The Order is divided into three distinct levels: the Sovereign Council, the Grand Priories, and the Commanderies.
The Sovereign Council represents the international structure of the Order. At this level, the leadership decides on membership, promotions, oblations, and operation of the Order. It works to ensure that the Order policy is uniformly followed throughout the world.
There are currently three Grand Priories within the order: the Grand Priory of Canada, the Grand Priory of the United States of America, and the Grand Priory of the Baltic Sea (Finland). In each, the leader (The Grand Prior) and the other officers on the Grand Priory level are responsible for administering the Order within their jurisdiction.
The lowest level is the Commandery. This is the functional geographical jurisdiction of the Order. Commanderies are named for cities or provinces. There are three Commanderies in Canada: Montreal/Ottawa, London, and Hamilton/Toronto. Each commandery has a minimum of 10 Knights/Dames, and usually no more than 25.
What is an order?
An organization or society whose members have contributed exceptional/long-term service or have made a noteworthy achievement that contributes to a better world for everyone.
Most Orders feature a progressive rank structure.
A member will move up the rank structure based on their contributions and service. Being a member of an Order usually entitles the person to wear special insignia (i.e., medals) and use a specific title.