Pope John Paul II honours seven delegation members with Papal knighthoods in recognition of their interfaith work for the Holy See. London – December 2004.
 His Holiness Pope John Paul II has bestowed Papal knighthoods on six members of the British and Irish Delegation. These high awards were granted by the Pontiff in recognition of the considerable support given over recent years by members of British and Irish delegation in favour of the interfaith work of the Holy See in the Balkan republic of Serbia and Montenegro.
Mr Nadhmi Auchi, GCFO, (Muslim), Mr Mahmoud Khayami, KCFO, (Muslim), Professor Nasser David Khalili, KCFO, (Jewish), Dr Peter Low, KMCO, (Roman Catholic), Mr Eitan Wertheimer, KCFO, (Jewish), and Mr Steven Wilkinson, KCFO, (Protestant), were awarded the rank and dignity of Knight of the Pontifical Order of Pope Saint Sylvester.
 The Delegate of the British and Irish Delegation, HE Mr Anthony Bailey, (Roman Catholic) was awarded the rank of Knight Commander of the same Papal Order.
During the past two years the above honourees, have pro-actively supported a series of interfaith initiatives of the Apostolic Nunciature in Belgrade. These have included the funding of a series of publications explaining the role of the Holy See in the recent Balkan war, as well as supporting the restoration and rebuilding of the Vatican’s diplomatic headquarters in Belgrade.
 His Excellency Archbishop Eugenio Sbarbaro, Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro bestowed the awards in the name of the Holy Father, in a ceremony in Belgrade. The Prior of the British and Irish Delegation, His Eminence Cormac, Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, extended his warmest congratulations to all the recipients.
The Constantinian Order is very active in interfaith matters across the world, and it noteworthy that these Papal awards have been bestowed on our members who came from a multi-faith background.
King of Bahrain receives Constantinian Order delegation and urges nations to allow full freedom of worship during meeting with Christian leaders. London – July 2004
 King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain received a high level delegation of Christian leaders in London during which he affirmed that throughout its history, Bahrain had guaranteed the free practice of all religions and urged other nations to follow suit for the benefit of humanity.
The one hour royal audience at the Dorchester Hotel in London , was organised by Anthony Bailey, Delegate in Britain and Ireland of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, a Catholic dynastic order which is pro-actively engaged in Inter Religious dialogue initiatives.
The 54-year-old monarch, who was on a weeklong visit to Britain during which he met The Queen, invited Muslim scholars and Christian clergymen to work for peaceful co-existence at local, regional and global levels. The King underlined their role in spreading awareness, correcting distorted concepts and promoting the principles of peace, tolerance and love among people. His Majesty also warmly welcomed the role which the Constantinian Order is playing in this field.
King Hamad also reiterated Bahrain 's strong condemnation of acts of terrorism, which he said conflicted with the principles of all religions. He again underlined his kingdom's keenness to support international efforts to fight terrorism.
British & Irish Delegate Anthony Bailey presented His Majesty with the Jubilee 2000 medallion of the Constantinian Order on behalf of the Grand Prefect, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria.
Among those attending were Bishop James O'Brien, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster , who delivered a personal letter from Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster and the spiritual head of the Constantinian Order in Britain . In his message, Cardinal Cormac said' I am very conscious that Your Majesty is most active and committed to inter-religious dialogue, both national and international, and that there is complete freedom of worship and a very sizable Christian population in the Kingdom of Bahrain ' . Currently there are over 8,000 Bahraini nationals who are Christian.
Among other senior clerics attending were Anglican Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali of Rochester who delivered a personal letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury and who is responsible for Christian-Muslim dialogue internationally for the Church of England. Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain , Head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Great Britain and Anglican Bishop David Gillett of Bolton also spoke.
Among others attending were the Rev Canon David Marshall, Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury and Secretary for Interfaith dialogue , the Rev Canon Jonathan Gough, Ecumenical Secretary to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Rev Father Michael Seed , Ecumenical Secretary to the Archdiocese of Westminster.
Constantinian Order delegate Anthony Bailey said 'Many people are totally unaware of the long tradition and freedom of worship that has existed for centuries in the Gulf region. Bahrain 's example is one of great hope and needs to be brought to the public's attention at a time of widespread misconceptions concerning the Christian communities in the Arab world as a whole. King Hamad is firmly committed to greater interfaith dialogue and understanding and we look forward to engaging with His Majesty more fully in ecumenical projects in Bahrain and across Britain and Ireland'.
Constantinian Order supports inter-religious Forthspring Inter Community Group. Belfast – June 2004.
 Following the visit of the Order's Grand Prefect, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, in November 2002 to Belfast and the subsequent visit to Cardinal Pompedda of Dublin, the Constantinian Order during the early part of 2004 has donated over £10,000 (€15,000) to the work of the Forthspring Inter Community Group in Belfast. The Delegate for Great Britain & Ireland Anthony Bailey was appointed to the Board of Directors of Forthspring in 2004.
The Forthspring initiative undertakes much needed work on a local community level to foster relations between the divided communities in Northern Ireland. It is a multi-religious body incorporating Catholic, Protestant, Methodist and other communities and the Constantinian Order funds the salaries of a number of the community workers.
  Forthspring Project Co-ordinator Mrs Bernie Laverty said “ On behalf of the Rev David Campton and the Board of Directors of Forthspring, we are delighted to receive your substantial donation from the Constantinian Order and yourself. Such financial support means so much to use in our endeavours to create more positive relationships and understanding between the local Catholic and Protestant communities on the Springfield Road in Belfast”.
To find out more on the work of the Forthspring Inter Community Group, please visit their website at www.forthspring.org.
Presidents of Syria, Lebanon and Yemen honour British & Irish delegate. London - March 2004.
 Mr Anthony Bailey, Delegate for Great Britain and Ireland of the Constantinian Order, has been honoured by three Arab nations in recognition of his contribution over many years to Inter Religious dialogue, and for furthering European-Arab relations.
Anthony Bailey, who was appointed Delegate in 2002, was invested with the Syrian Order of Outstanding Merit (First Class) in a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Damascus on 21 March 2004. His Excellency Bashar al-Assad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, presented Mr Bailey with the insignia and diploma on behalf of the Syrian people.
At a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Beirut on 23 March 2004, His Excellency General Emile Lahoud, President of the Republic of Lebanon, decorated Mr Bailey with the insignia of Knight Commander of the National Order of the Cedar. This high award was made in recognition of Mr Bailey's contribution to bilateral relations and for his charitable endeavour to Christian and Muslim communities in the Republic.
 His Excellency Ali Abdullah Saleh, President of the Republic of Yemen, also bestowed on Mr Bailey at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Sana'a, the Order of Unification – 22 May in the grade of First Class with Collar. This award was made in appreciation of Mr Bailey's contribution to furthering religious dialogue between Yemen and Europe, which in recent years has included exchange visits of Muslim leaders with their Christian counterparts across Europe.
In a letter dated 19 April 2004 from Buckingham Palace, Her Majesty The Queen granted Mr Bailey Unrestricted Permission to officially wear the decorations in the United Kingdom.
British and Irish Delegate Anthony Bailey said ‘ I am truly humbled by the high awards which have been bestowed on me by President al-Assad, President Lahoud and President Saleh. I have been engaging in worthy interfaith initiatives with many religious communities across the Arab world  for many years now, and so to be recognised for this voluntary work is especially welcome from governments who are firmly committed to such activity.
“In accepting these honours, I did so on behalf of my many Christian, Muslim and Jewish friends and colleagues who have always supported me and worked with me on countless dialogue initiatives. This work is of the utmost importance and especially today when there is a considerable public perception that such dialogue and understanding has all but broken down”.
Duke and Duchess of Calabria visit the historic capital of Yemen before meeting with key state and religious figures. Sana'a – March 2004.
 
 The Duke and Duchess of Calabria and accompanying delegation visited the
historic city of Sana’a and a number of religious sites including the main library featuring an exhibition of religious literature which included a collection of ancient Islamic manuscripts and Korans.
The delegation later called on the Prime Minister of the Republic of Yemen, His Excellency Abdul-Qader Bajammal at the Prime Minister’s Office. The Chairman of the Consultative Council alsoreceived the delegation. During both meetings discussions were held as to activities which the Constantinian Order could undertake in Yemen in the field of interfaith dialogue and charitable and humanitarian support.
President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen is invested into the Order of Francesco I. Duke of Calabria receives highest Yemeni decoration on behalf of the Constantinian Order. Sana’a – March 2004.
 The Duke of Calabria and accompanying delegation visited the Presidential Palace, and held talks with the President of the Republic, His Excellency Ali Abdullah Saleh. The Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Special Counsellor of the President of the Republic attended.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria personally delivered a personal letter from His Eminence Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda to The President.
Through translators His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria and Mr Anthony Bailey outlined during the thirty-minute meeting the Order’s desire to adopt charitable initiatives in Yemen and to launch specific exchange programmes of European and Yemeni religious figures. The President supported our proposals and offered his governments support for such activities.
 
The President of the Republic was invested with the dignity of the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francesco I and also received the Benemerenti Medal of the Constantinian Order in recognition of Yemen’s contribution to Muslim-Christian dialogue. His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria received the First Class grade with Collar of the Order of Unification – 22 May in recognition of the Order’s contribution to inter-dialogue and understanding. Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda was also decreed with the same award, and Mr Anthony Bailey received the same decoration for furthering British-Yemeni relations.
The Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Yemeni Ambassador to the Court of St James’s were also invested into the Royal Order of Francesco I in a separate ceremony in the Presidential Palace.
Foreign Minister of Yemen hosts interfaith dialogue lunch in honour of the Duke of Calabria. Sana’a – March 2004.
The Foreign Minister of Yemen, His Excellency Mr Abu Baker Abdullah Al-Kirbi, hosted the delegation for lunch at the Taj Hotel in Sana'a. This lunch was attended by many Muslim religious and legal leaders, some of whom had been part of the earlier official delegation to London . A two-hour discussion on interfaith dialogue was held after lunch and all participants confirmed that desire to engage with the Order in our future projects and initiatives.
Constantinian Order delegation pays high-level visit to the Republic of Lebanon . Beirut– March 2004.
 The Grand Magistry of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George sent a high-level delegation to the Republic of Lebanon, from Monday 22 March 2004 until Tuesday 23 March 2004. The visit took place at the joint invitation of the Lebanese Government as well as Muslim and Christian leaders in country.
The Delegation was headed by the Order’s Grand Prefect, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, and was accompanied by his wife, HRH The Duchess of Calabria, Mr Anthony Bailey, Delegate of the Order in Great Britain and Ireland with special responsibility for Inter Religious dialogue, and Mr Nicola Parascandolo, Vice Secretary General of the Grand Magistry.
The purpose of the visit was to launch new initiatives aimed at raising the profile of the Order’s international activities, as well as launching specific programmes which encouraged inter-religious dialogue and understanding between Europe and the Arab world.
Lebanon was also included within the wider trip to the Middle East, due to its successful policy of reversing the terrible tragedies, which this country suffered in recent years including the massive loss of life resulting from the civil war and the breakdown in dialogue among the religious communities.
President of Lebanon receives the Constantinian Order delegation at the Presidential Palace and is invested into the Constantinian Order. The Duke of Calabria is invested into the Lebanese Order of Merit. Beirut – March 2004.
 On Tuesday 23 March 2004 The President of the Republic, His Excellency General Emile Lahoud, received the delegation at the Presidential Palace in Beirut. His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria delivered a personal letter from His Eminence Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda, Grand Prior of the Constantinian Order to President Lahoud.
During this meeting His Excellency President Lahoud was invested as a Knight Grand Cross of Merit with Gold Star of the Constantinian Order by His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria in recognition of his major contribution to interfaith dialogue in Lebanon. President Lahoud is the first Maronite Catholic Head of State to be invested into the Roman Catholic Order of Knighthood.
The Duke of Calabria received the Lebanese Order of Merit (Extraordinary Class) in recognition of the Order’s contribution to inter-religious dialogue and understanding. Mr Anthony Bailey received the National Order of the Cedar (Knight Commander) for furthering British-Lebanese relations.
 
The President of the Republic used this opportunity to highlight the important achievements which the Lebanese people and government have made in the field of interfaith and inter-church dialogue. The President welcomed the Order’s commitment to this important work and suggested a number of charitable projects which could be adopted in southern Lebanon including medical support. The President also referred to the welcomed and longstanding support which the Order of Malta, our sister Order, has given to Lebanon.
Royal Gala dinner held to welcome Constantinian Order delegation attended by leading spiritual and state officials from Lebanon. Beirut – March 2004.
 The delegation arrived in Beirut and was received by the Minister of Displaced Persons who was officially representing His Excellency General Emile Lahoud, President of the Republic of Lebanon. A gala dinner was held for some 200 guests at Le Royal Hotel in Beirut hosted by Nadhmi Auchi, a senior British Muslim member of the Order of Francesco I and leading Lebanese businessman. The dinner was attended by many religious figures and Lebanese Cabinet Ministers including those of Defence,
 Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, Tourism and Social Welfare. During the evening, The Duke of Calabria bestowed on Mr Auchi the Gold Benemerenti Medal of the Constantinian Order.
To download the welcome speech of Mr Nadhmi Auchi, click here
Constantinian Order delegation pays high-level visit to the Syrian Arab Republic. Damascus – March 2004 .
 The Grand Magistry of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George sent a high-level delegation to the Syrian Arab Republic, from Saturday 20 March 2004 until Monday 22 March 2004. The visit took place at the joint invitation of the Syrian Government as well as Muslim and Christian leaders in country.
The Delegation was headed by the Order’s Grand Prefect, His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, and was accompanied by his wife, HRH The Duchess of Calabria, Mr Anthony Bailey, Delegate of the Order in Great Britain and Ireland with special responsibility for Inter Religious dialogue, and Mr Nicola Parascandolo, Vice Secretary General of the Grand Magistry.
The purpose of the visit was to launch new initiatives aimed at raising the profile of the Order’s international activities, as well as launching specific  programmes which encouraged interfaith and inter-church dialogue and understanding between Europe and the Arab world. Syria, with its long history of Muslim-Christian coexistence and religious tolerance, offered the delegation an important opportunity to engage with the leaders of all faiths about these merits and content of these projects. The visit also accorded the delegation the opportunity to visit key religious sites of importance to Christians and Muslims alike.
President of Syria receives the Constantinian Order delegation. Damascus – March 2004.
 On the morning of Sunday 21 March 2004, The President of the Republic, H.E. Mr Bashar al-Assad, received the Constantinian Order delegation at the People’s Palace in Damascus.
A 20-minute private discussion took place in the President’s private apartment attended by TRH The Duke and Duchess of Calabria and Mr Anthony Bailey. During this meeting, the President expressed his delight to receive the delegation of the Order and expressed his desire to engage with the Order in furthering the important work of Inter-religious dialogue between Syria and Europe.
The Duke of Calabria delivered a personal letter from His Eminence Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda, the Order’s Grand Prior and Ecclesiastical Counsellor of Pope John Paul II to the Constantinian Order to President Bashar al-Assad.
President Bashar al-Assad of Syria becomes first Muslim Head of State to be invested into the Order of Francesco I. Duke of Calabria receives highest Syrian decoration on behalf of the Constantinian Order. Damascus – March 2004.
 In a ceremony at the presidential palace His Excellency President Bashar al-Assad received the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francesco I and the Benemerenti Medal of the Constantinian Order in recognition of Syria’s historic and contemporary contribution to Muslim-Christian dialogue. President Bashar al-Assad became the first Muslim Head of State to receive this high award.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria received the Syrian Order of Outstanding Merit (First Class) in recognition of the Order’s contribution to interfaith dialogue and understanding. Mr Anthony Bailey received the same award specifically for his contribution to furthering British-Syrian inter-religious relations.
This high level award to the President of the Republic was widely broadcasted on national television and positively reported in the Syrian print media. The ceremony was attended by all principal Christian and Muslim religious leaders who firmly endorsed the award of the President and people of Syria. Among those attending the event, were the Syrian Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Religious Endowments, Tourism, and Presidential Affairs and the Ambassadors of the European Union and Oman (Dean of the Diplomatic Corps).
Among the many religious leaders present were His Eminence Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro, Grand Mufti of Syria, Sheikh Basheer Al Baree, Mufti of Damascus, His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Hassoun, Mufti of Aleppo, His Holiness Patriarch Grégoire III (Loutfi) Laham, Melkite Patriarch of Antiochia, His Holiness Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Ewas of the Syrian Orthodox Church and His Holiness Patriarch Maximos Hakeem of the Greek Catholic Church.
President of Syria delivers important statement of Christian-Muslim dialogue. Damascus – March 2004.
 In the presence of all Syrian Christian and Muslim religious leaders, The President of Syria, His Excellency Bashar Al-Assad, delivered an important public statement highlighting Syria’s ancient and contemporary contribution to Muslim-Christian dialogue as well as his own commitment to such dialogue internationally. The President used this opportunity to recall the visit of the Holy Father to Syria in 2000, and highlighted the important position and role of Christianity in Syria.
In his public statement President Bashar al-Assad expressed happiness at the stance taken by Pope John Paul II internationally which the President said ‘ whose positions are highly appreciated especially towards major world issues." The President pointed out that the importance of the occasion lies in the fact that it expresses a common vision of many great human values, which are embodied in the teachings of Islam and Christianity. This common vision confirms that these values didn’t disappear, but rather they are strengthening day by day in the world. It also gives evidence to the falsity of the notion of a clash of civilizations. It tells that there is dialogue between civilizations.
 The most important of any civilization is the human one, despite the importance of other aspects. But the human one calls for understanding between faiths, civilizations and cultures.
He said that Syria is a small country in terms of geography and population, yet is big in terms of its history, culture and heritage which express a social richness. It is not the long history which made this society rich, but rather the different approaches taken over history where Muslims and Christians stood together as one body in the face of many invasions ad wares launched against Syria.
The President also referred in his address to the Umayyad Grand Mosque which is one of Islam’s most important monuments. It was the Christians who identified its site, the President said and this is where the tomb of St John the Baptist is situated inside the Mosque. Pope John Paul II visited the Mosque during his visit to Syria in 2000.
The President added that Syria is the only country in the world where her inhabitants still speak the Aramaic Language - the language of Jesus Christ. The President said " This order of merit is therefore not for me personally, but for the Syrian society and Syrian history which we are all proud of. I can also assure you and the whole world that Syria has played this role for over 1400 years and will play the same role confidently in the future as a bridge connecting peoples, cultures and civilizations and faiths."
Constantinian Order delegation calls on senior Syrian Government officials. Damascus – March 2004.
 Following the meeting at the People’s Palace, the delegation, headed by His Royal Highness The Duke of Calabria, held separate meetings with the Prime Minister of Syria, His Excellency Muhammad Naji al-Utri, and the Chairman of Arab-Foreign Affairs committee of the Syrian People’s Assembly, Mrs Houda Al-Homsi, who also affirmed their commitment to interfaith dialogue and the engagement with the Constantinian Order. The Delegation also visited the Syrian People’s Assembly and had the opportunity to meet several parliamentarians interested in the work of the Order.
 During the evening, the President of the Republic and the First Lady invited TRH The Duke and Duchess of Calabria and Mr Anthony Bailey to an informal private dinner at a Damascus restaurant. Once again Their Excellencies Bashar al-Assad and Mrs al-Assad confirmed their support for the Constantinian Order’s dialogue initiatives which will commence shortly with the launch of a number of exchange visits of Christian and Muslim leaders to and from Europe as well as the adoption of a number of charitable initiatives aimed at those less fortunate in Syrian society.
Constantinian Order delegation visits key Syrian religious sites including the Omayyad Grand Mosque and the tomb of St John the Baptist. Damascus – March 2004.
 
 
The delegation visited the historic Omayyad Grand Mosque and prayed at the tomb of St John the Baptist, which is situated within the Grand Mosque. The Grand Mosque is one of the most important monuments in the Islamic world and is visited by Christian and Muslims believers alike. The delegation toured the truly historic place of worship and held discussions with key Mosque clerics. Following this, a visit was arranged to the nearby St Paul’s Church in Baab Sharqi as well as its neighbouring children’s orphanage, which will be adopted for fundraising purposes by the Constantinian Order.
 
On Monday 22 March 2004 the delegation visited the town of Quneitra and planted a tree of peace in the town’s garden. Later in the day the delegation visited the city of Maaloula where its inhabitants still speak the Aramaic Language - the language of Jesus Christ. Numerous churches and convents were included in the programme including one which was built by order of Emperor Constantine, the founder of the Constantinian Order. A donation was made to the convent and church.
 
Inter-faith dialogue seminar held with key religious leaders. Damascus – March 2004.
 The Syrian Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Saad Allah Aga Al Qalaa, hosted the delegation at a lunch and inter-religious seminar attended by many Christian and Muslim religious leaders. The Ambassador of Italy also attended. This three-hour session proved extremely useful since worthy verbal exchanges were made expressing the desire of Syrian Christian and Muslim leaders to engage with their counterparts in Europe . The Minister for his part stated his Government's desire to support the Constantinian Order's in facilitating such endeavours.
Constantinian Order launches major humanitarian mission to Iraq. Rome - February 2004.
 The Constantinian Order and the Carabinieri Corps of Italy jointly organised an important humanitarian mission to Nassiriyah in Iraq. This charitable activity in favour of the Iraqi people is part of the wider National Peacekeeping Military Operation “Ancient Babylon” of the Italian Military Forces in Iraq.
The Order succeeded in donating medical and other equipment totalling more than €700,000 in an effort which was approved by HE The Hon  Franco Frattini, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs. Minister Frattini in a message sent to the Order welcomed the co-operation with the Constantinian Order. The joint-operation was carried out under the lead of Constantinian knight Leonardo Albanesi, Major of the 7th “Trentino Alto Adige” Carabinieri Regiment and by Commander Arrigo Sabarbaro.
The generous participation of so many knights and dames from Northern Italy represented the continuation of the Constantinian Order's prominent role in humanitarian and hospitaller assistance.Shortly before the departure of the ship ‘Romea' a religious ceremony was held in Molfalcone harbour by HE Mgr Arnaldo Greco, Constantinian Chaplain.
 The ceremony was attended by HE The Prefect of Gorizia, Signor Pasquale Vergone; the Regional Commander of the Carabinieri Corps for the Friulia Venetia Julia Region, General Mario Basile; the Commander of Monfalcone Harbour, Commander Goffredo Bon; the Order's Delegate for the Triveneto Region, Commander Paolo Bellieni; Commander Arrigo Sbarbaro; Major Leonardo Albanesi together with a delegation from the 7th “Trentino Alto Adige” Regiment, the 13th “Friulia Venetia Julia” Regiment, and many other Constantinian Knights.
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