
European Union / Wikimedia Commons (Left), Garzo / Wikimedia Commons (Right)
CV NEWS FEED // Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán welcomed Syrian Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II to the Carmelite Monastery in Budapest to address the escalating crisis in Syria following the takeover of Aleppo by Islamist extremists.
The Dec. 2 discussions centered on the growing threat to Christians and other religious minorities in the region, Hungary Today reported.
Thousands of Syrian insurgents, led by the radical Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, seized control of most of Aleppo Nov. 30. They established strongholds in the country’s largest city, took control of its airport, and expanded their offensive into a neighboring province.
Aid to the Church in Need recently called on Catholics worldwide and the U.S. government to take immediate action to prevent an imminent massacre of Christians and other religious minorities in Syria.
At the meeting, Orbán reaffirmed Hungary’s dedication to promoting peace and supporting persecuted Christians on the global stage. He emphasized that Hungary will continue in its efforts to ensure the safety of vulnerable communities.
The Patriarch thanked Hungary for its steadfast support, emphasizing the dire challenges confronting Christians in Aleppo, which is home to the largest population of Catholics from various Eastern rites in Syria.
Tristan Azbej, secretary of state for the Hungary Helps Program, joined the Dec. 2 meeting, expressing grave concerns over the plight of Syrian Christians. The Hungary Helps Program, a faith-based government initiative, provides humanitarian aid, rebuilds infrastructure, and fosters sustainable conditions to support persecuted communities worldwide.
Azbej voiced concerns in a social media statement, highlighting troubling developments in Aleppo, where tensions have surged due to provocative acts, such as the destruction of Christmas trees and the chanting of violent slogans.
CatholicVote reported that Argentine missionary Fr. Hugo Alaniz, IVE, said that there are already “many dead and injured” through clashes between the extremists and civilians.
Around 20,000 Christians in Aleppo are now vulnerable. Disrupted supply chains are compounding their suffering. Azbej said that Hungary Helps staff members are closely monitoring the situation and preparing to provide humanitarian aid.
He added, “We stand in solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters in Syria in these hours of crisis.”
