originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus
The bicephalous eagle goes back to Byzantium which used that to signify the Eastern and Western halves of the Roman Empire which used eagles as a
symbols.
Rome is in Europe and the Emperor is a monarch.
York and Scottish Rite are not invite only.
Some groups affiliated with the York and Scottish Rite that are invitation only -
The York Rite Sovereign College of North America
An invitational body dedicated to the assistance and promotion of York Rite Bodies and degree work. The presiding body is a College, and the presiding
officer is a Governor (titled Preeminent). The body works one main degree, that of Order of Knight of York, and one honorary degree, that of Order of
the Purple Cross of York.
The Order of Knight Masons of the U.S.A.
An invitational body originally sponsored by the Knight Masons of Ireland. It is also known as the "Green Degrees." In England, the parts of the
degrees are worked as part of the Order of Allied Masonic Degrees under the title of the Red Cross of Babylon. Membership once required affiliation
with the Knights Templar in Ireland, but only with the Royal Arch in the U.S.A. The presiding body is a Council, and the presiding officer is a Chief
(titled Excellent).
Knights of the York Cross of Honour (KYCH)
An invitational body composed entirely of York Rite Masonic leaders. Members must be a Past Master of a Symbolic Lodge, a Past High Priest of a Royal
Arch Chapter, a Past Master of a Royal and Select Masters Council, and a Past Commander of a Knight Templar Commandery; and nominated by a KYCH. A
past Grand presiding officer receives the title of Knight of the York Grand Cross of Honour (KYGCH) if he serves in such a capacity after becoming a
KYCH. Membership is unlimited in the presiding body. The presiding body is a Priory, and the presiding officer is a Prior (titled Eminent).
The Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon
An invitational body composed of York Rite Masons selected for their contributions and dedication to the Masonic bodies and orders. Membership
requires affiliation with the Knights Templar. The modern Order commemoratives an early body of English Knights Templar founded during the 3rd
Crusade. Membership is unlimited in the presiding body. The presiding body is a Chapel, and the presiding officer is a Master (titled Worthy).
The Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD)
An invitational body dedicated to the preservation and exemplification of Masonic side degrees of antiquity. EDITOR's NOTE: In some jurisdictions the
AMD Councils are limited to presenting research papers. Membership requires affiliation with the Royal Arch and is limited to 27 members per presiding
body. The presiding body is a Council, and the presiding officer is a Sovereign Master (titled Venerable). European AMD Councils open and transact
business on the Order of St. Lawrence the Martyr. In addition to the AMD Council, there are two subordinate bodies attached to the Council, which
operate as separate bodies outside the United States.
The Order of Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest (HRAKTP)
An invitational body composed of highly dedicated and long serving York Rite Masons. Membership requires affiliation with the Knights Templar, and
members must be Past Eminent Commanders of a Knight Templar Commandery. Originally, this body conferred 33 degrees, but now only one is conferred.
Membership is limited to 27 members per presiding body. The presiding body is a Tabernacle, and the presiding officer is a Preceptor (titled Eminent).