Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/258

 GREECE.

THE ORDER OF THE REDEEMER

Was founded on the 1st June, 1833, by King Otho, in commemoration of the deliverance of Greece. It is conferred both on natives and foreigners who either rendered important services during the War of Independence, or have distinguished themselves in industry, commerce, arms, arts or sciences.

The King is Grand Master, and he alone has the right to confer it. The Order consists of five classes:—Knights Grand Cross, Grand Commanders, Commanders, Knights of the Golden and Knights of the Silver Cross.

The number of the first four classes is limited—the Grand Crosses to twelve, Grand Commanders to twenty, Commanders to thirty, and Knights of the Golden Cross to one hundred and twenty (all exelusive of the Princes of the blood royal, and of foreigners), while the fifth class is unlimited.

Greek subjects cannot enter the higher classes without passing first through the lower. In promotion, only worth and merit are to be considered, without regard to rank, birth, &c.

By Art. 12 of the Statutes, a sufficient sum is annually to be voted in the budget for the Order, to enable the College to pay the annual pensions to the members.

The badge consists of an octagonal white enamelled cross