Reformátusok Lapja, 1969 (69. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1969-04-01 / 4. szám
Hungarian Reformed Religious Paper , Founded in 1900 OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE CALVIN SYNOD—UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 30th Anniversary Meeting of Calvin Synod Calvin Synod was organized 30 years ago on March 14, 1939 in the West Side Hungarian Reformed Church, Cleveland, Ohio. It is fitting to observe this Anniversary, rendering homage to the founding fathers, and thanks to the Lord for his many blessings. Calvin Synod lives and serves her Lord. Even today this is the largest Hungarian Reformed church group outside of Hungary. Within the Synod is our Eastern Classis which is 65 years old and is the oldest Hungarian Reformed group organized outside of the mother country. Our Hungarian Reformed church groups originated from this Classis. Many difficulties confronted our Synod, hut she lives on. At the last merger of the denomination, our Synod almost lost her structure and identity, hut the congregations pulled together expressing their oneness and inseparability. In 1964, the name Magyar Synod was changed to Calvin Synod. This new name however, does not fully express our identity. It would perhaps he more appropriate to be named Hungarian Reformed Synod, for then our Hungarian Reformed people throughout the world would know that we have not ceased to exist. The present name does not indicate that we are of Hungarian Reformed background. The suggested name, Hungarian Reformed Synod, is necessary so that due recognition would be given to our people. In sending help to our brethren, they would immediately know that our Hungarian people or Synod, have not forgotten them. At our Synod meeting the proposal of the Synodical Council to make use of the name “bishop” instead of “Synod president” will be discussed. The idea would be in keeping with the proposed great merger. We know also that these historical names for our church officials were well chosen and are understood by our people here and throughout the world. This Synod meeting will be the third joint meeting with the representatives of our Hungarian churches in the United Presbyterian conference. We hope that this coming meeting will strengthen our ties and our service for the Lord. Two honored guests will be with us for our meeting; Dr. Ben M. Herbster and Mr. William Köteles. Dr. Herbster, president of our United Church of Christ, will be with us in an official capacity for the last time, as his term of office as president now expires. Dr. Herbster has been a friend to our Synod and we wish to keep him as our friend. Mr. Köteles of Cleveland, Ohio, is the owner and president of PEMCO, Inc. which produces heart-lung units. Already, three of these units have been donated by the Synod to the Reformed Church in Hungary. A new unit is now being readied for the hospital in Maros- vásárhely, in Transylvania, and is being donated by our Hungarian American Reformed people. At this time we wish to express our thanks and appreciation to Mr. Köteles who has underwritten the entire cost of this issue of our paper. It has truly been a kind gesture on his part, and we are ever-thankful to him. As we come together for our Synod meeting, let us all pray for the success of our discussions and decisions. To he truly successful we would like to see ministers and elders from each and every congregation. The area covered by our Synod is huge and as we come together from all over, let us turn to the Lord that He would fill our hearts with love and understanding, so that our meeting would not be like a dried up bush in the wilderness, but a burning bush through which the Lord Himself speaks. To all representatives and delegates: come, bring your love, your devotion, and strength. With every good word, with every handshake and embrace, the life of our Synod and congregations is prolonged and strengthened. Help to kindle the hope of a better future in the hearts of all Hungarian brethren scattered throughout the world. Francis Vitéz THE CLOCK The clock of life is wound but once, And no man has the power To tell just when the hands will stop At late or early hour. To lose one’s wealth is sad indeed. To lose one’s health is more. To lose one’s soul is such a loss That no man can restore. 39 people died while you read this short poem. Every hour 5,417 go to meet their Maker. You could have been among them. Sooner or later you will be. Are you ready?
