1 1 9 0 - A C R E

---

JERUSALEM - ACRE - PAPAL DEFENSE - KÖNIGSBURG - LEPANTO - 11 SEPTEMBER 2001 - GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR - PANDEMIC 2009 - PANDEMIC 2020

The Anglican Patriarchate, Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church is an organisation in
special consultative status with the United National Economic and Social Council since 2019.

Guardsmen and women were among the first to help their communities during the COVID-19 Global Pendemic of 2020. Some are donating supplies, some deliver food. Others devote their professional expertise to hospitals, crisis centers, and local and national governments, as well as high-level international policy work. Some work to help the poor and marginalised people around the world who have been affected by the pandemic. We encourage others to do their part to help communities in need by generously donating funds or supplies to local charities or via WG using this link: Contribute via the Patriarchal Aerarium -- An Affinity Organisation for Those Dedicated to Serving Others -- Members of the Walsingham Guard are men and women from all walks of life who are concerned about the welfare of our world. Guards participate according to their interests and qualifications. For example, Mariners maintain their nautical traditions working together with Cavalrymen, Pilots, Historians, and others who use their skills to make a positive difference. The Walsingham Guard is an international humanitarian organization with a long military heritage. It is in the context of that heritage that the modern Walsingham Guard of the Anglican Patriarchate (the Anglican Rite of the Universal Church) was formed through the unification of its ancient and modern constituents. As the uniformed service and ceremonial unit of the Patriarchal Household, the Guard serves a charitable and humanitarian role. It also performs the emergency first response duties as needed and provides event driven executive security for the Patriarch, his household, curia, staff, and guests; physical security of Church property; and performs various administrative roles throughout the Curia. The Guard constitutes a unique religious order and apostolate for both clergy and laity. The military heritage of the Walsingham Guard extends back to 1190 in the time of the Crusades in Acre in the Holy Land. The modern Guard is the serving and ceremonial successor of the Grand Bailiwick of Estonia, the Grand Priory of Etruria, and the Grand Priory of Canada, divisions of the Imperial Teutonic Order of the Hospital of St. Mary vested in the Patriarchate. Despite maintaining a long and distinguished heritage, membership in the units today are based on faith and service rather than individual cultural background. Above: The military flag of the Patriarchate as used by the Walsingham Guard is known as the Florentine Triple Cross. Due to its joining requirements, the combined military, law enforcement, intelligence, and maritime experience of the members is such that, despite primarily serving an humanitarian purpose today, the crowned halberds and the Florentine Triple Cross represent one of the most highly trained and skilled organisations in the world. Today's active members of the Guard have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Croatia, Korea, Kuwait, Hungary, Vietnam, the Cold War, the Global War on Terrorism, NATO operations in Europe, and other campaigns. Guardsmen are mainly military veterans and interested civilians, rather than active-service personnel. Both clergy and laity are members. Clerics may serve in any unit of the Guard and continue the ancient custom of uniformed clerics extending back to the Crusades. It is typical for seminarians of the Patriarchate to serve in the Guard during their formation, and many continue after being ordained as priests. Usually Guardsmen are invited based on merit from among the membership of the Patriarchate or one ot its affiliated organizations. Additionally, membership in the Guard, as well as certain units thereof may be by hereditary right of descent from a member of the Guard, from a Crusader knight, or from a Teutonic knight during the period it was a functioning military order. Due to the special security role of the Lifeguards, before admission to that particular unit, applicants must show evidence of sufficient military, law enforcement, or security experience. Once an applicant is admitted to the Lifeguards, he is sworn in with the Oath of Service. Guardsmen give all due support and cooperation to local law enforcement and government wherever they go. Above all, Guardsmen serve Our Lord Jesus Christ through prayer, devotion, and service to others. Read more about the history of Germanic guard units. Read about the Core Values of the Walsingham Guard.   Modern Nations with Heritage and History Perpetuated by the Walsingham Guard (Listed in alphabetical order.) L-R: Canada, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the former Spanish territories, the United Kingdom of Great Britain, the United States of America National Anthem   Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the purpose of the Walsingham Guard? A: The Guard is a manifestation of the diverse military-chivalric heritage in which the modern Religious and Military Patriarchate of St. Stephen was born through the unification of its ancient and modern constituents. It's primary purpose is humanitarian service. Some members of the Guard also fulfill emergency response, and personal, physical, and cyber security roles. Q: Is this a "militia group?" A: Absolutely not. The Walsingham Guard is an international humanitarian organization with a long military heritage. Its purpose is ceremonial and to serve others. The Guard performs emergency response, humanitarian, and security roles as needed. The Guard is comprised mainly of military veterans and interested civilians rather than active-service personnel. Q: Why become a Guardsman? A: To grow in one's own faith while serving the good of others.

Q: Is Germanic, English, French, or Italian ancestry required to be a Guardsman? A: Though the regiments have histories and traditions originating in certain cultures, specific ethnic heritage is not required. All that is required it to be a man or woman of good character and meet the other service requirements. Q: What is the age range to join? A: Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age. There is currently no upper age, provided the applicant meets the physical requirements. Q: What are the physical requirements? A: Applicants must be in generally good health and physical condition to adequately perform their support roles within the Guard; for admission to the Lifeguards, a recent report of physical examination signed by a physician of recognized standing and evidence of physical fitness from recent military, law enforcement, or security service is required. Q: What is the pay? A: Some Guardsmen receive pay, while some serve as volunteers. Service in the Guard is a matter of faith and devotion. Q: Do I have to buy a uniform? A: That depends on your role in the Guard. Uniforms are an outward expression of calling and purpose - an indication of the role of service that each member of the Guard has. Although there are 14 uniform orders, in addition to full dress and the special ceremonial dress uniform that some units have, members of the Guard are only required to have the uniform or uniforms that are indicated for their specific role.

Q: Where are Guards stationed?
A: Guards do not relocate for service, but may be required to travel.

Q: What are the Guards' colors?
A: The colors (flag) consist of two quarters with the arms of the Patriarchal See and the founding Patriarch. In the other two quarters are the traditional colors of the Patriarchal Household, white and blue, which are seen in the ceremonial uniform of the Lifeguards. In the center is a yellow cross with a red St. Stephen's cross within that for the Patron of the Patriarchal See. Derived from the flag, the Guard Colors used to represent the Guard are red and blue; red representing St. Stephen and the Patriarchate, and blue representing Our Lady of Walsingham and the Patriarchal Household. The Guard Colors are seen in the belt worn with various uniforms and in certain non-uniform items, such as the Guard tie.

Q: Is there any symbolism in the halberds used in the insignia and coat of arms of the Walsingham Guard?
A: The halberds come from the Landsknechts, Germanic soldiers that served the Holy Roman Empire. A traditional weapon of guards, they eventually became symbolic. In the Walsingham Guard, they symbolize service as guardians of the faith.

Q: What are the ranks in the Walsingham Guards?
A: See this link. By ancient custom, some officers hold certain traditional ranks as a result of their specific office. Otherwise, Major is typically the highest rank that officers can earn.