Today being the October 13th, one could note the passing of the Templars:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Templar#Ruin

“On October 13, 1307, what may have been all the Knights Templar in France were simultaneously arrested by agents of Philip the Fair (Philippe le Bel), to be later tortured into admitting heresy in the Order. (Some believe this act to be the origin of superstition regarding Friday the 13th.) ”

The more conspiracy minded might also note that a modern incarnation of the Templars:

http://www.osmth.org/

Has a “Special Consultative Status” with the United Nations:

http://www.osmth.org/images/ngo.gif

And that the American Priory has been active in the Balkans:

http://www.smotj.org/charities/index.html

In the related area of helping Christians at risk, the Priory of St. Norbert of Chicago has been active in a very-much “hands-on” endeavor in Kosovo. The Priory of St. Norbert is in the process of collecting medical supplies for shipment to clinics in Kosovo. One of their Knights is serving in Kosovo on active duty with NATO forces.”

And I note that the point of contact email address for the NATO Priory is from the US Selective Service Administration ( for those outside the US, these are the guys who administer the Draft )

http://www.sss.gov/mission.htm

Hell of a cover for the Order of St. Jerome.