The Most Meritorious Order of the Holy Spirit is an Orthodox Christian order of chivalry and is conferred on both Orthodox and non-Orthodox Christians by either application or by bestowal. The Order of the Holy Spirit is attached to the Holy Orthodox Order of Saint George the Great Martyr as a companion order and is equal in honor. Both Orders share the same administrative hierarchy and Grand Magistry without separation.
When the Order of the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon an individual, it is done so as an order of merit. Bestowal of the Order of the Holy Spirit is reserved to express the Grand Knight’s appreciation for a person’s extraordinary service to either the Orthodox Church or to the Order of Saint George the Great Martyr. This means that an individual assumed a responsibility or displayed an ability considerably greater than might have been expected of him or her; that an individual had performed activities in an excellent manner which have been of great benefit to the greater Orthodox Christian World.
The Grand Knight needs to consult with the Supreme Spiritual Advisor before officially bestowing the Order of the Holy Spirit upon those who are not canonical Orthodox Christians, and who fall outside of the Orthodox Church. In this case, the brevet (certificate) of appointment to the Most Meritorious Order of the Holy Spirit is signed by both the Grand Knight and by the Supreme Spiritual Advisor and/or his Clerical Representative.
If the Order of the Holy Spirit is conferred by reason of application, it is done so only to Trinitarian Christians who support the works and activities of the Order of Saint George the Great Martyr. Those who are invested with the Order of the Holy Spirit by way of application or by bestowal form a distinct class, and become non-voting, companion members of the Holy Orthodox Order of Saint George the Great Martyr and may partake in the full social life and activities of the Order without restriction. Applications for membership into the Order of the Holy Spirit do not require consultation with the Supreme Spiritual Advisor.
The insignia of the Most Meritorious Order of the Holy Spirit, like the medals of the Holy Orthodox Order of Saint George the Great Martyr, are to be worn with great care and with appropriate and suitable dress. The Order’s protocol for wearing medals should always be observed and followed by anyone who has been given the honor and privilege to receive them.