Megmaradás Református Egyházközség temploma

Nestled atop Rózsadomb hill, at the corner of Cimbalom and Pusztaszeri streets, stands the Megmaradás Református Egyházközség temploma. This modern architectural marvel, with its Scandinavian-inspired design, immediately draws the eye. The Megmaradás Református Egyházközség temploma owes its existence to several generous donations. North Rhine-Westphalia’s church organizations and the Gustav Adolf Charity contributed significantly. The land itself was a gift from Fésüs Imréné A. Tóth Gizella and her family. Fésüs Imréné, originally from Transylvania, now rests within the church’s walls. Designed by Ybl-award winning architect Szabó Iván, the Megmaradás Református Egyházközség temploma’s construction was overseen by another Ybl laureate, Szabó István. Szabó István, a prominent figure in Hungarian ecclesiastical architecture, completed the project in 1980. The church’s dedication ceremony took place on December 1, 1983. Kovács Zsolt served as the congregation’s first and founding caretaker until his passing. The first appointed pastor was Marosi Bálint, followed by Széll János for many years. Dr. Balla Péter served in 1989-90, and then the current pastor, Dr. Mészárosné Hegedűs Zsuzsanna, took over. Initially a mission in 1993, it became a full-fledged parish in 2001, maintaining records since 1993. Originally intended for retired pastors, the Megmaradás Református Egyházközség temploma now welcomes the faithful of the Megmaradás Reformed Congregation. Established in 1993, the church features a gallery and can accommodate approximately 120 people. On October 26, 2003, the ornate main gate, crafted by Bukovina Székelys woodcarver Beréti István and carpenter Ömböli Zoltán, was unveiled. Its inscription, featuring the Hungarian coat of arms, quotes Dezső Szabó: “Every Hungarian is responsible for every other Hungarian.” Inside, a traditional Bukovina greeting reads: “Peace be with God!” The prominent wooden bell tower, visible from the street, was erected in 2004. Designed by architects ifj. Hegedűs Lorántné Kovács Enikő and static engineer Berényi László, it houses a 162 kg bell. The bell’s inscription proclaims: “I believe in one God, I believe in one church, I believe in one eternal divine truth, I believe in the resurrection of Hungary. Amen.” A smaller, 56 kg bell, bears the inscription: “I call the living, I mourn the dead, I break the lightning.” Both bells were cast in Miklós Gombos’ workshop in Örbottyán. Since 2007, a tree of life has graced the garden, honoring the poet István Sinka and the 1956 martyr Lajos Gulyás. Crafted by Balázs István Kárpátaljai woodcarver, with metalwork by József Détári and stars by Simon Sándor, the tree of life is a beautiful tribute. Three coats of arms also adorn the garden. Two Árpád striped and double-crossed shields, erected in 2007, commemorate the Battle of Pressburg in 907. Another, added in 2011, honors Ferenc II Rákóczi, bearing his motto: “Iustam causam Deus non derelinquet” – God will not forsake a just cause. Inside, the Megmaradás Református Egyházközség temploma continues to inspire. Originally furnished with chairs, the church now features pews crafted by Ömböli Zoltán and his son. László Tóth, a member of the congregation, embroidered the hymn book covers with 70 different Nagybereg patterns. The pulpit, communion table, and Mózes chair are the work of Miklós Egri, former chief pastor of Nagyvárad. Two memorial tablets stand within the church. One honors the founding caretaker Kovács Zsolt and his wife, the first cantor, Gabriella Csatai. The other remembers Dr. Hegedűs Lóránt, whose support during his church governance led to the congregation’s establishment. A secco by artist Mónika Szente graces the gallery wall, inscribed with “and bread that satisfies the heart of the hungry.” Two unique terracotta panels also stand out, displaying the first verses of the Himnusz and Szózat in Latin, Old Székely-Hungarian, and modern Hungarian rovás script. These were created by terracotta artist Sándor Pál and Ferenc Kállai.