State Secretary Stresses National Responsibility to Support Christians in the Holy Land
Hungary’s Support for Christians and Christian Sites in the Holy Land
The national mission to support Christians and Christian sites in the Holy Land has been a longstanding commitment in the millennial history of Hungarian statehood. This was emphasized by Tristan Azbej, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, responsible for programs to aid persecuted Christians, in an interview with M1 news channel on Tuesday.
Azbej highlighted the Hungary Helps Program, which, with the backing of the Hungarian government, has facilitated the construction of the first Roman Catholic church and shrine on the banks of the Jordan River in Jordan, at the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ. Additionally, the community hall of the monastery in the Old City of Jerusalem was inaugurated with the support of this program.
In discussions held last week with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, the impact of conflicts in the Middle East on Christians in the Holy Land was a key topic. It was noted that due to these conflicts, Christians in the region are losing their primary source of income from pilgrimage tourism, leading to an ongoing exodus of Christians.
Azbej also mentioned the establishment of the second regional branch of the Hungary Helps Agency in Jordan’s capital, responsible for overseeing programs in the Middle East, particularly focusing on church sites and supporting humanitarian initiatives.
During an appearance on Kossuth Radio’s Good Morning, Hungary! program, Azbej expressed concern over the lack of support for Christians in the Middle East from Western countries with Christian cultures. He emphasized Hungary’s role as the sole provider of financial aid to the two biblical sites, underscoring the need for sustained assistance to prevent the decline of Christianity in its birthplace.
Azbej stressed the importance of preserving the presence of Christians in the Middle East, highlighting the potential consequences of their disappearance from the cradle of Christianity. He urged for continued efforts to support these communities and deter mass migration to Europe. By maintaining a focus on aiding persecuted Christians in the region, Hungary aims to safeguard the rich Christian heritage in the Holy Land.
