The Ghassanid Court of Chivalry

محكمة مروءة آل غسان

Mahkamat Muruʾat al-Ghassān
“Preserving Ghassanid integrity, heraldry, and honor in service to tradition and today’s mission.”

Introduction

By formal decree of HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan, the Ghassanid Court of Chivalry has been reconstituted within the Grand Chancellery to uphold the noble traditions and ceremonial standards of the Royal House. It plays a central role in:

  • Administering the Golden Book of Armigers and Nobility

  • Managing grants of arms, titles, and honors

  • Maintaining standards of heraldic registration and chivalric conduct

  • Upholding the Ghassanid code of muruʾah (honor), rooted in justice, courage, and service

Officially recognized by the Republic of Lebanon and operating as part of a UN-accredited NGO, the Court bridges ancient dynastic heritage with modern ceremonial governance.

Jurisdiction & Function

The Court oversees:

  • Heraldry & Arms: Through its College of Arms, the Court processes new grants and registrations of arms, and keeps detailed genealogical and heraldic records in the Golden Book

  • Chivalric Conduct: It ensures members adhere to the Ghassanid ethic of muruʾah, characterized by integrity, courage, and protection of the vulnerable

  • Dispute Resolution: The Court adjudicates petitions related to honor, genealogy, heraldry, and investiture matters, under the authority of the Head of House

Orders, Honors & Titles

The Court administers a structured hierarchy of Ghassanid honors and titles, reflecting Arab-Byzantine traditions and modern merit:

  1. Inheritable Peerages & Nobility (e.g., Arab and Byzantine versions of Duke/Duchess, Count/Countess, Baron/Baroness)

  2. Hereditary Knights (e.g., Grand Cross of Christ Pantokrator, Banneret of St Sergius, Knight Bachelor)

  3. Companions of the Royal House – honors for notable service to the NGO mission

  4. Royal House Awards – including Cross of Valor, Distinguished Service, Scholar’s and Hospitaller’s awards

  5. Equestrian Orders of Saint Sergius, Michael Archangel, Christ Pantokrator – overseen through affiliated priories

Honorary Royal House Guard also recognizes distinguished military and humanitarian service

Becoming a Member of the Court

To petition the Court for a title or honor:

  1. Submit a complete application via the Petition Form

  2. Provide a CV/resume, photograph, and legal ID

  3. Await review by the Court’s approval from the Head of House

  4. Upon approval, receive Letters Patent and registration in the Golden Book

The Court ensures that honors, insignia, and arms are personally conferred and never sold, maintaining their ceremonial and non-commercial integrity

Protocol & Governance

  • Led by the Grand Marshal of Orders, and supported by the Office of the Grand Chancellor

  • Honors and nominations are approved in coordination with the Sovereign Head

  • All procedures follow the Royal House’s Statutes & Code of Honor, ensuring alignment with its NGO mandate and legal recognitions

Code of Honor

Guided by the ancient Ghassanid principle of muruʾah, members pledge:

  • Integrity – Truthfulness and ethical conduct

  • Courage – Defending the weak and oppressed

  • Generosity – Service to faith, community, and culture

  • Loyalty – Fidelity to the Royal House and its mission

  • Humility & Forgiveness – Reflecting Christian Arab values

The Court may sanction members who violate these principles.

The Golden Book & Armory

  • The Golden Book of Armigers and Nobility is an official registry of titles, honors, and heraldic arms

  • The Court’s Armory supplies ceremonial insignia—crafted under Royal Warrant—and oversees protocols for orders like the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre

Rescinding Honors

All honors and titles remain the property of the Royal House and may be revoked by the Sovereign Head under the Statutes if members act contrary to the House’s values or regulations

Petition to the Court

Interested individuals may initiate a petition for honors or arms using the online form. Be prepared to submit supporting documentation, demonstrate alignment with muruʾah, and respect the non-commercial ethos of the Court

For inquiries or to file an honor request, please visit our Court of Chivalry Petition page or contact the Grand Marshal and Deputy Grand Chancellor via the Protocol Office.