In Felvidék, the ecclesiastical patron of the Szeretethíd this year was Róbert Ákos Nagy, dean of the Reformed Diocese of Gömör, and his secular patron was Krisztián Szabó, caretaker, architect, and painter of the Pokorágy Reformed Parish. The ceremonial opening took place in Rimaszombat on May 26 in the courtyard of the former Petőfi House, which operated as a Cédrus social clothing store, where Cédrus was also opened at the same time.
Róbert Ákos Nagy, dean of the Reformed Diocese of Gömör, emphasized that on the occasion of the Bridge of Love, we do not only act for ourselves, but also for our created world, in such a way that we serve each other with love and affection.
"God's word teaches us to follow Christ's example and live with love that carries the burden and weakness of others," said Bishop Róbert Ákos Nagy.
Within the framework of the opening of the Bridge of Love, the organizers drew attention to the possibility of voluntary assistance at the Slovakian-Ukrainian border, in the reception of refugees from Ukraine. Information and registration options were also provided on site for those interested. You can mainly apply for night border service at the Upper German border. The collection, making of sandwiches and offerings are already taking place in several churches and in the diaconia center.
"What we see around us today is horrifying. A war is raging in our neighborhood, people are increasingly tense and uncertain. However, the word of God prompts us to entrust ourselves to God in the face of difficult questions, and to do what is possible," the deacon stated.
The 2022 Szeretethíz program was opened by Ildikó Lőrincz, the program coordinator of the Diaconia Center of the Slovak Reformed Christian Church in Kárályhelmec. He explained the mission of the action.
The Szeretethíd volunteer days have been held in the Reformed Church since 2009. The original creator of the program is the Hungarian Reformed Charity Foundation, which provides T-shirts to registered volunteers every year.
"The original goal is to build relationships, to build bridges between the church, the local congregation and its immediate environment. The popularity of the program is also due to the fact that almost everyone can take part in it. Whoever has the intention to help can find a way to make it happen," said Ildikó Lőrincz.
He said that about 2,000 volunteers registered in more than 40 groups in the Highlands this year. These figures are approaching the pre-epidemic figures, but they have not yet reached them.
"This is just a statistic that cannot express the true essence of the Bridge of Love, the words of gratitude, the quiet thank you, which bring real joy from the heart. In such cases, a bridge is really built between two people," added the program coordinator.
After the podium discussion, the schoolchildren started volunteering in Rimaszombat. They joined the campaign in several groups: they visited the nursing home, participated in beautifying their surroundings, the cemetery and monuments, and volunteered for garbage collection.
Source and full article: velvidek.ma
Featured image: Erzsó Pósa Homoly/Felvidék.ma
