Magyar News, 2001. szeptember-2002. augusztus (12. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2001-12-01 / 4. szám
KÓ7.Y>0K Havadtőy Sándor Vigasztaljátok népemet The fall of Communism was brought about not by the bombs and missiles of the Western powers but by the still small voice of the Gospel. Yet before the fall how many people would have been poisoned by their estrangement from God? Just think of the civil servants and other state employees who never dared to darken the churches' doors. If it were not for the radio ministries which kept the faith alive, the Communists would have succeeded in completely destroying the mind and hearts of tne believers. The religious broadcasts of Radio Free Europe became even more important for the three million Hungarians living outside of Hungary's borders. The dictatorship in Romania directed its attacks primarily against the Hungarian churches of all denominations. They wanted to separate the masses from the churches, destroy the faith, and finally the national identity. Party officials would go from house to house to warn people not to listen to religious radio broadcasts. To listen to a sermon was punishable by imprisonment. The impact of the religious programs became evident particularly after the fall of Communism in 1989. Suddenly the churches were filled and religious life flourished as if Communism had never existed. The faith was kept alive through the voice of the Gospel preached on the radio. A selection of sermons by Dr. Havadtőy which he delivered on the radio between 1967-1993, has been published recently in Hungarian in Budapest. The book entitled, "Vigasztaljátok népemet" can be purchased from the treasurer of the Transylvanian Committee, Mr. Allan Chomortany, 250 Black Rock Tpke., Fairfield, CT 06430, for $20.00 which includes postage and handling. Total proceeds go for the benefit of the Committee of Transylvania, Inc. FOLK AND TRADITIONAL DANCING The young members of the Pannónia American Hungarian Club organized a course of good time and fun. Besides those who join will learn Hungarian folk-dance and some traditional ballroom dances, mostly in the Viennese Style. It is held on Friday, November 30, at 7:30 at the Calvin Church on Kings Highway in Fairfield, CT. It will take place under the hall. Sponsored by the Club, free to everybody. You have to call Judith at 203-373-9958 (EljriHtnraa with a Hungarian heart Every year the members of the Pannónia American Hungarian Club with the support of the neighboring communities organizes a celebration and a program. It is a heart warming event with the many children who participate. Following the program every child receives a Christmas gift, and there will be a reception for all present. The event is also the time for the Club to honor students with scholarships. Students who participate in Hungarian events and show proper progress in their studies are chosen. The program will be held at the St. Emery’s R.C. Church Hall, Kings Highway, Fairfield, CT on December 16, Sunday, starting at 3:30 PM. NEW EXEIEITS The Museum of The American Hungarian Foundation will have the annual Festival of Christmas, the trees will be dressed up according to different nationality costumes. Also, a famous Hungarian artist will be presented. Joseph Csatari’s works have appeared in the Saturday Evening Post, Time, Reader’s Digest and McCalls magazines. For info call 722-846-8390. Experienced in all phases of TAX and ACCOUNTING Allan Chomortany, CPA Fairfield location Phone: 203-335-1935 During his long and successful reign, King Saint Stephen of Hungary brought together peoples of various nations and backgrounds in creating a strong Christian nation lasting over a thousand years despite frequent enemy occupations. That same spirit of cohesiveness and brotherhood was evident at the official opening of the 100-year anniversary of Saint Stephen of Hungary Parish in New York City on Sunday, August 5. In recognition of and in gratitude for the initiative of the Archdiocese of Eger in the foundation of the parish, the current Archbishop of Eger, the Reverend Doctor István Seregely, was invited to be the main celebrant for the 11:00 high mass. Hundreds of parishioners and their friends and family members from the tri-state area filled the church for a solemn liturgical celebration followed by a sumptuous home-cooked luncheon that took place in the church's spacious facilities a short while after the mass. The enormous amount of effort exerted by those who worked on this occasion and the enthusiastic response from all those attending were a source of inspiration for all. For months Hungarians and non-Hungarians alike were involved in the many facets of planning the event, and their efforts were rewarded by the many wonderful compliments and words of thanks they received. People greeting the Archbishop during and after the banquet took photographs with him and expressed their gratitude for his presence. As he departed from the dining hall late in the afternoon, the crowd instinctively rose to its feet and applauded thunderously until he was out of sight. Father Neil O'Connell, O.F.M., pastor of Saint Stephen's, organized the mass as a United Parish event in which the dominant Page 2
