Imperial Honours System of the Empire of Atlantium

Atlantium's historic Imperial Honours System was overhauled early in 10523 (2002), resulting in the abolition of all extant chivalric orders, and their replacement by a single order of merit known as the Great Georgian Order. A second order of merit - known as the Auroran Order - was instituted in early 10524 (2005). The creation of Imperial Honours is an historic perogative of the Emperor, who holds the title of Patron of both orders. Membership of Atlantian orders does not impose reciprocal responsibilities of state upon the award recipient.

The Great Georgian Order:
	Instituted on 29 Primus 10521 (29 January 2002) and named for the Emperor's patron saint, the Great Georgian Order (Ordo Magnvs Georgianvs) is the highest award bestowed by the Atlantian state. Membership may be awarded for exemplary service to the Empire or in recognition of significant or uniquely noteworthy achievements towards the betterment of humanity. Recipients may be individuals or groups, and Atlantian Citizenship is not a prerequisite. The Order may be awarded at the discretion of either the Emperor or the Imperial Senate. Members of the Order are styled "The Worthy", and they may use the post nominals OMG (from the Latin version of the Order's title). They are awarded the breast medallion of the Order (shown at left) and are entitled to fly its banner. In keeping with its lofty ideals membership of the Great Georgian Order is rarely bestowed; the inaugural recipient of the OMG medal, Israeli nuclear whistle-blower Mordecai Vanunu was named on 4 Decimus, 10523 (27 November 2004), nearly three years after the Order was first created.
The Auroran Order:
	The Auroran Order (Ordo Avrorae) was instituted on 1 Secundus, 10524 (6 February, 2005). The Order was created as a result of the need to more broadly recognise meritorious conduct than the strictures governing membership of the Great Georgian Order permit. Membership may be awarded for service to the Empire or to the broader community, and members are entitled to use the post-nominals OA, to wear the Collar of the Order (shown at left) and to fly the Order's banner. As with the Great Georgian Order, members are styled "The Worthy". Atlantian Citizenship is not a prerequisite for membership, and the Order may be awarded at the discretion of either the Emperor or the Imperial Senate.