INTERNAL REGULATIONS

These Regulations constitute the internal rules implementing the Statutes of the Fraternitas Ordo Draconis.

Each provision shall be interpreted in accordance with the principles of fidelity to the Statutes, continuity of tradition, magisterial unity, fraternity, service, and respect for the competences of each Dignitary.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

TITLE I

Art. 1 — Nature and Purpose of the Regulations

These Internal Regulations govern the organization, functioning, institutional, chivalric, ceremonial and disciplinary life of the Fraternitas Ordo Draconis – F.O.D. Viglas, in implementation of the Statutes of the Association.

The Regulations constitute the internal rules of the Institution and shall be interpreted and applied in harmony with the Statutes.

In the event of a conflict between a provision of these Regulations and a provision of the Statutes, the Statutes shall prevail.

All members of the Fraternitas are required to know, respect and observe the Statutes, these Regulations, the resolutions of the competent bodies and the magisterial acts validly issued.

Art. 2 — Fundamental Principles

The Fraternitas Ordo Draconis is a Brotherhood of magisterial, noble and chivalric inspiration, founded upon the principles of fraternity, honour, dignity, loyalty, charity, respect for the individual and service.

All Knights and Dames, regardless of the rank they hold, participate in the Fraternitas with equal personal dignity and are called upon to conduct themselves as upright, loyal citizens who respect the laws.

The fundamental principle of the life of the Fraternitas is also expressed in the precept:

“Love your neighbour as yourself.”

The Fraternitas operates without discrimination based on nationality, origin, culture or geographical affiliation, respecting freedom of conscience and the principles of tolerance and mutual respect.

Art. 3 — Magisterial Structure

The Fraternitas Ordo Draconis is organized according to a hierarchical and magisterial structure.

At the head of the Institution stands the Prince-Grand Master, Supreme Head of the Fraternitas.

Magisterial authority is exercised as a function of service, responsibility and protection of the Institution and not as a personal privilege.

Each office entails specific duties and responsibilities towards the Fraternitas, its members and its statutory purposes.

Territorial and diplomatic structures shall exercise exclusively the powers attributed to them by the Statutes, these Regulations and the magisterial delegations received.

TITLE II

THE PRINCE-GRAND MASTER

Art. 4 — The Prince-Grand Master

The Prince-Grand Master represents the highest authority of the Fraternitas Ordo Draconis and directs the Grand Magisterium.

He presides over the Grand Council and the General Chapter in accordance with the Statutes.

Within the limits of the Statutes, the Prince-Grand Master is responsible for:

• the admission of candidates;
• appointments and promotions;
• the granting of magisterial delegations;
• the coordination of territorial structures;
• the supervision of the general activities of the Fraternitas;
• decisions in matters expressly reserved to him.

The Prince-Grand Master may confer specific permanent or temporary delegations upon Dignitaries and representatives of the Fraternitas.

Art. 5 — Magisterial Delegations

Each delegation shall be exercised exclusively within the limits established in the instrument granting it.

The Dignitary acting by virtue of a magisterial delegation acts in the name and on behalf of the Prince-Grand Master, within the limits of the delegation received.

No delegation may be interpreted as a transfer of supreme magisterial authority.

The Prince-Grand Master may modify, suspend or revoke the delegations granted.

Art. 6 — Corps of the Magisterial Guard

The Prince-Grand Master may have his own Corps of the Magisterial Guard, intended for the institutional and personal protection of the Prince-Grand Master, as well as for representational and ceremonial service duties.

The Corps of the Magisterial Guard constitutes an internal structure of the Fraternitas and does not exercise public security functions.

The Corps may be employed during ceremonies, official visits, magisterial assemblies and institutional events.

Art. 7 — Captain of the Guard

The Captain of the Guard is appointed directly by the Prince-Grand Master.

The Captain of the Guard reports directly to the Prince-Grand Master and the Grand Magisterium and organizes the service of the Corps of the Magisterial Guard.

The Captain is entrusted with:

• coordinating the members of the Guard;
• organizing representational duties;
• the internal discipline of the Corps;
• the order and protocol of the Guard during ceremonies;
• accompanying the Prince-Grand Master when so directed;
• any other assignment specifically entrusted by the Prince-Grand Master and the Grand Magisterium.

The Captain of the Guard does not exercise the general disciplinary powers attributed by the Statutes to the Lieutenant General or the Grand Jury.

TITLE III

THE GRAND MAGISTERIUM

Art. 8 — The Grand Magisterium

The Grand Magisterium is directed by the Prince-Grand Master.

According to the Statutes, it consists of:

• the Lieutenant General;
• the Grand Chancellor.

The Grand Magisterium assists the Prince-Grand Master in directing the Institution.

Art. 9 — The Lieutenant General

The Lieutenant General is, after the Prince-Grand Master, the highest-ranking Dignitary.

He represents and replaces the Prince-Grand Master in the cases provided for by the Statutes or in the event of prolonged absence.

He exercises the ordinary disciplinary powers provided for by the Statutes and these Regulations.

He cooperates with the Prince-Grand Master and the Grand Chancellor to ensure continuity, order and discipline within the Fraternitas.

Art. 10 — The Grand Chancellor

The Grand Chancellor is one of the highest Dignitaries of the Fraternitas and, together with the Prince-Grand Master and the Lieutenant General, constitutes one of the highest authorities of the magisterial structure.

He safeguards the Seal of the Fraternitas Ordo Draconis and ensures its proper use.

No magisterial decree shall be enforceable without the signature of the Prince-Grand Master and the affixing of the Seal of the Fraternitas/Chancellery as provided for by the Statutes.

The Grand Chancellor:

• directs and coordinates the Grand Chancellery;
• oversees institutional and diplomatic relations;
• assists the Prince-Grand Master and the Lieutenant General;
• organizes the work of the Grand Council;
• communicates and implements magisterial decisions;
• coordinates dependent or delegated structures;
• preserves acts and documents of particular institutional importance;
• oversees administrative and institutional continuity.

The Grand Chancellor may, following consultation with the Prince-Grand Master, appoint Plenipotentiary Ministers and Ambassadors in accordance with the Statutes.

Art. 11 — Exercise of the Grand Chancellor’s Delegations

In exercising a magisterial delegation, the Grand Chancellor acts in the name and on behalf of the Prince-Grand Master, within the limits of the delegation received.

The functions of the Grand Chancellor shall be exercised with due respect for the competences of the other Dignitaries.

The Grand Chancellor ensures institutional coordination without replacing the specific competences assigned to other bodies and Dignitaries.

In cases of institutional necessity, the Grand Chancellor may receive from the Prince-Grand Master further specific, temporary or permanent assignments.

TITLE IV

THE GRAND COUNCIL AND THE ORDINARY COUNCIL

Art. 12 — Grand Council (Supreme Council)

The Grand Council and/or Supreme Council constitutes the body responsible for the direction, oversight and constitutional protection of the Fraternitas.

It exercises the powers provided for under Article 19 and following articles of the Statutes.

The Grand Council guarantees:

• compliance with the Statutes;
• continuity of the Institution;
• proper administration;
• unity of the Fraternitas;
• protection of its values and traditions.

Decisions shall be taken according to the majorities and procedures established by the Statutes.

Art. 13 — Ordinary Council

The Ordinary Council is composed of the Dignitaries indicated by the Statutes.

It represents the streamlined and operational structure of the Grand Council. The body has consultative powers only.

Art. 14 — Dignitaries of the Grand Council

The Dignitaries of the Grand Council exercise the functions provided for by the Statutes and these Regulations.

Their respective competences shall be exercised in a spirit of cooperation, avoiding overlapping responsibilities and conflicts of jurisdiction.

All Dignitaries are required to maintain confidentiality regarding internal deliberations whenever the nature of the matter so requires.

TITLE V

THE MAGISTERIAL DIGNITARIES

Art. 15 — Functions of the Principal Dignitaries

The First Marshal is primarily responsible for the planning, choreography and conduct of all official functions. He oversees compliance with the dress code and ensures that members correctly wear mantles, decorations, collars and medals according to their rank (Knight, Knight Officer, Commander, Grand Officer, Grand Cross). He supervises the conduct of members during ceremonies, reporting any violations of the Statutes or of chivalric dignity to the Grand Magisterium or the Supreme Council.

The Grand Treasurer manages the treasury, dues, donations and authorized payments.

The Grand Secretary manages correspondence, minutes, registers and documentary organization.

The Grand Prior General, Grand Commander General and Grand Bailiff General exercise the functions assigned to them by the Grand Magisterium and by their respective delegations.

The First Councillor promotes cultural, humanitarian, solidarity and cooperation initiatives.

The Grand Master of Ceremonies oversees ceremonies, protocol and official events.

The Master of Ceremonies is responsible for the Rite of Ceremony and Investiture and assists and cooperates with the Grand Master of Ceremonies.

The Grand Gonfalonier safeguards and represents the Gonfalon of the Fraternitas.

The Grand Seneschal assists in the formation and orientation of new Knights and Dames.

The Grand Orator oversees compliance with the Statutes and Regulations and may intervene in the conduct of assemblies.

The Spiritual Counsellor oversees spiritual matters and, where provided for, religious celebrations.

The Grand Judge, who is the highest-ranking member of the Grand Jury, is the officer responsible for the internal discipline of the Institution.

TITLE VI

GENERAL CHAPTER

Art. 16 — General Chapter

The General Chapter is convened and presided over in accordance with the provisions of the Statutes.

Knights and Dames entitled to participate shall attend.

The right to vote shall be exercised in accordance with the statutory provisions.

The General Chapter constitutes a fundamental moment of participation in the life of the Fraternitas.

TITLE VII

TERRITORIAL STRUCTURES AND MAGISTERIAL DELEGATES

Art. 17 — Territorial Structures

The Fraternitas may be organized into:

• Priories;
• Bailiwicks;
• Commanderies;
• Sections;
• Sub-Priorates;
• other structures approved by the Grand Council.

Territorial structures are subject to magisterial direction and do not possess administrative or accounting autonomy, unless specifically derogated.

Each new territorial structure must be approved by the Grand Council.

Art. 18 — Territorial Heads

Territorial heads are appointed or confirmed by the Prince-Grand Master according to the statutory procedures.

They represent the Fraternitas within the territory entrusted to them.

They may organize activities, ceremonies and initiatives exclusively within the scope of the delegation received.

They may not independently conclude treaties, alliances, friendship agreements or acts of recognition on behalf of the Fraternitas that entail prerogatives not assigned to them.

Art. 19 — Delegates and Representatives

The Prince-Grand Master may appoint Magisterial Delegates, Vicars, Representatives and other officers.

The Grand Chancellor oversees the operational coordination of the delegations within the scope of the powers conferred upon him.

Diplomatic representatives may be accredited as Plenipotentiary Ministers or Ambassadors in accordance with the Statutes.

TITLE VIII

COUNCIL OF SUPERVISORS

Art. 20 — Establishment

The Council of Supervisors is hereby established as an internal body for institutional and disciplinary oversight.

The Council shall consist of at least three Knights, normally of a rank not lower than Commander.

The members are appointed by the Grand Magisterium according to the needs of the Institution.

Art. 21 — Powers

The Council of Supervisors oversees institutional, chivalric and disciplinary conduct of:

• territorial heads;
• diplomatic representatives;
• Magisterial Delegates;
• Knights and Dames when requested by the competent authority.

It examines any reports concerning violations of the Statutes, the Regulations or duties connected with chivalric dignity.

It forwards its observations to the Lieutenant General.

It cooperates, where requested, with the Grand Jury.

The Council of Supervisors does not replace the Grand Jury and does not exercise the adjudicatory functions assigned to it by the Statutes.

Art. 22 — Relations with the Lieutenant General

The Council of Supervisors reports to the Lieutenant General.

The Lieutenant General evaluates the reports and adopts, within the scope of his powers, the measures provided for by the Statutes and these Regulations.

In cases of particular gravity, the documentation shall be transmitted to the Grand Jury for further action.

TITLE IX

ADMISSION, INVESTITURE AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS

Art. 23 — Admission

Admission shall take place in accordance with the Statutes and following verification of the required qualifications.

The candidate must declare that he or she knows and accepts the Statutes and these Regulations.

Admission entails the obligation to respect the decisions of the competent bodies and to maintain conduct consistent with the dignity of the Fraternitas.

Art. 24 — Investiture

Investiture shall take place according to the official ritual of the Fraternitas.

The Knight or Dame shall make a pledge of loyalty to the Fraternitas and to the Prince-Grand Master and shall accept the Statutes and Regulations.

The investiture includes the conferral of the mantle, diploma and prescribed insignia.

The rite is presided over by the Prince-Grand Master or by a person who has received written delegation from him.

Art. 25 — Obligations of Members

Every member is required to:

a) maintain honest and dignified conduct;

b) respect the Statutes and Regulations;

c) actively participate in the life of the Fraternitas;

d) respect the Dignitaries and other members;

e) not use the name of the Fraternitas for improper personal interests;

f) not damage the image of the Institution;

g) maintain confidentiality regarding internal matters;

h) fulfil the prescribed financial obligations.

TITLE X

OFFERINGS, CONTRIBUTIONS AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

Art. 26 — Annual Contributions

The annual membership fee is established by the Grand Council in accordance with the Statutes.

Payment must be made within the established deadline.

Repeated failure to pay may result in suspension of membership rights according to the prescribed procedures.

Paid fees are non-refundable in the event of withdrawal or termination of membership.

Art. 27 — Investiture Contribution

The investiture may be accompanied by a contribution intended to cover registration, ceremony, mantle, insignia and institutional activity expenses.

Any territorial contributions for ceremonies, hospitality, travel or official recognitions must be previously authorized according to the procedures established by the Grand Chancellery.

TITLE XI

INSTITUTIONAL AND DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

Art. 28 — International Relations

The Fraternitas maintains an international character and develops relations with institutions, associations and organizations compatible with its purposes.

Official relations are coordinated by the Grand Chancellery.

Agreements of collaboration, friendship, twinning or cooperation must be submitted to the competent magisterial authorities.

Art. 29 — Plenipotentiary Ministers and Ambassadors

The Grand Chancellor may, following consultation with the Prince-Grand Master, appoint Plenipotentiary Ministers and Ambassadors in accordance with the Statutes.

Diplomatic officers represent exclusively the Fraternitas within the scope of the mandate received.

They may not independently undertake commitments binding the Fraternitas beyond the delegation received.

TITLE XII

GRAND JURY AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

Art. 30 — Grand Jury

The Grand Jury constitutes the internal body competent to deal with the most serious disciplinary offences, in accordance with the Statutes.

It consists of:

• the Grand Judge, who is a member of the Grand Council by right;
• the First Judge;
• the Assistant Judge.

The Grand Jury operates according to the principles of impartiality, hearing and the right of defence.

Art. 31 — Conciliatory Function

Before proceeding to a disciplinary decision, the Grand Jury shall, where possible, encourage conciliation.

Internal disputes shall be addressed in a spirit of fraternity and respect.

A manifestly false accusation or an accusation formulated with defamatory intent may be subject to disciplinary censure.

Art. 32 — Procedure

The person concerned must be informed of the facts alleged against him or her.

The person concerned shall be guaranteed the opportunity to submit observations and a defence.

A member may defend himself or herself personally or may be assisted by a Knight of the Fraternitas.

The deliberations of the Grand Jury shall be recorded and kept in the confidential archives of the Grand Chancellery.

Art. 33 — Book of Discipline

Final disciplinary decisions of particular importance may be recorded in the Book of Discipline.

The Book of Discipline is kept by the Grand Chancellery.

Entries shall be accessible only to the competent bodies.

TITLE XIII

SANCTIONS AND DISCIPLINARY POWERS OF THE LIEUTENANT GENERAL

Art. 34 — Disciplinary Principles

The discipline of the Fraternitas aims to protect institutional order, chivalric dignity, unity and the good name of the Institution.

Disciplinary measures must be proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the violation.

Art. 35 — Powers of the Lieutenant General

The Lieutenant General exercises the ordinary disciplinary powers assigned to him by the Statutes and these Regulations.

For less serious offences, he may impose:

• verbal warning;
• written warning;
• formal admonition;
• censure.

The measures shall be recorded, where necessary, in the confidential records of the Grand Chancellery.

Art. 36 — Precautionary Suspension

In the event of serious conduct, the Lieutenant General, after consulting the Grand Chancellor where necessary, may order the immediate precautionary suspension of the member.

The suspension is provisional in nature and is adopted pending evaluation by the Grand Jury.

The measure must be communicated to the Prince-Grand Master and the competent bodies.

Precautionary suspension does not in itself constitute a final declaration of guilt.

Art. 37 — Serious Offences

For offences of particular seriousness, jurisdiction shall rest with the Grand Jury in accordance with the Statutes.

After examining the facts and hearing the defence, the Grand Jury may propose to the Prince-Grand Master:

• dismissal;
• suspension ad vitam;
• other measures provided for by the Statutes.

Art. 38 — Dismissal and Suspension Ad Vitam

Dismissal and suspension ad vitam shall be adopted according to the procedures established by the Statutes.

For territorial heads, such measures fall within the competence of the Prince-Grand Master according to the statutory provisions.

No territorial body may independently dismiss or suspend ad vitam a Dignitary without the necessary magisterial authorization.

Art. 39 — Defence and Decision

No serious sanction may be imposed without the person concerned having had the opportunity to be heard, except for precautionary suspensions provided for by these Regulations.

Decisions must be reasoned and retained in the records.

In the cases provided for by the Statutes, the final decision rests with the Prince-Grand Master.

Art. 40 — Magisterial Pardon

The Prince-Grand Master may, in cases within his competence, grant a pardon motu proprio, commute a sanction or order the reinstatement of a member.

A magisterial pardon does not constitute a binding precedent for future cases.

TITLE XIV

DUTIES OF DIGNITARIES AND CONTINUITY OF OFFICE

Art. 41 — Continuity

Each Dignitary must ensure continuity of the office entrusted to him or her.

In the event of inability to perform the duties, the Dignitary must promptly inform the competent hierarchical authority.

The documentation and instruments of the office must be transferred to the successor at the end of the term of office.

Art. 42 — Absences

Repeated and unjustified absence from meetings, investitures and institutional activities may result in forfeiture of office.

In particular, the following constitute grounds for evaluation:

• three unjustified absences;
• or five consecutive justified absences;

within meetings or institutional events of the body to which the person belongs.

The forfeiture of office must be formalized by the competent authority.

Art. 43 — Incompatibilities and Conflicts of Interest

Dignitaries must avoid situations that could compromise the independence, dignity or image of the Fraternitas.

The assumption of executive positions in other associations, institutions or organizations is incompatible when it creates an actual conflict with the interests of the Fraternitas, unless authorized by the competent magisterial authority.

Each Dignitary must disclose any situation involving a conflict of interest.

TITLE XV

NAME, COATS OF ARMS, SEALS AND INSIGNIA

Art. 44 — Protection of Institutional Identity

The official names FRATERNITAS ORDO DRACONIS (F.O.D.-VIGLAS) and SOVEREIGN INTERNATIONAL ORDO DRACONIS (and/or Sovereign International Order of Drake), the coats of arms, seals, symbols, gonfalons, mantles and insignia constitute elements of the institutional identity of the Fraternitas.

It is prohibited to use such elements for commercial, personal or associative purposes unrelated to the Fraternitas without authorization from the Grand Chancellery.

The establishment or promotion of organizations using names or signs capable of creating confusion with the Fraternitas is prohibited.

Art. 45 — Use of the Name

No member may use the name, title or dignity held within the Fraternitas to obtain personal, economic or commercial advantages.

Letterhead, business cards, official documents and communications bearing the coats of arms or seals of the Fraternitas must be used in accordance with the provisions of the Grand Chancellery.

Art. 46 — Return of Insignia

In the event of dismissal or termination of membership, the member shall, when requested, return the mantle, insignia, documents and other property belonging to the Fraternitas.

TITLE XVI

CEREMONIAL AND PROTOCOL

Art. 47 — Ceremonies

The ceremonies of the Fraternitas shall be conducted according to the official ritual.

The Grand Master of Ceremonies oversees the organization and ceremonial protocol in cooperation with the Master of Ceremonies.

The Prince-Grand Master or his delegate presides over magisterial ceremonies.

Art. 48 — Order of Precedence

The order of precedence is determined by rank, dignity and office held.

Emeritus Dignitaries retain their honorary title and, in institutional precedence, follow the holders of offices currently in service.

TITLE XVII

ARCHIVES, REGISTERS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Art. 49 — Magisterial Archive

The acts of the Fraternitas shall be preserved in the Magisterial Archive.

The Grand Secretary is responsible for the institutional registers.

Documents of particular historical importance shall be preserved in the historical archive of the Fraternitas.

Art. 50 — Magisterial Acts

Magisterial acts shall be registered according to the procedures established by the Grand Chancellery.

Decrees of the Prince-Grand Master shall be signed by the Prince-Grand Master and countersigned by the Grand Chancellor when required by the Statutes.

The Seal of the Fraternitas is kept by the Grand Chancellor.

Art. 51 — Official Communications

Institutional communications may be made by means of:

• postal mail;
• electronic mail;
• electronic communication systems;
• official channels of the Fraternitas;
• official website.

Communications having institutional value must originate from the competent bodies or Dignitaries.

TITLE XVIII

FINAL PROVISIONS

Art. 52 — Interpretation

The authentic interpretation of these Regulations shall belong to the bodies indicated by the Statutes.

In case of interpretative doubt, preference shall be given to the interpretation that ensures continuity of the Institution and consistency with the Statutes.

Art. 53 — Amendments

These Regulations may be amended by the competent bodies according to the procedures provided for by the Statutes.

Each amendment must be registered and preserved by the Grand Chancellery.

Art. 54 — Magisterial Seat

Viglas Castle, in Slovakia, constitutes the international representative seat of the Fraternitas Ordo Draconis, as provided for by the Statutes.

Meetings and ceremonies may also be held in other locations according to the provisions of the Prince-Grand Master and the Grand Council.

Art. 55 — International Character

The Fraternitas maintains its international character.

National and territorial structures operate in compliance with the Statutes, these Regulations and the laws applicable in their respective territories.

No territorial structure may assume prerogatives not expressly assigned to it.

Art. 56 — Entry into Force

These Regulations shall enter into force upon approval by the competent authority in accordance with the Statutes.

They shall be published in the languages officially adopted by the Fraternitas.

The linguistic versions shall, insofar as possible, maintain identical institutional meaning.

FINAL FORMULA

These Internal Regulations constitute an integral part of the legal and institutional order of the FRATERNITAS ORDO DRACONIS and shall be observed by all those who are part thereof.

Every Knight and every Dame, upon accepting his or her office or investiture, undertakes to respect the Fraternitas, its values, its traditions, the Prince-Grand Master, the Dignitaries and the other members, always acting according to Honour, Loyalty, Fraternity and Service.

O QUAM MISERICORS EST DEUS JUSTUS ET PACIENS