World’s First Shrine Dedicated to Persecuted Christians Inaugurated in New York City

Ferenc Kumin, Consul General of the Consulate General of Hungary in New York participated in the consecration ceremony of a new sanctuary at St. Michael’s Church which is dedicated to persecuted Christians in the Middle East. Hungary was a particular focus of attention at the ceremony. Steve Bannon, former Senior Adviser to President Donald Trump took part in the reception that followed the event.
On the 12th of June 2018, Church authorities invited Ferenc Kumin to attend the consecration and inauguration of the sanctuary of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in the West End of Manhattan. The special sanctuary, dedicated to the victims of persecuted Christians in the Middle East was adorned with an icon written by a Christian artist from Iraq.
The ceremony was led by Father Benedict Kiely, a New York priest who actively opposes the persecution of Christians. Aware of the Hungarian diplomatic presence at the ceremony, Fr Kiely spoke particularly warmly of the Hungarian government’s endeavours to prevent the persecution of Christians. He also talked about the efforts to protect Christian values by Hungary in general. Father Kiely, who is known for his resolute conservative stance concluded by expressing his appreciation for Hungary as he noted the vital role that this country plays when it vigorously defends its policy of protecting Christian values in debates about Europe in Brussels.
Following the ceremony Steve Bannon, a former senior adviser to US President Donald Trump and chief strategic leader of the campaign held a brief and very cordial conversation with Ferenc Kumin. Mr Bannon warmly recalled his recent visit to Hungary, placing particular emphasis on his meeting with the Prime Minister and also Mária Schmidt, Director-General of the House of Terror Museum.
Video: YouTube
Photo: Our Lady of Aradin icon at St. Michael’s Church in Manhattan. (Courtesy of Father Benedict Kiely)