Magyar Egyház, 1993 (72. évfolyam, 1-5. szám)
1993-10-01 / 4. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 11. oldal est in July. At the meeting, the delegation was working on plans for the Hungarian Reformed World Federation Conference in 1996. The Executive Council will meet next year in Erdély on July 5,6 and 7, 1994. After the meeting, Mr. Szaniszlo as approached by Mr. Tibor Balia, secretary of the Hungarian Reformed Presbyters’ Association, asking if a World Presbyters’ meeting would be possible following the Council meeting in July of 1994. Indicated that it was agreeable with him. All of our American-Hungarian Reformed Presbyters will be notified if it becomes reality. The district vice presidents gave their reports: beginning with Mr. John Nagy, vice president of the Eastern District. He reported that a benefit banquet was given by his Church for two seminary students ho had completed their studies at Princeton, and were returning to Hungary. The students were Rev. Lorand and Rev. Fukk. Mrs. Janet Vegh, vice president of the Central District, gave her report. She stated that she was able to correspond with all the Churches in the Central District. She did manage to visit the Church in Beaver Falls, Pa., and concluded with a brief report on her Church’s activities (Columbus). Mr. Robert Bone, vice president of the Western District, presented his report. His Church, Allen Park, is trying to obtain a senior pastor - they now have an interim pastor. In a few weeks they are expecting a minister from Hungary who will serve the needs of the Hungarians in the congregation. Presbyters of twelve congregations presented reports of their activities during the past year. The main speaker for the afternoon was Rev. Dr. Eva Fabian of McKeesport, Pa. Her topic was “Qualifications”. According to the Bible Elders should be blameless, their children believers, not accused of debauchery, and not rebellious. Elders should pray, study the Bible, go to conferences, and attend classes where offered at seminars. There are many “Conflicts” that beset an Elder. These problems that arise are due to the fact that the country has abandoned its Christian heritage, and some accepted the slogan “any thing goes”. Rev. Dr. Fabian stated that the seduction of Christianity is underway by the sects, new age movement, and cult explosion - she named a few. The Christian has inter conflicts with other religions. “Compensations”: The office of Elders is the oldest office of over four thousand years, dating back to the time of Moses. The office is a place of honor in the service of the Lord. Sometimes it becomes painful in respect - with misunderstanding, receiving criticism, and slander. Peace should begin with you. After the conclusion of her speech, Rev. Dr. Fabian answered a few very interesting questions, raised by the assembly. After a brief discussion on micro-filming of Church records; a consensus was reached whereby we should not use the offer made by the Mormons for micro-filming of our records, because then our records would be available to the public. We are to seek a more up-to-date technical method. Information on this will be forthcoming in the near future. In the early evening, a picnic was provided for us by the Bethlen Home. The resolution committee met later in the evening. Many joined in the fellowship at one of the hotel rooms where snacks were available. Monday morning, Miss Priscilla Hunyady gave a report on the Youth Camp held in August. Rev. Paul Kovács, administrator, reported on the financial status of the Bethlen Home. He also mentioned some proposals that would be implemented in the future. Afterwards, Mr. Steve Szabó gave a more detailed report of the Executive Council meeting of the Hungarian Reformed World Federation in Budapest, during July 6,7, and 8. The main topic of discussion was the planning for the next Conference of the Federation to be held in August of 1996. Also at this time, Hungary will be celebrating its one thousand one hundred year anniversary. Our guest speaker for Monday morning was Bishop István Mészáros from Hungary. He gave brief life history of the Reformed Churches in Hungary. The presbyters were organized last year, and meet twice a year in conferences. He stated that the “new age movement” is known in Hungary. About twenty percent of people attend Church and the other eighty percent are not Church inclined. It is hard to convince young people to attend Church. When there is a death in the family, people know where to go for help. They know where their parents or grandparents attended Church. The professionals, politicians, trades people, etc., did not attend Church during the communist rule, for fear of losing their jobs or the possibility of becoming victims of discrimination. The meeting adjourned before eleven and the peresbyters joined the ministers of the Ministerial Association by attending the divine worship service with Holy Communion. Submitted by: Paul J. Szaniszlo, President American Hungarian Reformed Presbyters Association
