Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén and Archbishop Mark (Golovkov) of the Russian Orthodox Church signed a cooperation agreement that defines the responsibilities of the government and the church.

All churches receive the same support available to state and local government institutions performing similar tasks, Deputy Prime Minister Semjén stated after the signing ceremony.

He said that the government would soon conclude similar agreements with the independent Patriarchate of Constantinople, as well as the Serbian and Bulgarian orthodox churches. The government is open to such agreements with all orthodox churches, he said, adding that negotiations with the Romanian orthodox church are still under way since special demands have arisen.

Archbishop Mark welcomed that the Hungarian government took the social role of Christianity very seriously. He emphasised the importance of the agreement as well as the significance of the government strengthening Christian values in the Hungarian society.

(MTI)