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Miniature eight-pointed faceted gilt metal star with gilt metal and red enamel crown suspension; the face with a red enamel cross potent with gilt edges imposed centrally; the reverse plain; diameter 19.38mm (0.76 inch); on replaced correct ribbon. Considerable research has failed to establish any connection between this order and the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East (whether in its Greek Orthodox, Maronite or Syrian manifestations). The various decorations of the order we have seen are all of good quality and some age but the origin and nature of the Order are unknown, other than the Vatican Secretariat of State in the Osservatore Romano on 14 December 1970 listing the order as being amongst the "private initiatives, which in no way are approved of or recognized by the Holy See". George is one of the greatest saints of the Eastern Church and his appearance in a vision at the siege of Antioch during the First Crusade is held to have been instrumental in the defeat of the Saracens and the fall of the city to the crusaders. An interesting good-quality period miniature.
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