Reformátusok Lapja, 1969 (69. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1969-02-01 / 2. szám
12 REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA THE REFORMED COLLEGE AND SEMINARY OF SÁROSPATAK Sárospatak is located in northeastern Hungary on the right bank of the Bodrog River, at the edge of the great Hungarian Plain and the wine-producing mountains, called Hegyalja. This city is famous for its Fort and its College. The Fort in Sárospatak for centuries belonged to the Hungarian kings, and from about 1500 to the Princes of Transylvania. Since these Princes were Protestant, Sárospatak became a haven for Protestants. Already in the early years of the Reformation, in 1531, a school was organized under the patronage and with the financial help of Péter Perényi by István Kopácsi. In 1550 it became a school of higher learning. In 1630, György Rákóczy I was elected Prince of Transylvania. His wife, Zsuzsánna Lorántffy, became the greatest benefactor of the school with her financial and dedicated help. She invited Comenius, the great educator, to join the school, and under his direction, the school was reorganized. After her death, Zsófia ENGLISH DEPARTMENT Báthory, came into power, and dark days began at the school. She was a Roman Catholic and did not favor this Reformed College. The professors and students were forced to flee before the Jesuit persecution. They were, however, well received in Debrecen, Gyulafehérvár, Marosvásárhely, Szászváros, Gönc and Kassa. The faculty and student body returned after the victorious battles of Francis Rákóczi II in 1703. Later, Rákóczi was defeated and the school again was persecuted and it was not until after the 1790’s that the school was able to enjoy better days. Its present main building was erected in 1814. The Sárospatak School once included a Gymnasium, Teachers’ College, Seminary, School of Philosophy, and School of Law. After World War I, an English Department was added. In this Department in the Gymnasium, only English was spoken by the students both in the classes and their separated dormitories. In the higher classes of this Department, professors were brought over from England to present the class material and lectures in English. After World War II, contrary to an agreement between the Church and State, the school was forced to cease functioning. In 1950, the Seminary was closed, and then the Gymnasium and Teachers’ College were taken over by the State. Only the main Library and Archives are under the jurisdiction of the Church today. Sárospatak — famous, historical, Reformed College. Almost 20 years have passed since the closing of its doors — when will they be reopened to a brighter and more glorious future. Francis Vitéz MY CHURCH My church to me means life; The more abundant life, enlarge, full-grown; Unchanging in a swiftly moving age When hope has flown. My church to me means love; An all-embracing love, secure, serene. With hands outstretched to help the passing throng; With self unseen. My church to me means rest; A quiet, peaceful rest, calm and complete; Unbroken by the din of worldly strife; The soul’s retreat. My church to me means home; A happy, cheerful home, within whose walls An undivided circle kneels in prayer, As evening falls. My church to me means God; An understanding God who loves His own; Who woos the sinful and consoles the saint, When tempest blown. My church to me means Christ; A sympathetic Christ, with boundless love, Who will not rest until each wayward child Is safe above. My church to me means hope; A never failing hope when night descends, For in that hour it lights the evening lamp And comfort sends. My church to me means faith; Triumphant faith, that clears the cluttered way Toward that city where for us awaits Eternal day.
