The Patriarchal Award was presented to the Hungarian State Secretary for Religious Organizations and National Minorities

The award presentation took place on September 17, 2023, during a service held in the Assumption Cathedral in Budapest. Metropolitan Hilarion of Budapest and Hungary had the honor of presenting the award to Miklós Szoltes.

During the presentation, Metropolitan Hilarion highlighted the Hungarian government’s unwavering support for church life in the country. He emphasized that Hungary prioritizes the well-being of its churches, viewing them not only as communities of faith but also as entities contributing significantly to the preservation of Hungary as a Christian nation. He underscored that the Hungarian leadership places great importance on upholding Christian values as a foundational aspect of the Hungarian state, echoing the traditions of holy King Stephen and the nation’s more than thousand-year history. Miklós Szoltes, as the head of the State Secretariat for Religious Organizations and National Minorities, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor.

Metropolitan Hilarion expressed gratitude on behalf of the Hungarian Orthodox Diocese of the Moscow Patriarchate for Szoltes’ attention to the diocese’s needs. He acknowledged Szoltes’ awareness of the ongoing restoration efforts in the Assumption Cathedral and other churches in the diocese, as well as the construction of new churches, and appreciated the substantial and meaningful assistance provided by Szoltes.

In response, Miklós Szoltes expressed his gratitude for the high honor and clarified that the award was a recognition not just of his efforts but also of the collective work carried out by the Hungarian society, the Prime Minister, his colleagues, and his assistants. He highlighted the collaborative work that led to the beautification of the cathedral and the restoration and construction of other churches, emphasizing their vital role in maintaining the Christian faith, raising and educating children, and showcasing Christianity as the correct way of life.

Szoltes extended his best wishes to His Holiness the Patriarch, Metropolitan Hilarion, and the entire Orthodox community, expressing his hope for their continued efforts in upholding the Christian faith in the heart of Europe. He concluded by emphasizing their shared goal to re-Christianize Western Europe and sought the Lord’s assistance in this endeavor.