Fraternity-Testvériség, 2006 (84. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2006-07-01 / 3. szám
Bishop's reflection on October 23 This October 23rd there will be commemorations through the world - remembering the 1956 revolution in Hungary, honoring those who risked their lives for freedom. While we, as Christians, traditionally are never in favor of armed conflict, the revolution of 1956 was on firm ground even for Christians, as John Calvin established the groundwork for the revolution in his theology: governments that interfere with man's ability to worship God are illegitimate and must be overturned. Tens of thousands of Hungarians spontaneously joined the revolution that cold October day, having lived under oppression since the occupation of Hungary by foreign troops following World War Two. And many of the freedom Fighters made the supreme sacrifice. We honor their memory and we honor the countless others who languished in prisons, and those who went into exile, many never again to be with those whom they loved. While the Revolution was unsuccessful in achieving its immediate goal of freeing Hungary in the year of 1956, its true effect was to be felt in 1989, when it was Hungary that opened the gates to freedom for those wishing to escape from behind the Iron Curtain. The day that Hungary began to allow thousands of East Germans to cross the frontier into Austria was the day the Berlin Wall became ineffective. In the intervening years between 1956 and 1989 Hungary had become the most free of the "Captive Nations" within the Soviet Block, the country people from East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Romania came to view as the most fortunate of the Soviet Satellite states. But it was not a "gift" of the soviets: this freedom had been bought with a price, that of the lives of those Heroes of October 1956. Today all the Captive Nations that languished behind the Iron Curtain are free to choose their own destiny. That is the lasting legacy of October 23, 1956, the legacy of the Freedom Fighters. Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig Bishop, Calvin Synod ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 1956 Commemorations continued Chicago October 21,2006. Over a thousand Chicago area Hungarians celebrated the 1956 Revolution against the communists and Russian occupation. Along with greetings by Illinois Governor Blagojevich, and formal acknowledgement of the 50th anniversary by Mayor Daly of Chicago, a touching Hungarian program was presented. This included verses such a Tollas Tibor’s “They Have Walled Up Every Window”, to Tamas Lajos’s “Red is the Blood on the Streets of Pest”. The Hungarian American Scouts led the procession. Songs and music was provided by Vizin Victoria, mezzo- soprano, Eli Kalman, piano, Bryan Cullen, piano. Hungarian folk dances were performed by the Toborzo Folk Dance Group. HRFA Director Kovács organized a bus, HRFA President Balogh attended, and HRFA Director Hamos gave the keynote speech. Kremer Sándor and Stetz Andrea served as chair and co-chair. 1956 Commemoration - Chicago Page 10 Fraternity - Testvériség
