The first stage of membership in the Knights Hospitaller takes place once the Grand Chancellor has assigned the postulant (applicant) a roll number. At this time, they become a member (and are entitled to use the postnominals MH).
The new member will receive a letter of welcome from the Grand Chancellor of the Priory as well as their Commander.
As a Member, they may be received as a Jurat at any Commandery or Order event. Jurats receive and are entitled to wear the lapel pin, and to use the postnominals JH.
There is no “time in rank” requirement for a Jurat; they may be raised to Companion at the next Investiture upon the recommendation of a Knight/Dame and approval of the Knight Commander. Companions are awarded a medal and neck decoration and may use the postnominals CH.
Companions must serve two years before being elevated to Knight/Dame. This will also take place at an Investiture ceremony. Knights and Dames wear a medal with a Knight’s Trophy and a neck decoration with a Knight’s Trophy (trophy on a ribbon bow for Dames). Their postnominals are KH or DH. Only the Grand Master or their designate can create Companions and Knights.
If one is asked and agrees to head a Commandery, they will be promoted to Knight or Dame Commander. One can also become a Knight or Dame Commander by serving on the Grand Priory Council or by being appointed a General Officer of Sovereign Council. The High Officers of the Sovereign Council are Bailiffs Grand Cross.
Post-nominals are the sets of letters in abbreviations, displayed after a person’s name. They denote honours, appointments, qualifications or fellowships. The Government of Canada has generated regulations about the use of post-nominals outlined on their website. Please note that the use of Knights Hospitaller post-nominals are authorized only for internal use within the Order.