A fraternal and beneficent society of Catholic men
Brief History of Knights
Bishop David L. Cooper's Credentials:
Attention: This page contains brief information about the Order of St. Sylvester Pope and Martyr. For a more detailed description of Order of St. Sylvester Pope and Martyr click on the links below in the references section of this page
The Order of St. Sylvester Pope and Martyr (Latin: Ordo Sanctus Silvestri Papae, Italian: Ordine di San Silvestro Papa), sometimes referred to as the Sylvestrine Order, is one of the chivalric orders awarded by the Pope. This Order was at one time united with the Order of the Golden Militia. It is now the fifth-ranking Papal Order.
Pope Pius X in his motu proprio of 7 February 1905, entitled Multum ad excitandos, divided the Sylvestrine Order into two orders of knighthood, one retaining the name of St. Sylvester and the other taking the ancient name of the Order, i.e. Order of the Golden Militia, or Golden Spur.
It is intended to award Roman Catholic laymen who are actively involved in the life of the church, particularly as it is exemplified in the exercise of their professional duties and mastership of the different arts. It is also conferred on non-Catholics, but more rarely than the Order of St. Gregory.
Awards of the Order are generally made on the recommendation of Diocesan Bishops, or of Apostolic Nuncios (nominations may be made by parish priests to their bishop for his consideration). Pope John Paul II extended membership in the Order to ladies as well as gentlemen. It is awarded directly by the Pope as Supreme Pontiff and head of the Catholic Church and as the Head of State of Vatican City.
How to Join Us:
Aspirants may apply by sending a "Letter of Application" which includes documentation of service. Upon acceptance, you will receive the Rite of Initiation during a Mass which will include vows and a dubbing upon the shoulders and head in the Name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. This will be done with a blessed sword inside a chapel. You will rise as a Knight of God. You will receive an ecclesiastic license certificate and documentation of our Apostolic Succession.
Community News:
Los Angeles Asian Journal Active in the Community
LA Daily News Clergyman takes service to elderly. Sermons conducted at nursing homes
Note: Bishop Cooper never claimed to be a Roman Catholic bishop; he claims to be Orthodox. It is the Vatican that has said that the Orthodox share the Catholic Faith and are separated sister Catholic Churches. The Envoy Magizine article about Bishop Cooper is misleading. The terms Orthodox Catholic and Orthodox Christian are synonomous. There are independent Western Rite Orthodox jurisdictions all over the world. Bishop Cooper's Order does NOT have gay or women priests.