Local services
On the 17th of December 2023, the third Advent candle was lit in the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen. The Municipality of Debrecen was represented by the Deputy Mayor of Debrecen, Ákos Balázs.
“The third Advent candle sends us a message of joy. How important and profound this message is in today’s world,” Ákos Baláz began his welcome speech, adding, “Advent is a time of expectation – which can only be fulfilled if we do something about it and prepare our souls to live it! During this time, we can quiet down and notice the really important things, like embracing our loved ones: our parents, our spouse, and our children, and seeing God’s love in them! To talk with those close to us, our friends, around a table and to experience with them – the joy of togetherness! To look at our home – our city, our Debrecen.”
“The city has core values that are even more precious during Advent. Respect – knowledge – unity – this is what our ancestors believed in and what we believe in! Our city has taught us to respect each other, to rely on knowledge and to work together at all times and ages! These are difficult times – let us be thankful that we can celebrate in peace! The city’s main square is decorated with festive lights – we can walk peacefully and rejoice with each other. Let us be thankful for all this. With these thoughts, I wish all the people of Debrecen a blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas!” Ákos Balázs concluded his speech.
István Oláh, pastor of the Reformed Church of Debrecen-Nagytemplom, and János Kiss, pastor of the Baptist Church of Debrecen, greeted the guests with their festive thoughts. András Törő, President of the Debrecen Charity Board, spoke about the board’s task to embody the goodness of man and make it present in the city’s life.
The programme featured performances by the Kuckó Art Theatr (Kuckó Művésztanya), the Debrecen Folk Ensemble (Debreceni Népi Együttes), the Debrecen Hajdú Dance Ensemble (Debreceni Hajdú Táncegyüttes), the Debrecen Local Police Orchestra (Debrecen Helyőrségi Zenekar), István Papp, a theatre artist from the Csokonai National Theatre, the orchestra of the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen and the choir of the Debrecen Baptist Church.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
