Кавалеры ордена Св. Иоанна Иерусалимского в России после 1810 года

After Paul I’s death, the problem of the status of the Russian priories arose. In spite of several attempts of liquidation, branches of the Order continued to be active in Russia. In 1801–1810, about 250 Russian citizens were professed into the Order. In 1810, the Government practically closed the priorities in connection with the economic situation resulting from financial crisis. The “Cornet Lazarev Case” (1817) deprived the Russian nobility, de jure, of the right to claim the Maltese Cross by right of blood. Nonetheless, white crosses of eight points continued to be in use during the entire 19th century. After 26 February 1810, Maltese crosses given to Russian citizens were either the badges of foreign orders (absolutely legitimate) or those of non-existent priories, which had no legal basis, except the Tsar’s approval. All other badges with Maltese emblems in Russia were not connected directly with the historical Order of St John of Jerusalem.