There would be no Christian Europe without the Coptic heritage

Press Release by MEP György Hölvényi

During his visit to Brussels, Pope Tawadros II. of Alexandria, head of the Coptic Orthodox Church met for a tête-à-tête with MEP György Hölvényi (Fidesz-KDNP), Co-Chairman of the EPP Group’s Working Group on Intercultural Relations and Interreligious Dialogue. According to the politician, it is crucial to our Christian cultural roots that European decision-makers and the public understand the history and current situation of the Coptic Church.

In addition to the excellent Hungarian-Egyptian relations, Pope Tawadros and György Hölvényi agreed on the need for further cooperation regarding their countries academic, economic, and cultural spheres. The Christian Democrat MEP pointed out that a vital part of Europe’s spiritual renewal is to make Europe aware of the living spiritual heritage of the Coptic Church.

György Hölvényi pointed out that, although the European institutions managed to break the wall of indifference towards Christians in need, the visit of Pope Tawadros II. to the European Parliament has key importance in this process.

The head of the Coptic Orthodox Church and the EPP Group politician agreed that Egyptian denominations, such as Christians, form an integral part of Egyptian culture and that their communities should be respected. “Egypt needs the Coptic Church, and the Copts need a stable Egypt,” emphasized MEP György Hölvényi.