The Order of Malta

The Order of Malta or officially: The Sovereign Military Hospitallers Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta is a sovereign non-state entity of international law. This is an elected monarchy headed by a grandmaster. It has established diplomatic relations with more than 100 countries around the world through its embassies, one of which is also located in Bratislava. The order originated in the 11th century in the Kingdom of Jerusalem and during its long history it changed several places of its activity. It is worth noting its work in Russia in the early 19th century when it was forced to leave Malta.  Its grandmaster, by the way, was also the Russian Tzar Paul I. The official seat of the Order is today in Rome. Its current activity is mainly focused on charity and helping people in need. The Order issues its own postage stamps and coins. In philately, it is often referred to by the abbreviation S. M. O. M. (Sovrano Militare Ordine di Malta).

Figure 1: FDC of the Order of Malta of 1967.

The Order of Malta began issuing its own postage stamps in 1966. Stamps are issued in a limited number often only a few tens of thousands of pieces). In particular, joint editions with other countries such as Italy, San Marino or the Vatican City are valued. On 15 October 1999 the Order of Malta also signed an agreement on postal communication with the Slovak Republic.

Figure2: Block issued by the Order of Malta at Christmas 1973 in edition of 68,000 units.

Photos used in this article – Private collection of the author.