The symbol that identifies worldwide the medical and humanitarian activities of the Sovereign Order of Malta is at the centre of a stamp issued by the Hungarian Postal Service. Designed to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, the stamp depicts the red shield with a white eight-pointed cross, framed by the words “Tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum” the Latin motto that sums up the mission of the Order of Malta.

With a 300 Hungarian Forint face value, the stamp is on sale as from 4th February. The cover of the first day of issue shows some pictures of the Order of Malta in Hungary , while the postal stamp depicts the logo of the 25th anniversary, designed by the Hungarian artist György Kara.

The Hungarian Charity Service was founded in 1989 – the same year the country gained  independence – with the aim of supporting the poor, local hospitals, care centres, the elderly and struggling families.

The Hungarian Charity Service cooperates with numerous organisations in carrying out its charitable and rescue activities. It fulfils a major role in caring for the homeless and has launched a unique programme to support physically and mentally disabled people. It can count on almost eight thousand members in seven regional organisations and one hundred and fifty local groups.