Magyar Egyház, 1999 (78. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1999 / 1. szám
8. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ The next portion of Bishop Forro’s report dealt with the numerous visitations, representing our denomination at meetings and anniversaries in America and Hungary and the multitude of other administrative duties of the office. In conclusion, Bishop Forro commented that he found peace and understanding in most of our member congregations. At the conclusion of the Bishop’s report Rev. Demeter expressed thanks and appreciation in behalf of the Synod for the faithful service of Bishop Forro. Report of the Chief Elder: The Chief Elder of the Synod, Mr. Stephen Szabó, began his report by quoting from the 17th verse of Psalm 90, “establishing the works of our hands”. He gave thanks to God for his help and blessings. His primary responsibility as Chief Elder was to represent the lay membership of our denomination. Mr. Szabó remarked that our forefathers gave direction of the church to the laity and they are the defenders of the Hungarian Reformed faith. Unfortunately, Mr. Szabó feels that local congregations place too much emphasis on finances instead of faith. Each group must raise faith to its primary level. He recommends that all church officers and presbyters receive instructions and be involved in Bible study so they may have knowledge of our faith and may be good examples and teachers in their congregations. In closing, Mr. Szabó thanked the Assembly for their understanding and trust. Bishop Forro expressed his appreciation to the Chief Elder for four years of faithful service and Mr. Zoltán Kun, Chief Elder, Western Classis, thanked Mr. Szabó for his report and for his intensive list of activities. The meeting proceeded with the report of the Classes: In behalf of the Eastern Classis, the Rev. Dr. Imre Bertalan, Dean and Mr. Balint Balogh reported to the Assembly. They both indicated that life in the Eastern Classis is peaceful. The new Dean upon the resignation of the former Dean assumed office. The Oath of Office was administered to Rev. Bertalan at the Classis meeting held this past March in Bethlehem. They also indicated that upon the reorganization of the Classis, the Dallas and Houston mission churches requested in a letter to transfer their membership to the Western Classis, which subject will be discussed at the upcoming Assembly of the Classes in 1999. They also indicated that our sister church in Miami, Florida celebrated their 50th anniversary. During this year, the following churches celebrated anniversaries: Roebling, NJ 85th, Carteret 95th, NJ, Perth Amboy, NJ 95th. We congratulate to them and ask God’s blessings on their continued existence. In behalf of the New York Classis, the Rt. Rev. Alexander Forro reported that the Classis held its regular meeting this past month and since no pastor serving in the Classis qualified to be elected as Dean, he shall continue to act in supervisory capacity in the New York Classis. The Assembly elected the Rev. Arpad Drotos as Secretary and he will handle the day to day operations of the New York Classis. Mr. László Vanyi, Chief Elder expressed thanks and appreciation of the New York 82nd Street Church to Bishop Forro and to other pastors. It is his, as well as the congregation’s hope that with the election and installation of the Rev. Drotos, the harmony and well-running of the congregation will return to normal. Dean of the Eastern Classis, the Rev Dr Imre Bertalan Dean of the Western Classis, the Rev. Andor Demeter began his remarks by stating that those Christians who follow in Jesse’s footsteps are strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit and that faith gives us strength to live and assures the prospering of Christian life. The goal of each church should be to teach and keep the commandments of Jesus. The thirteen churches that comprise the Western Classis have a total membership of 2,350. In this group, there are two mission churches. Every church, with the exception of Youngstown, Ohio, has approved the division of the Classis. Allen Park, Duguesne, McKeesport, Oshawa, Toronto, Windsor and Youngstown would become the new Central Classis while Hollywood, Ontario, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Vancouver would remain in the Western Classis. This division could provide for closer cooperation with sister congregations. A decision at the annual meeting of the Western Classis recommends that the General Assembly approve the division of the Western Classis. The Assembly accepted all reports. Magyar Egyház: Editor of the official publication of the denomination, Mr. Stephen Szabó, reported that his goals have been to improve the contents,
