Calvin Synod Herald, 1975 (75. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1975-05-01 / 5-6. szám

REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA

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and development of our country. For far too long we have failed to adequately document and inform our American compatriots of the significant part that Hungarians have had in the advancement and progress of America. The Hungarian Reformed Church Uniting might well be an initiator in this public relations task but in any event our Synod should certainly be instrumental in forming an ecumenical task force to implement and promote this historical opportunity and effort. Perhaps our Committee on Ecumenical Relations might give this matter priority consideration and make suitable recommendations to Synod in this regard.

On February 11, 1976, we will observe the 300th anniversary of the freeing of the Galley Slaves by Admiral de Ruyter. This significant anniversary is hardly known or recognized by most of Western Protestants or as a matter of fact by our own people. Therefore it would be most appropriate if Sunday, February 8, 1976 might be proclaimed Galley Slave Sunday for observance by all our Reformed churches and to mark this date with suitable programs and celebrations. Wherever possible it should be held in an ecumenical context especially where our Dutch Reformed brethren might be invited to participate. The Committee on Recommendations should consider this matter together with any other proposal that might be called to its attention.

It has become increasingly clear to me that our people are seeking for a much closer fellowship than we have been able to offer or to provide in the past. Clergy and lay retreats, Classis conferences, workshops, special programs and observances ought to be promoted and encouraged. Communication is the life-blood of our life and work.

It is with grateful hearts that we observe the 75th anniversary of the Reformátusok Lapja—Calvin Synod Herald. We are keenly aware of the great personal sacrifice many have made for the survival of this the oldest Reformed church publication both here and abroad. Dedicated editors, writers and subscribers have joined in making a remarkable witness to our common faith and work. New times require new ways and new ideas but one thing is certain: we need the unifying and witnessing influences of our Synodical paper. We extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes to the Reformátusok Lapja and to its gallant and brilliant editor the Rev. Francis Vitéz.

For some time it has been evident to many of us that we are developing our own organizational and administrative life-style in keeping with our own heritage and tradition. This continuing development should be welcomed and encouraged amongst us. A special committee on structure and strategic planning should be appointed to meet and to suggest ways and means of best meeting the challenges of a new day and a new society. This will make it possible for us to give free reign to all our inherent gifts and abilities and to express our Reformed Christian faith in our own and unique way.

In the past year we have all been saddened by the passing of many good and faithful servants of our Lord Jesus Christ. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the following brethren who have passed on to their reward: the Rev. Joseph Marsalko, General Secretary of our Synod, the Rev. Géza Takaró, the Rev. Arpad Bakay, the Rev. Alexander Mircse, Dr. Arthur Varady, and Mrs. László Szabó, the widow of the Rev. László Szabó. May God’s Holy Spirit console the bereaved loved ones.

As I come to the close of my last report to you as your first Bishop, I am fully cognizant of the great honor you

75th Anniversary

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD—REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA

At the annual meeting of Calvin Synod at a Banquet held in the Bethlen Home, the 75th Anniversary of our Calvin Synod Herald-Reformátusok Lapja was observed. The editor of the paper, the Rev. Francis Vitéz of Perth Amboy presented the history of the paper and pointed out its future tasks. This paper is the oldest Hungarian Reformed Church paper including Hungary itself. The editor presented citations to the former editors: Rev. Edmund Vasvary of Washington, D.C.; the Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Bessemer of Bridgeport, Connecticut; the Rev. Dr. László Harangi and Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Szabó, both of Cleveland, Ohio for their faithful services. Citations were also presented to the Rt. Rev. Dr. Zoltán Beky, president of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America, Washington, D.C. and to Mr. William Köteles, president of Pemco, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio for their continuous generous support of the paper. A citation was also awarded to the Rev. Andrew Hamza, president of Standard Press, New Brunswick, New Jersey for the outstanding workmanship in printing the paper. A special citation was presented to Bishop Beretz, as editor-in-chief, for his devoted support, encouragement and for the numerous articles written for the paper.

Greetings for the 75th Anniversary were received from many and may be found printed in the current issue of the paper.

The 75th Anniversary is certainly a milestone but with the help of our Lord, we look forward to the continued support of our churches and friends, and for the 100th Anniversary.

75th Anniversary Gifts to the CSH-RL:

$75.00 The Rev. Joseph Shimko

$25.00 Hungarian Reformed Church, Coatesville, Pa.

have bestowed upon me. I will be forever grateful to you for your kind support as I endeavored to the best of my ability to serve you and to serve God. May I express a special word of thanks to my fellow officers who served with me for four years on the Synodical Council. I will always cherish their warm friendship and their total dedication to the work of Calvin Synod. There are however no words by which I can express my appreciation to my congregation for their willingness to share their pastor whenever and wherever he was needed, to my wife and to my secretary for their help, patience, understanding and long suffering and most of all for their encouragement and inspiration when I needed it most.

May God continue to bless our Calvin Synod, a precious jewel in His Kingdom, and may we prove worthy of His love and grace towards us now and in the future. Soli Deo Gloria!

Blessings and Peace!

Arpad L. Beretz, Bishop