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

Induction into The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre – In a “Lady’s” words…

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 USA Lieutenancy, 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, we proceeded to make our way from Helmsley Palace on Madison Avenue, crossing over Fifth Avenue, and entered through the main doors of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. All female members are titled ladies, and were all dressed in black from head to toe with long-sleeved dresses, gloves, mantillas and capes. The men are knights, and were wearing white ties, black tails, white capes and berets. Emblazoned in red on the garments were the historic insignia of four crosses around one large main one.

The order has a rich heritage with headquarters in the Vatican, and regional 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 and is not 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 in aims, to preserve a Catholic presence in the Holy Land. For over 26 years, my company “206 Tours”, has been arranging pilgrimages to the Holy Land. I also know firsthand that donations truly do support schools, hospitals, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem which 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 the Holy Land on a regular basis, I have seen in my own eyes all what the order has done with our money. I could not be more proud.

Milanka Lachman, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Charlie Lachman (Archbishop Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York)	Sandra Lippold, Milanka Lachman, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Charlie Lachman, Eva Relyea (Archbishop Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York)
Milanka Lachman & Archbishop Edwin O'Brien (Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem)
Archbishop Edwin O'Brien & Charlie Lachman (Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem)	Archbishop Edwin O'Brien & Charlie Lachman (Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem)
Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, Charlie Lachman, Sandra Lippold (Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem)	Archbishop Edwin O'Brien & Milanka Lachman (Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem)

Sandra Lippold, Milanka Lachman, Msgr. James McNamara, Bishop William Murphy, Charlie Lachman, Eva Relyea