Milanka Lachman, DGCHS & The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem


Milanka Lachman, DGCHS

206 Tours Founder & President

Induction into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem by Cardinal Edwin O'Brien - Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

In the words of a “Lady”...

On October 1st, 2011, Charlie and I were inducted into The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Since we belong to the Eastern Lieutenancy of the United States, the induction took place at the very beautiful, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, in New York City. The Investiture Mass was such a beautiful and formal affair rooted in the Order’s chivalry. Prior to Mass, the NYPD shut down Fifth Avenue, allowing the Knights and Ladies to process from the Helmsley Palace on Madison Avenue and enter through the Main Doors of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. All female members are titled “Ladies”, are all dressed in black from head to toe with long-sleeved dresses, gloves, mantillas and capes. The men are “Knights”, and are wearing white ties, black tails, white gloves, white capes and black berets. Emblazoned in red on the garments is the historic Jerusalem Cross, which is also known as the “Five Fold Cross” because of the four Crosses, surrounding one large main Cross.

The Order has a rich heritage with headquarters in the Vatican, and regional Lieutenancies (or Districts) all around the world. Although, it is an esteemed Order, it does not promote itself, and there is little one can find on the internet. It is not widely known, even within the Catholic circles. Often, my friends ask me about the word “equestrian”, so let me explain. It refers to the Order’s historical roots as soldiers who rode on horseback. Although, now we ride less horses and more planes. In some parts of the world, they still use white horses to symbolize the event. Sadly, there were no white horses in New York.

I consider it to be a great honor that I was asked to join. It is considered the highest Papal honor that a Lay Person or Clergyman can receive. In order to become a member, Charlie and I had to be nominated. My nomination came through Msgr. James McNamara, an acting Vicar to the Diocese of Rockville Centre. I am proud to be a “Lady”, and Charlie is proud to be a “Knight”, as we know that we belong to an Order that was created, and still aims, to preserve a Catholic presence in the Holy Land. Since 1985, my company “206 Tours”, has been arranging pilgrimages to the Holy Land with thousands of pilgrims. I also know, firsthand, that donations made through the Equestrian Order truly do support Schools, Hospitals, Churches, and most importantly - the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This is the site where Jesus was crucified, entombed and resurrected. We all like the fact that we’re helping our fellow man, but as someone who travels to the Holy Land on a regular basis, I have seen with my own eyes all what the Order has done with our money. I could not be more proud.

Milanka Lachman, DGCHS & Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar

Proud to receive a Pilgrim Shell and Certificate, from Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar in Jerusalem. Pilgrims Shell is the most treasured decoration of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

Milanka Lachman, DGCHS, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Charlie Lachman, KGCHS

(Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York)

Sandra Lippold, Milanka Lachman, DGCHS, Cardinal Timothy Dolan & Charlie Lachman, KGCHS

(Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York)

Milanka Lachman, DGCHS & Cardinal Edwin O'Brien

(Cardinal Edwin O'Brien, Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem)

Cardinal Edwin O'Brien & Charlie Lachman, KGCHS

(Cardinal Edwin O'Brien, Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem)

Cardinal Edwin O'Brien & Charlie Lachman, KGCHS

(Cardinal Edwin O'Brien, Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem)

Cardinal Edwin O'Brien, Charlie Lachman, KGCHS, Sandra Lippold, LHS

(Cardinal Edwin O'Brien, Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem)

Cardinal Edwin O'Brien & Milanka Lachman, DGCHS

(Cardinal Edwin O'Brien, Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem)

Sandra Lippold, LHS, Milanka Lachman, DGCHS, Msgr. James McNamara, Bishop William Murphy & Charlie Lachman, KGCHS