6th International Lazarite Symposium and 35th Solemn Investiture

In October 2026 the Grand Priory of Malta hosted the 6th International Lazarite Symposium. Over four days, delegations from the Order's jurisdictions met in Malta for a conference, charitable initiatives and the solemn investiture of new members. The Grand Priory of Bulgaria was represented by the Grand Prior, Chevalier Svetoslav Boyadzhiev.

The Symposium at Palazzo Vittoria in Naxxar was opened by the President of the Republic of Malta, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono. It was presided by the Grand Vicar General, H.E. James de Balliol-Cavendish of Buittle, assisted by the Grand Chancellor, H.E. Massimo J. Ellul, and the commemorative plaque was blessed by Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President Emeritus of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Six panels examined the Order's projects worldwide, modern hospitaller and medical work, the role of voluntary action, support for people with disabilities, the place of chivalric values today and mental health care.

The week began in Paola, at the Basilica of Christ the King, the largest church in Malta. The Saint Lazarus Foundation took on the renovation of the basilica’s oratory, which will bear the name of Saint Lazarus in perpetuity. On 8 October the Oratory was inaugurated in the presence of the Grand Vicar General and of the Grand Chancellor as Chairman of the Foundation, and its plaque was blessed and unveiled by Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia. The evening of 10 October at Mount Carmel Hospital was dedicated to World Mental Health Day, with prose and poetry, harp and violin, a children’s choir, the Jacksons Pipe Band and the soprano Valeria Fisichella, accompanied at the piano by Alexander Toscano. It closed with the unveiling of a permanent monument in the hospital grounds.

The week closed with the 35th Solemn Investiture of the Grand Priories of Malta and Gozo at the Corinthia San Ġorġ. Chevalier Asen Margaritov, Marshal of the Grand Priory of Bulgaria, was received into the Order as a Knight of Grace. The accolade was given by the Grand Vicar General in the presence of the Grand Chancellor.