Calvin Synod Herald, 1988 (88. évfolyam, 1-5. szám)
1988 / 2-5. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD-13 REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA PRESBYTER'S ASSOCIATION The AMERICAN HUNGARIAN REFORMED PRESBYTER'S ASSOCIATION held its 42nd annual meeting in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, on Labor Day weekend, September 3rd and 4th, 1988. Participants came from throughout the United States, representing the Calvin Synod of the United Church of Christ, the Hungarian Reformed Church in America, and the Presbyterian Church. The aim of the Association is to unite the Hungarian Reformed Presbyters of America in one organization in order to strengthen the feeling of fraternal unity; to face common problems with a united front, striving to find solutions and plan united actions at the annual conferences; to aid the work of the Hungarian Reformed congregations more effectively; and in general, to endeavor to make the Hungarian Reformed Churches in America better and more effiecient instruments for the spreading of the Kingdom of God on earth. During the two day meeting, reports were heard from the attendees regarding activities within their respective congregations, as well as reports on our worldwide mission to other Hungarian peoples, and reports on local issues of interest, such as the annual Combined Youth Camp of the Calvin Synod and the Hungarian Reformed Church in America. We were also updated on the progress of the Bethlen Home-related developements, including the Archives and Museum project and Bethlen Home 11 being Anthony C. Beke, President planned in Ohio, reported to us by our hosts, The Bethlen Home and the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America. Everyone attending this meeting left well informed regarding the status of the past year’s major activities in the Hungarian religious community. Next year's meeting will again be held in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, on the Labor Day weekend of 1989. Anyone interested in attending or paticipating in the next meeting should write the President, Anthony C. Beke, Box 335, Crosswocks, NJ 08515 for details. The Association wishes to express its gratitude to the Bethlen Home for providing the facilities for our annual meetings, and for its geneorsity by providing us with several opportunities to dine at the Home. qualities which make an uncommon statesman out of a common politician. His forefathers chose the land on which they settled, but he made it secure against alien encroachemnts. His forefathers decided to take up Christianity, but he chose Rome instead of Byzantium. His forfathers chose a more unifying form of government, but it was the keen mind of King Stephen that gave the union power and permanence through an ennobled form of monarchy. He gave form and structure to the revolutionary transformation that changed Hungarians from Asians to Europeans, from nomads to settlers, from hunters to agriculturalists, from shamanism to Christianity, and from tribalism to nationhood. It fell to St. Stephen, the heir of Arpad, to fit his newborn nation into the political environment of his era and to consolidate it in such a menner that would guarantee its survival. This great man fulfulled simultaneously his multiple obligations to God, to his people, and to the family of European nations with a genius for which he will be remembered forever. Dr. Bela C. Maday Rev. Stephen Sziarto SAINT STEPHEN On July 4th the Ecumenical Council of churches in Hungary held a session to commemorate the 950th anniversary of the death of King Stephen 1 of Hungary. A presentation delivered at the ocassion discussed the historical role of Stephen 1. in laying down the foundation of national existance and intergrating his Christian kingdom with the life of Europe. It was emphasized that Protestants, though not in the habit of looking to "saints”, nevertheless recognize and respect this first king of Hungary for his very important role in founding and organizing in the early days of nationhood. In attendance were representatives of the Reformed and Lutheran Churches, the Catholic Church, the Jewish faith, and governmental representatives, (hcp)
