American Delegation of Savoy Orders
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American Delegation of Savoy Orders

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Welcome Messages

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​​​Message from the Grand Master of the Savoy Orders, H.R.H. Prince Victor Emmanuel of Savoy

Message from the Grand Chancellor of the Savoy Orders, Cav. Gr. Cr. Dott. Johannes Niederhauser

Message from the American Delegate of the Savoy Orders, Cav. Gr. Avv. Carl J. Morelli​


Welcome to the website of the
American Delegation of Savoy Orders

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The American Delegation of Savoy Orders is one among 35 delegations of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy located throughout Europe, Japan, and the Americas.

The Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy are among the oldest orders of chivalry in the world. Their origins and their principles, traditions and humanitarian goals, like those of Royal House of Savoy that has the hereditary right to confer them, date back a thousand years.

The Head of the House of Savoy and current Grand Master is H.R.H. Prince Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, Prince of Naples, who succeeded his father, the last king of Italy, Umberto II (1904-1983), who had succeeded his father King Victor Emmanuel III of Savoy (1869-1947). The hereditary crown prince is H.R.H. Prince Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy, Prince of Venice (1972). The Grand Chancellery of the Savoy Orders is in Geneva, Switzerland. Cav. Gr. Cr. Johannes Niederhauser, Grand Chancellor of the Savoy Orders; and Cav. Gr. Cr. Avv. Carl J. Morelli, American Delegate of the Savoy Orders.

This web site is designed to provide information about the Savoy Dynasty, the Savoy Orders, its members, activities, news and recent events, as well as links to related sites on the Internet. Inaugurated in 2003, it is the first web site in English to gather in one place the history of Savoy, the Savoy family, and the Savoy Orders of chivalry; as well as information about the activities and members of the Savoy Orders (please note, however, that the Members Page is password protected).
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Message from the Grand Master of the Savoy Orders, H.R.H. Prince Victor Emmanuel of Savoy


It is a pleasure to welcome you to the official web site of the American Delegation of the Dynastic Orders of the House of Savoy. I trust that all who avail themselves of this site will find its contents informative and useful.

In addition to this being the first official English language resource for information about the Savoy Orders, it will also contain communications issued by the Royal Institute of the House of Savoy and by other Delegations of the Savoy Orders around the world. I encourage you to visit the site often, and I hope that you will enjoy it.

​As Grand Master of the Savoy Orders it is particularly important to me that through this medium you will be able to learn about the history of my family, the Savoy Orders, and the activities being undertaken by the American Delegation. It is by understanding our common heritage and traditions that we are able to best serve our fellow citizens of the world through humanitarian works and public service.

​
Victor Emmanuel ​
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Message from the Grand Chancellor of the Savoy Orders, Cav. Gr. Cr. Johannes Niederhauser

As Grand Chancellor of the Savoy Orders I, too, am pleased to welcome you to the official website of the American Delegation. This important Delegation has taken a leadership role in this respect, and I am delighted to know that its members and the English speaking people around the world will now have access to so much important information about Savoy history, about our Orders, and about the philanthropic activities we have all worked hard to promote.

I want to commend the enthusiasm and energy that have been displayed by the members of the American Delegation who have made this website possible. Without their tireless efforts none of this could have been achieved. I feel sure that as the site grows and develops it will serve to enhance our ability to reach an ever growing number of people, not only in America, but also in other parts of the world.

Thank you for visiting this site.

​Johannes Niederhauser
Message of the American Delegate, Cav. Gr. Cr. Avv. Carl J. Morelli

I am happy to introduce you to the official website of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders. It is my honor to serve as Delegate of H.R.H. Prince Victor Emmanuel of Savoy to represent the Dynastic Orders of the House of Savoy in the United States of America and Canada.

The Delegate's duties are to administer the affairs of the Savoy Orders in North America, act as liaison with the Chancellery of the Savoy Orders in Geneva, Switzerland, and to cooperate with the charitable and humanitarian efforts of the American Foundation of Savoy Orders, Incorporated, an independent New York 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. I hope that through the abundance of information you will find in our website you will come to know more about the ancient principles, purposes and history of the Savoy Orders and their philanthropic mission in the modern world.

I am grateful to Their Royal Highnesses for the enduring support and encouragement which they have given to me, and I am also thankful to the many members of the American Delegation who have given so generously of their time and talent to help create this website. We intend to keep its contents up to date, and to improve it at every opportunity. I hope that you will find it easy to navigate, and I would welcome your comments and suggestions for ways to improve and expand it.

Thank you for visiting our site.

Carl J. Morelli,
American Delegate
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Calendar of Events
National & International News
Press Releases
Newsletter
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​ABOUT THE AMERICAN DELEGATION OF SAVOY ORDERS

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The American Delegation of Savoy Orders is part of the International Association of Dames and Knights of the Royal House of Savoy. The Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy are historically dedicated to works of charity. While deeply rooted in the past, the Savoy Orders are actively engaged in the challenges of modern society. Activities of the American Delegation include financial support of the fundraising charitable, humanitarian, cultural and education events of the American Foundation of Savoy Orders, Incorporated, a 501(c) 3 registered charity. The American Delegation also organizes and participates in social activities and events nationally and internationally throughout the year.

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​On a national level, each year the Savoy Orders sponsor a number of social activities, anniversary observances and religious services. Activities of the American Delegation include financial support of the fundraising charitable, humanitarian, cultural and educational events of the American Foundation of Savoy Orders, Incorporated. The Delegation also arranges for the Knights and Dames of the Savoy Orders to attend the celebration of Masses during the year: a commemorative Mass and dinner for St. Lazarus Day in February or March and an Investiture Ceremony and Mass in December in conjunction with the Savoy Foundation's annual winter reception and gala dinner dance, Ballo di Savoia.

On an international level, the American Delegate, with members, candidates and friends of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders, attends the annual Capitolo Generale (Chapter General) of the Savoy Orders, usually held each year in Geneva, Switzerland or in Rome, Italy. Preceding the formal investiture ceremonies, the American Delegate welcomes the American members, candidates and their families and friends at a private welcome dinner at a local restaurant or private club. The next day, a formal installation ceremony is presided over by H.R.H. Prince Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, the Grand Master, together with the Grand Chancellor of the Savoy Orders and members of the Royal Family. On this occasion, diplomas and insignia are presented to the new members and newly promoted members of the Savoy Orders. The same evening, a formal benefit gala dinner raises funds for the international charitable works of the Savoy Orders. The following day there is a solemn Mass and procession of Knights and Dames in their church robes, followed by a benefit luncheon.

Current  Events

We are continuing to raise funds for children with developmental disabilities!
 
Join Us to View Our Inaugural Virtual Event through January 31, 2020.  Donate Today!
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DONATE TODAY!

Now Playing Through December 31, 2020

​Savoy History Series Video Presentation

Glorifying Church and State: The Chapel of the Holy Shroud of Turin, Guarini and the Royal House of Savoy


For more information, register below.

REGISTER

​This Savoy History Series,  originally presented by Professor John Beldon Scott in the Fall of 2018, explores the Savoy's Dynasty's pivotal role in the history of the holy relic as expressed in the great architectural marvel of the chapel's dome design. Located between the Cathedral and the Savoy Royal Palace in Turin, priest-architect Guarino Guarini’s Holy Shroud chapel embodies both sacred and secular imagery, demonstrating the dual function of the relic in the religion and politics of the early modern Savoyard realm. 

 Events

​SAVOY FOUNDATION GRANTS $360,000 DURING COVID CRISIS

​NEW YORK, NEW YORK - August 19, 2020- The Savoy Foundation announced record setting grants of $360,000 to support children's welfare causes, elder care, university scholarships, education programs and church support for essential community services during the unprecedented COVID-19 health and economic crisis.
PRESS RELEASE
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SAVOY FOUNDATION GRANTS $130,000 TO THE NEW YORK FOUNDLING'S SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM DURING COVID CRISIS TO KEEP CAMP SERVICES ALIVE FOR FOSTER CARE KIDS THIS SUMMER
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - The American Foundation of Savoy Orders (Savoy Foundation) raises $130,000 through its Ballo di Savoia Gala in New York for The New York Foundling's Summer Camp Program during COVID crisis.  The Savoy Foundation will fund $50,000 for the on-line summer camp at home program because of the COVID health restrictions and $80,000 for the 2021 live outdoor summer camp.  CEO Bill Baccaglini and Development VP of the New York Foundling accepted the grant check on August 19, 2020 at the New York Foundling headquarters. Savoy Foundation President Joseph Sciame with Savoy Orders representative Anthony Schembri Jr. presented the grant check.  
PRESS RELEASE
THE SAVOY FOUNDATION'S VIRTUAL 2020 "NOTTE DI SAVOIA" GALA IN LOS ANGELES RAISES $100,000 FOR CATERINA'S CLUB CHARITY DURING THE COVID CRISIS

​NEW YORK, NEW YORK - The American Foundation of Savoy Orders (Savoy Foundation) presents $100,000 grant to Caterina's Club to feed homeless and motel children during the COVID pandemic.  Affirming its commitment to children's welfare, the Savoy Foundation relaunched the Third Annual Notte di Savoia Los Angeles Gala, originally scheduled on April 4, 2020, to an online event, encouraging guests to donate in the amount they were planning to give or spend on gala tickets at the Notte di Savoia event.  The virtual campaign benefited Caterina's Club in southern California to increase meal production and distribution to homeless motel families in need and children deprived of supplemental school meals during the pandemic.  Caterina's Club is led by Chef Bruno Serato, a Savoy Orders Knight, and has continued to aid families move from their cars and hotel rooms to apartments thereby changing their lives.
PRESS RELEASE
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SAVOY ORDERS PIGOTT SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCEMENT

​NEW YORK, NEW YORK -The American Foundation of Savoy Orders is pleased to announce the following four Savoy Orders Pigott Scholarship recipients for the 2020 - 2021 academic year:

Rachel Causey of Texas
Yesenia Sanchez of New York
Melissa Trimble of New York
​Katherine Zdravkov of Florida 

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  • SPECIAL  REPORTS
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Duke Emmanuel Philibert I of Savoy

The Tenth Duke of Savoy Emmanuel Philibert (1528-1580), called "Iron Head" was born in Chambéry, Savoy on the 8th of July, 1528.

Son of Charles III and Beatrice of Portugal, he was one of the most renowned princes of the later Renaissance. His father Charles, after trying in vain to remain neutral in the wars between France and the emperor Charles V, had been forced to side with the latter, whereupon his duchy was overrun with foreign soldiery and became the battlefield of the rival armies. Emmanuel Philibert was tutored at the court of Emperor Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire. He entered the Emperor's service and led the Imperial forces to brilliant victories, in recognition of which he was appointed to serve as Governor-General of the Low Countries. Because of these responsibilities he could not immediately take possession of his occupied and exhausted duchy.

The Duke’s reputation as the most brilliant general of his day was assured with his defeat of the French at the Battle of St. Quentin in 1557 and the grateful Emperor saw to it that much of Emmanuel Philibert’s patrimony was restored to him in the comprehensive peace of Câteau-Cambrésis that followed (1559).

Read more in the report below:
REPORT

American Delegation tour the Madama Palazzo, Turin, Italy

American Delegation  Tour
​of the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) of Turin​

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Members of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders Visit the Madam Palazzo , Turin, Italy, June 2, 2010 
Report

Exhibit: Casa Savoia e L‘Unita D’Italia
​(The House of Savoy and the Unification of Italy)

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​Members of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders Visit the Casa Savoia e L’Unita D’Italia Exhibit, Turin, Italy, May 31, 2010, after the 2010 Chapter General of the Savoy Orders in Geneva, Switzerland

Report
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Members of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders Visit the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) in Turin, Italy, June 2, 2010
Report

​American Delegation  tour of the Castle of menthon-saint bernard in Savoie, France 

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Members of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders tour contingent visit the Castle of Menthon-Saint Bernard in Savoie, France after the 2011 Savoy Orders Chapter General  in Geneva, Switzerland
Report

Recent Events

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FIFTEENTH ANNUAL ST. LAZARUS MASS AND DINNER - FEBRUARY 24, 2020

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​NEW YORK (NEW YORK) - On February 24, 2020, the Knights and Dames of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders of the Royal House of Savoy and their guests participated in the fifteenth annual St. Lazarus Mass at the Church of St. Jean Baptiste in New York City. H.R.H. Cav. Gr. Cr. Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, the nephew of the Grand Master H.R.H. Prince Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, joined the American Delegation for the mass. 
 
After the Mass, members and friends of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders participated in a confraternal dinner in the private dining room of Orsay Restaurant in New York City. HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia was the honored guest.
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H.E. TIMOTHY CARDINAL DOLAN 'S RECEPTION FOR AMERICAN DELEGATION OF SAVOY ORDERS -
​DECEMBER 13, 2019

american delegation of savoy orders' participates in annual procession and mass -
st. patrick's cathedral -
​DECEMBER 13, 2019

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His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan Hosts Their Royal Highnesses Prince Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy and HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia together with members of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders at his residence on Sunday morning, December 15, 2019 before the annual Procession and Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick
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American Delegate Knight Grand Cross Carl J. Morelli, HRH Prince Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy, HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia and Vice Delegate Knight Grand Cross Joseph Sciame line up for the Procession and Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on December 15, 2019.
BALLO DI SAVOIA GALA WEEKEND

Annual Winter Gala Charity Ball
​and Events

​New York City
​December 13 - 15, 2019
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PRESS RELEASE

​INVESTITURE CEREMONY AND MASS OF THE AMERICAN DELEGATION OF SAVOY ORDERS
December 14, 2019

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NEW YORK (NEW YORK) - ​The morning of Saturday, December 14, 2019, the son of HRH Prince Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, the Grand Master of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy, together with the Delegate Knight Grand Cross Carl J. Morelli and Vice Delegate Knight Grand Cross Joseph Sciame of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders, presided over the installation and promotion ceremony of knights and dames at the main altar of the church of St. Jean Baptiste in recognition of individuals in public service, medicine, the arts, music, politics, business and philanthropy. The hereditary Crown Prince of Italy is the President of A.I.C.O.D.S. (International Association of the Dynastic Orders of the House of Savoy) and, as President of the Council of Dynastic Orders, coordinates that forum, assisting the Grand Master and the Grand Chancellor with the direction and governance of the Orders. He conferred honors on 14 knights and dames during the Investiture Mass in a memorable ceremony continuing a thousand year tradition of humanitarian service and philanthropy to aid the poor and sick. 
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​AMERICAN FOUNDATION OF SAVOY ORDERS AND SAVE VENICE  INC.  HOST COCKTAIL RECEPTION
​IN HONOR OF HRH PRINCE EMMANUEL PHILIBERT OF SAVOY, PRINCE OF VENICE


NEW YORK (NEW YORK) - On Thursday evening, December 12, 2019, The American Foundation of Savoy Orders, the charitable arm of the American Delegation of savoy Orders,  launched the US Savoy Orders Youth Program at a joint reception with Young Friends of Save Venice,  in honor of HRH Prince Emmanuel  Philibert of Savoy, Prince of Venice, in solidarity with conservation efforts in Venice following the historic November floods.  The event was by invitation only.  The Delegate Carl J. Morelli and Vice Delegate Joseph Sciame of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders, Savoy Orders Youth Program Chairman Joseph B. Giminaro and Lizzie de Trindade-Asher of the Young Friends Steering Committee of Save Venice Inc. greeted over 150 guests. 
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FEATURE
Media Alert
WELCOME RECEPTION
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December 13, 2019
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NEW YORK (NEW YORK) - ​Saturday’s Savoy Ball was preceded by a Friday evening welcome reception, at the Lotos Club. Honoring new members receiving recognition in the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy, at the next morning’s investiture ceremony in the Church of St. Jean Baptiste, the elegant reception off of Fifth Avenue, provided a warm, convivial setting to launch the festivities to follow during the weekend. Guests traveled from as far away as California, Florida, Texas, Montana and from outside the United States, primarily from Canada, Italy and Japan to participate in the scheduled three-day events.