Calvin Synod Herald, 2015 (116. évfolyam, 9-10. szám)
2015-09-01 / 9-10. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 7 Finally don’t forget that when God shows us some new truth and He often then gives us an opportunity to act on what we have learned. He often provides situations or circumstances that call upon us to put those principles into action, expect it and welcome the opportunity. ST Biography of Rev. József Vásárhelyi Rev. József Vásárhelyi was bom on May 27th, 1953 in Hidvég, Erdély (Transylvania). His father, Rev. József Vásárhelyi Sr. was also a pastor, who passed away in 2005. His mother Vásárhelyi Piroska was a teacher and church organist, who passed away in 2010. He had a memorable childhood, growing up in a place where Hungarian and Romanian children lived in the same village. He went to elementary school in Hidvég, finished high school in Sepsiszentgyörgy. We heard a lot of good memories from him about these years when he was living in the dormitory. Since he was gifted with a good musical talent, he was playing the accordion in the school band. He treasured his accordion here in Passaic as well. He completed his theological studies in Kolozsvár. His first congregation was in a big industrial city of Galac on the Danube River where many Hungarians were working far away from Erdély. This prepared him how to talk to and care for those Hungarians who live far away from their homeland. Rev. József Vásárhelyi immigrated to Canada in 1977. He was a minister for a short time in Calgary, Alberta and then in Delhi Ontario for 13 years. Even after 30 years, members of the Delhi congregation remember his love and work how he served God as a dedicated new comer, and the organist came to attend his funeral service. During this time he met the love of his life Maria Csorna and they were happily married. They left Delhi in 1990, came to the United States to answer a call in Norwalk Connecticut, it was there where their sons József and István were bom, and their marriage and love grew as a happy family. He was a very proud father, both of his sons are following in his footsteps, and they are the fourth generations of ministers in the Vásárhelyi family. He was always passionate about New York City, and God made his dream come true, when he was elected to be the pastor of the 82nd Street congregation. He faithfully served God in Passaic, New Jersey for 13 years. He continued to be a leader in Calvin Synod of the U.C.C. having different roles as Auxiliary Bishop, Dean of the Eastern Classes several times, co-editor of the Calvin Synod Herald. He participated at different events including summer camp and ecumenical gatherings. Even through his tremendous work load and dedication to the church he continued to be a devoted husband and loving father. His faithful wife Mária, and sons József and István remember him the following way: He was a very caring, loving, devoted husband and father, from whom we have learned a lot, and he always wanted the best for all of us. We love him very much and miss him a lot. He loved to travel, visited 33 countries, he took us on many nice vacations, and we cherish those beautiful memories we spent together with him. He loved to read, learn, experience new things, he taught us to do the same. Our father, taught us how to play chess, and we spent many hours playing together. He spent quality time with us, we played family games, we have a beautiful puzzle in our home that we all made together “Jesus in the olive garden.” God blessed him with a joyful, unforgettable personality and he lives in our heart this way forever. He had answers for all our questions, and he always wanted the best for us. He was welcoming and trustworthy and always listened to anyone who turned to him for help, advice and spiritual guidance. He touched many lives, helped number of people, and he did everything whole heartedly. Never missed a church service, the church door was open on Sundays even when we had a snow storm. A couple of people did come, because they knew that Rev. Vásárhelyi will have a church service with his family members. He taught us many Bible verses, and we were singing praises to God when we went for a long trip as a family. He taught us not to preach a sermon without mentioning Christ as a main focus in our preaching. He was very active in taking care of church buildings, saw the need and with God’s help he was able to finish the task. He accomplished so many things in such a short time. His life was Christ centered and his main priority was God, the Church and the Family. He was a visionary and expanded his horizons to North America, but there always remained a special place in his heart for his Hungarian roots in Erdély (Transylvania). He touched many people’s lives and leaves a great legacy in our hearts and souls. He is remembered by his loving wife Maria, by his children József and István. His sister Piroska and nephews Zsombor and Alpár and relatives in Europe. His life will be remembered by his clergy colleagues, friends, and congregation members. His faith and love will be remembered by all who knew him. His memory
