Magyar Egyház, 1994 (73. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1994 / 2. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 9. oldal the congregation has not taken an active part in the life of the Classis in the past and upon the death of Rev. Illés, he receives even less information from them. Rev. Alexander Forro, Dean of the New York Classis indicated that all congregations are at peace and work faithfully in the service of the Lord. Rev. Forro also requested the Bishop’s Council to allow Mr. Andrew Schilling to give a report on the possibilities of forming new congregations in the State of New York and around Boston. Mass. Mr. Schilling gave us an encouraging report, however up to date no new congregations have been formed. Rev. Stefan M. Torok in his report on the life of the Eastern Classis touched on a couple of congregations which are experiencing some difficulties. One of them is Trenton, where there seems to be a problem of communication between Pastor and members of the congregation. Rev. Torok also included that with a little more effort all problems can be solved and peace may return to the life of the congregation. The other congregation mentioned by the Dean was Miami, Florida. Rev. László Bodor has retired from active service and the congregation is in the process of searching for a new Pastor. The Dean has been in touch with the Chief-Elder Mr. Gabor Nagy Bozsoki and it is his hope that by the end of the summer they will have a more definitive answer as to which way the election is going to be decided. After the long discussions that followed Bishop Harsanyi order a break in the deliberations and the host pastor extended an invitation for a fellowship Lunch. The afternoon session opened with an agreed upon program, mainly dealing with the up coming election in the Synod. Bishop Harsanyi read a prepared statement in which he indicated that due to his poor health and advanced years, he does not desire to be either nominated or elected to the position of Bishop. He expressed his thanks to Almighty God for giving him the ability and calling him to this service. Also a special thanks and appreciation was addressed to his wife Margaret Harsanyi for being not only his lifelong partner in the service, but also His secretary and traveling partner during his term of office without any financial compensation. Rev. Torok in behalf of the Council expressed thanks and appreciation to Bishop Harsanyi and his wife for carrying on the call and being faithful to God and to our congregations. In behalf of the whole Bishop’s Council we expressed our desire and prayer to the Almighty God to keep both Bishop Dr. Andrew Harsanyi and Mrs. Margaret Harsanyi in his loving care, that they may remain amongst us for many years to come. Bishop Harsanyi at this point requested the Council members to make nominations for the next term of office, first to the office of Bishop: Rev. Torok nominated Rev. Alexander Forro, which was seconded by Mr. Stephen Szabó. The Bishop’s Council unanimously accepted the nomination. Bishop Harsanyi then requested nominations for Chief- Elder of the Synod. The nomination of Mr. Stephen Szabó was made by Mr. László B. Vanyi and seconded by Mr. Balint Balogh. This nomination was also unanimously accepted. Bishop Harsanyi indicated that further nominations from the Bishop’s Council must include members for the Judicial Commission for the Synod. The following nominations were made and accepted: From the Eastern Classis- Rt. Rev. D.D. Dezső Abraham and Mr. Balint Balogh, from the New York Classis:- Rev. August Molnár and Dr. Otto Kanocz, from the Western Classis Rev. Pal Mezo and Mr. István Farkas. All nominations were accepted. Bishop Harsanyi further indicated, that due to the fact that Rev. Pal Mezo Ecclesiastical Secretary is seriously ill, and would be unable to conduct the business of the elections, he would like to ask personally Rev. Stefan M. Torok to send out the official ballot letters with all the necessary information. Bishop Harsanyi also indicated that these nominations are the recommendations of the Bishop’s Council, however each congregation has the right to cast their vote for any write in candidate, who is qualified for said positions in accordance of the By Laws and Constitution of our Synod. The following subject before the Council was the establishment of criterias in accordance with our By Laws regarding the recently approved paragraph which indicates: “Congregations will have the right to vote only if their assessments have been paid fully to the General Synod and to their respective Classis”. In our discussions it was decided to enclose a financial statement to each congregation with the instruction: that only those congregations who have met their obligations toward the General Fund and Classis for every year since the last election will be eligible to vote. Those meeting the obligations before the election will have their vote counted, those not meeting the obligations will have their vote voided. The Bishop’s Council so requested Rev. Torok to include these decisions to the congregations and to have the letter sent by Certified Mail. The Bishop’s Council therefore asks all congregations within the Synod to have their Church Council cast their vote, and the final decision be communicated to the Pro Temp. Secretary Rev. Stefan M. Torok at 331 Kirkland Place, Perth Amboy, N.J. 08861 in a sealed envelope mark “ELECTION BALLOT 1994 FOR SYNODICAL OFFICERS” and mailed by no later than October 31st of this year. Bishop Harsanyi also informed the Bishop’s Council, that he will name a neutral committee for the opening of the ballots. The date has been set for November 5th in Perth Amboy. N.J. The final subject before the Bishop’s Council was the setting of the date for the next General Assembly. Mr. László B. Vanyi Chief Elder of the
