Humanitarian Brunch Our social and charitable
activities are directed towards. The Knights of Pythias is an international fraternal organization founded in Washington, D.C., on February 19, 1864, by Justus H. Rathbone. Inspired by the ancient Greek legend of Damon and Pythias—a story that symbolizes friendship, loyalty, and honor—the Order was established to promote the principles of friendship, charity, and benevolence during the turmoil of the Civil War era. It was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter from the United States Congress, underscoring its national significance. Throughout its history, the Knights of Pythias has been dedicated to fostering fellowship among its members, providing charitable assistance to communities in need, supporting patriotic and humanitarian causes, and encouraging moral and civic virtue. Today, the Order continues its mission through local lodges, charitable foundations, and youth programs, maintaining its longstanding commitment to service and brotherhood. Pythians help people!

Welcome!

Our social and charitable activities are directed towards enhancing the great principles of the Order – FRIENDSHIP, CHARITY, and BENEVOLENCE. These principles are adhered to very strongly through contributions of money, time, efforts and supplies to Pythians and non-Pythians alike. The eventual aim and goal is the betterment of mankind.

We reach out to each new generation because the work of fostering and strengthening our community is unfinished. We do not look at our past as a reminder of what we once were. Instead, our past shows how much we can accomplish. This is our strength. This is the calling that you are invited to join.

We can best prepare for the future by learning from the past. The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal order formed after the civil war to serve others and heal the division in the country. This nation is in a period of political polarization now just as we were at the founding of this order. We strive to bring all men together to foster the common good in our communities, for our veterans, for our children. We now have lodges across the world and in all 50 states. Our service to others is an unbroken legacy from our founding through us and into the future. You are invited to be a part of this tradition of service. Each lodge is responsible for fundraising and deciding where the funds can have the greatest impact. Join us and cast your vote and your voice toward making our community better.

The Fraternal Order of Knights of Pythias is a great International Fraternity which was founded in Washington, D.C. on February 19, 1864 by Justus Henry Rathbone. Local lodges are governed by State Grand Lodges which, in turn, are governed by The Supreme Lodge, Knights of Pythias. The primary object of the Order is to promote friendship among men and to provide for the general welfare of its membership. The outstanding principles of the Knights of Pythias are Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence. The Pythian Order does not seek to shape any person’s belief, but is the practical application of spiritual and charitable principles of everyday life. We have a heritage of which we are proud and our precepts and teachings lead human beings to higher ideals of life. We invite like minded-men, over the age of 18, of all races and creeds, who are of good character, to join us in making these ideals a reality in modern living.

The strength of the Pythian Order is its ability to meet the needs of the local community as seen and accepted by the local members. There is still time to fraternize and socialize as individuals and as groups, and friendships that started years ago have managed to remain strong.

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enhancing the great
principles of the Order.

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Visit to Calvary Hospital

On August 25, 2025 We made a check presentation to Calvary Hospital in the Bronx. Here is what they posted on their Facebook page.

Gerritsen Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade

On March 29th 2025 the NY Knights of Pythias marched in the Gerritsen Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Special Olympics

Special Olympics New York provides inclusive opportunities for people who are intellectual challenged to participate in sports.

Pythians Support Alzheimers Association

On Sunday, October 1, 2023, many Pythians participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s ® in East Meadow, NY.

3 in 1 Rank

On January 20th, Esquire Goodfellowship Lodge held a 3 in 1 Rank where we admitted 6 new Knights.

72nd District

On December 9th, The 72nd District honored Grand Chancellor, Bryan Hoffman, with the presentation of the briefcase.

We can best prepare for the future by learning from the past. The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal order formed after the civil war to serve others and heal the division in the country. This nation is in a period of political polarization now just as we were at the founding of this order. We strive to bring all men together to foster the common good in our communities, for our veterans, for our children.

If fraternal love held all men bound, how beautiful this world would be.

-Justus H. Rathbone, Founder of the Knights of Pythias

Supreme Lodge

GC Message 2025-2026

BRYAN HOFFMAN

My Pythian Family, Friends, and Guests...
It is with deep honor and humility that I accept the privilege of serving as your Grand Chancellor of the Domain of New York.

Thank you all for being here this evening at the Investiture and for giving me the opportunity to share my message with you.

My vision for the future of our beloved Order is simple, yet powerful.

Health and Friendship.
I encourage every one of us to focus on our health and well-being so we can remain active, engaged, and able to promote the value that binds us: Friendship.

Because that friendship when nurtured becomes the spark that welcomes others in.

And membership, as we know, is the lifeline of our future.

A New Twist on an Old Saying
You’ve heard the saying:
“Feed them and they will come.”
We often joke about it… but there’s truth in it.

That said maybe it’s time we consider offering a few healthier choices at our collations.  It’s a small change, but a meaningful one a way to support each other’s well-being.

It might not be the most popular statement.
but it’s been made.

Friendship & Unity
Friendship is the “F” in our shield.
Let’s carry that value with us — in our meetings, our gatherings, and our service.  Let’s also remember a key lesson:
“Avoid anger and dissension.”

We need one another.  We must work together, united by a common goal:
To help people.

We do not look at our past as a reminder of what we once were. Instead, our past shows how much we can accomplish

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The strength of the Pythian Order is its ability to meet the needs of the local community as seen and accepted by the local members.