On the second anniversary of the terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, the Presidency of the Synod of the Reformed Church in Hungary stands in deep sorrow before the devastation caused by the renewed and ongoing turmoil in the Middle East.
With prayerful hearts, we stand alongside all people living in the Middle East – regardless of religion, gender, age, or nationality – who must endure physical and spiritual suffering beyond our imagination. While, in the certainty of our brotherhood in Christ, we carry in our hearts our sister churches and partner organizations in Syria, Lebanon, and throughout the Middle East, we especially remember with concern the Christian communities in the Holy Land. These communities have been proclaiming the Good News of the Resurrection for two millennia in their homeland, yet their very existence and survival are now gravely threatened by armed conflicts and political strife.
Together with our Christian brothers and sisters around the world, we pray that the leaders of the nations may soon reach an agreement that brings a just and lasting peace to the Holy Land as well – one that ensures the individual and collective rights of Christians and enables the beginning of reconciliation, restoration, and healing.
We call upon our Reformed Christian brothers and sisters in Hungary to join us in steadfast prayer for our Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East and the Holy Land. Let us ask our Almighty God to bring comfort to those who mourn and suffer, to grant wisdom and humble hearts to the leaders of nations who seek dialogue and peace. Let us pray to Jesus Christ, our Lord, the Prince of Peace, for true and lasting peace, and let us implore the guidance, protection, and consolation of the Holy Spirit for our Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East and the Holy Land. Let us also pray that our Lord may grant us Christians living outside the Middle East wisdom and courage even in these difficult times to stand faithfully and responsibly beside our brothers and sisters who endure suffering and trials.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.” (James 5:15–18)
The Presidency of the Synod of the Reformed Church in Hungary:
Budapest, 7 October 2025.
János Molnár, Lay President of the Synod
József Steinbach, Bishop, Ministerial President of the Synod
Let there be peace! - Statement of the Reformed Church in Hungary
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Let there be an end to violence in the Holy Land! The Reformed Church in Hungary joins the call of the World Council of Churches. The deepening and possible expansion of the conflict between armed groups must be prevented. We think with fear of those living in the Holy Land, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, who are facing extraordinary trials. Yet this place should be a message of faith, hope, and love for all.