Serbian Orthodox patriarch decorates Orbán

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán received Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Porfirije in Budapest on Monday, who decorated the PM with the golden Saint Sava Order.

According to the patriarch’s laudation, Orban has been recognised for his efforts to promote Christian values as well as for his personal contribution to the friendship between the Serbian and Hungarian nations, Bertalan Havasi said. He quoted the patriarch as referring to Orban as the only statesman “fighting for the spirit of Europe”.

At the meeting Orban said he was proud to receive the order from his “Serbian Orthodox brother”.

“We are a peaceful people, wishing for peace, but in fact a war is being waged for the soul of Europe and that war could not be won without a unity between Christians including the Orthodox Church,” Orbán said.

The order is given by the Serbian Orthodox Church to both church officials and laymen in recognition of special merits.