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Another change, in the structure of society, affected the development of Orders in France. After the French Revolution, the Commune decided to reward citizens, in the military, for their role in fighting for freedom, as well as civilians who benefitted their new society. In 1802, the French Legion of Honor gave commendations for service. By 1805 there were five classes of honor, and they became the prototype for Orders of Merit.

In the Legion of Honor, democracy became a part of the new chivalry. No longer was this limited to men of noble birth, as in the past, who received favours from their king. The Order of Merit was the new society's way of recognizing citizens of merit. The head of state, be he King or President, could now bestow honors upon their citizenry.

The new Democratic society spread through many countries as the old monarchy lost their control. This resulted in existing Orders of Chivalry and Secular Orders being changed and divided. In 1808, the Danish Order of Dannebrog (1671) was divided, by the founding of new Orders of different classes. This was originated before the French Revolution by the French Military Order of St. Louis in 1693, whose three classes were:

This then became the pattern for later Democratic Orders. Today the Polish Nobility Association administers two Awards of Merit:

The Royal Order of Piast

The Royal Order of Piasts (one class), was established on January 27, 1927. The Royal Order of Piasts is a progressive Order of Chivalry and Merit, given by Polish Noblesse, for the betterment of the conditions of the Polish-Lithuanian Nations.

Its purpose is to protect the absolute independence of the Polish Lithuanian States, and the ultimate recovery of the achievements of the Piast Dynasty; through the realization of a project/movement via "The Slavic Commonwealth of Nations." The main organizer was Rev. Chodkiewicz and other Polish-Lithuanian nobles.

Today, the Royal Order of Piast is granted as a Merit Award to a qualified individual regardless of religion, race, sex, or national origin for cultural or humanitarian contributions made on behalf of Poland/Polonia anywhere in the world. They must also be a significant member of their field, and have achieved acknowledged professional recognition in this field.

HOW DOES ONE QUALIFY FOR AN R.O.P. OR AND R.O.J.? The Order of Piast (R.O.P.) and the Royal Order of Jagiello (R.O.J.) are awards of merit given to individuals who have contributed significantly to the Cultural, Humanitarian, and Historical promulgation of the people of the Polish/Lithuanian Commonwealth. The nomination process requires: A. a recommendation from at least two Polish Nobility Association/Foundation members, who are in good standing, for a minimum of five (5) years. B. a curriculum vitae (Resume) showing the qualifications of the individual in the above stated areas of achievement: Cultural, Humanitarian, and History C. a vote of the directors of the College of Heraldry. A majority vote is required. In the event of a tie, the President of the Foundation will cast the tie breaking vote.

In 1974, the Knights of Sts. Cyril and Methodius were incorporated into the Royal Order of Piast to minimize the number of Orders created by the Polish Kings and continued by the Polish Nobility over a period of years.

A cross pate, indented, each cross arm is red with gold trim and each point ending with a silver ball. In the center is a circle of white dots surrounding a blue field upon which is displayed a crowned white eagle. The cross is surmounted on a silver multi rayed star, and can be suspended on a red moire sash. or the star can be used as a breast decoration on formal wear.

The Royal Order of Piast was named after Piast, the legendary 9th century founder of the Piast dynasty, of Poland (c. 840 A.D.)

*The cross background was black, and was changed to red after the demise of the communist state.

II. The Royal Order of the Jagiellon

The Royal Order of Jagiellon was established in 1969 at the recommendation of the late Sigmund H. Uminski, former Grand Chancellor of the Polish Noblility Association Foundation, to recognize the significant role played by Lithuania and the Lithuanian people in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth of Nations.

• Sigmund H. Uminski had the unique pleasure of being knighted twice in the same day. This event took place in the chapel of the Felician Sisters Convent, Mother Angela Hall, on February 25, 1975. The ritual ceremony of investiture into the Royal Order of Piast, was conducted by Prince Roger Chylinski-Polubinski, Grand Master of the Royal Order of Piast. The prince was assisted by Countess Aleciya Orlowski-Andrews who represented the Royal Order of Jagiellon.

• Sigmund H. Uminski was also accepted into the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta.

• The late Sigmund H. Uminski wrote "Poland Discovers America," the first volume in a series printed by the Polish Publication Society of America in New York. Uminski was directly involved with the 22-volume history as its General Editor. One of his other works River's Edge has also received recognition.

This unique monarchy, Jagiellon Dynasty, was created by the descendants of Guedymine/Gedimin as hereditary Grand Dukes of Lithuania/elected Kings of Poland beginning with Jogaila (Wladyslaw Jagiello, Polish King from 1386-1434). This union made the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth the largest land empire in Europe during its Golden Age.

The Royal Order of Jagiello is awarded to individuals for their significant humanitarian/cultural contributions to Lithuania, on behalf of Lithuanians around the world. Individuals must be recognized by their charitable activities, which have a major impact on people of Lithuanian ancestry.

A Maltese cross, of eight points, each point ending with a silver ball. The cross is blue and edged in gold, and surmounted of a gold patriarchal (double armed) cross. Between the arms of the cross are radiating rays. The decoration can suspended from a blue moire sash or mounted on a silver multi-pointed star and worn as a breast decoration, and suspended from a grand cordon sash of blue moire for the Knight's Grand Cross. The Knight's Commander degree is suspended from a neck riband. This decoration is also surmounted of a gold crown, when suspended from a sash.

The patriarchal cross, in this decoration, commemorates the conversion of King Jagiello, of Lithuania, to Christianity upon his marriage to Queen Jadwiga of Poland.

Registration of the Orders

The Supreme Council of the Royal Order of Piast and the Royal Order of Jagiellon has officially registered their Order with the Institute of Orders Researches in West Berlin (in 1974) under Dr. Klietman, Director of the Institute.

Historical Information

In the past, applicants knighted into the Royal Order of Piast and Royal Order of Jagiellon were of noble origin. Applicants for this honor were chosen from the ranks of the Polish Nobility Association Foundation of Baltimore, Maryland.

The Royal Order of Piast and the Royal Order of Jagiellon are the Supreme Orders of which there are a total of seven. The Orders are administered by hereditary Sovereign-Grand Marshalls, appointed Grand Chancellors, and the Chancellors, as well as other functionaries. The two orders which are administered today come out of a total of seven:

The Orders

1. The Royal Order of Piast
2. The Royal Order of Jagiello
3. Order of Saint John the Baptist
4. Imperial Order of Saint Vladimir (May 3, 1791)
5. Imperial and Royal Order of Saint Stanislas (Holy Union)
6. Royal Order of Saint Michael Archangel (Polish Military)
7. Order of S.S. Cyril and Methoduis (incorporated into the Order of the Piast)

Only rarely are diplomas issued for the other orders.