The Order of Saint Gabriel held its Congress in Budapest from October 27 to 30, 2022. Delegations from Switzerland, Greece, France, and Germany were welcomed by the Hungarian Chapter under the leadership of the Lieutenant General of the Order in Hungary, Ambassador Georges Suha, whom we warmly thank, together with the Grand Chancellor of the Order, SEM Michel Hadjimanolis, Consul General Emeritus, for their effective cooperation in organizing this long-standing event. The Greek Chapter notably mobilized a delegation of over 20 members. Year after year, the Congress remains the Order’s major event, demonstrating the vitality and progress of our institution. During this occasion, 12 new knights and dames took their oath.
Arrival of delegates in Budapest / transfer to the hotel with the assistance of the Hungarian Chapter under the supervision of Lieutenant General Georges Suha.
19:00: Welcome dinner offered by the Hungarian Chapter at a prestigious restaurant featuring traditional Hungarian cuisine.
10:00: In the morning, the delegation of the Order, led by SEM Roland de Boutechoux de Chavanes, Grand Master of the Order, paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Imre Vejkey, President of the Parliamentary Legal Commission and Vice-Chairman of the Christian Democratic Party (KDNP), at the National Parliament.
Dr. Vejkey is Vice-Chairman of the KDNP parliamentary group. The KDNP, a coalition partner of FIDESZ, oversees humanitarian and church-related matters within the government. During the meeting, representatives of the Order discussed potential cooperation with Hungarian authorities and agreed that the Hungarian Chapter will maintain close ties with relevant authorities and the Parliamentary Prayer Group as a neutral yet effective platform for joint humanitarian actions.
The Hungarian Chapter is being developed under Lieutenant General SEM Georges Suha, and includes honorary consuls from El Salvador, North Macedonia, Lesotho, and the former Armenian parliamentary spokesperson. The chapter is also tasked with implementing the regional expansion strategy across the Balkans and V4 countries.
The delegation visited the main humanitarian coordination center in Budapest (“BOK Hall”), which serves as the primary arrival hub for refugees from Ukraine, having accommodated 963,812 people since the start of the war. They met Mr. Pál Téglásy, Head of the National Charity Council, representing SEM Miklos Soltesz, State Secretary and highest government representative on this issue.
11:30 – 12:45: City tour by bus.
13:00: Working lunch at the hotel.
14:00 – 18:00: International Congress of the Order:
- 14:00 – 15:00: Meeting of the Magistral Council of national chapters
- 15:15 – 17:00: Meeting of the Sovereign Council
The Connétable, SEM Ambassador Jürg Staübli, presented recent actions undertaken by the Order, highlighting that despite the restrictions of 2020-2021, humanitarian efforts continued.
2020
Collaboration with Petram Foundation and RAKHI FOUNDATION in India supported a training center for youth in trades such as plumbing, electrical work, IT, and English language skills. The Order contributed €15,000 for renovations, equipment, and goats to support family incomes.
2021-2022
Support for Christian children in Lebanon through the Carmel Saint-Joseph School, including school materials, food, clothes, and partial solar electrification. The total investment for complete electrification is approx. €150,000. Additional support included distributing masks and hygiene supplies across Switzerland, totaling CHF 35,000.
2022
The Swiss Chapter conducted major humanitarian operations in Burkina Faso, delivering furniture, toys, utensils, tools, clothing, and 3,072 boxes of books to vulnerable populations. Payot Bookstores donated books, MSC Foundation handled transport, and Isabelle Chevalley oversaw local distribution.
Anthony and his team
Thanks were extended to Anthony for coordinating the project and to all partners involved.
17:15 – 18:00: Uniform dressing break.
18:15: Official ceremony: Installation of Hungarian Chapter officers and knighting of new members.
20:30: Gala reception with participation from the accredited diplomatic and consular corps in Hungary.
10:00: Departure for the historic Tokaj wine region by bus.
12:30: Arrival in Tállya (a small village in northeastern Hungary, UNESCO World Heritage Site, birthplace of world-famous Tokaji Aszú wine).
Lunch at a historic estate restaurant (www.oroszlanos.hu).
Visit vineyards/cellars and wine tasting.
Farewell and individual transfers to the airport.
