The Order of Christ is an order of chivalry continued by King Álvaro I of Kongo in 1607 after the Portuguese brought the Order of Christ to the Kingdom of Kongo. Álvaro I was given permission by the King of Portugal to grant knighthoods for the Order of Christ and his successors continued to serve as the fons honorum for the Order of Christ. Historically, those who were awarded a knighthood in the Order of Christ wore shirts with embroidered crosses. The Order of Christ became a central part of the military life of the Kingdom of Kongo, including many members of the aristocracy. Several local rulers underwent investiture into the Order of Christ. The Order of Christ continues to be granted by pretenders to the throne of the Kingdom of Kongo. References Orders of chivalry in Africa Kingdom of Kongo