THE ORDER OF ST JOHN IN SWEDEN
“Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum."
For the faith, for the good of mankind.
The Order of St John in Sweden is guided by its Christian heritage and long humanitarian tradition. Its mission is to support and assist fellow human beings in need, guided by faith, compassion, and respect for human dignity.
Each year, the Order awards grants to those in need — directly to individuals, to organisations, and to research initiatives within the health and care sector.
Johanniterhjälpen is the Order’s operational branch and the primary vehicle for its humanitarian action. Today, its work focuses on disaster relief and social support, responding to acute needs both internationally and within society.
Through Johanniterhjälpen, the Order provides humanitarian assistance in crisis situations, including disaster relief efforts related to the war in Ukraine, such as the delivery of medical equipment, clothing, heating stoves, power generators, ambulances and fire engines. The organisation is also active in addressing social vulnerability through initiatives such as soup kitchens and food distribution for people experiencing homelessness, carried out in cooperation with partners within civil society.
In addition, Johanniterhjälpen works with first aid for mental health through MHFA (Mental Health First Aid), strengthening the capacity of volunteers and communities to recognise and respond to mental health challenges at an early stage.
Through its operational work, Johanniterhjälpen transforms the Order’s values into concrete, professional and compassionate action — where needs are greatest and where society requires additional support.
Our organization
The Order of St John in Sweden is organised into four regions and comprises approximately 400 members. Members are actively engaged in grant allocation and a range of voluntary initiatives supporting the Order’s mission. The Order is led by a board of twelve members, under the chairmanship of the Commendator.
The Commendator Mr Drakenberg
A HISTORICAL SUMMARY
Founded in 1080
Johanniter in Sweden during the Middle Ages
At the end of the 12th century, the Order of St John came to Sweden and established a monastery near the grave of the English missionary Saint Eskil, in what is today Eskilstuna. The monastery quickly became an important centre for the care of the sick and the elderly.
Prayers and intercessions were offered in particular for those who supported the monastery through financial gifts and donations of farms and properties. Several medieval princes and members of the nobility, including King Magnus Ladulås, were among its generous benefactors.
During the 14th century, the Order also founded a smaller monastery in Stockholm. In addition, it was granted an area within the city where goods transported by ship from Eskilstuna could be stored and redistributed. Towards the end of the Middle Ages, the Johanniter brothers also operated a shelter in Kronobäck, north of Kalmar. In Stockholm, a Church of St John was inaugurated in the early 16th century by Bishop Otto Svinhufvud.
The Reformation of the 1520s marked a decisive turning point. Monasteries and churches were confiscated, leading to the dissolution of the Order of St John in Sweden.
Adversity and Revenge
The Reformation led to the dissolution of the Order of St John in England and in most other Protestant countries. Germany, however, proved to be a notable exception. As early as 1350, the Balley Brandenburg des Johanniterordens was established, gradually acquiring a distinct status within the Order. It became the foundation of an evangelical branch which, despite religious divisions and complex political circumstances, continued to develop and grow in significance in the centuries that followed.
This historical divergence resulted in a lasting division of the Order of St John into a Catholic and a Protestant branch, a structure that remains in place today. The Protestant branch retained the original name of the Order of St John and was further strengthened in 1831 through the restoration of the Order in England.
During the 20th century, several European countries established national orders associated with the Balley Brandenburg. During the Second World War, members of the German Order of St John in Britain openly opposed the Nazi regime. As a result, the Order gained a special standing when the Federal Republic of Germany was formed after the war. Today, the German Order of St John is one of the country’s largest humanitarian organisations, operating extensive ambulance services and nursing homes.
The modern Order of St John in Britain was founded in 1831 and received formal royal recognition in 1888, when Queen Victoria granted it a charter. In the early 20th century, additional branches were established throughout the British Commonwealth, further extending the Order’s international presence.
Today´s Johanniterorden in Sweden
In 1919, proposals were put forward to establish a Swedish branch of the Order of St John. The initiative was supported by King Gustaf V and Queen Victoria. In April 1920, the Order of St John was formally established as a Swedish Knights’ Association, with Count Walther von Hallwyl appointed as Commendator. The association became affiliated with the Order of St John in Germany.
After the Second World War, the Swedish Order was separated from the German Order. In 1946, following the approval of its statutes by King Gustaf V, the Order of St John in Sweden became fully independent. Today, King Carl XVI Gustaf serves as High Protector of the Swedish Johanniterorden. In a similar manner, the Orders of St John in Britain and the Netherlands are under the protection of the reigning monarchs of those countries.