International Activities and Events
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President and Foreign Minister of Costa Rica invested into the Constantinian Order. Rome – April 2004
His Excellency Dr Abel Pacheco de la Espriella, President of the Republic of Costa Rica , was invested as a Knight Grand Cross of Merit with Gold Star of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George during a ceremony held at the Palazzo di Cancelleria in Rome.
The ceremony was conducted by the Order's Grand Prefect, HRH The Duke of Calabria, and the Grand Prior, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, Ecclesiastical Counsellor of the His Holiness Pope John Paul II to the Constantinian Order. Palazzo di Cancelleria, which is an extraterritorial property of the Vatican City State , is the seat of the Vatican 's Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Segnatura of which Cardinal Pompedda is Prefect.
His Excellency Dr Roberto Tovar Faja, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Culture of the Republic of Costa Rica , was invested as a Knight Grand Cross of Merit of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George.
His Excellency Señor Javier Guerra Laspiur, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to the Holy See and His Excellency Señor Rodolfo Gutiérrez Carranza, Ambassador of Costa Rica to the Court of St James's and Portugal were invested with the grade of Knight Commander of Merit with Star.
These high awards of the ancient and internationally recognised Constantinian Order were made in recognition of the important work which President Pacheco de la Espriella and the Government of the Republic of Costa Rica have undertaken in the defence of human dignity through its submission of a United Nations draft resolution entitled ‘International Convention against Human Cloning'.
Among those attending this ceremony were Her Excellency Señora Leila de Pacheco, First Lady of the Republic of Costa, HRH The Duchess of Calabria, HE Señor Manuel Hernandez Gutierrez, Ambassador of Costa Rica to Italy, HE Señora Victoria de Hernandez, Ambassador of Costa Rica to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture in Rome, HE Signor Gioachino Trizzino, Ambassador of Italy to Costa Rica, HE Señora Marta Nunez, Ambassador and Head of Protocol of Costa Rica, HE Marchese Aldo Pezzana Capranica del Grillo, Grand Chancellor, HE Prince Paolo Boncompagni Ludovisi, President of the Royal Deputation (and Master of Ceremonies of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta), HE Mr Anthony Bailey, Delegate for Great Britain and Ireland and Avv. Nicola Parascandolo, Vice-Secretary General of the Constantinian Order.
Following the ceremony, which was widely reported in the Costa Rican press, His Eminence hosted a reception to celebrate the occasion and accompanied the President and his delegation on a tour of this ancient and historic Roman palace.
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Duke of Calabria, Cardinal Pompedda awarded the National Order of Juan Mora Fernandez by Costa Rican President. Rome – April 2004
His Excellency Dr Abel Pacheco de la Espriella, President of the Republic of Costa Rica, on the occasion of his investiture into the Constantinian Order at the Palazzo di Cancelleria in Rome, bestowed his country’s highest honours, the Knight Grand Cross of the National Order of Juan Mora Fernandez on the Constantinian Order’s Grand Prefect, HRH The Duke of Calabria, and Grand Prior, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda.
The Constantinian Order’s Delegate for Great Britain and Ireland, HE Anthony Bailey received the same decoration for his contribution to Costa Rican-European bilateral relations.
The awards were made in recognition of the Constantinian Order’s commitment to humanitarian, hospitaller, and charitable endeavour across the world. The Constantinian Order supports several charitable initiatives in Costa Rica offering support to the homeless, sick and the elderly.
Duke of Calabria hosts banquet for President of Costa Rica.
Rome – April 2004
His Excellency Dr Abel Pacheco de la Espriella, President of the Republic of Costa Rica, on the occasion of his investiture into the Constantinian Order at the Palazzo di Cancelleria in Rome, bestowed his country’s highest honours, the Knight Grand Cross of the National Order of Juan Mora Fernandez on the Constantinian Order’s Grand Prefect, HRH The Duke of Calabria, and Grand Prior, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda.
The Duke of Calabria, as Grand Prefect of the Constantinian Order, hosted a banquet at the Excelsior Hotel in central Rome in honour of His Excellency Dr Abel Pacheco de la Espriella, President of the Republic of Costa Rica . The President was earlier invested as a Knight Grand Cross of Merit with Gold Star of the Constantinian Order.
The Duke of Calabria stated in a banquet speech “It is great honour for me as Grand Prefect of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, to welcome you all here this evening. In particular I would like to extend to the President and First Lady of the Republic of Costa Rica , and their accompanying delegation, the warmest of welcomes to Rome .
“For tonight, and in the presence of His Eminence Cardinal Pompedda, our Grand Prior and Ecclesiastical Counsellor by appointment of Pope John Paul II, we celebrate Your Excellency's investiture into our ancient and internationally recognised Roman Catholic Order of Knighthood.
“We also are graced this evening with the presence of many senior officials of the Italian Republic , the Holy See and of nations accredited to both states. To many of you the national and international spiritual role as well as the charitable and humanitarian activities undertaken by the Constantinian Order are well known and I believe appreciated.
“Your Excellency, this afternoon you were honoured with the highest decoration of our Order. This award was bestowed on you in recognition not only of your own great personal merit, but also the tireless efforts of your Government and your noble people.
“In particular I would like to record your Government's worthy efforts and continuing aspirations to seek an international convention against all forms of human cloning. I was pleased to note that the United Nations draft resolution was sponsored by over 66 countries and I commend Costa Rica efforts in the defence of human dignity. I hope that in the not to distant future this resolution will be adopted.
“Mr President, before I conclude, I would like to publicly affirm the Constantinian Order's desire to adopt further charitable and humanitarian initiatives in Costa Rica . This is a core element of our Order's activities and I hope the firm foundation on which to continue to build a long and fruitful relationship between our Catholic institution and your country”.
Among the 120 people who attended were Her Excellency Señora Leila de Pacheco, First Lady of the Republic of Costa, HRH The Duchess of Calabria, the Order's Grand Prior, His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, HE Count Jacques de Liedekerke, Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and Countess de Liedekerke, HE Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta Diplomatic Counsellor of the Italian Prime Minister, Prince Paolo Boncompagni Ludovisi, Master of Ceremonies of the Order of Malta and President of the Royal Deputation of the Constantinian Order, the Duchess of Gallese, Donna Edoarda Crociani, HE General Mario Arpino, HE Ambassador Count Umberto Lucchesi Palli, Deputy Head of Protocol of Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HE Dr Giuseppe Balboni Acqua, Ambassador of Italy to the Holy See, HE Anthony Bailey, Delegate of the Constantinian Order in Great Britain and Ireland, Avv. Marco Cecilia of the Order of Malta, Prince and Princess Raimondo Orsini d'Aragona, the Duke and Duchess of Aquila d'Aragona, Monsignor Maurice Monier, and 
Monsignor Robert Michael Sable of the Roman Rota, HE Marchese Gian Luca Chiavari, Receiver of the Common Treasure of the Order of Malta, HE General Paolo do Noia, of the Italian Ministry of Defence, Hon. Rocco Crimi, Member of the Italian Parliament, HE President Corrado Calabro, President of the Administrative Tribunal of Rome and Donna Maria Pia Fanfani.
Among the Costa Rican invitees were HE Dr Roberto Tovar Faja, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Culture, HE Señor Javier Guerra Laspiur, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to the Holy See, HE Señor Rodolfo Gutiérrez Carranza, Ambassador of Costa Rica to the Court of St James's and Portugal, HE Señor Manuel Hernandez Gutierrez, Ambassador of Costa Rica to Italy, HE Señora Victoria de Hernandez, Ambassador of Costa Rica to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture in Rome, HE Signor Gioachino Trizzino, Ambassador of Italy to Costa Rica, HE Señora Marta Nunez, Ambassador and Head of Protocol of Costa Rica, HE Ambassador Señora Marta Nuñez, Chief of State Ceremonial of Costa Rica, HE Ambassador Javier Sancho, Director General of External Politics, and many others.
President and Foreign Minister of Panama invested into the Constantinian Order. Rome – April 2004
At a ceremony at the Grand Magistry of the Constantinian Order in central Rome, the Charge d'Affaires of the Republic of Panama to the Holy See, Señor Francisco Javier Torres, received from the Order's Grand Prefect, HRH The Duke of Calabria, the insignia and diploma of Dame Grand Cross with Gold Star of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George on behalf of Her Excellency President M ireya Elisa Moscoso Rodríguez of the Republic of Panama.
The Charge d'Affaires also received the insignia of Knight Grand Cross of Merit of the Constantinian Order on behalf of His Excellency Señor Licenciado Harmodio Arias Cerjack , Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama, and that of Knight Commander of Merit with Star for His Excellency Roberto Zuniga Brid, Director General of Protocol and State Ceremonial of the Republic of Panama. These awards were made following the Order's launch of charitable and humanitarian initiatives in Panama.
The Ambassador of Panama to the Court of St James's, HE Señora Ariadne Singares Robinson, who is already a Dame of Merit with Star of the Constantinian Order, was decreed a Dame Commander of the Royal Order of Francis I, and Señor Francisco Javier Torres, Charge d'Affaires of the Republic of Panama to the Holy See, was appointed as a Knight of Merit with Star.
Among those attending were His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, Grand Prior, HRH The Duchess of Calabria, HE Marchese Aldo Pezzana Capranica del Grillo, Grand Chancellor of the Constantinian Order, HE Señor Winston Spadafora, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to Italy, HE Horacio Maltez, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture in Rome, HE Mr Anthony Bailey, Delegate for Great Britain and Ireland of the Constantinian Order, Signor Nicola Parascandolo, Vice Secretary General of the Grand Magistry of the Constantinian Order, Dr Pablo Herrera Maldonado, Charge d'Affaires of Venezuela to the Holy See, Dr Alberto Trueba, Counsellor of the Embassy of Argentina to the Holy See, The Reverend Father Gabriel Antonio Robles, Religious Adviser to the Embassy of Panama to the Holy See, Señor Carlos Alvarado, Counsellor of the Embassy of Panama to Italy, and Signora Antonieta Capparella, Secretary of the Head of Ceremonies of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
Duke of Castro, Duke of Calabria, Cardinal Pompedda receive highest honours from the President of Panama. Rome – April 2004
The Grand Master of the Constantinian Order and Head of the Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies, HRH Prince Ferdinand of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro, has been decorated with the insignia of Extraordinary Grand Cross grade of the Order of Vasco Nu ñez de Balboa of the Republic of Panama in a ceremony at the Grand Magistry of the Constantinian Order in central Rome.
The Charge d'Affaires of the Republic of Panama to the Holy See, Señor Francisco Javier Torres, presented the decorations and diploma to the Order's Grand Prefect, HRH The Duke of Calabria, on behalf of Her Excellency President M ireya Elisa Moscoso Rodríguez of the Republic of Panama. The President was unable to present the decorations personally due to the forthcoming Presidential Elections in the Central American nation.
At the same ceremony, the Grand Prefect of the Constantinian Order, HRH The Duke of Calabria, personally received the insignia of Grand Cross of the Order of Vasco Nu ñez de Balboa of the Republic of Panama.
His Eminence Mario Francesco, Cardinal Pompedda, Grand Prior of the Constantinian Order and Ecclesiastical Counsellor of Pope John Paul II to the Order received the insignia of Grand Cross of the Order of Manuel Amador Guerrero of the Republic of Panama and HE Anthony Bailey, Delegate for Great Britain and Ireland with special responsibility for relations with foreign states, received the insignia of Grand Officer of the Order of Manuel Amador Guerrero.
These high awards were made in recognition of the Constantinian Order's launch of charitable and humanitarian initiatives in Panama , the promotion of the Roman Catholic Faith and in recognition of European-Panamanian bilateral relations.
Among those attending were HRH The Duchess of Calabria, HE Marchese Aldo Pezzana Capranica del Grillo, Grand Chancellor of the Constantinian Order, HE Señor Winston Spadafora, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to Italy, HE Horacio Maltez, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture in Rome, Signor Nicola Parascandolo, Vice Secretary General of the Grand Magistry of the Constantinian Order, Dr Pablo Herrera Maldonado, Charge d'Affaires of Venezuela to the Holy See, Dr Alberto Trueba, Counsellor of the Embassy of Argentina to the Holy See, The Reverend Father Gabriel Antonio Robles, Religious Adviser to the Embassy of Panama to the Holy See, Señor Carlos Alvarado, Counsellor of the Embassy of Panama to Italy, and Signora Antonieta Capparella, Secretary of the Head of Ceremonies of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
Constantinian Order delegation pays high-level visit to the Republic of Yemen . Sana'a – March 2004.
The Grand Magistry of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George sent a high-level delegation to the Republic of Yemen, from Tuesday 23 March 2004 until Thursday 25 March 2004. The visit took place at the joint invitation of the Yemen Government as well as Muslim religious and legal leaders
The Delegation was headed by the Order’s Grand Prefect, HRH The Duke of Calabria, and was accompanied by his wife, HRH The Duchess of Calabria, Mr Anthony Bailey, Delegate of the Order in Great Britain and Ireland with special responsibility for inter-church and inter-faith dialogue, and Mr Nicola Parascandolo, Vice Secretary General of the Grand Magistry.
The purpose of the visit was to launch new initiatives aimed at raising the profile of the Order’s international activities, as well as launching specific programmes which encouraged interfaith and inter-church dialogue and understanding between Europe and the Arab world.
Yemen was included as part of the wider programme of visits to the Middle East as it is a predominately poor Muslim country which has suffered from a rise in terrorism in recent years, despite a long history of Christian, Muslim, Jewish coexistence. This invitation was also agreed following the visit to Britain a few months ago of a number of Yemeni religious figures that spoke of the importance of interfaith dialogue.
The delegation arrived at Sana’a Airport and was met on arrival by among others, the Yemeni Minister for Endowment and Guidance, H.E. Mr Hamoud Mohammad Qubad, the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Yemen, H.E. Giacomo Sanfelice di Monteforte, and the Ambassador of Yemen to the United Kingdom, H.E. Dr Mutahar Abdullah Alsaeede.
The delegation were entertained for a private dinner hosted by the Italian Ambassador at his residence in Sana’a.
Duke and Duchess of Calabria visit the historic capital of Yemen before meeting with key state and religious figures. Sana'a – March 2004.
The Duke and Duchess of Calabria and accompanying delegation visited the historic city of Sana’a and a number of religious sites including the main library featuring an exhibition of religious literature which included a collection of ancient Islamic manuscripts and Korans.
The delegation later called on the Prime Minister of Republic of Yemen, His Excellency Abdul-Qader Bajammal at the Prime Minister’s Office. Later the Chairman of the Consultative Council received the delegation. During both meetings discussions were held as to activities which the Constantinian Order could undertake in Yemen in the field of interfaith dialogue and charitable and humanitarian support.
President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen is invested into the Order of Francesco I. Duke of Calabria receives highest Yemeni decoration on behalf of the Constantinian Order. Sana’a – March 2004.
The Duke of Calabria and accompanying delegation visited the Presidential Palace, and held talks with the President of the Republic, His Excellency Ali Abdullah Saleh. The Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Special Counsellor of the President of the Republic attended.
HRH The Duke of Calabria personally delivered a personal letter from His Eminence Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda to The President.
Through translators HRH The Duke of Calabria and Mr Anthony Bailey outlined during the thirty-minute meeting the Order’s desire to adopt charitable initiatives in Yemen and to launch specific exchange programmes of European and Yemeni religious figures. The President supported our proposals and offered his governments support for such activities.
The President of the Republic was invested with the dignity of the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francesco I and also received the Benemerenti Medal of the Constantinian Order in recognition of Yemen’s contribution to Muslim-Christian dialogue. HRH 
The Duke of Calabria received the First Class grade with Collar of the Order of Unification – 22 May in recognition of the Order’s contribution to inter-dialogue and understanding. Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda was also decreed with the same award, and Mr Anthony Bailey received the same decoration for furthering British-Yemeni relations.
The Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Yemeni Ambassador to the Court of St James’s were also invested into the Royal Order of Francesco I in a separate ceremony in the Presidential Palace.
Foreign Minister of Yemen hosts interfaith dialogue lunch in honour of the Duke of Calabria. Sana’a – March 2004.
The Foreign Minister of Yemen, His Excellency Mr Abu Baker Abdullah Al-Kirbi, hosted the delegation for lunch at the Taj Hotel in Sana'a. This lunch was attended by many Muslim religious and legal leaders, some of whom had been part of the earlier official delegation to London . A two-hour discussion on interfaith dialogue was held after lunch and all participants confirmed that desire to engage with the Order in our future projects and initiatives.
Ambassador of Italy hosts dinner in honour of The Duke and Duchess of Calabria. Sana’a – March 2004.
The Ambassador of Italy, His Excellency Signor Giacomo Sanfelice di Monteforte hosted a dinner at his residence in Sana’a in honour of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Calabria. Among those attending were the Ambassadors to Yemen from the United States of America, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Hungary and the French Republic. The Ambassador welcomed the initiatives of the Constantinian Order in Yemen and offered his support.
Constantinian Order delegation pays high-level visit to the Republic of Lebanon . Beirut– March 2004.
The Grand Magistry of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George sent a high-level delegation to the Republic of Lebanon, from Monday 22 March 2004 until Tuesday 23 March 2004. The visit took place at the joint invitation of the Lebanese Government as well as Muslim and Christian leaders in country.
The Delegation was headed by the Order’s Grand Prefect, HRH The Duke of Calabria, and was accompanied by his wife, HRH The Duchess of Calabria, Mr Anthony Bailey, Delegate of the Order in Great Britain and Ireland with special responsibility for inter-church and inter-faith dialogue, and Mr Nicola Parascandolo, Vice Secretary General of the Grand Magistry.
The purpose of the visit was to launch new initiatives aimed at raising the profile of the Order’s international activities, as well as launching specific programmes which encouraged interfaith and inter-church dialogue and understanding between Europe and the Arab world.
Lebanon was also included within the wider trip to the Middle East, due to its successful policy of reversing the terrible tragedies, which this country suffered in recent years including the massive loss of life resulting from the civil war and the breakdown in dialogue among the religious and faith communities.
President of Lebanon receives the Constantinian Order delegation at the Presidential Palace and is invested into the Constantinian Order. The Duke of Calabria is invested into the Lebanese Order of Merit. Beirut – March 2004.
On Tuesday 23 March 2004 The President of the Republic, His Excellency General Emile Lahoud, received the delegation at the Presidential Palace in Beirut. HRH The Duke of Calabria delivered a personal letter from His Eminence Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda, Grand Prior of the Constantinian Order to President Lahoud.
During this meeting His Excellency President Lahoud was invested as a Knight Grand Cross of Merit with Gold Star of the Constantinian Order by HRH The Duke of Calabria in recognition of his major contribution to interfaith dialogue in Lebanon. President Lahoud is the first Maronite Catholic Head of State to be invested into the Roman Catholic Order of Knighthood.
The Duke of Calabria received the Lebanese Order of Merit (Extraordinary Class) in recognition of the Order’s contribution to inter-dialogue and understanding. Mr Anthony Bailey received the National Order of the Cedar (Knight Commander) for furthering British-Lebanese relations.
The President of the Republic used this opportunity to highlight the important achievements which the Lebanese people and government have made in the field of interfaith and inter-church dialogue. The President welcomed the Order’s commitment to this important work and suggested a number of charitable projects which could be adopted in southern Lebanon including medical support. The President also referred to the welcomed and longstanding support which the Order of Malta, our sister Order, has given to Lebanon.
Royal Gala dinner held to welcome Constantinian Order delegation attended by leading spiritual and state officials from Lebanon. Beirut – March 2004.
The delegation arrived in Beirut and was received by the Minister of Displaced Persons who was officially representing His Excellency General Emile Lahoud, President of the Republic of Lebanon. A gala dinner was held for some 200 guests at Le Royal Hotel in Beirut hosted by Nadhmi Auchi, a senior British Muslim member of 
the Order of Francesco I and leading Lebanese businessman. The dinner was attended by many religious figures and Lebanese Cabinet Ministers including those of Defence, Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, Tourism and Social Welfare. During the evening, The Duke of Calabria bestowed on Mr Auchi the Gold Benemerenti Medal of the Constantinian Order.
To download the welcome speech of Mr Nadhmi Auchi, click here
Italian Embassy official welcomes Constantinian Order’s future role in Lebanon. Beirut – March 2004.
The First Secretary of the Embassy of Italy in Beirut, Signor Roberto Cantone, called on HRH The Duke of Calabria at the VIP Lounge of Beirut Airport and remained for 30 minutes. The diplomat welcomed the support which the Order is planning to give to Lebanon, and offered his Embassy’s assistance in our mission.
Constantinian Order delegation pays high-level visit to the Syrian Arab Republic. Damascus – March 2004 .
The Grand Magistry of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George sent a high-level delegation to the Syrian Arab Republic, from Saturday 20 March 2004 until Monday 22 March 2004. The visit took place at the joint invitation of the Syrian Government as well as Muslim and Christian leaders in country.
The Delegation was headed by the Order’s Grand Prefect, HRH The Duke of Calabria, and was accompanied by his wife, HRH The Duchess of Calabria, Mr Anthony Bailey, Delegate of the Order in Great Britain and Ireland with special responsibility for inter-church and inter-faith dialogue, and Mr Nicola Parascandolo, Vice Secretary General of the Grand Magistry.
The purpose of the visit was to launch new initiatives aimed at raising the profile of the Order’s international activities, as well as launching specific programmes which encouraged interfaith and inter-church dialogue and understanding between Europe and the Arab world. Syria, with its long history of Muslim-Christian coexistence and religious tolerance, offered the delegation an important opportunity to engage with the leaders of all faiths about these merits and content of these projects. The visit also accorded the delegation the opportunity to visit key religious sites of importance to Christians and Muslims alike.
President of Syria receives the Constantinian Order delegation. Damascus – March 2004.
On the morning of Sunday 21 March 2004, The President of the Republic, H.E. Mr Bashar al-Assad, received the Constantinian Order delegation at the People’s Palace in Damascus.
A 20-minute private discussion took place in the President’s private apartment attended by TRH The Duke and Duchess of Calabria and Mr Anthony Bailey. During this meeting, the President expressed his delight to receive the delegation of the Order and expressed his desire to engage with the Order in furthering the important work of inter-church and inter-faith dialogue between Syria and Europe.
The Duke of Calabria delivered a personal letter from His Eminence Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda, the Order’s Grand Prior and Ecclesiastical Counsellor of Pope John Paul II to the Constantinian Order to President Bashar al-Assad.
President Bashar al-Assad of Syria becomes first Muslim Head of State to be invested into the Order of Francesco I. Duke of Calabria receives highest Syrian decoration on behalf of the Constantinian Order. Damascus – March 2004.
In a ceremony at the presidential palace His Excellency President Bashar al-Assad received the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francesco I and the Benemerenti Medal of the Constantinian Order in recognition of Syria’s historic and contemporary contribution to Muslim-Christian dialogue. President Bashar al-Assad became the first Muslim Head of State to receive this high award.
HRH The Duke of Calabria received the Syrian Order of Outstanding Merit (First Class) in recognition of the Order’s contribution to inter-dialogue and understanding. Mr Anthony Bailey received the same award specifically for his contribution to furthering British-Syrian interfaith relations.
This high level award to the President of the Republic was widely broadcasted on national television and positively reported in the Syrian print media. The ceremony was attended by all principal Christian and Muslim religious leaders who firmly endorsed the award of the President and people of Syria. Among those attending were the event were the Syrian Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Religious Endowments, Tourism, and Presidential Affairs and the Ambassadors of the European Union and Oman (Dean of the Diplomatic Corps).
Among the many religious leaders present were His Eminence Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro, Grand Mufti of Syria, Sheikh Basheer Al Baree, Mufti of Damascus, His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Hassoun, Mufti of Aleppo, His Holiness Patriarch Grégoire III (Loutfi) Laham, Melkite Patriarch of Antiochia, His Holiness Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Ewas of the Syrian Orthodox Church and His Holiness Patriarch Maximos Hakeem of the Greek Catholic Church.
President of Syria delivers important statement of Christian-Muslim dialogue. Damascus – March 2004.
In the presence of all Syrian Christian and Muslim religious leaders, The President of Syria, His Excellency Bashar Al-Assad, delivered an important public statement highlighting Syria’s ancient and contemporary contribution to Muslim-Christian dialogue as well as his own commitment to such dialogue internationally. The President used this opportunity to recall the visit of the Holy Father to Syria in 2000, and highlighted the important position and role of Christianity in Syria.
In his public statement President Bashar al-Assad expressed happiness at the stance taken by Pope John Paul II internationally which the President said ‘ whose positions are highly appreciated especially towards major world issues." The President pointed out that the importance of the occasion lies in the fact that it expresses a common vision of many great human values, which are embodied in the teachings of Islam and Christianity. This common vision confirms that these values didn’t disappear, but rather they are strengthening day by day in the world. It also gives evidence to the falsity of the notion of a clash of civilizations. It tells that there is dialogue between civilizations.
The most important of any civilization is the human one, despite the importance of other aspects. But the human one calls for understanding between faiths, civilizations and cultures.
He said that Syria is a small country in term of geography and population, yet is big in terms of its history, culture and heritage which expresses a social richness. It is not the long history which made this society rich, but rather the different approaches taken over history where Muslims and Christians stood together as one body in the face of many invasions ad wares launched against Syria.
The President also referred in his address to the Umayyad Grand Mosque which is one of the Islam’s most important monuments. It was the Christians who identified its site, the President said and this is way the tomb of St John the Baptist is situated inside the Mosque. Pope John Paul II visited the Mosque during his visit to Syria in 2000.
The President added that Syria is the only country in the world where her inhabitants still speak the Aramaic Language - the language of Jesus Christ. The President said " This order of merit is therefore not for me personally, but for the Syrian society and Syrian history which we are all proud of. I can also assure you and the whole world that Syria has played this role for over 1400 years and will play the same role confidently in the future as a bridge connecting peoples, cultures and civilizations and faiths."
Constantinian Order delegation calls on senior Syrian Government officials. Damascus – March 2004.
Following the meeting at the People’s Palace, the delegation, headed by HRH The Duke of Calabria, held separate meetings with the Prime Minister of Syria, His Excellency Muhammad Naji al-Utri, and the Chairman of Arab-Foreign Affairs committee of the Syrian People’s Assembly, Mrs Houda Al-Homsi, who also affirmed their commitment to interfaith dialogue and the engagement with the Constantinian Order. The Delegation also visited the Syrian People’s Assembly and had the opportunity to meet several parliamentarians interested in the work of the Order.
During the evening, the President of the Republic and the First Lady invited TRH The Duke and Duchess of Calabria and Mr Anthony Bailey to an informal private dinner at a Damascus restaurant. Once again Their Excellencies Bashar al-Assad and Mrs al-Assad confirmed their support for the Constantinian Order’s dialogue initiatives which will commence shortly with the launch of a number of exchange visits of Christian and Muslim leaders to and from Europe as well as the adoption of a number of charitable initiatives aimed at those less fortunate in Syrian society.
Constantinian Order delegation visits key Syrian religious sites including the Omayyad Grand Mosque and the tomb of St John the Baptist. Damascus – March 2004.
The delegation visited the historic Omayyad Grand Mosque and prayed at the tomb of St John the Baptist, which is situated within the Grand Mosque. The Grand Mosque is one of the most important monuments in the Islamic world and is visited by Christian and Muslims believers alike. The delegation toured 
the truly historic place of worship and held discussions with key Mosque clerics. Following this, a visit was arranged to the nearby St Paul’s Church in Baab Sharqi as well as its neighbouring children’s orphanage, which will be adopted for fundraising purposes by the Constantinian Order.
On Monday 22 March 2004 the delegation visited the town of Quneitra and planned a tree of peace in the town’s garden. Later in the day the delegation visited the city of Maaloula where its inhabitants still speak the Aramaic Language - the language of Jesus Christ. Numerous churches and convents were included in the programme including one which was built by order of Emperor Constantine, the founder of the Constantinian Order. A donation was made to the convent and church.
Interfaith dialogue seminar held with key religious leaders. Damascus – March 2004.
The Syrian Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Saad Allah Aga Al Qalaa, hosted the delegation at a lunch and inter-faith seminar attended by many Christian and Muslim religious leaders. The Ambassador of Italy also attended. This three-hour session proved extremely useful since worthy verbal exchanges were made expressing the desire of Syrian Christian and Muslim leaders to engage with their counterparts in Europe . The Minister for his part stated that his Government's desire to support the Constantinian Order's in facilitating such endeavours.
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