GPC-23: 23 and Me, What's in Your Christian DNA?
Welcome to the registration site for the 2023 Grand Prioral Council Meeting of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem - Grand Priory of America.
Dear Confreres and Consoeurs,
It is my great pleasure on behalf of the Commandery of the Southeast to invite you to the 2023 Grand Prioral Council meeting, taking place October 26-29, 2023 at the Tampa Riverwalk Hotel in Tampa, Florida. Tampa Riverwalk Hotel is located in the cities’ vibrant channel side district where the past, present, and future are bonded together. This year’s GPC theme is the history of the Order and we of the Southeast are honored to host you! Accordingly, this year it’s called GPC-23: 23 and Me, what’s in your Christian DNA?
Tampa’s deep historical heritage is a perfect location to explore the history of the Order and our common Christianity. Tampa’s past reflects Native American, Cuban, Italian and other European immigration. Together they are woven with America’s rich history of inclusion and prosperity. We’ll lead you along the way to a better appreciation of our Order and our heritage.
We’ll start with a traditional welcome reception and then follow with Commandery dinners at the historic Columbia Restaurant where you can connect with friends from your own Commandery and mingle with other members from the Grand Priory of America as well as guests from the Grand Priory in Canada and perhaps from Europe as well. After dinner perhaps walk across the street and enjoy a drink and a cigar at Santa Stephano’s Roof Top Lounge and connect with friends.
On Friday, attend the meetings and review our Order’s business, and perhaps sail the harbor on one of Tampa’s many boat services, visit the history museum or take a free trolly ride into storied Ybor City. Our luncheon guest speaker will be Dr. Wayne Phillips, MD a noted allergist and Vatican Scholar to talk about the Shroud of Turin, implications for us as Christians and the latest scientific updates. Wayne is a noted lecturer on the subject of the Shroud of Turin and will change and challenge your vision of the face of our Savior, his Passion and Resurrection.
Our postulant candlelight Vigil will be at the oldest Catholic Church in Florida’s west coast featuring a superb collection of stained-glass windows displaying stories from the Bible and America’s past! Afterward, we’ll move to the roof top of the Bank of America building at the Tampa Club, offering the best regional dining and sunset view of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Saturday’s schedule will include lectures of the Order’s history as well as its ecumenical past, shared traditions, and Christian unity. We’ll conclude the business of the Order with our open business meeting, and then you’ll have a choice of Tampa’s downtown eateries for lunch on your own before attending the Investiture service and later the Gala at the Riverwalk Room at the hotel.
Florida and Tampa Bay offer a lot! We’ll help you with your stay in any way we can. Spend a few extra days, perhaps take a Caribbean Cruise from our Channelside Cruise port, or enjoy nearby St. Petersburg beaches for sun and sand while the water is still warm!
H.E. The Chevalier John Tempone, Col, USMC (Ret), DSSM, KCLJ, MMLJ, SMLJ, DC3rdLJ
Commander, Commandery of The Southeast
MORE DETAILS TO COME!
GPC SCHEDULE
Click here to view the 2023 GPC Shedule.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Don’t delay in making hotel arrangements! Reservations are open now and will close by mid-September. Tampa is a popular location and room availability, and prices will change quickly as October is considered “in season” in Florida.
The Grand Prioral Council Meeting will be hosted at the The Hotel Tampa Riverwalk located at 200 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602.
