Reformátusok Lapja, 1969 (69. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1969-06-01 / 6-7. szám
12 REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA Theological Seminary, Kolozsvár Transylvania (Rumania) The fifth Hungarian Reformed Seminary is located in Kolozsvár, Transylvania. This Seminary was founded by Prince Gábor Bethlen in Nagyenyed, but in 1895 was moved to Kolozsvár. The Seminary after the first World War was under Rumanian occupation for twenty three years, hut was able to raise leaders for the Reformed churches in Transylvania which served three quarters of a million souls. The professors and graduate students became the leaders of the two and a half million Hungarians in Transylvania and Rumania. Between 1919 and 1940, the Seminary enrolled 2,472 Transylvania-Hungarian students, 144 Lutheran and 113 foreign students. The average yearly student body consisted of one hundred fifty scholars. The aim of the Seminary was to fully equip their students for their chosen field, so that since 1937, students at the Seminary were required to attend classes for five years. Every year the Seminary sponsored summer classes and camping for Hungarian Reformed students from the universities all over Rumania since this was denied the Hungarian students. The Seminary also organized camps for high schools, professional and merchant students, as well as for blind children. A collection of folk art and folklore was also provided by the Seminary. And in instances where students of Hungarian Reformed background were denied religious education, the Seminary opened its doors and provided this much needed education for the younger students. The Seminary professors were active in Hungarian literary societies and they kept abreast of western pro- testanism by attending meetings and conferences of the world wide organizations. Students from the Seminary were also encouraged to attend western universities for broadening their education and to keep in touch with outside activities. Since the end of World War II, the role of the Kolozsvár Seminary has become curtailed. They are not able to function to any great degree and the Hungarian Reformed professors and ministers for years have been imprisoned and deported, only because they are Hungarians and leaders of the Reformed Church. It hardly seems possible that in this modern age such happenings could be taking place, but here is the proof. We pray however, that the political and religious liberty of the Hungarians in Transylvania will be restored. Zoltán Király To Have a Closer Bond! In the past, in the Hungarian Reformed Church of Bridgeport, Conn., (Dr. Stephen Bessemer, pastor), several Hungarian plays were presented for the enjoyment óf our congregation; and in recent years, the younger generation has tried to carry on this tradition — the latest of these plays being “The Girl That I Marry,” a light comedy which was performed on both Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24, to a very responsive and appreciative audience. It was co-directed by Barbara Poruban and William Seres. The following people made up the cast: George Siket, Sr. and Grace Varga as the mother and father of the five lovely daughters, played by Sharon Willey, Judy Thomas, Janice Ratzenherger, Julia Rat- zenberger and Dulce Brelsford. The affections of the two eligible bachelors — Terry Moore and Ronald Bero, are most eagerly sought by the girls. The teen-age son, played by Bill Bero, adds a lot of zest to the show. The supporting cast consisted of Stephen Molnár, Albert Buhan, Boh Karkut, Ethel Szaho, Cheryl Molnár, George Szilagyi, Judy Bero, Harold Hanscome and Shelley Poruban. It was a very rewarding experience to see and hear the overwhelming response from so many of the older people as well as the young. Much work was put into this play, and many sacrifices were made by everyone who took part, but it is quite certain that the fun-filled rehearsals which preceded the actual performance more than compensated for this, and it gave everyone a feeling of great satisfaction in knowing that all our endeavors were not made in vain. The play was extremely successful and heartily enjoyed by all. In this troubled world of today, it is of vital importance for our youth to have a closer bond with the church, and perhaps this is just one of the ways to inspire and enhance interest in the right channels. Mrs. Barbara Poruban PRAYER ON ENTERING CHURCH: Almighty God, our Father, who are present everywhere, I have come with a humble heart to offer my prayer here. Teach me Thy Commandments now through Thy Holy Word. Amen. PRAYER ON LEAVING CHURCH: Almighty God, our Father, as I leave Thy Holy Church, guide me always in Thy knowledge. Give me help when Thee I search. Keep my life and keep my soul. Accept my thanks forevermore. Amen.
