| Rising like a phoenix from the still burning fires of the Civil War, the Fraternal Order Knights of Pythias was founded in Washington D.C. on February 19, 1864. Its cardinal principles are FRIENDSHIP, CHARITY and BENEVOLENCE. It is based on the story of the friendship of Damon and Pythias, who were Greek citizens living about four hundred years before the Christian era. Damon had opposed the pretensions of the king of Syracuse, who had gained the throne by fraud. As a result, Damon was condemned to death. Pythias became a hostage for Damon, who was permitted to bid his wife and child goodbye. When Damon returned to save his friend from being killed, the execution was canceled. Each was willing to die to save the other's life. Their loyalty to each other, the adventures that beset them, and the outcome of this noble friendship, form the basis for one of the most beautiful stories of history. Among the auxiliary organizations of the Order are the Pythian Sisters, the Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan and the Junior Order Knights of Pythias. |