About:

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre is a Roman Catholic Order of Knighthood that has operated under the protection of the Pope since the Middle Ages. For almost a millennium, the Order’s mission has been to strengthen Catholic beliefs and values; to sustain and aid the charitable, cultural and social works of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land; and to protect the rights of Christians in the Holy Land.

Originally founded by Godfrey of Bouillon in 1099, this internationally recognized Order of Knighthood now has 30,000 Knights and Dames from all over the world. Our 206 Tours President and Founder, Lady Milanka Lachman, LC*HS, and her husband, Sir Charles Lachman, KC*HS, are honored to be supporters and members of the Order. Milanka’s daughter and Vice President of 206 Tours Sandra Lippold, LHS, and Business Manager of 206 Tours Patrick McKenna, KHS were invested in September of 2018. Learn More about the Equestrian Order here and here.

Receiving your Pilgrim Shell:

This is your opportunity to receive the Pilgrim Shell, the most treasured decoration of the Order!

For those on a Lieutenancy “Endorsed and Operated” Pilgrimage:
A meeting will be arranged for your Lieutenancy Group to participate in Solemn Entry into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, followed by a meeting at the Office of the Latin Patriarchate to receive your Pilgrim Shell.

For Knights and Dames making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land on their own, or as an individual with a Pilgrimage Operator:
You cannot receive the Shell in Israel, but once you return from your pilgrimage to the Holy Land. You must contact your local Lieutenancy, and supply them with the following information:

• The dates you made your Pilgrimage
• The name of the Spiritual Director and their contact information
• Two (2) Witnesses (Name & Contact information of two pilgrims who traveled with you)
• The number of days you spent in Jerusalem, Galilee, and other areas of the Holy Land
• A copy of your itinerary/holy sites visited (A copy of the Day-by-Day from the website, or, a copy of the Flyer/ Brochure)
• A brief personal reflection on your pilgrimage, and what it meant to you. This information will allow the Lieutenant to evaluate your application and determine if your pilgrimage meets the requirements of an Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem pilgrimage.

Upon review of the Lieutenant, and once approved by the Grand Master of the Order, you will receive a letter approving the awarding of the Pilgrim Shell. Your Lieutenant, or their Designee, will present your Pilgrim Shell to you at the next Section or Annual Meeting.

Solemn Entry: (Pending Requirements and Availability)

If your Group meets the requirements for a Solemn Entry to take place - Knights and Dames will be asked to wear their Capes, Gloves, and Beret’s (Knights) / Veil’s (Dames). You will process to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where you will line up, and await your invitation from the Franciscan’s to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Upon entering, you will make your way to the Tomb. This is an opportunity for the Knights and Dames to have Exclusive and Private Access within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and most importantly – the Holy Tomb of Jesus Christ. You will be able to enter in the tomb as often as you would like, with time to pray inside and outside the Edicule.

Regulations enforced by the Latin Patriarchate:

The Date and Time of the Pilgrim Shell Ceremony will be arranged by your Lieutenancy Office and the Office of the Latin Patriarchate. Confirmations will be received closer to departure. Both the Pilgrim Shell Ceremony and Solemn Entry can only take place with the presence of your Lieutenant. Solemn Entry requires a minimum of 40 Knights/Ladies taking part in the entry.