On Wednesday, Prime Minister Viktor Orban received Armenian Catholic Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI in the Carmelite Monastery in Budapest. The patriarch handed over the Holy Cross Medal of Gratitude to the premier for his support to persecuted Christians around the globe, Bertalan Havasi, the PM’s press chief, told Hungary's state news agency (MTI).

According to the laudation, Hungary and Viktor Orban provide valuable support to oppressed and persecuted Christians worldwide. „We greatly appreciate your unconditional commitment to Christians, to protecting their lives and preserving their moral and social values,” the text reads.

In his acceptance speech, Orban quoted Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen, who – in his admonitions a thousand years ago – stressed the importance of the Hungarian State supporting Christianity and the church at all times, the PM’s press chief said.