Calvin Synod Herald, 2005 (106. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2005-03-01 / 3-4. szám
6 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD Bishop Francis Vitéz Memorial Service New Year Day The memorial service for the late Right Reverend Doctor Francis Vitéz was held in the early afternoon New Year’s Day, at the John Calvin Hungarian Reformed Church, Perth Amboy, New Jersey. A sudden illness had hospitalized him the day before Christmas, and he died on Sunday afternoon. A Bishop Emeritus of the Calvin Synod (United Church of Christ), his life of service to Christ, the Church and his pastorate were recognized in the memorial worship, as also his love for his family and his Hungarian homeland. The service was conducted by the Eastern Classis, in which he served as the Dean several times. Sermons were delivered in Hungarian by his son-in-law, the Rt. Rev. Bela Poznan, and in English by the Rev. Dr. August J. Molnár, President of the American Hungarian Foundation. In a eulogy by the Rev. Albert W. Kovács, Dean of Eastern Classis, he highlighted some of Bishop Vitéz’ numerous accomplishments in ministry throughout his career of more than fifty years, honors earned in academic and literary pursuits, and service to the Hungarian Reformed comm-unity in America and abroad. The scriptures were read and prayers offered by the Rev. Stefan Torok, the Rev. Anikó Kocsis and the Rev. Dr. Attila Kocsis. The Chief Elder, Mr. Ernest Balogh, represented the congregation in a reflection on the impact of Dr. Vitéz during his long pastorate of almost five decades. His son Imre Vitéz spoke on behalf of the family, calling to mind in one of Dr. Vitéz’poems his hallowed roots in family, school and church. Following the Committal rite, conducted by the Revs. Kovács and Poznan, more than twenty five ministers and priests gathered around the bier for the traditional singing of “Térj Magadhoz, Draga Sion” and then carried out the coffin of their colleague from his beloved church. The officers of the Eastern Classis in attendance were the Rev. Leslie Martin, Secretary, and Mr. István Balia, Classis Presbyter. Calvin Synod was represented by Bishop Koloman K. Ludwig, Auxiliary Joseph Vásárhelyi, Treasurer Lisa Toth and Synod Presbyter James Balias. Several colleagues in the Order of St. John Hospitallers and other fraternal organizations also attended the service. Church members offered a time for refreshment and fellowship afterward in the church hall. His children Julianna Poznan, Imre Vitéz and Ilona Mueller, and his seven grand-children, were present, along with many family members of him and his late wife Vilma. His ashes will be taken to Gyorke, Felvidék, for burial beside his parents and ancestral family in Hungarian soil. CREEDS of the HUNGARIAN REFORMED CHRISTIANS Bethlen Freedom Press - Ligonier 1968 We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth of the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end. And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. The text is found on page 119 of the publication by the American Hungarian Presbyters’ Assn., Hungarian Reformed Ministerial Assn., and the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America. It can also be found in the worship materials of the Christian Reformed, Lutheran and Episcopal churches, the Reformed Church of Hungary and most other continental confessional churches. Its history goes back to the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325), it was added to by the Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381) and found final form at the Council of Chalcedon (A.D.451). The Apostles’ Creed dates from the same era, an early version about A.D. 215, and the current form about A.D. 542. Both emphasize the church doctrines about the Trinity, and both describe the Church as holy catholic church (agian katholiken ekklesian) in the earliest forms. Reformed churches are the purest expression of catholicity, without unwarranted additions to biblical truth. Lenten Service Prayer Dear Father, mine and everyone else’s, when I stop to think how much you love us all it makes me wonder about myself. I understand your desire to treat all your children alike, so they all find blessings in and new life. But I also see how many times I have thwarted you, making others unhappy by my selfishness, thoughtlessness, anger and aggressive ways. Number me not among your enemies, but forgive me, Lord, and teach me your patience, love and mercy. Amen Scripture Luke 6:20-36 Rev. Albert W. Kovács
