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Prime Minister Viktor Orbán hosted Syrian Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II at the Carmelite Monastery on Monday to discuss the deteriorating situation in Syria, particularly the renewed fighting that threatens the safety of Christian communities.
Secretary of State for the Hungary Helps Program, Tristan Azbej, also attended. The talks expressed grave concern over escalating violence, which has placed local Christians at severe risk. PM Orbán reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to advocating for peace and supporting persecuted Christians, saying Hungary will continue to act on international forums to secure safe living conditions for vulnerable communities.
Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II thanked Hungary for its ongoing support for Christians in need.
His remarks underscored the pressing challenges facing Christians in conflict zones, a sentiment echoed by Azbej in a statement shared on Facebook.
Mr. Azbej highlighted alarming developments in Aleppo, where militias from the Syrian Democratic Forces, reportedly including Islamist extremists, have taken control. While Christians have not faced direct violence, tensions remain high, with incidents such as the cutting down of Christmas trees and violent slogans being chanted.
Approximately 20,000 Christians in Aleppo are now vulnerable, with disrupted supply chains exacerbating their plight.
“We stand in solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters in Syria in these hours of crisis,” Tristan Azbej noted, adding that Hungary Helps staff are monitoring the situation and are prepared to provide humanitarian aid.
Via MTI; Featured Image:MTI / Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda / Benko Vivien Cher