The Knights of St. John International is a Roman Catholic men’s fraternal organization that, through the actions and fellowship of its members, exemplifies the Roman Catholic theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity under a banner of Fraternity. The Knights of St. John were incorporated in New York State in 1886 under patron St. John the Baptist.

In the traditions and history of the various Knightly orders of the Roman Catholic Church, including the Knights of Malta and the Order of St. John, both of medieval Europe, the Knights of St. John was established. These traditions are cherished by today's Knights. These men carry a tradition of fidelity to the Church, honor and loyalty among its ranks, and charity and compassion to our communities.

The Knights of St. John were officially incorporated in New York on May 6, 1886. Its roots, however, run older, amongst a spectrum of Catholic knightly orders of the late 19th century. Its most valued traditions have held constant ever since: inward traditions of loyalty, fidelity, faith, and honor, as well as outward traditions like its uniforms and insignia.

Early commanderies could be found in Rochester and Utica, New York, Cleveland, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan, and Washington, D.C. As the 20th century rolled through its second half, the order spread to our neighbor to the North, Canada, and across the Atlantic, to Europe and Africa. With commanderies throughout the world, the order has become international.

The organization continued to grow inside the United States for many years, and in 1992, with the addition of commanderies outside of the United States, the Knights of St. John added International to its name, and it continues to grow. Today, the Knights of St. John International are represented in nine countries, including the United States, Canada, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, England, and Germany.