Fraternity-Testvériség, 1979 (57. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1979-04-01 / 2. szám
ad mortem” (most faithful unto death), for this is what he heard from his Risen Lord: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). This is why he became a church member in Easton, Pennsylvania — not in spite of his military career, but because he was a Christian soldier, a late descendent of the biblical centurion of Capernaum (Lk. 7:1-10). But perhaps nowhere else is this more clearly evident than in the inscriptions of his American banner. On the one side of this banner you could read the letters “U.S.” encircled with the Latin phrase, “Unita Virtus Fortier’ (United Valor is Stronger), a clear reference to Polish-Hungarian, ethnic cooperation, and on the other side was an embroidered design of an all-seeing Eye — a traditional symbol of the Triune God’s Presence — surrounded by thirteen stars representing the thirteen states, and again another Latin phrase, “NON ALIUS REGIT” meaning, “NONE OTHER RULES”. “NON ALIUS REGIT” — these words are deeply biblical and confessional. From the Bible Kovats learned that “the Most High rules the kingdom of men, and gives it to whom He will” (Daniel 4:17,25, 32). Even King George should learn this as did mighty Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel’s time. “NON ALIUS REGIT” — Kovats learned this from his Hungarian Reformed ancestors who went to galley slavery in this conviction, who dared to challenge wicked powers in the name of the Lord and put on their banners: “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom. 8:31). "NON ALIUS REGIT” — these words wrere also deeply confessional. The Hungarian Reformed people, never contaminated by pacifism, declared in the Second Helvetic Confession: “God is the sovereign Ruler of the nations, magistracy of every kind is instituted by God Himself and if the public safety of the country and justice require it, we should lay down even our very lives and pour out our blood in the Name of God willingly, bravely and cheerfully.” (XXX) “NON ALIUS REGIT” — “NONE OTHER RULES” — this biblical-confessional-historical insight of Hungarian Reformed faith — and not just traditional Hungarian bravery or Prussian military drill — is the key that unlocks the mystery of Michael Kovats’ life and death, and challenges us to similar faithfulness. This celebration is both timely and desperately needed today. We live in an America where both patriotism and Christian faith are neglected, if not willfully rejected. In fear of American civil religion we fail to cultivate Christian patriotism. In unscrip- tural zeal for peace at any price we despise readiness to fight and die for God and country. We are like the Charleston City Council was on May 11, 1979: despirited, desperate, dejected, ready to capitulate and surrender all which is dear to us to destructive, alien forces... Let us raise, then, the Kovats banner and our hearts today in Christian devotion, “NON ALIUS REGIT”... And in this faith, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfector of our faith I Heb. 12:2), let us change like Michael Kovats did. the spirit of despair into Christian courage, fear into faithfulness, and shameful surrender to glorious victory. Only then are we worthy of his memory! Rt. Rev. Dt. John Rutosi 0 Presentation ceremony of the replica of the 1778 Kovats-Pulaski Banner donated by Mr. John Taba.
