Magyar Egyház, 1972 (51. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1972-06-01 / 6-7. szám

12

MAGYAR EGYHÁZ

thin pillar. The face is not of the Jewish type, nor is it idealized, but rather impresses one as a real portrait. The face shows complete calm, and awakens feelings of serenity and dignity in the beholder. Its long wavey hair, parted in the middle reaches down to the base of the neck; its look is clean, open and penetrating. The regular structure of the head is clearly visible through the strong facial features. The forehead is slightly curved and continues in a near straight line into the nose, which is slightly indented at the top. The nose is straight, the point of it, unfortunately is broken, but could rather easily be restored. The short but heavy beard, parted in the middle leaves his lips free, which almost appear to be opening for speech. The face, the hair, the head, and the beard are not only correct from the anatomical point of view but represent the highest artistic achievement as well.

It has been determined that the head rested atop its supporting pillar at a slight angle, thereby rendering the best possible impression, owing to the usual sky lighting of ancient homes. It is in this position, that it even now creates the best impression and exhibits its complete beauty.

Experts in the field have expressed the opinion that the statue is not that of some idealized head, but rather a real head of an individual who sat for the artist, as it contains nothing that appears forced nor implies artificiality. This is not at all impossible, as we have such portraits dating from pre-christian times.

All outside indications are, that we indeed have the real face of Christ at hand in this small statue. Professor Grath, the outstanding geologist, has determined that the material making up the statue is yellow allabaster of Palestinian origin, and many, many such statues have already been discovered in Jerusalem. The most outstanding art critics of the world have analized the statue from the standpoint of style and Adolf Furtwaengler, the dean of art historians has summarized their findings thusly: “The small statue definitely belongs to the first third of the first Christian century (i.e. the life-time of Christ). It most definitely does not represent some antique divinity. This is the head of Christ! Unfortunately it is the first such object we have and, therefore, we cannot on the basis of comparison with others, prove its authenticity.” Franz Wolter, an expert in Munich, has just published a superb little booklet, complete witli pictures, about this excellent statue of the head of Christ. The data contained in this article are based on the above mentioned booklet.

Translated from the Hungarian — by Hugo Pfabler

Mrs. Helen Vincze Honored

Mrs. Helen Vincze, wife of the late Right Rev. Dr. Charles Vincze, archdean of the Hungarian Reformed Church, was honored at a Testimonial Dinner on May 18, 1972, held at Howard Johnson’s Chez Pierre in Woodbridge, New Jersey. The dinner was given by the Board of Education of Wodbridge Township and the faculty and PTA of School No. 17, where she taught for 17 years.

The dinner was begun with a prayer of thanksgiving offered by the Rev. László Hunyady, her pastor. After dinner Dr. Frederic Buonocore, Superintendent of the School System, addressed the honored guest, commending her as an example of a dedicated teacher. Mrs. William Balderston, principal of School No. 17, gave a history of Mrs. Vincze’s teaching career in her school.

Mr. Charles Famula, a member of the Board of Education, presented Mrs. Vincze with a Certificate of Appreciation and a gold charm in recognition of her loyal and unselfish service to the school system ever the past 17 years. Gift presentations were made by: the Inman Avenue Faculty, a mother of pearl necklace; the PTA, a gold charm bracelet; the friends attending the Dinner, an Omega gold watch; and the Women’s Guild of the Hungarian Reformed Church of Pertli Amboy, a lovely floral arrangement.

The outstanding feature of entertainment was a skit called “To Tell the Truth” presented by the faculty members. This skit exemplified the many events of the work of Mrs. Vincze. A Community Sing was also enjoyed by all. The songs, consisting of parodies on old time favorites, also related events occuring during her career.

Mrs. Vincze is a graduate of Temple University and received her B.A. degree from Newark State College. She is a member of the NJEA, the NEA, the Woodbridge Township Federation of Teachers, and the Alpha Sigma Alpha National Sorority.

In 1964 a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Mrs. Vincze by Rutgers — the State University in recognition of loyal and faithful service as a co-adjutant lecturer. In 1969 she was selected for the Who's Who in Woodbridge Township Education. In 1972 she was selected for national recognition as an exceptional teacher devoted to the highest principles of education. Her history will be presented in the 1972 edition of Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America.

We join with those who have honored Mrs. Helen Vincze, who for many years has been an outstanding leader in our women’s organizations and church life, and pray to God to bless her in her retirement.