Magyar Egyház, 1957 (36. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1957-01-01 / 1. szám
10 MAGYAR EGYHÁZ space, in which the light are other planets and distant solar systems — recently a scientist estimated that there may be ten million or more planets similar to ours in the universe as now conceived. The psalmist's contribution here, however, is the statement that it is our sinfulness, provoking the anger and wrath of God, that makes the thought of our brief exsistence so unbearable. Sin has brought men into the worst possible misery — it has separated him from the eternal God and made him stand on his own feet: and this, for man in weakness and brief existence, is the real tragedy of his existence. III. A fleeting existence estranged from God — is there any hope for man faced with such a prospect? There is one hope: that the eternal and almighty God will turn His face toward us again with pity, forgiveness, and gracious aid. In our Saviour, Jesus Christ, God Himself has graciously spoken to our human race and has put His mercy within our reach. Christ is the proof to men that God is both ready and willing to be reconcilled to men and to save men from the misery in which he finds himself in his short and sin-wrecked life. The psalmist did not yet know this, the fulness of God's love toward men, but he had faith too, and confident of God's ultimate good will, he prayed, “O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” As another year passes into history, and a new year dawns, we are reminded not to delay in laying claim to God's grace by repentance and turning to a Christian faith and life. Why should we pass another year, another day or even moment in the miserable existence of weak, sinful men without the favor of Eternal God? By joyfully receiving Christ and walking with Him, all meaninglessness and vanity are removed from our lives. We can pray with some confidence “Establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.” We can feel that, even though this life is still short and helpless, filled with many difficulties even, still we have with God an eternal refuge. “Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.” Or, turning again to Watt's great hymn for a final summation of the matter: “Be Thou our guard while troubles last, And our eternal home.” Charles W. Krahe Church World Service in the USA has sent a special three-man Hungarian Refugee Assistance Team to work for two months with the staff of the World Council of Churches in Austria in resettlement of Hungarian and other Eastern European refugees in the United States. The team is composed of Rev. Arpad Beretz (Evangelical and Reformed), Wallingford, Conn.; Rev. Nicholas Sewell (Presbyterian), Groveland, N.Y.; and Rev. Alexander Jurisson (Estonian Orthodox), director of resettlement for National Council of the Protestant Episcopal Church. OUR REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM by the Rev. Charles A. Darocy Thousands of our fellow Hungarian Reformed Christians are now entering the United States. They are now brought from Europe by ship, processed at Camp Kilmer in New Jersey and sent to homes and jobs all over America. The placement of these thousands of people is handled through the various denominations which cooperate with the Church World Service. The Free Magyar Reformed Church is small in numbers. It lacks both funds and personnel to maintain a staff of its own in Kilmer. But since it is one independent Magyar Reformed Church in the entire world it has real interest in aiding as many freedom fighters as possible. Through the efforts of Dean Gabor Csordás the Free Magyar Church has been made a partner of the Presbyterian Church in its resettlement program. Dean Csordás has placed great numbers of refugees successfully in the past and has the confidence of the Presbyterian leadership. Both he and the writer of this article have worked at Kilmer and have aided our pastors and people who indicated willingness to sponsor newcomers. Thus far the response of individuals and congregations has been very encouraging. It would be worthwile for our smaller parishes especially to consider sponsoring families. By bringing in the newcomers they could increase their own numbers while expressing Christian commitment at its best. It is hoped that even more congregations will be moved to sponsor families and individuals. American Protestant churches have responded magnificently. It is up to the Magyar Reformed people of America to follow suit and take advantage of this fine opportunity to serve.-------------o------------NEW YORK CARNEGIE HALL AND CHICAGO SYMPHONY CONCERTS AID REFUGEE STUDENTS The American Hungarian Studies Foundation announces that two major symphony orchestras of the United States will present concerts this season in order to aid refugee Hungarian students fleeing to America. On Sunday evening, February 17th, the outstanding Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Antal Dorati will present an all-Bartók concert in Carnegie Hall, New York City. The celebrated American violinist, Yehudi Menuhin, will be the soloist for the program. On March 23rd, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Fritz Reiner, will present a concert to honor the American Hungarian Studies Foundation of Elmhurst, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Proceeds from the concert will be used for scholarships for refugee students at various colleges and universities in America. Victor Ajtay, assistant concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony, will be soloist. The two great American conductors, Antal Dorati and Fritz Reiner, both of Hungarian birth, will direct their orchestras in concerts from Hungarian composers.
