A delegation from Hungary focused on aiding persecuted Christians visited the headquarters of the Jerusalem Patriarchate on Monday, 13 January. They met with Patriarch Theophilos III.
Tristan Azbej, the Hungarian State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and the ‘Hungary Helps’ Program, discussed the challenges facing Christians in the Holy Land with the Patriarch. They talked about the ongoing conflict and political and financial instability affecting the region.
Patriarch Theophilos expressed gratitude to the delegation for Hungary’s support in renovating the Nativity Church of Bethlehem, the Holy Edicule of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the restoration of the Syriac Church in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Mr. Azbej reiterated Hungary’s commitment to supporting Christians in the Holy Land, highlighting their efforts to protect the minority of Christians in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime.
Additionally, Patriarch Theophilos thanked the Hungarian government for continuing scholarship programs for local students who wish to study in Hungary.
At the end of the meeting, the delegation presented Patriarch Theophilos with a token representing the patron Saint of Hungary, Saint Stephen. In return, the Patriarch gifted Mr. Azbej with a landscape icon view of Jerusalem and an icon of the Virgin Mary of Gethsemane.
