The Hungarian government has announced this year’s recipients for the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary. This year many members of the Friends of Hungary Foundation (MOBA), publisher of Hungary Today, received the various prestigious crosses thanks to their extensive work in the Hungarian community, both at home and abroad.
Three types of order of merit crosses have been awarded: The Commander’s Cross, the Officer’s Cross, and the Knight’s Cross.
Additionally, two types of crosses of merit have been awarded: Silver and Gold.
Prof. Dr. phil. Dr. h.c. Reinhard Michael Olt, for his work in spreading Hungary’s reputation in the international press and in the Carpathian Basin, as well as his writings which accurately depict the history of Hungarian minority communities.
Dr. Reinhard Michael Olt is a historian, political scientist, publicist, former professor at the Andrássy Gyula German Language University in Budapest, and former guest professor at Eötvös Loránd University. He is also the recipient of the 2017 Friend of Hungary Award.
The Friends of Hungary Foundation members awarded with the Hungarian Order of Merit Officer’s Cross are:
Andrea Lauer Rice, in recognition of her work in facilitating ties between Hungarians living in the United States.
Andrea Lauer Rice is a regional president of the Hungarian Diaspora Council and recipient of the 2018 Friend of Hungary award.
Imre Lendvai-Lintner, in recognition of his work in educating the youth of the Hungarian diaspora on national and Christian values, in strengthening the identity of Hungarian diaspora youth, and building up the diaspora community.
Imre Lendvai-Lintner is the president of the Hungarian Scouts Association in Exteris.
The Friends of Hungary Foundation members awarded with the Hungarian Order of Merit Knight’s Cross are:
Gergely Domonkos Horváth, in recognition of his decades of work in Hungary’s financial service sector, as well as his work in strengthening the research and development of Hungary’s economy.
Gergely Domonkos Horváth is an engineer-economist, member of the Friends of Hungary Foundation’s Supervisory Board, and CEO of Norma Instruments Zrt.
Francisco Montano Filho, in recognition of his work in preserving the identity of Hungarians living in Brazil, the development of their community life for decades, as well as his work in the Latin American Regional Meeting of the Hungarian Diaspora Council.
Francisco Montano Filho is the CEO of Pedra Forte Brasil Construtora e Incorporadora.
Emese Feldőtő, in recognition of her work in preserving the national identity of Hungarians in Sweden, as well as her work as a cultural organizer.
Emese Feldőtő, member of the Friends of Hungary community, is the president of the Stockholm Hungarian House and vice president of the National Association of Hungarians in Sweden.
Finally, the Friends of Hungary Foundation member awarded with the Hungarian Silver Cross of Merit is:
Orsolya Karlócai, in recognition of her work in organizing the Friends of Hungary community, as well as strengthening the network of relations between Hungarians living within Hungary’s borders, as well as those living outside of Hungary, including the Hungarian diaspora.
Orsolya Karlócai is the director of strategy at the Friends of Hungary Foundation.
Alongside the Friends of Hungary Foundation members many other notable individuals were awarded with the Hungarian Order of Merit.
Recipient of the Hungarian Order of Merit Commander’s Cross:
Dr. Veronika Ádám, for her decades of internationally recognized research in the field of oxidative nerve damage, as well as her role in scientific public life.
Dr. Veronika Ádám is a biochemist, a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and professor emeritus at Semmelweis University. She is also a member of the Women for Hungary Club, as well as a member of the Eötvös Loránd Research Network’s Governing Board. She is also a recipient of the Széchenyi and Batthyány-Strattmann László awards.
Dr. Ferenc Cserháti, assistant bishop of Esztergom-Budapest, entrusted with the pastoral care of Hungarians abroad, co-president of the Hungarian Diaspora Council’s Church and Scout Organizations.
Featured photo illustration by Balázs Mohai/MTI
