Ancient Stronghold to Modern Community
Nestled in the heart of the Vienne department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of western France, the Commune of Lusignan holds a remarkable place in the historical, dynastic, and cultural heritage of France and Europe. Known primarily as the cradle of the House of Lusignan, this town has witnessed centuries of transformation—from its mythic beginnings and feudal power to a vibrant contemporary community.
The Order of Saint Catherine with Mount Sinai: A Historical and Academic Account
The Order of Saint Catherine with Mount Sinai is a unique religious and chivalric phenomenon that spans from Byzantine monastic origins to late medieval crusader politics and continues as a modern revival under the House of Lusignan. Rooted in the veneration of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the monastic traditions of Mount Sinai, the Order has historically functioned at the crossroads of faith, politics, and pilgrimage. Its evolution reflects deep Byzantine and Latin Christian influences, political patronage—especially from the Lusignan dynasty of Cyprus—and contemporary efforts to reframe this tradition as a chivalric order.
The Full Chronicle of a Living Royal House
The House of Lusignan is among the most enduring noble dynasties of Europe and the Levant. From their mystical founding in France to their crusader legacy in the East, and their modern embodiment in the Kalfa Nar Bey line, the Lusignans defy extinction through continuous evolution, dynastic dispersion, and institutional revival. This article weaves a comprehensive narrative of the French, Crusader, Cypriot-Armenian, and Russian-Eastern branches, culminating in the modern Grand Masters of the Royal House of Lusignan.
Heritage over a symbolic chivalric network
The modern Royal House of Lusignan, particularly under the Kalfa Nar bey dynasty (Prince Louis George de Lusignan), claims heritage over a symbolic chivalric network that draws on medieval, Crusader, and dynastic traditions. Here is a summary of the key orders associated with this lineage:
Are You Called to Serve with Honour?
The Chivalric Orders of Saint Catherine of Mount Sinai, The Order of Saint Blaise, La Croix de L’Ordre Asiatique and The Order of the Sword - of The House of Lusignan.
The House of Lusignan
The House of Lusignan is a royal house of French origin, which at various times ruled several principalities in Europe and the Levant, including the kingdoms of Jerusalem, Cyprus, and Armenia, from the 12th through the 15th centuries during the Middle Ages. It also had great influence in England and France.
The family originated in Lusignan, in Poitou, western France, in the early 10th century.
The star of the Order of St. Catherine
The star of the Order of St. Catherine of Mount Sinai, containing the quartered arms of Jerusalem, Lusignan/Luxembourg, Cyprus, and Armenian Cilicia.
Two pillars of knighthood
Throughout history, two pillars of knighthood have shaped the chivalric tradition: Ecclesiastical Orders and Royal Orders of Chivalry. While both uphold honour, service, and ceremonial grandeur, their origins, authority, and missions differ in profound and meaningful ways.