Hungarian-funded Church Consecrated at Jesus’s Baptism Site
A new church has been consecrated in Jordan, with Hungary’s State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians, Tristan Azbej, as the guest of honor. The church, located at the baptismal site of Jesus Christ, was made possible through financial support from both the Jordanian and Hungarian governments.
During his visit, Azbej engaged in bilateral discussions regarding the Middle East situation with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Azbej also participated in the consecration of the new church, named ‘Baptism of Our Lord’, alongside the two church leaders and an audience of over five thousand people.
Hungary’s contribution of 700,000 euros towards the construction of the church was acknowledged by Archbishop Pizzaballa, who expressed gratitude for Hungary’s ongoing support to Christians in the region, as well as to the people of Lebanon during times of crisis.
In addition to the church consecration, Azbej announced the opening of the second regional branch of the Hungary Helps Agency in Amman, Jordan. This office will oversee the distribution of humanitarian aid and resources to local communities in need, aligning with Hungary’s goal of assisting individuals in crisis to remain in their home country rather than emigrate.
The launch of the Hungary Helps Program in 2017 aimed to provide aid to minority groups in the Middle East, such as the Yazidis who are persecuted by terrorist organizations. With the new office in Jordan, the Hungarian government continues its mission of supporting those in need and promoting stability in the region.
