The Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
News, History, and Leadership
Located in the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America at
1400 Quincy St NE, Washington, DC 20017
Post Office Box 29480
Washington, DC 20017
Tel: 202-526-4217
Fax: 202-526-4218
About the Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy
guided by His Excellency Sir Mark E. Chopko, KC*HS
The Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem was established in 1993 to support and sustain the Christian presence in the Holy Land. This regional division serves dioceses and archdioceses across Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the Archdiocese for the Military Services.
Headquartered at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America in Washington, D.C., the Lieutenancy is led by distinguished leaders committed to the Order’s mission. Its Grand Prior is His Excellency William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, and the Lieutenancy is guided by His Excellency Sir Mark E. Chopko, Knight Commander with Star of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy plays a vital role in advancing the objectives of the Equestrian Order by organizing pilgrimages, supporting charitable efforts, and fostering spiritual growth among its members. Through these efforts, the Lieutenancy reinforces Christian life, promotes awareness of the Holy Land’s significance, and sustains the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Leadership
At THE MIDDLE ATLANTIC LIEUTENANCY
Sir Mark E. Chopko, KC*HS
Lieutenant
lieutenant@midatlanticeohs.com
His Excellency Archbishop William Lori. KC*HS
Grand Prior
archbishop@archbalt.org
Sir John Schlageter, KC*HS
Chancellor
chancellor@midatlanticeohs.com
Dame Denise K. Boswell, DGCHS
Executive Assistant
executiveasst@midatlanticeohs.com
Sir David E. McBee, KGCHS
Secretary
secretary@midatlanticeohs.com
Sir Geary L. Fisher, KC*HS
Treasurer
treasurer@midatlanticeohs.com
Middle Atlantic Lieutenants
from 1993 to present
His Excellency Mark E. Chopko, KCHS
2025 – Present
Lieutenant
Her Excellency Valencia Yvonne Camp, DGCHS
2017 – 2025
Lieutenant of Honor
His Excellency Michael J. Ruck, Sr., KSG, KGCHS
2013 – 2017
Lieutenant of Honor
His Excellency Ronald G. Precup, KGCHS
2011 – 2013
His Excellency John C. Piunno, KGCHS
2003 – 2011
Lieutenant of Honor and
Emeritus Member of the Grand Magisterium
His Excellency Edmund Pellegrino, KGCHS
1999 – 2003
Lieutenant of Honor
Bernard J. Ficarra, KGCHS
1993 – 1999
First Lieutenant of the Middle Atlantic Lieutenacy
Lieutenant of Honor
the Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy
of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
News
From THE MIDDLE ATLANTIC LIEUTENANCY and More
Every life is lived for the Lord, and every death belongs to Him. In all that we do, we are called to dedicate ourselves to God, recognizing that our purpose and our destiny are found in His hands. Christ’s sacrifice reconciles life and death, inviting us to live fully in His service.![]()
![]()
May this message encourage us to live with intentionality and devotion, honoring God in every decision and every relationship. Let us remember that our lives, our work, and our words are all part of His greater plan. In trusting Him, we embrace a life of purpose, guided by His love, sustained by His grace, and assured of His eternal presence in both life and death.
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we reflect on the courage and selflessness displayed on that fateful day. It’s crucial to teach younger generations about the importance of service and sacrifice. Let us honor those we’ve lost by choosing kindness and generosity in our actions. Together, we can create a legacy of compassion and hope. ![]()
![]()
conta.cc/4dvThJA
September 11: Remembering Through Service and Sacrifice
web-extract.constantcontact.com
Email from EOHSJMAL September 11, 2001 remains a defining moment in our nation’s history. Looking at September 11: Remembrance And Service Dear Knight Chaplains, Knights and Dames, Septem…
Today the Church rejoices in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, marking the beginning of a new chapter in salvation history. Although the canonical Gospels do not recount the details of Mary’s birth, this feast is honored as the dawning of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Drawing on sacred tradition and texts such as the Gospel of James—which introduces her devoted parents, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim—we recognize that her birth heralded the arrival of hope destined to transform the world.![]()
![]()
conta.cc/3F2qQ8k
web-extract.constantcontact.com
Email from EOHSJMAL Today the Church rejoices in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, marking the beginning of a new chapter in salvation history. A Beacon of Hope Dear Knight Chaplains, K…
Today, on Labor Day, we pause to celebrate the profound dignity of work. This day invites us to view our daily labors not merely as tasks to be completed, but as a sacred calling. Each act of work, whether behind a desk, on a construction site, or in our homes, is an opportunity to participate in God’s creative and sustaining work in the world.![]()
![]()
conta.cc/3ThABXh
Reflecting on the Sacred Gift of Work This Labor Day
web-extract.constantcontact.com
Email from EOHSJMAL Today, on Labor Day, we pause to celebrate the profound dignity of work. This day invites us to view our daily labors not merely as tasks to be completed, but as a sacred calling.
God appoints us as watchmen, tasked with guiding, warning, and calling people to righteousness. When we witness injustice or sin, our responsibility is to speak truth and encourage repentance, for the lives of others and our own accountability rest in obedience to God.![]()
![]()
May this message inspire vigilance and courage in our daily lives. Let us embrace the call to guide, to teach, and to act with righteousness and compassion, offering counsel and warning in love. Through our faithfulness, we participate in God’s work, preserving life, promoting justice, and reflecting His mercy to the world around us.
The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, annually honors the memory of Navy Chaplain and Servant of God Father Vincent Capodanno, M.M., who gave his life in Vietnam ministering to his fallen Marine Corps comrades, for which he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Celebrated in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception by Archbishop Timothy Broglio, KC*HS, the Mass honors his memory and prays for his Cause for Canonization.![]()
![]()
A beautiful evening of faith, fellowship, and reflection in one of our nation’s most inspiring sacred spaces.![]()
![]()
Photos from the evening, including a few special moments from the Mass.