The Pythian Story

History of the Order

The Order of Knights of Pythias is a great international fraternity which was founded in Washington, DC, February 19, 1864, by Justus H. Rathbone, and embraces more than two thousand subordinate lodges in the United States and Canada, with occasional lodges having been formed elsewhere. The primary object of fraternal organizations is to promote friendship among men and to relieve suffering. Each organization adopts some outstanding principle as its objective. The individuality of an order is determined by its ideal sentiment. The distinguishing principles of the Order of Knights of Pythias are "FRIENDSHIP, CHARITY and BENEVOLENCE".

It bases its lessons and builds its ritual largely on the familiar story of the friendship of Damon and Pythias, who were historical characters living about four hundred or more years before the beginning of the Christian era. They were members of a school, founded by Pythagoras, who was known as the father of Greek philosophy.

Abraham Lincoln and our Ritual

The Order began, of course, during the Civil War, and its founder believed that it might do much to heal the wounds and allay the hatred of civil conflict. President Abraham Lincoln, being advised of the contents of the ritual and its teaching, said: "The purposes of your organization are most wonderful. If we could but bring its spirit to all our citizenry, what a wonderful thing it would be. It breathes the spirit of Friendship, Charity and Benevolence. It is one of the best agencies conceived for the upholding of government, honoring the flag, for the reuniting of our brethren of the North and of the South, for teaching the people to love one another, and portraying the sanctity of the home and loved ones. I would suggest that these great principles by perpetuated and that you go to the Congress of the United States and ask for a charter, and so organize on a great scale throughout this nation, and disseminate this wonderful work that you have so nobly started. I will do all in my power to assist you in this application and with your work."

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Pythian Principles

• The Fraternal Order of Knights of Pythias promotes cooperation and friendship between people of good will.
• Pythians know one way to happiness is through service to mankind.
• Pythians believe that friendship is an essential ingredient in life.
• Pythians make Benevolence, Kindness, Generosity and Tolerance a reality in their lives.
• Pythians place home ties at the top of their priority list.
• Pythians 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.
• Pythians 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.

Feebleminds Animated Gifs

• 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 good will as the surest means of attaining Universal Peace.
• We 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.
• We 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".

Boy Scout Connection

Through Partnership with Scouting, a Pythian Lodge:

• Provides the community with a time-tested youth program.
• Develops a way for club members to share personal skills, interests and experiences with youth participants.
• Builds future leaders for the community and nation.
• Shares the purposes of Knights of Pythias through Scouting.
• Forms enduring friendships among future leaders of the community.

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Special Olympics


The Order of the Knights of Pythias is a recognized sponsor of this worthy endeavor, which supports over 1 million athletes throughout the world. For more information on the KOP role, visit the Supreme Lodge website.

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