Fraternity-Testvériség, 1996 (74. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1996-07-01 / 3-4. szám
FRATERNITY Page 23 In the Hungarian Christmas tradition, December 6th is set aside each year for the visit of Mikulás or St. Nicholas. On the evening of December 5th, children place their shoes on the sill of an open window. Sometime during the night, St. Nicholas visits the children’s homes and leaves gifts for them in their shoes. If the child has misbehaved, Mikulás leaves a piece of coal, or a switch, or a potato or onion. If the child has been good, he or she received something good to eat, or perhaps a small toy. Of course, none of us is perfect; so most often we receive a little of the good and the bad. Mikulás Nap: a very special part of our Christmas tradition that carries with it quiet but important messages. The anticipation, the mystery of St. Nicholas’ arrival adds much excitement to the holiday season. Our young people are taught the value of good behavior; that someone much bigger than their immediate family and friends cares about what they do. Yet there is an even more important message. Notice the distance between Mikulás Nap and Christmas Day. St. Nicholas visits our homes in the Advent season and is gone, thereby clearing the way for the One who is much iá to more important than he is. After the shoes are examined and the gifts received, the families can prepare their hearts and homes for the arrival of this more important One. When Christmas Eve comes, and the bell rings in the living room, and the curtain is drawn from around the tree, it is the Christ Child who is welcomed in and it is His presence that is so much appreciated. Our members and friends, may each of us this Christmas be able to separate the different parts of our holiday tradition. Santa Claus comes during the Advent season, but it is Jesus who comes on Christmas Eve. May we be waiting for Him, for He seeks to come into each of our hearts and homes. A blessed Advent-Christmas season to the entire membership of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America and to all our friends. May God continue to bless us now and in the New Year ahead. In Faith, Rev. Imre A. Bertalan IN MEMORIUM Joseph Gyenes (1920 -1996) Joseph W. Gyenes died at the Rahway Hospital at the age of 76. He was a lifelong Woodbridge resident. He was a detective with the Woodbridge Police Department, where he served from 1950 until 1986. He was a member of the Policeman’s Benevolent Association Local 38, Woodbridge. He was also an insurance representative of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America for more than 35 years. He was an Army Air Force veteran of World War II, attaining the rank of staff sergeant and serving in North Africa and Italy. He received the Air Combat Medal and the American Defense Medal. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Woodbridge. He was a member of the Hungarian Reformed Church, Woodbridge. He volunteered as an interpreter for political refugees during the Hungarian revolution of 1956 and assisted them in employment opportunities. He coached in the Woodbridge Little League, Woodbridge Babe Ruth League, Woodbridge American Legion Baseball, and the Byzantine League at St. Thomas Byzantine Church, Rahway. He was a standout athlete at Woodbridge High School and was named to the all state basketball team in 1938. He received the Woodbridge Blue Badge in 1976. Three brothers died previously. Surviving are his wife, the former Ann Fundock; three sons; two sisters and four grandchildren. Mr. Gyenes will be remembered as an efficient and loyal branch manager of the Federation. He was instrumental in managing Branch 250 of Woodbridge, New Jersey, for more than 35 years with dedication and competence. His memory will be cherished by the entire family of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America. George Dózsa, President
