The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

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The International Knightly Order of St. George – Canadian Corporation

Niagara Falls, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
May 15, 2012
Vol. VI, p. 139

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.


Blazon

Arms

Per pale Gules and Argent a cross and in the canton a Latin cross pommé bendwise all counterchanged;

Crest

Issuant from a coronet set with maple leaves Gules and swords Argent a demi-lion affronty Or holding in its dexter arm a patriarchal cross Argent;

Supporters

Dexter a horse Or supporting a lance Gules, sinister a dragon Or its breast transfixed by a lance palewise Gules standing on a grassy mount proper;

Motto

AMORE OFFICIOQUE CONJUNCTI;

Flag

A banner of the Arms;

Badge

On a square billet Argent a cross, in the canton a spur Gules;


Symbolism

Arms

Red and white are the colours of Canada and of the ancient arms of Hungary, where a chivalric order of St. George was established in the 14th century. The small cross alludes to the cross on the crown of King, later Saint, Stephen of Hungary.

Crest

The patriarchal cross is another reference to the modern arms of Hungary. The sword symbolizes chivalry, the maple leaf Canada, and the lion England, of which St. George is the patron saint.

Supporters

The horse, dragon, and lances allude to the legend of St. George, who killed a dragon with a lance while mounted on a horse.

Motto

The Latin motto, meaning “United in love and service”, comes from the oath each is required to swear when becoming a member. It represents two of the values held by the membership.

Flag

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Badge

The red cross on white alludes to St. George, and the spur to knights. The square represents the “four corners of the world”, the international aspect of the corporation.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 3, 2012, in Volume 146, page 3053 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Robbie Sprules and Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
David Farrar

Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek


Recipient Information

Civil Institution
Foundation / charitable body