox Church of Africa. Mentz has been devoted to Anglican charities for decades supporting scholarships for young aspiring adults worldwide. His Lordship George Mentz has also been consecrated as a missionary Bishop for the Anglican Church. Commissioner Mentz holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence and an MBA degree from nationally accredited law schools and business schools along with a DSS Doctor of Spiritual Studies from the Emerson Institute. Mentz has also served as a White House High Commissioner in the USA fo the Presidential Scholars Programs.

The Order of the Star, established in 1022, is an ancient chivalric order with a complex and rich history. It has been associated with several knightly and noble titles. Over time, the order's structure evolved, and the titles it conferred varied depending on its period of activity and the regions where it was active. However, some of the primary titles that the Order of the Star typically conferred included:

1.      Knight of the Star – This was the primary rank given to members of the order. Knights were often granted the right to use the title "Sir" and were considered part of the nobility.

2.      Grand Cross – The highest honor in the order, typically awarded to senior members for exceptional service or merit. Those who held the rank of Grand Cross were often seen as key figures in the order’s leadership.

3.      Commander – A mid-ranking title in the order, often bestowed upon members who held command over a regional or territorial area within the order's structure.

4.      Baron or Baroness – Some knights of the order, particularly those who were granted land or special privileges, were given the title of baron or baroness, conferring a certain level of territorial nobility.

5.      Dame – Female members of the order, often those of noble birth or who had provided exceptional service, could hold the title of Dame.

6.      Prince – In some cases, members of royal or noble families who joined the order were conferred the title of Prince within the order, recognizing their noble heritage or elevated status.

The titles of Prince or Baron within the Order of the Star were typically conferred by the order’s Grand Master or other high-ranking officials within the organization. The authority to grant these titles often depended on the specific rules and hierarchy established by the order at different times in its history.

In general:

1.      Prince: The title of Prince was usually reserved for individuals of royal blood or high nobility. In some cases, the Grand Master of the order or a senior noble in charge of a regional or territorial area within the order might have the authority to confer this title. For example, a member of the royal family or a noble family might be elevated to the rank of Prince within the order, especially if their involvement was significant in the order's affairs or if they were taking on a leadership role.

2.      Baron: The title of Baron was often granted by the Grand Master or other high-ranking officials within the order to knights or nobles who were awarded land, estates, or other forms of recognition for their service. A Baron might have been given this title due to their military or administrative role within the order, or as a reward for their loyalty, contribution, or service. Sometimes, regional commanders or those in charge of specific territories might also have the power to grant baronial titles.

In both cases, the conferral of titles was typically part of a larger system of hierarchical recognition, with the higher-ranking officials of the order acting as the ultimate authority to grant such honors. Additionally, titles like Prince or Baron within the Order of the Star might have been tied to the individual's status outside the order, such as their position in the broader political or noble structure.

The chief officers of the Order of the Star typically included:

1. Grand Master – The Grand Master was the highest-ranking officer of the order and held supreme authority over its activities and the conferral of honors. The Grand Master was responsible for managing the order’s affairs, directing its knights, and overseeing its religious and chivalric missions. This position was usually filled by a member of royal or noble birth, often a prominent figure within the order’s historical context.

2. Chancellor – The Chancellor was responsible for the administration and legal matters of the order. This officer oversaw the official documentation, charters, and decrees issued by the order. In many cases, the Chancellor also played a role in maintaining the order’s correspondence and keeping records of its activities.

3. Commander – The Commander was a senior officer who oversaw the knights and the territories or regions under the order’s control. Commanders were typically responsible for the military and administrative functions in specific regions, ensuring that the order’s influence extended beyond its central headquarters. They were often appointed to manage lands, castles, or other assets associated with the order.

4. Preceptor – The Preceptor held responsibility for the spiritual guidance of the order. This officer was typically a clergyman or religious figure who ensured that the order adhered to its religious principles and conducted ceremonial duties, such as the initiation of new knights and other rituals.

5. Herald – The Herald was responsible for the order’s public image and ceremonies. The Herald oversaw the display of the order’s arms, coats of arms, and the proper conduct of ceremonial duties, including knightly investitures, parades, and public events.

6. Secretary – The Secretary was in charge of handling communications, managing correspondence, and coordinating the administrative work of the order. The Secretary worked closely with the Chancellor and other officers to ensure that the order's documents and records were properly maintained.

These chief officers worked together to manage the organizational, military, and ceremonial aspects of the order. Over time, the specific titles and roles of the officers may have varied depending on the region and period, but the Grand Master remained the ultimate authority in the order's leadership structure.