The Order of St. John – its full name is The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem - is one of the world’s oldest humanitarian organizations. This world-wide, non-denominational, charitable organization is dedicated to the service of others in over 40 countries.  There are more than 30,000 members worldwide, supported by approximately 250,000 regular volunteers and 4,000 employees.

With roots dating back to the 11th Century, the present day Order of St. John was incorporated in the United Kingdom by a Royal Charter granted by Queen Victoria in 1888.

The Order of St. John, is a Royal order of Chivalry, which has Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as its Sovereign Head. In Ontario, His Honour, David C. Onley, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's representative at the provincial Investiture Ceremony.

The world-wide mission of the Order of St. John is to prevent and relieve sickness and injury, and to act to enhance the health and well-being of people anywhere in the world.

The Motto of the Order is "Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum", which means For the Faith, In the Service of Humanity.

The objectives of the Order include the following:

• To maintain and develop the St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem Foundation
• To maintain and develop St. John Ambulance, which exists to provide First Aid care, First Aid training, community care and other care services encompasses the aggregate of these activities carried on by the Priories, Commanderies and St. John Associations. It is also a major organization for the training and development of young people.  Much of the work of the Foundation is undertaken by some 250,000 St. John Ambulance volunteers worldwide.
• To provide reserves trained in First Aid and allied subjects ready to act in aid of the Armed Forces and Civil Defense Organizations
• To award honours and other recognition for special services in the cause of humanity, especially personal bravery

The Order is a Non-Governmental Organization, which since 1999 has had Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.