The order was retained after the restoration of the monarchy in 1935 and continues to be awarded by the current Third Republic.

It is also awarded to foreigners who have helped raise Greece's international prestige.

The first version of the Order (1926–1935) featured the letters "E-T-T-A" in Byzantine uncial on each arm of the cross, the initials of the motto Εκ της τέφρας μου αναγεννώμαι ("From my ashes I am reborn").

The current version (since 1975) omits the crown, while the reverse features the Greek National Emblem with the words ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ ("Hellenic Republic").

Crossed swords on the insignia indicate that the award was given in the military division of the Order.