The Military Order of Christ is the reconstituted form of the former Knights Templar in Portugal. Originally established in 1319 with the support of King Denis of Portugal, the order emerged after the Knights Templar were disbanded by Pope Clement V in 1312. Unlike other European monarchs, King Denis refused to persecute the Templars and instead transformed them into the Order of Christ.
This transformation was recognized by Pope John XXII in 1319, allowing the new order to inherit the Templars’ assets. The Order of Christ played a significant role in Portugal’s history, especially during the Age of Discoveries, amassing considerable wealth and influence. In 1789, Queen Maria I secularized the order. Although it was extinguished with the fall of the Portuguese monarchy in 1910, it was revived in 1917, with the President of Portugal serving as its Grand Master.
Today, the Military Order of Christ, alongside the Orders of Aviz and St. James of the Sword, forms the “Ancient Military Orders,” managed by a chancellor and council appointed by the President. It now honors outstanding service to the Republic and can be awarded to both military officers and civilians, including foreigners, members of parliament, the diplomatic corps, the judiciary, the civil service, and other public authorities.
The Military Order of Christ Grades
The Order of Christ, as currently awarded by the Portuguese government, is divided into six classes:
Grand Collar (GCol): Wears a grand collar, the badge of the Order on a sash over the right shoulder, and the star of the Order in gold on the left chest. This rank was introduced in 2021.
Grand Cross (GCC): Wears the badge of the Order on a sash over the right shoulder, and the star of the Order in gold on the left chest.
Grand Officer (GOC): Wears the badge of the Order on a necklet, and the star of the Order in gold on the left chest.
Commander (ComC): Wears the badge of the Order on a necklet, and the star of the Order in silver on the left chest.
Officer (OC): Wears the badge of the Order on a ribbon with a rosette on the left chest.
Knight (CvC) or Dame (DmC): Wears the badge of the Order on a plain ribbon on the left chest.
The Military Order of Christ Design
The grand collar of the Order features alternating simple crosses of the Order and armillary spheres, all gilded and connected by a double chain of simple links. At the center are two interlocked branches of quercus coccifera, also gilded. The cross of the Order hangs from the necklace, surrounded by an open-cut laurel wreath with its fruits, tied with crossed ribbons, all in gold.
The badge of the Order is a gilt cross with enamel, resembling the Order’s emblem but with a longer lower arm. Historically, civil knights wore a badge with the Sacred Heart of Christ above it, while military knights had a gilt, blue, and white enamel Maltese Cross with shields resembling the Portuguese coat of arms, surrounded by a palm wreath and topped by a gilt crown.
The star of the Order has 22 asymmetrical rays, gilt for Grand Cross and Grand Officer, and silver for Commander. The central disc is white enamel with a miniature of the modern badge. During the monarchy, the Sacred Heart of Christ was at the top of the star.
The ribbon of the Order is plain red.
