To all Pythians and Friends,

Welcome to the Knights of Pythias website.  If you are a first time visitor, you are welcome to thoroughly explore this site, so that you will understand what the Knights of Pythias is all about.  If you still have questions, please submit your questions by using “ASK US A QUESTION”.  We will then direct your question to someone who may be able to help you.

Based on the principles of Friendship, Charity and Benevolence the Pythian Order was founded by Justus H. Rathbone on February 19, 1864 in Washington, D.C.  The Knights of Pythias was the first Fraternal organization to receive a charter from the United States Congress.  The second organization to receive its charter from the United States Congress was the Boy Scouts.  You will notice we have a link to Boy Scouts.  We distribute patches to Eagle Scouts.  You may also contact a local Knights of Pythias Lodge and they will present the Eagle Scout badge at the Court of Honor.

We have Domains of the Order of Knights of Pythias in most states and provinces and also in Italy and France.  There are three levels of our organization.  The Supreme Lodge is the International level, the Grand Lodge is the State level and a Subordinate is the local town or community level.

If you are interested in becoming a member please click on “ASK ABOUT MEMBERSHIP”.  Someone will be in contact with you shortly.  If there is not a subordinate lodge in your area, we will provide you with information about how to start a new lodge.

The Knights of Pythias have three recognized auxiliaries:  The Pythian Sisters which is an independent auxiliary for the relatives and other feminine members of the community who are over the age of 16.  The Pythian Sunshine Girls are an auxiliary of the Pythian Sisters and is for the younger female relatives and members of the community. The Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan is the fun order of the Knights, and they have an auxiliary the Nomads of Avrudaka which is the fun order for the feminine members of the family and community.   Although the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan is the fun order, it also provides college loans for its members and their children (available after 2 years as a member)..  The Junior Order  Knights of Pythias is for boys ages 10 through 17.  The Junior Order provides leadership opportunities as well as organizational skills. 

Pythian Lodges and the Auxiliaries are always involved in charity work.  The Supreme Lodge’s charity is the American Cancer Society and the Canadian Cancer Society.  This is the second year of working with the Cancer Society. We are also in the second year of promoting volunteerism and community service.  Volunteering and community service has always been done through the subordinate lodges, but now the Supreme Chancellor is asking for 2 Million hours of benevolent and charitable service from the members.  The members are also asked to support our troops by sending cards, letters and care packages to the men and women serving our country. 

After checking out our website I hope you will want to become a member to work in friendship with your fellow man.

If you are a member of the Knights of Pythias, please check out the Member’s area of this website.  If you want more information about any of the Auxiliaries, please click on their name and you will find more information.

Edwin Wright,
Supreme Chancellor