Magyar News, 2004. szeptember-2005. augusztus (15. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2005-04-01 / 8. szám
In the Hungarian Heritage Room in several cases and glass enclosures are the many embroideries, most made by members. On the right a painting depicting the church in Máriapócs, Hungary, And many fine people there were including hundreds of parishioners and guests which included scores of kids eagerly awaiting a chance to get a glimpse at and greet their beloved hero, the Patron of Children. The kiddies were thrilled to take turns sitting on Santa's lap and receive a shiny, big, colorful Christmas presen t! Cameras and camcorders were working overtime at full speed by the loving parents, families, and friends, who were so very delighted also, I can assure you. After the gifts were distribu ted and all the carols were so handsomely sung, the most generous Father Christmas began to prepare for his departure. Believe you me, the time flew by so fast with all the fun and delight and before you knew it, he arose to make ready his exit. After a last farewell, and escorted by the priest, he again con tinued to give his blessings and slowly made his way through t the crowd and then at last ou t of the hall to the waiting world outside. I had to pinch myself to make sure it was true because such a most unique and memorable event I've not ever experienced yet. Thank you, Szt. Miklós, good people of Holy Trinity Byzantine Church! If you liked this story, please visit Our Lord in the beautiful church, a treasure right here inour neighborhood, where there is mass every Sunday at 9am. Hungarian singing, embroidered table cloth, and tricolored flag showing shield topped by King St. István 's Holy Crown are proudly evident. Beautiful saintly icons and religious images stimulate the senses and affect the soul. In exploring just some of the artwork, there is an awesome extremely life-like statue of Our Lady sheltered in glass to the side in front of the church. A lovely statue of the tender mother St. Anne with her daughter St. Mary inhabits the inside. A most splendid gorgeous stained glass window in striking deep blue colors depicts the Angel Gabriel visiting the Virgin Mary The people of the church are some of the kindest and friendliest you'd ever want to meet and they hold many , many great events all year long, including food festivals with Hungarian goodies and treats. On the first Sunday of the month, they offer pastries and refreshmen ts and the chance to meet with, talk to, and spend some quality time with fellow church-goers. Here one also has a great chance to connect with past, present, and future and to discover Hungarian roots and origins in the very people you encounter. To experience some delightful nostalgia, there is even a Hungarian museum in the hall basement with folk costumes such as in the famous "matyó" style, dolls, embroidery , dishes, statues, porcelain, coins, books, and framed documents such as a charter to the parish have been shown. Pictures and images depicting Hungarian heroic historical figures and themes and even religious articles such as icons and a monstrance are on display and many other interesting items as well. These are reminders that this is a place where the Hungarian heritage flourished, with school, youth group, plays, dances, and social activities. BIG spender Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány gave a total of HUF 400 (two dollars) last year to support Balaton Fencing Club last year. The club had requested state support to build a new fencing hall at the time when Mr Gyurcsány was Minister of Youth and Sport Affairs but he acted as a private person instead. Balaton Fencing Club which has regional tasks and has sections in Keszthely, Tapolca, and Balatonfured, to build a fencing hall in Balatonfured, too. Its owner would be the local self-government and it would be maintained by the county. MNO Statistics to'think/ about According to the National Office of Statistics the number of births decreased to a historic bottom in Hungary. Though so far only the data of the first ten months have been processed by experts it is probable that the last year hit a negative record of births in Hungary. According to the report between January and October, 2004 there were 79 thousand babies bom, by 950 less than in the similar period of 2003. There is little chance that the data would be more favourable in the rest of the year. Ferenc Kamarás, expert of the National Office of Statistic said the decline was due to fears of the future. So far the negative record has been hit by births in 1999 when 94 645 babies were registered. It is a better piece of news that the number of deaths has been decreased, too. The population of Hungary in October last year has been estimated by experts as 10 099 thousand. The number of marriages was 39 400 in the given period, 1400 (3,4 pc) less than a year before. MNO Translated by Péter Szentmihályi Szabó Page 5
