
Paris, France / Budapest, Hungary – July 2025 —
Tristan Azbej, the State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and head of the Hungary Helps Program, has voiced strong concern over a string of alarming attacks on Christian sites in France—most recently, two fires within 48 hours at the Notre-Dame-des-Champs Church in Paris.
In a statement shared via his official social media, Azbej condemned the incidents, especially the second fire that authorities have identified as deliberate vandalism. The attacker damaged sacred frescoes and a statue of Christ inside the church, triggering outrage among Christian communities across Europe.
🕊️ “More than 320 anti-Christian attacks have been recorded in France this year,” Azbej wrote. “When our holy places are attacked in a series of incidents, it endangers not only the safety of religious communities but also the very foundations of European culture.”


The first fire, occurring on July 23, was attributed to a technical malfunction. However, the second incident, occurring just a day later, revealed signs of premeditated vandalism, reinforcing fears of a growing pattern of religious intolerance and extremism targeting Christians in Europe.
⚠️ Europe Faces a Rising Tide of Anti-Christian Violence
The incidents at Notre-Dame-des-Champs are not isolated. According to multiple reports and watchdog organizations, France alone has witnessed over 300 acts of desecration, arson, and physical attacks on Christian sites in 2025.
Azbej emphasized the need for a Europe-wide dialogue and strategic action to address the trend.
“It’s becoming more and more clear: these are not isolated cases, but part of a worrying process,” he warned. “It’s time to face it and stand up for our values and communities.”
🇭🇺 Hungary’s Commitment to Christian Communities
The Hungary Helps Program, led by Azbej, is internationally recognized for supporting persecuted Christian communities worldwide. The program is grounded in principles of local humanitarian engagement, cultural respect, and person-to-person solidarity rather than distant bureaucratic aid.
Joining Azbej in this mission is Dániel Solymári, who was recently appointed Travel Ambassador of the Hungary Helps Program.
A seasoned humanitarian and former head of international relations at the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, Solymári also served as a diplomat of the Sovereign Maltese Knight Order. His field experience and spiritual commitment bring valuable strength to Hungary’s mission to uplift communities affected by persecution and disaster.
A Call for European Unity and Action
As Hungary continues its leadership in faith-based humanitarian assistance, Azbej’s remarks underscore the urgency for greater awareness and policy action within the European Union to safeguard Christian heritage, religious freedom, and community resilience.
The desecration of sacred spaces—be it in Paris, Gaza, Syria, or beyond—is not merely an attack on bricks and mortar. It is a direct assault on culture, identity, and faith. Azbej’s call is a reminder that preserving peace means confronting intolerance wherever it festers.
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