Poland and Hungary United in Spirit

File Photo of Andrzej Duda and Tamás Sulyok in Stary Sącz from 2024

For their outstanding contributions to Hungarian–Polish relations and support for Central European independence movements, Imre Molnár, historian and biographer of Servant of God János Esterházy (a political and spiritual leader of the Hungarian people), and Richárd Hörcsik, member of the Hungarian Parliament, received high state honors from Polish President Andrzej Duda, writes ma7.sk.

Imre Molnár was awarded the Commander’s Cross, while Richárd Hörcsik received the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. Other honorees included Franciscan friar Pawel Cebula, and Slovak citizens Ján Figeľ, Pavol Mačala, and Ján Hudacký, who each received the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.

This award came like a summer rain—suddenly, and refreshingly,” said Molnár. “It revived memories over four decades old, linking me personally, and us Hungarians collectively, to Poland and our Polish brothers.

For Molnár, the true honor lies not in the decoration, but in the opportunity to build and sustain a centuries-old friendship—what he calls a “cathedral of brotherhood,” grounded in shared faith, values, and struggles for freedom.

János Esterházy Photo: Esterházy János Zarándokközpont

He also highlighted the historical depth of the Hungarian–Polish alliance, noting their joint fight against the Ottomans, shared enemies throughout history, and their parallel paths in overcoming communism.

These values—freedom, independence and Christian faith—have always been at the heart of Hungarian and Polish identity.

In response to the award, Leszek Kosakowski, a friend of Molnár, and former member of the anti-communist Polish opposition, wrote on social media:

“After all, both Poland and Hungary fought together against the Turks to defend Christianity. We often had common enemies but never fought each other—except for a few minor incidents during the Swedish Deluge. We also defeated communism together. All this is thanks to those who always held God and Homeland first in their hearts.”

Molnár also praised President Duda for his principled leadership during times of political strain in recent Hungarian–Polish relations. He expressed gratitude for Duda’s courage in upholding unconditional friendship between the two nations, even attending bilateral meetings with Hungarian Presidents Katalin Novák and Tamás Sulyok.

Duda’s roots in Stary Sącz (southern Poland), once home to a Hungarian-born princess, Saint Kinga, were also seen by Molnár as symbolic. Kinga, a beloved figure in both nations, represents the spiritual and historical ties that continue to bind Hungary and Poland. President Duda, who named his daughter after the saint, is a devoted admirer of her legacy.

Dominik Duka, Imre Molnár in Parliament during the János Esterházy Award. Photo: Hungary Today

Molnár thanked Duda not only for the award, but for exemplifying the values of faith, tradition, and national solidarity.

If we keep faith and tradition alive in our hearts, we can more courageously defend our enduring values and friends. In doing so, our saints, heroes, artists, and scholars—like Esterházy—become timeless links between our past, present, and future.

concluded the historian.

Hungary Today has contacted Mr. Molnár about his Presidential honors in Poland, to which the historian only replied by saying “Soli Deo Gloria” (Glory to God Only).

Anniversary of János Esterházy’s Death Brings Nationalities Together