Magyar Egyház, 2000 (79. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2000 / 1. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 9. oldal GOVERNOR PATAKI WELCOMED HUNGARY’S DELEGATION Governor George E. Pataki held a private reception with a group of local officials from the Republic of Hungary’s Mid-Transdanubian region to help commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the first modern Hungarian State. “Hungarians all over the world regard the coronation of St. Stephen in 1000 AD to be an important development in their ancestors’ transition from a group of nomadic conquerors to a modern, more worldly people. As a proud Hungarian- American, I am honored to help Hungarians everywhere commemorate this wonderful milestone, which is a celebration of progress and a triumph of the modern age,” said the Governor. The delegation was in New York to promote the Magyar Millennium. Leading the delegation was H.E. Ambassador Dr. László Molnár, the Consul General, to whom Governor Pataki presented an official proclamation calling for recognition of the Year 2000 as the “Hungarian Millennium” in the Empire State. Ambassador Molnár responded by thanking the Governor and giving him a silver coin from Hungary minted to commemorate the Magyar Millennium. PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, New Yorkers are proud to join their fellow citizens of Hungarian ancestry as they celebrate a milestone that is historically significant and truly meaningful to Hungary and to all of Western civilization; this year, Hungarians worldwide observe the 1000th" anniversary of the establishment of the Hungarian State - today, a Nation rich in the heritage, culture and honor endowed by many past generations; and WHEREAS, the ancestors of the Hungarians (called “Magyars” in the native language) migrated to their, present-day homeland in the Carpathian Basin at the end of the 9th" century AD; it was a land of nomadic horsemen and masters of many crafts who carried out several successful raids beyond their western borders, until Prince Geza (970-997) recognized the need to adopt the customs that prevailed in the rest of Europe; this work was completed by his son, István (Stephen), who invited priests from Germany and Italy to convert the pagan Hungarians to Christianity; with this spiritual rebirth, the door was opened to the culture and resources present in western Europe; and WHEREAS, the Slav populations east and southeast of Hungary followed the eastern rite of Christianity, centered around the Byzantine Empire; Stephen, instead, turned to Rome and asked Pope Sylvester II to send him a crown, so that his land could be recognized as a sovereign Kingdom; with the Coronation at Christmas, 1000 AD, Saint Stephen (he was canonized in 1083) ensured also that Hungary was not to be absorbed by the Holy Roman (German) Empire; a system of royal counties and a church structure was organized, coins were minted, foreign settlers were invited and welcomed, and people of various ethnic backgrounds were integrated into one Nation; Hungary soon became a respected member of the family of European kingdoms; and WHEREAS, as a young State, Hungary was often under threat of foreign invasion and suffered the effects of internal dispute; however, the resilience of the kingdom helped it to usher in an era of progress that allows contemporary Hungarians here in America, in Hungary and throughout the Hungarian diaspora to view 1000 AD as a pivotal year in the Hungarian renaissance; and WHEREAS, the world community remains inspired by the history of the Hungarian people, who have prevailed and flourished throughout the centuries, and who stand today as a Nation united by an indomitable spirit; as we share in this momentous occasion, it is fitting that all New Yorkers join the Hungarian-American community during the year-long celebration highlighted by a schedule of activities being held to joyfully mark the 1000th Anniversary of the Hungarian State; NOW, THEREFORE, I, George E. Pataki, do hereby proclaim special recognition of the Year 2000 as the HUNGARIAN MILLENNIUM and invite all to commemorate this significant milestone which serves to remind us that the history of Hungary and its people is unique and distinguished, and bears a legacy of valuable lessons for all Nations.
