Magyar Egyház, 1977 (56. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1977-12-01 / 12. szám

10

MAGYAR EGYHÁZ

greater joy in a royal family, than when the child of the king and queen is born? Can you picture more complete and true joy to God’s people, than the announcement of the angel, that the son of God, the Prince of peace, and the Lord of lords and the Kings of kings, the Savior is born today in the city of Bethlehem?

The celebration of Christmas comes again to remind us all that during the advent season, we must prepare our hearts to receive the heavenly gift of our gracious God, His Son our Savior, who brought to us the true joy and happiness, that only Jesus Christ can bring.

Let us open our hearts before Christ the King, let us bow down and worship Him and sing praises to His name. Let us go on this road ahead of us in 1978, with the same Lord Jesus Christ: unto Him be all glory, majesty, and power for ever.

Dezső Ábrahám, bishop

☆ ☆

NEWS

The future of our orphanage in Ligonier, Pa., waas the topic of discussions there during the Labor Day weekend in September, 1977. There were several area meetings to discuss “what shall be the future of the children’s home?”: in New York, Pittsburgh, Chicago and Cleveland, Ohio. During these meetings several ideas were suggested, but no decision made. Some of our church leaders would like to see a Hungarian Center with conference facilities, museum, archives, etc. in Ligonier, Pa. The Rt. Rev. Louis Nagy administrator announced that he will retire as of January 31st, 1978.

HOSPITALIZED

The Very Rev. Gábor Csordás, dean of our New York Classis is in the hospital in New York City. Rev. Andrew Hamza had an eye operation, Rev. Imre Szabó, Buenos Aires, Argentina underwent kidney surgery. We pray for their recovery.

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CONTINUING EDUCATION

Hungarian pastors in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Eastern Pennsylvania had a continuing education conference in the Princeton Theological Seminary December 8-9. Dr. Tibor Csikesz professor from Washington, D. C. was the guest speaker.

TRANSYLVANIAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND

The following churches have made contributions: Linden, N. J. $100.00, Roebling, N. J. $86.52, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. $110.00, Staten Island, N. Y. $71.00, Akron, Ohio $1,100.00, Allen Park, Mich. $1,100.00 Ontario Calif. $110.00, San Francisco, Calif. $1,207.00, Youngstown, Ohio $250.00, Szatmár County Association $200.00 and individuals. The need is great and every little help will be appreciated. If you have not given yet, send your donation to our Mission Fund, c/o the Bishop’s Office.

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The Rev. Dr. Zoltán Béky returned from South America where he visited sister churches and organizations in Caracas, Venezuela, San Paulo, Brazil, Buenos Aires, Argentina. A more detailed report of his journey is printed in the Hungarian section.

VACANT CHURCHES

Hungarian Reformed Church in America:McKeesport, Pa., in the Calvin Synod of U. C. C.: Columbus, Ohio, Phoenixville and Coatsville, Pa., Buffalo, N. Y., in the Presbyterian Church: Sharon, Pa., Niles, Ohio, Alpha and Wharton,, N.J.

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NEWS FROM THE BISHOP’S COUNCIL

The Bishop’s Council had a meeting in New York City on November 25th, when the issues and questions of all classis and Congregations were discussed. The members learned with gratitude that the new church edifice in Ontario, California will be ready for dedication in the near future.

Applications from the Rev. Paul Mező, Toronto, Canada, Rev. Dr. Remus Murray, Phoenix, Arizona and Rev. John Paul Nagy, Miami, Florida, were submitted by the dean of the Western Classis. The Bishop’s Council received and placed The Rev. Paul Mező and Dr. Remus Murray on the roll of our ministers. The Rev. John Paul Nagy was reinstated in the hope that as in other major cities where there are two or three Hungarian churches, the two Hungarian Reformed Churches in Miami, Florida will live in peaceful harmony in the future.

Due to unpleasant circumstances, known to church leaders everywhere, the unanimous decision was to reorganize the Bethlen Youth Federation, by a special committee appointed for this purpose. The present officers were notified by the general secretary of the Bishop’s Council of the termination of their office effective immediately.