(1) The Alexander Order for Art and Science
Is a free society connected to the spiritual ideals of Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE). Ideals of the Order include understanding among people, respect for human rights, tolerance, readiness to help, a social consciousness, the preservation of the humanistic tradition in art, culture, science and teaching, as well as the mutual respect for all religions.
Every engagement of the Alexander Order is directed toward public benefit. To its organizational structure belong: the Grandmaster, the Chancellor and various action groups for culture, science and arts.
(2) The Circle of Friends.
The first approach to the Alexander Order happens through the Circle of Friends, as a "novice". A membership in this circle is possible from 16 years of age. The basic requirement for every membership is agreement with the association's goals for the benefit of society. Men and women have equal rights. For application and information, write to: zavrel@meaus.com
(3) Honorary Members and Knights.
Men and women whose special engagement and merits have benefited society at large can be honored by being awarded Honorary Membership, or can be raised into the ranks of Knights of the Order. On request, one's membership in this category can be kept confidential.
(4) Honorary Titles.
Persons who become publicly actively engaged in the cultural and social work of the Order can be awarded the following titles: 'Consul of the Alexander Order' or 'Ambassador of the Alexander Order'. (This corresponds to similar practices of other organizations with honorary titles such as: Unicef Ambassador, Ambassador of the German Red Cross, etc).
(5) Alexander in History and Mythology.
The personality of Alexander the Great has fascinated men of the varied interests for more than 2,000 years. Already during his lifetime, cities and temples were named after him in his honor. Alexandria in Egypt is a testament to his influence and nobility.
Emperors, Czars, Kings, Popes and Cardinals have receivedthe name Alexander in honor of this historical king from Macedonia. Scientists and researchers, artists, composers and musicians have borne this name throughout history. Even in the 21st century there are countless settlements and geographic markings around the world which date back to the time of Alexander the Great.
This fascinating ruler, who left behind a world empire after a life of only 33 years, influenced--even after his death--noble and uplifting thoughts, poetry, and literature. Thus, the "alexandriner" in poetry is a style, which has been used in the 12th century in novels about the life and achievements of Alexander.
Countless books and essays have been written about Alexander. Poems and hymns in many languages extoll Alexander. Again and again, film documentaries attempt to inform about him and bring closer to us the life, thinking and work of Alexander. Internationally in 2004, the latest film in a Hollywood style „Alexander" (by Konstantin-Film) brought Alexander's personality and achievements to the widest public. With Alexander, to conquer the world. The title role plays Colin Farrell.
The Alexander Order bearing the name of the famous world ruler and social reformer does not deny that the conquests and wars of the royal son from Macedonia brought also blood and tears. The Alexander Order resolutely rejects war and force as means to resolve conflicts in our time. It advocates positive initiatives for a better world.
(6) Alexander Order's History.
1990 was a turning point for the 20th century.
At the end of the 20th century, the Alexander Order appeared to the public eyes from a fog of secrecy, from closed circles and also from the mindset of an exclusively male society. Thus, in the last 100 years, already two women have been named as Grandmasters. Finally, the French writer Roger Peyrefitte renewed the Order in 1990, and made membership for women officially accessible.
Peyrefitte had his first encounter with the Alexander Order as a young diplomat in Greece. At the court and in the salons of the aristocracy, as well in intellectual circles, Alexander was revered. This was also the case with ordinary citizens. Later in his life, Peyrefitte traveled the entire route of Alexander, and described the life of Alexander the Great in a trilogy.
(7) Grandmasters of our time
included among others: Princess Luise of Prussia, the daughter of the last German Kaiser; Paul I., the King of Hellenes (Greece); Erica Pappritz, the first Chief of Protocol of West Germany under Konrad Adenauer; Roger Peyrefitte, writer (France). After the death of Roger Peyrefitte, the scientist and inventor Dr. Wilson Greatbatch, the inventor of the heart pacemaker (USA), has continued in this honorary office.
(8) The Hall of Fame.
In the imaginary "Hall of Fame" members of the Alexander Order of the last 100 years who agreed to have their membeship made publicly known are memorialized. They are the following personalities, among others, listed according to their birthdates:: the Kaiser's daughter Victoria Luise, Princess of Prussia (1892-1980); Hermann Oberth (1894-1990), Ernst Jünger (1895-1998), Henry Moore (1898-1986), Arno Breker (1900-1991), Paul I., the King of the Hellenes (1901-1964); Salvador Dalí (1904-1986), Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), Queen Friederike of Greece (1917-1981), Sir Peter Ustinov (1921-2004), and Andy Warhol (1928-1987).
(9) Alexander in art.
Alexander the Great influenced not only the fine arts and architecture of his time, but continues to this day to inspire artists around the world. For sculptors, painters, graphic artists and etching experts, Alexander the Great is a timeless and attractive theme and motif. The French painter Pierre Peyrolle has created a large format painting „The Alexander Dinner". By Ernst Fuchs there is a lithograph, by Salvador Dalí an etching and by Arno Breker the bust „The Young Alexander".
A list of artworks is available for the friends of the Alexander Order, on the theme „Alexander in Art". The works of art listed there are offered for sale to help finance the work of the Alexander Order for public good.
To receive a copy of the list of artworks and prices, please contact by e-mail zavrel@meaus.com
© 2005 The Order of Alexander the Great for Art and Science, New York.