Tristan Azbej Advocates Preserving Cultural and Religious Heritage at First Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast - Faith & Freedom News

In a recent Facebook post, Tristan Azbej, State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and head of the Hungary Helps Program, highlighted a major diplomatic milestone: his participation on the advisory board of the first Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast, where he delivered the opening address on preserving cultural and religious heritage. Azbej reflected on how, just ten years after a life-and-death struggle against ISIS in the region, faith leaders from diverse denominations around the world have now gathered to champion peace and mutual respect.

Through the Hungary Helps – Magyarország segít program, Hungary has been actively preserving cultural and religious heritage by partnering directly with local churches and communities in the Middle East. The program’s initiatives include the reconstruction of schools, churches, museums, and community spaces—essential projects that honor the past while building a more peaceful future based on coexistence.

Azbej’s travels demonstrate Hungary’s global commitment:

From Nigeria and Pakistan, he flew onward to Erbil, Iraq, and then to Jordan.
After a brief Easter break, he plans to visit persecuted Christian communities in Iraq.

On his journey, he reminded followers that “help must be taken to the place where there is trouble,” underscoring the importance of targeted humanitarian action.

In a lighter but equally memorable post, Azbej recalled meeting Pope Francis in 2018 alongside young Christian scholars supported by Hungary’s Scholarship Program for Christian Youth. The Pope, moved by their courage, even held and joked about the Hungarian flag—quipping, “Do you know why they speak Hungarian in heaven? Because it takes forever to learn.” This anecdote serves as a heartfelt testament to Hungary’s solidarity with persecuted Christians worldwide.

As Hungary Helps continues its mission of preserving cultural and religious heritage, Tristan Azbej’s leadership exemplifies how diplomacy, faith, and community rebuilding can unite to foster lasting peace.