Jeanette Prince, age 13, of Butte, Mont., for her question:

WHAT IS THE ORDER OF SAINT JOHN?

Order of Saint John is a nondenominational Christian order devoted to the relief of human suffering. It provides services to people of all races, religions and social classes. The order's full name is The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John  of Jerusalem.

Membership in the order is an honor granted with the approval of the queen of England. The order operates principally through two foundations: The St. John Ambulance Association and Brigade, and the St. John Ophthalmic Hospital.

The St. John Ambulance Association and Brigade is made up of unpaid volunteers who are trained to give first aid. The foundation is active in all countries that are members or former members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The St. John Ophthalmic Hospital, in Jerusalem, provides free treatment of eye disorders for patients from all parts of the Middle East. The hospital was founded in 1882.

The Order of St. John stems from a medieval order, the Knights of St. John. The present order was established in Great Britain by royal charter in 1888.