Hungarian Order of Merit
The Hungarian Order of Merit (Hungarian: Magyar Érdemrend) is the second (the Order of St Stephen is the highest) highest State Order of Hungary. Founded in 1991, the order is a revival of an original order founded in 1946 and abolished in 1949. Its origins can be traced to the Order of Merit of the Kingdom of Hungary which existed from 1922 until 1946.
| Hungarian Order of Merit | |
|---|---|
 Chain of the Hungarian Order of Merit | |
| Awarded for | Distinguished service to Hungary |
| Presented by | the President of Hungary |
| Eligibility | Citizens of Hungary and foreigners |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Established | 1991 |
 Hungarian Order of Merit Grand Cross Star, military division | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (lower) | Order of the Flag of the Republic of Hungary |
| Related | Hungarian Cross of Merit |
In 2011 its official name changed from Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary to Hungarian Order of Merit in accordance with the new Hungarian Constitution.
Since 2011, the Order of Saint Stephen of Hungary is the highest State Order of Hungary.
Classes
The civil division is divided into six classes of merit, whilst the military division is divided into five. The highest class, the Grand Cross with Chain, is exclusive to the civilian division and is only awarded to heads of state.
| Ribbon bars of the Hungarian Order of Merit | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Civil | Military | ||
| Grand Cross with Chain | _1class_Collar_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} |
_1class_Collar_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} | ||
| Grand Cross | _1class_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} |
_1class_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} | ||
| Commander's Cross with Star | _2class_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} |
_2class_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} | ||
| Commander's Cross | _3class_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} |
_3class_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} | ||
| Officer's Cross | _4class_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} |
_4class_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} | ||
| Knight's Cross | _5class_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} |
_5class_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} | ||
Below the Order of Merit in precedence is the Hungarian Cross of Merit, with three classes for both military and civilians.
| Ribbon bars of the Hungarian Cross of Merit | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Civil | Military | ||
| Golden Cross | _Gold_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} |
_Gold_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} | ||
| Silver Cross | _Silver_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} |
_Silver_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} | ||
| Bronze Cross | _Bronze_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} |
_Bronze_BAR.svg.png.webp){kind=small} | ||
Insignia
- The medal of the Order is made on the features of the ancient Royal Order of Saint Stephen of Hungary: it consists of a white-enamelled cross edged with green, showing a central circular medallion enamelled in red showing the coat of arms of Hungary, surrounded by a wreath of green enamel.
- The star takes up the shape of the medal but is mounted on a golden radiant star.
- The ribbon is green with a red stripe and a white stripe for the civil class, while it is red with a green stripe and a white stripe for the military class.
Sources
- State Decorations, Office of the President of Hungary
- Hungary: Hungarian Order of Merit (Civilian), Medals of the World
- 1991 XXXI law enacting the order