About the Knights of Pythias
Mission
The aim and mission of the Knights of Pythias is to spread through its teaching the doctrine of universal brotherhood and the fatherhood of God. It aims to put into the home a good husband and father, into the community, a good neighbor and into the state a good citizen.
It endeavors to put behind virtue a strong protector, behind human rights a vigilant and earnest guardian, behind civil law a potent administrative force. It cares for the sick and distressed, provides for the widow and orphan and makes life pleasant for the aged and indigent. A Pythian Knight is taught to protect the weak, defend the right, alleviate the suffering of a brother, watch with the sick, bury the dead, care for and educate the orphan.
The record of the Order has been such as to challenge the admiration of all honest men.
Creed
The Fraternal Order of Knights of Pythias and its members are dedicated to the cause of universal peace. Pythians are pledged to the promotion of understanding among men of goodwill as the surest means of attaining Universal Peace.
Pythians believe that men, meeting in a spirit of goodwill, in an honest effort of understanding, can live together on this earth in peace and harmony and seek those who agree with this belief, and have a belief in a personal Supreme Being, to join our ranks in an effort to reach “Peace Through Understanding”. The Fraternal Order of Knights of Pythias promotes cooperation and friendship between people of goodwill and knows one way to happiness is through service to mankind.
Pythians believe that friendship is an essential ingredient in life and make Benevolence, Kindness, Generosity, and Tolerance a reality in their lives. Pythians place home ties at the top of their priority list and are interested in public affairs on the local, state or province, national and international levels.
Pythians are eager to enhance the communities in which they live and respect and honor the law of the land in which they live. Pythians seek to expand their circle of influence by association with people of like interests and energy.
Motto
Friendship Charity & Benevolence
Declaration of Principles
Recognizing the universality of human brotherhood, its organization is designed to embrace the world within its jurisdiction—intended solely and only to disseminate the great principles of Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence, nothing of a sectarian or political character is permitted within its portals.
Toleration in religion, obedience to law, and loyalty to government, are cordial principles. Misfortune, misery and death being written in fearful characters on the broad face of creation, our noble Order was instituted to uplift the fallen; to champion humanity; to be his guide and hope; his refuge, shelter and defense; to soften down the asperities of life; to subdue part spirit; and by the sweet powerful attractions of the glorious trinity of Friendship, Charity and Benevolence, to bind in one harmonious brotherhood men of all classes and all opinions.
The brightest jewels which it garners are the tears of widows and orphans; and its imperative commands are to visit the homes where lacerated hearts are bleeding; to assuage the sufferings of a brother; bury the dead; care for the widow, educate the orphan; to exercise charity toward offenders; to construe words and deeds in their least unfavorable light—granting honesty of pose and good intentions to others; and to protect the principles of knighthood unto death.
Its laws are reason and equity; its cardinal doctrines inspire purity of thought and life; its intention is “peace on earth and goodwill toward men.”