Local services
On the second Sunday of Advent, on the 10th of December 2023, the candle flame was lit in the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen. Lajos Barcsa, Deputy Mayor of Debrecen, represented the Municipality of Debrecen.
The second candle of Advent symbolizes hope. Lajos Barcsa said that this period is more than just a time of festive preparation, as it is a time of togetherness, community and renewal. In Debrecen, Advent is not only a celebration of lights and decorations, but also a time to strengthen the bonds between people.
Lajos Barcsa underlined that Advent is a time to pause and reflect on the successes and challenges of the past year and how we can do something for the community in the coming year. “Christian traditions like the setting up of the manger in Bethlehem and the shepherds’ song are not only part of the Christmas story, but also the fabric of our community,” the deputy mayor emphasised.
Speaking about the candle of hope, he said that it gives us the strength to persevere in the face of adversity in all situations of life. Hope, hand in hand with faith, helps us to overcome difficulties because we are not alone. Just as the Advent lights shine on the streets of the city, may that hope and love shine in our hearts and may we share that light with others. “Let us be grateful for this time when we can appreciate all that binds us together,” he concluded.
Before the second Advent candle was lit, András Beszterczey, pastor of the Reformed parish of Debrecen-Nagytemplomi, greeted the celebrating community, and Richárd Asztalos, the director pastor of the Debrecen Evangelical parish, gave his festive thoughts. The Kuckó Art Theatre (Kuckó Művésztanya), the Debrecen Folk Ensemble (Debreceni Népi Együttes), the Hajdú Dance Ensemble (Hajdú Táncegyüttes), the Hortobágy Folk Dance Ensemble (Hortobágy Néptáncegyüttes), the Bíró Orchestra (Bíró zenekar), Eszter Balázs-Bécsi, the Dalárda Catholic Choir (a Dalárda Római Katolikus Kórus) and the Boldogasszony School Sisters (Boldogasszony Iskolanővérek) performed at the festive programme.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
