Remembering the Battle of the Milvian Bridge

On this day in 312 AD our sacred Order’s patron, Emperor Constantine the Great, defeated the usurper Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. The day before the epic battle that changed the world, the Emperor had a vision of the Chi and the Rho (XP), the first two letters of Christ’s name in Greek, and heard a voice proclaim “In Hoc Signo Vinces,” which means “By this sign you will conquer.” Ordering his militia to paint the symbol on their shields, Constantine’s legions won the day against the more numerous enemy. The Emperor converted to Christianity and with the promulgation of the Edict of Milan legalized the faith, thus ending 300 years of religious persecution. Constantine’s guard would became the ancestors of the Knights and Dames of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George and their symbol and the initials IHSV remain on our badges

In Memory of King Francesco I di Borbone, on the Occasion of His Birthday

The Order remembers the birthday of our late Grand Master, HM Francesco I di Borbone, King of the Two Sicilies.

In Memory of King Carlo di Borbone, on the Occasion of His Birthday

The Order remembers the birthday of our late Grand Master, HM Carlo di Borbone, King of Naples and Sicily.

In Memory of King Francesco II di Borbone, on the Occasion of His Birthday

The Order remembers the birthday of our late Grand Master, HM Francesco II di Borbone, King of the Two Sicilies.

In Memory of King Ferdinando I di Borbone, on the Occasion of His Birthday

The Order remembers the birthday of our late Grand Master, HM Ferdinando I di Borbone, King of the Two Sicilies.

In Memory of King Ferdinando II di Borbone, on the Occasion of His Birthday

The Order remembers the birthday of our late Grand Master, HM Ferdinando II di Borbone, King of the Two Sicilies.

Remembering HM Francesco II di Borbone, Late Grand Master of the Order and Last King of the Two Sicilies

B. Napoli, January 16, 1836 — D. Arco, December 27, 1894

Prayer for HM King Francis II of the Two Sicilies 

O Triune God, who from your throne of mercy turns your gaze upon us, and who called to your following Francis II of Bourbon, electing him a King upon the earth, modeling his life to the same kingship of the crucified and risen Jesus Christ, instilling in his heart sentiments of love and patience, of humility and clemency, of peace and forgiveness, cloaking him with the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, accept our plea and help us walk in his steps and live their virtues. Glorify him, we beseech you, upon the earth, as we believe he has already been glorified in heaven, and grant us through his prayer, that we may receive the graces which we need. Amen. Pater, Ave and Gloria 

Constantinian Order Featured in the November 2018 Craco Society Bulletin

After participating in the 117th Annual Feast of San Vincenzo Martire di Craco in Little Italy, New York on Sunday, Oct. 28th, the Order was featured in the Nov. 2018 Craco Society Bulletin. In addition to Emperor Constantine's victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, the article, reprinted below, explores the possible historical connection between our sacred Order, the Theban Legion, and glorious San Vincenzo.

The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and San Vincenzo

The Mass celebrating the 117th Feast of San Vincenzo Martire di Craco in New York at the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood was graced for the first time by a contingent from the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George.

The order’s website is a wealth of information about their history.

They are an Order of Knighthood whose tradition dates back to Emperor Constantine who founded the Order following the miraculous appearance of the Cross at Saxa Rubra. The Constantinian Order has been considered one of the most ancient among the Orders of Knighthood.

The unification of Italy deprived the Constantinian Order of its territorial possessions, but the Royal House maintains the Grand Magistry since the Order is a dynastic institution. On several occasions the Holy See has confirmed the continuance of the Order and of its Grand Master in the person of the Head of the Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies. The current Grand Master is H.R.H. Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro. The Order has delegations in each Italian region, and throughout Europe and the Americas.

The participation of the delegation in this year’s event comes with amazing significance to us.

In 1901 the New York Times news article about the first celebration of the feast of San Vincenzo in New York mentions that it took place outside Most Precious Blood Church while it was under construction. The newspaper also noted a military honor guard attended, which seems fitting since San Vincenzo was a man-of-arms. Coincidentally, the mantles worn by the Knights attending this year match the tunic color the Theban Legion wore. But the connections between San Vincenzo and the Knights go back further to the legendary start of the Constantinian Order.

San Vincenzo at Most Precious Blood Church, Little Italy, New York

On October 28, the date we celebrated San Vincenzo this year, marks the day in 312AD when Constantine achieved a victory at the Milvian Bridge after having a vision that he would win the victory under the sign of Christ. In gratitude, Constantine ordered that Christian worship would be tolerated throughout the empire.

Constantine’s victory that day, fifteen hundred years ago, was over Marcus Aurelius Maxentius, the son of Emperor Maximinianus. It was Emperor Maximinianus, who as a general in 286AD, ordered the decimation of the Theban Legion.

A complicated series of events and turmoil followed with various factions contending for emperor. The Roman Senate, unhappy with Maximianus’ rule forced him to renounce his imperial position in favor of his son. Perhaps hedging his bets, Maximinianus then had his youngest daughter Fausta, marry Constantine one of the contenders for Emperor. Afterwards, Maximinianus returned to Gaul (where he had ordered the destruction of the Theban Legion) and began hatching schemes against his son-in-law Constantine in an attempt to regain his imperial position. In a confrontation with Constantine, Maximinianus’ soldiers surrendered him to his rival, but Constantine generously pardoned him. Soon after, Maximinianus returned to scheming against his son-in-law, and finally was compelled to take his own life in 310AD by “falling on his sword,” an amazing end to someone who put the 6,000 Theban troops to the sword two decades before.

The Battle of the Milvian Bridge

Marcus Aurelius Maxentius, the son of Maximinianus was drowned in the Tiber during the battle with Constantine at the Milvian Bridge. His body was taken from the river, decapitated, and his head was paraded through the streets of Rome, an ironic connection to the decimation of the Theban Legion by his father.

Constantine’s victory at the Milvian Bridge in 312AD gave him total control of the Western Roman Empire. When he issued the Edict of Milan, making Christianity officially recognized in the Roman Empire he paved the way for Christianity to become the dominant religion in Europe.

Part of the victory at the Milvian Bridge was attributed to the reconstituted Theban Legion. In the years after the decimation of the Legion by Maximinianus the remnant remaining in Egypt continued to recruit and serve the Romans. It may be no coincidence that around 312AD they chose to join Constantine in the struggle for control of the Empire over Maximinianus’ son, who they knew was responsible for the death of 6,000 of their predecessors.

Commemorating the victory, the Arch of Constantine was erected, outside the Colosseum in Rome. On the Arch is recognition of the role of the Theban Legion with images of the soldiers.

The Thebans were an auxiliary unit in the Roman Legions. Although they are usually thought of as infantry they were actually specialists - archers. Historically, we know they were Berbers from North Africa, serving the Egyptian Pharaohs for generations in their role as proficient and accomplished archers. In the Roman Empire they were a valuable commodity that fit the strategy and tactics supporting the Roman Legions at a time when extra manpower was needed. 

Constantine’s Arch gives us an insight into their specialty and dress. Visible is the unique way they placed arrows in their head dress making them more quickly accessible during battle.

Is it only coincidence that the descendants of the Theban Legion end up defeating the pagans who had massacred their ancestors? Is there some higher connection with the descendants of the martyred Thebans supporting Constantine in opening the world to Christianity?

While pondering the questions, there is no doubt the Knights attending the feast this year helped us unlock more of the story of San Vincenzo and the Theban Legion. 

Also see:

• Members of the Order Celebrate the Feast of San Vincenzo, Martire di Craco, and the Anniversary of the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in Little Italy, New York

Remembering the Battle of the Milvian Bridge

On this day in 312 AD our sacred Order’s patron, Emperor Constantine the Great, defeated the usurper Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. The day before the epic battle that changed the world, the Emperor had a vision of the Chi and the Rho (XP), the first two letters of Christ’s name in Greek, and heard a voice proclaim “In Hoc Signo Vinces,” which means “By this sign you will conquer.” Ordering his militia to paint the symbol on their shields, Constantine’s legions won the day against the more numerous enemy. The Emperor converted to Christianity and with the promulgation of the Edict of Milan legalized the faith, thus ending 300 years of religious persecution. Constantine’s guard would became the ancestors of the Knights and Dames of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George and their symbol and the initials IHSV remain on our badges