Patriarch Mar Awa III holds high-level talks in Budapest to advocate for Middle Eastern Christians

BUDAPEST / ROME — Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Mar Awa III Royel took part in significant discussions in Budapest this week, focusing on the plight of Christians in the Middle East and efforts to preserve their presence in their ancestral homelands. His visit came at the invitation of Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister’s Office. 

During his time in Budapest, Patriarch Mar Awa III met with several key figures. On Tuesday, he visited the Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, where he was welcomed by its president, Bishop of Győr Mor András Veres. Later that day, he held talks with Tristan Azbej, Hungary’s Secretary of State for the Aid to Persecuted Christians, as well as with the Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, László Kövér. 

In a statement on Facebook, Mar Awa III shared that these meetings provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the challenges Christians face in the Middle East. The conversations also covered Hungary’s commitment to supporting these communities and the critical importance of preserving the Christian Assyrian heritage. 

On Wednesday, the Patriarch met with Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister, Zsolt Semjén, to further discuss strategies for safeguarding Christianity in the Middle East and Hungary’s potential role in this mission. 

Hungary has been a staunch advocate for Middle Eastern Christians, pledging substantial support to Syriac Churches and civil organizations in recent years. Earlier this year, the Hungarian government hosted the Future of Lebanon from a Christian Perspective Conference, which aimed to establish a multi-million-dollar support fund for Lebanese Christians. This initiative brought together diverse political, civil, and church entities, including the Universal Syriac Union Party and the Syriac Maronite Church. 

The meetings in Budapest underscore Hungary’s ongoing commitment to the survival and flourishing of Christianity in the Middle East, with its leaders reinforcing their dedication to advocacy and aid for these embattled communities. 

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