Calvin Synod Herald, 2002 (103. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
2002-05-01 / 5-6. szám
8 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD Hungary MTV Documents Reformed Churches in U.S. A television special is in the works in Hungary, telling the story of the descendants of the immigrants from the homeland and focusing on the new Reformed churches they organized. The Rev. György Szabó, the Communications Director of the Synod’s office in Budapest, is the program’s organizer, cooperating with the major television station in the production. The MTV “crew” arrived on Mother’s Day at JFK airport, New York, where they were met by Bishop Francis Vitéz and the Rev. Albert W. Kovács, who were in charge of arrangements during the two week stay. The first day was wet and gloomy, limiting their work, but many nicer days followed. Their work began in New Jersey with both churches in Perth Amboy, then to Carteret and Woodbridge, and the Heritage Center of the American Hungarian Foundation in New Brunswick, NJ. Leaping to Connecticut, the congregations of Norwalk, Bridgeport and Fairfield were visited - leaving New Jersey at 8 AM and returning after 10 PM. On another day the work took them to the churches of Trenton and New Brunswick, with a quick evening trip to the shore at Seaside Heights to see the great Atlantic Ocean. During the six days they stayed at the home of Bishop Vitéz and were driven around by Rev. Kovács. Westward ho! Arrangements were made to travel to Ohio for the weekend and Rev. Kovács, with Bishop Vitéz, took them to Carlisle, PA. There they met up with the Rev. Alexander Jalso, who had driven from Brownsville in the western part of the state, and he took them to the Bethlen Home, at Ligonier. They were afforded its usual gracious hospitality and enjoyed dinner as the guests of the Rev. Imre A. Bertalan. But the day was not yet done as Bishop Louis Medgyesi, who had arrived from Ohio, took them to Fairport Harbor, east of Cleveland. The weekend was spent in visits to the churches at Lorain, Westside Cleveland, and Walton Hills, with a side trip to meet the Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Szabó (who is approaching his 100th birthday). Accompanying the Rev. Stephen Geczy they arrived at Somerset, PA, for the Annual Meeting of Calvin Synod on Monday, where they viewed its opening Communion Service. However, they were soon captured by Mr. Endre Csornán who filled their day with stops at the Pittsburgh, Duquesne and Homestead churches. They also stopped at the home office of the William Penn Association to meet its President Mr. George S. Charles, Jr., Chairman Mr. Anthony Beke, and its officers who contributed very generously toward the trip’s expenses. They met the Synod again the next night, enjoying a szalonna sütés at the William Penn’s campground at Scenic View. Earlier in the morning and afternoon the facilities were in bright sun when the MTV camera covered the Bethlen Home. An unexpected break on Wednesday evening gave them a ride on to Washington, DC, with Chairman Mr. George Dózsa, and the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America afforded them two nights and days hospitality. They were able to see the HRFA office and some of the Capitol’ sights the first day, and still more with the Rev. Dr. Imre Bertalan the next. It was well after midnite on Friday when they arrived at the “Vitéz Hotel”, with new HRFA President Rev. Steven Torok. Sleep was short, with Rev. Joseph Vásárhelyi knocking on the door, and they were off to see the Passaic church, followed by a long day in New York. Sunday would prove to be no easier, as Chief Elder Lehel Deák drove up at 8 AM to take them to the Big Apple again. An early morning interview with Bishop Alexander Forro, at the 82nd Street Church, was a prelude to the Service at the 69th Street Church, where Rev. Szabó also preached. In the late afternoon a side trip to the city’s famous “Cloisters” museum preceded a return to New Jersey, first to the home of Chief Elder Stephen Szabó and at eleven to Bishop Vitez’s home. With Rev. Kovács knocking on the door just before 9 AM, they checked out a K-mart and readied their baggage for the journey home. Airport Security tore apart all of their baggage. Bishop Vitéz received a call on Tuesday that they arrived home safely. While the narrative above tells about travels from place to place, very important interviews were recorded everywhere with numerous members and ministers. The cameraman spent a lot of time, as well as energy in moving around his camera and tripod, or with microphone at hand, to capture the place and moment. A copy of the work will be provided here, but the work is intended for a large Hungarian audience in and beyond the country’s borders. The friendly cameraman, Mr. Arpad Toth, was a capable technician operating alone, although in Hungary he would usually be accompanied by three aides. Also with Rev. Szabó was his wife, Dr. Ilona Szabó, who was charged with documenting the itinerary, locations and the interviews. (Some of the 2000 Youth Camp might remember their daughters Timea and Ilona Szabó, visiting university students.) The American Hungarian Reformed Ministerial Association sponsored the trek, with planning in charge of Bishop Louis Medgyesi, its past President. The Rev. Barnabas Roczey is its current President. -AWK
