UGP Approves the Founding of new Commandery for Chinese Diaspora in Europe

The Grand Priory of China, led by its Grand Prior, the Chevalier Schanchun Huang KLJ, has been in discussions with the office of the Grand Chancery due to the amount of Chinese citizens wishing to engage with our Order who live outside the mainland and are based in Europe. Since their needs and modus operandi would be different than the latter, it was therefore decided to constitute, at the earliest opportunity, a new Commandery which would be responsible for the Chinese diaspora in Europe. The reasoning behind this decision was furthermore underlined when one looks at the related numbers: approximately 2.8 million Chinese live in Europe, making it one of the largest third country community in the continent.

The Commandery for the Chinese Diaspora in Europe was therefore established by order of the Knights in Council and the latter unanimously approved the Chevalier Gavin Zhang KLJ to be appointed as its first Commander in the first opportune moment. Thus at the solemn investiture accompanying the International Lazarite Symposium of 2026, the Chevalier Zhang was duly appointed. Consoeur Jessica Jin was also appointed in open Chapter as the first Secretary of the Commandery.

The Supreme Grand Priory congratulates the officers and members of this new Commandery.

The office of the Grand Chancery therefore approved the following officers to serve within this newly constituted Commandery:

Confrere Juanito N. Antonio OLJ

Confrere Joel T. Malabanan OLJ

Confrere Santiago III B. Metillo OLJ

Consoeur Maridel Glinofria OLJ

Consoeur Rhealyn Domato Acas OLJ

Consoeur Ilyn Almonia Quijada OLJ

The Grand Chancellor proposed to the Knights in Council that the Commander-Elect, Confrere Ryden Grinofria CLJ will be given his status as Commander of the Commandery at the 35th Solemn Investiture of the Grand Priories of Malta and Gozo later this year.