Magyar News, 1990. november-1991. augusztus (1. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
1991-01-01 / 3. szám
FR. DR. ANDOR RAKACZKI Fr. Dr. Andor Rakaczki was born in Hungary in 1949. After his 6 years of philosophical and theological studies at the Pázmány Péter University in Budapest, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1973. He started his pastoral ministry in Máriapócs as an Associate Pastor, and two years later he became a Pastor in Tornabarakony (Borsod County). In 1975 he finished his dissertation in Eastern theology & church history, and became a Doctor of Sacred Theology. In 1976 the bishop of the Ukranian Diocese of Toronto, invited him into his Diocese, and in 1978 he was appointed pastor of the biggest Hungarian Greek Catholic Church in Canada, in Courtland, Ontario. He served his parish in Courtland for 8 years. In 1986 he was accepted into the Byzantine Catholic Diocese of Passaic. As Pastor he served the Holy Cross Church in New York City, NY, the Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Elizabeth, NJ. On February 6,1989 he was appointed to the Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church, as Pastor. He serves this parish with enthusiasm and with great dedication. (Editor: We asked him about his priestly and pastoral ministry. This is what Fr. Andor says about his priesthood.) “First of all may I offer a very brief summary about the Priesthood. For many years I have been intrigued by the different titles given to their clergy by the various religious bodies. Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, and perhaps a few others, give the title of “Priest” to their clergy. Most Protestants refer to their clergy as “Minister” or “Reverend” or “Pastor”. The basic reason for the difference in titles is the difference in theology. By definition a priest is one who offers sacrifice. The Catholic Church teaches that the Liturgy is a sacrifice; it is, in a mystical sense, a re-presentation of the identical sacrifice that Jesus made of himself on the altar of the Cross almost 2000 years ago. So because the Catholic priest, in celebrating the Eucharist (Liturgy) acts in the person of Christ, and in a mysterious way offers once again the unique sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, he is called a “priest”, one who gives or brings holy things to the People of God. The Catholic faith teaches that the priest is another Christ, an alter Christus, he takes on this sublime dignity by receiving the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The most essential function of the priestly office is sacrifice. For we read in Hebrews 8:3, “Every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices.” I offered this brief summary of the Church’s teaching on priesthood and sacrifice because many people, even catholics, simply do not understand what is going on when they attend Sunday Liturgy. The Catholic priest is also a minister, but he is first and foremost a priest, because he has been empowered by Christ to offer the sacrifice of the Liturgy for the salvation of souls. So my first obligation as a priest is to offer the Liturgy, give out the Sacraments, preach the Good News, in other words fulfill the spiritual needs of my parishioners. As a Hungarian Priest it is my obligation to keep our Hungarian heritage (language, custom, culture) alive. I must say I am very fortunate, because my parishioners didn’t forget their roots and are very cooperative. Three months after my arrival at Holy Trinity I established a Parish Heritage Museum. I asked my parishioners to donate items and in 2 months the museum was filled with beautiful Hungarian items. Our special Hungarian affairs such as our Pork Supper (Disznótoros, Vacsora), Grape Festival (Szüreti Bál) and other social affairs show my parishioner’s dedicated love for their Parish. This cooperation enriches my pastoral ministry and allows them to grow spiritually well as financially. FIRST DAY OF THE YEAR, BIRTHDAY OF OUR POET. Sándor Petőfi was born January 1, 1823 in Kiskoros. He was one of the greatest Hungarian poets, the first one to be accepted into the international family of literature. His poetry was published in almost every modern language throughout the world. The spirit of Petőfi was saturated with the love of freedom. He made “Freedom for the World” a household expression in the Hungarian literature. REAPPEARANCE OF STALIN AND RÁKOSI Try to imagine that you are walking around on the Castle Hill in Buda enjoying the panorama overlooking the Danube River and the smokey, foggy side of Pest. Everything is tranquil, only the memories of the Turks, the royal families, the war torn buildings linger in the air. You are breathing the fresh air of freedom and you are not considered a suspicious enemy of the people but you are a welcomed tourist. As you turn one of the corners your eyes pop wide open. You are facing a huge sign depicting two faces and the words: “Stalin and Rákosi.” You feel your feet being nailed to the ground, a cold shiver runs down your spine, you cautiously look over your shoulder. In a hoarse voice you utter - “it can’t be.” Then you look at the two faces again and this saves you from total desperation. They are charicatures. Stalin angled, big mustash, fierce looking, and Rákosi with a balloon like water-brain. You feel saved. There is an exhibit, put together by the museum, that shows the period from 1945 to 1956 not as a historical document but the light side of it. Don’t miss it if you are around the Castle Hill. It will help you adjust to the present reality. In conclusion I ask God’s infinite graces upon our neighboring Hungarian Churches and civil organizations in our Community and wish all of them a very happy New Year! I take this opportunity to express my most sincere thanks and appreciation to the Editor, whose dedicated work makes possible the publication of this newspaper. May God give him health and happiness for many years! LLA COMPLETE CAR CLEANING SERVICES’7) Fairfield • 367-8327 ‘Full Service" Exterior Wash includes Interior Vacuuming and Cleaning £] Professional Hand Waxing & Complete Detailing £) Full line of Maps and Atlases Bridgeport • 372-3417
