Bethlen Almanac 2000 (Ligonier)
The Hungarian Reformed Federation of America
Maria Poes Fraternal Day The St. George District and combined Branches of New Jersey held their 8th Annual Maria Poes Fraternal Day on Sunday, August 6, 2000. The placid Basilian Father’s Monastery grounds in Matawan, N.J. again served as the locale for this year’s event. The Very Rev. Joseph Erdei, OSBM, is Superior of the Monastery. Unlike last year’s merciless heat wave, we were blessed with moderate temperatures, which contributed to the turnout of approximately 325 people. Rev. Stephan Torok and Rev. Albert Kovács gave the invocation in Hungarian and English respectively, followed by the singing of our National Anthems by Alex Kubik, Jr., Cantor at St. Michael’s Church in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. President George Dózsa extended a welcome on behalf of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America. The presence of the following individuals from Hungary added to the unique character of our gathering: Guests of Rev. and Mrs. Albert Kovács were Ilona and Timea Szabó visiting from Budapest; Father Basil Rakaczky’s niece was Mrs. Ilonka Rakaczky and daughter Maria from Mucsony; Miklós Fiasko, cousin of St. Michael’s parishioner Joseph Bresnack from Edeleny; and Maria Borbiro and Melinda Matisz from Hercegkút, sister and great niece respectively of John Kaye, also a parishioner of St. Michael’s in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. The pecsenye and langos were made to perfection as usual, as was the bográcsgulyás. The demand for hot dogs and hamburgers was also at a premium along with the com on the cob and watermelon. Draft beer, draft birch beer, iced tea and lemonade complimented the fare for the day. Delicious Hungarian pastries were served with coffee and tea throughout the afternoon. Much to the delight of the crowd, the Instrumental Trio “Our Gang” played favorite Hungarian and American tunes. For our pleasure, the highly acclaimed Csurdongolo Dance Group from New Brunswick put on another spectacular performance. The activities for our 25-30 children in attendance ranged from free pony rides and an animal petting farm to a craft table. To accommodate the children, the craft table was positioned in the area around the ponies and animal farm which proved to be highly effective. As usual, the dedicated work of our participating branch members 20
