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1st of Febr. 2025

Who continued the chivalric order in Hungary and abroad? By clicking on the image, you can read the full article. (Tudás.hu)

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Vitézi Bál 2025

The "Vitézi Bál" holds a prestigious place among social events and has once again become one of the most distinguished occasions in the capital. Its history dates back to the years following the establishment of the Order of Vitéz in 1920, when it was one of the country's foremost events, attended by the leading figures of society. In 2025, the Vitézi Bál will once again be hosted at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest. The Order of Vitéz today is not merely a tradition-preserving organisation but, in line with its founder’s intent, undertakes extensive social activities, including charitable work, youth education, military training, disaster management, and war grave maintenance. The annual Vitézi Bál is attended not only by members of the Order of Vitéz but also by representatives of historical families, and luminaries from the worlds of science and the arts. The ceremonial uniforms, traditional Hungarian attire, and the elegant gowns worn by the ladies all celebrate the greatness and excellence of the nation. These occasions are not only about merriment but also provide opportunities for meaningful encounters, conversations, and reflections on important matters of life. The event shapes and strengthens: it shapes the youth of today by presenting a traditional, Christian, and national image, and it strengthens by standing firm against the distorted currents of the modern world. The Vitézi Bál is one of the country’s most significant social events, offering an excellent opportunity for those engaged in Christian, conservative public life to express their thoughts in a relaxed, positive, and friendly atmosphere. Patron of the Bál: Vitéz Knight Imre Pákh, Deputy Captain-General, National Captain of the USA Host of the Bál: Vitéz Count János Molnár-Gazsó, Captain-General of the Order of Vitéz Venue and Date: Corinthia Hotel Budapest, 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49 22 March 2025, 6:00 PM Dress Code: Black tie, ceremonial uniform, traditional Hungarian attire Ticket Prices: Entry: 38,000 HUF Ticket Purchase Information: Tickets are available by pre-order only! Please inquire about availability at agazsojanos1@t-online.hu before purchasing. Payments should be made to the Order of Vitéz's bank account. Please include “Vitézi Bál” and the names of the ticket holders in the payment reference. Bank Details: Order of Vitéz, ERSTE Bank: 11991102-02911463-00000000 IBAN: HU90 Swift Code: GIBAHUHB In-person payments can be made on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM at the Order of Vitéz Central Office (1138 Budapest, Váci út 184, 1st Floor, Rooms 118-119). After payment, please notify us with the names of the attendees and the payer’s details. Tickets are now available! We warmly welcome everyone!

Dr. Zsigmond Andras - Vitezi Rend UK

6th of Dec. 2024

The Hungarian of ’56 Who Treated Ringo Starr – An Interview with Andrew Zsigmond Report by Tímea Karsa – 23 October 2024 Dr. András Zsigmond, or as he is known in Liverpool, Andrew Zsigmond, left Hungary in the wake of the 1956 revolution. The retired doctor served as an honorary consul in Liverpool for 25 years. He shared with us his experiences of the ’56 events and how he built a new life in a foreign country. Coloré: You left for the United Kingdom in January 1957. What led you to make this decision? Andrew Zsigmond: In 1956, when the revolution broke out, I was a third-year medical student at the University of Pécs. We wholeheartedly supported the revolution’s goals, and I was deeply involved in the events. I was one of the editors of Free University of Pécs, a newspaper for which we prepared a special edition in October 1956. I also served as a National Guard member, tasked with arresting Pécs’ communist leadership, including preventing the mayor from continuing his duties. When I arrested Lieutenant Colonel Aladár Nemes, he told me, “Young man, you’ve made a terrible mistake.” That statement stayed with me for a long time and, among other reasons, prompted me to leave Hungary with five companions. How did you cross the border? We left it rather late to flee: by January 1957, crossing the border was difficult due to the barriers. However, after three days of walking, we managed it. We spent a few days in a refugee camp in Austria before arriving in London on 13 January and eventually becoming apprentice coal miners in Barnsley, Yorkshire. How did you end up in Liverpool? Although the company and our circumstances in Barnsley were excellent, I wasn’t particularly happy as a coal miner. I wanted to return to university, but without knowing English, my chances were slim. During a medical check-up for miners, the doctor noticed I didn’t look like the typical Hungarian coal miner and asked about my background. When I told him I was a medical student, he introduced me to Barnsley’s MP, through whom I applied to medical schools across England. In June 1957, I received a letter from the University of Liverpool. They were accepting five foreign students, but one had declined, so they offered me an interview. By then, I had learned some English, and I was admitted. In October, I became a third-year medical student at Liverpool University. Adapting to a new place, new methods, and a new language wasn’t easy. Did you face any discrimination upon arriving in England? I didn’t feel any. I was immediately admitted to university and even received scholarships, so I was fortunate from the start. I consciously tried to integrate into English society, and as a result, my wife is English. Wonderful things happened to me here in Liverpool, so I can’t complain. So, you were in Liverpool when The Beatles rose to fame. Yes. Although I’m not a huge fan of pop culture, I did have some interactions with them. I almost got into a fight with John Lennon. He was a leftist and called me a counter-revolutionary. We grabbed each other by the neck, but it didn’t escalate. I ended the argument by telling him that if he didn’t understand history, he should stick to playing the guitar. I met Ringo as a young doctor. He had bought a car and burned his forearm while checking the oil. I was on duty when his manager, Brian Epstein, brought him in. I asked the patient his name, and he said, “Richard Starkey.” I didn’t know who he was at the time. I took his medical history, treated his wound, and scheduled a follow-up for the next day. By then, his file had disappeared—probably taken home by a nurse as a keepsake. During the dressing change, Epstein asked me to bandage Ringo’s arm so it wouldn’t show during a TV appearance that day. I obliged, and when I watched the show later, I could spot the bandage in certain shots. Over time, I’ve grown to appreciate their music. How did you become an honorary Hungarian consul? I always tried to help Hungarians whenever I could, and somehow this came to the attention of the Embassy. In 1993, I was invited to a meeting where they announced the re-establishment of the honorary consular network and asked me to oversee Northern England. Initially, my role was to continue my previous efforts, but after Hungary joined the European Union, the number of Hungarians increased, and so did the responsibilities. After 25 years, I handed over my duties to the Consulate General in Manchester, who continues my work. How do you maintain your Hungarian language skills? The honorary consular position certainly helped, as it allowed me to regularly use my native language. There are always a few Hungarians around me, and we go out together. I also keep in touch with my family in Hungary by phone. Was leaving Hungary the right decision? It was purely out of necessity. Ten years later, I was able to start visiting again. Today, there’s a direct flight from Liverpool, so if I feel homesick, I go to Budapest, and everything is fine.

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2nd of Nov. 2024

2 November 2024 Remembrance for Dr. Vitéz Ürge Antal Today, a wreath-laying ceremony was held in memory of Dr. Vitéz Ürge Antal at the Wilmslow Cemetery. Representing the Hungarian Consulate General in Manchester, First Secretary Judit Várhelyi attended, along with Lady Márta Grund on behalf of the Order of Vitéz, and Honourable Gentlemen Gábor Bartos, Miklós Bartha, and Attila Babenyecz. The ceremony commemorated Father Ürge’s life and work in a fitting tribute. Dr. Ürge Antal was the first pastor and martyr among the Hungarian community in Manchester following the 1956 uprising. During his brief but active service in Northern England, he visited refugee camps, held Mass, heard confessions, preached, and above all, offered solace and encouragement to all. He passed away unexpectedly on 4 February 1957.

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26th of Oct. 2024

October 26, 2024 The Vitézi Rend United Kingdom Branch held its ceremonial knighthood induction on October 26, 2024, at the Our Lady and St. Nicholas church in Liverpool. This marked the sixth occasion the Vitézi Rend raised the Hungarian flag in the United Kingdom. The extraordinary knighthood ceremony took place in Liverpool's city center at the Our Lady and St. Nicholas church. The guest of honor was Lieutenant Colonel Zsolt Laukó, the military and air attaché at the Hungarian Embassy in London. Participants came not only from England but also from the Hungarian communities of Wales and Scotland. After the grand procession, we heard "Hazám Hazám" (My Homeland, My Homeland) from Ferenc Erkel’s opera Bánk Bán, performed by Andrea Kolarics, a musical actress. Following this, Dr. vitéz Lemhényi Baron Zsigmond András, the deputy Grand Captain, gave a speech, remembering the events of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight. An ecumenical service was led by Reverend vitéz Zoltán Sáfrány. This year, for the first time, the event was held in both Hungarian and English. The Hungarian narration was provided by Márta Grund, while Cadet Natália Grund served as the English narrator. After the speeches, medals and awards were presented, and the highlight of the day—the knighthood ceremony—followed. Awards: Dr. vitéz Lemhényi Baron Zsigmond András, the deputy Grand Captain, received the Vitézi Rend Centenary Merit Cross. vitéz Simon Enrico was awarded the Horthy Bronze Commemorative Medal and promoted to vitéz second lieutenant, while vitéz Zoltán Sáfrány received the same medal and was promoted to vitéz sergeant. The Horthy Bronze Commemorative Medal was also awarded to vitéz Ildikó Vanó, vitéz Péter Mihály Attila, and vitéz András Aberle. Attila Torma received the Vitézi Rend Merit Medal, and Anita Takács was honored with the Vitézi Rend Maternal Merit Medal. Inducted Knights: During the ceremony, 8 new knights took the oath of knighthood, and 2 cadets were inducted. The new knights were: Balázs Róbert, Jordan Diamond, Lukácsa Szabolcs István, Lukoviczki Gábor, Nánási István Gábor, Sáfrány Tamás, Simon Richard Róbert, and Székely-Magyari Csongor. The two cadets inducted were Lukácsa Hanna Kinga and Natália Grund. This year marked the first time the Vitézi Rend United Kingdom Branch inducted posthumous nominees. György Boldus, late Hungarian Royal Army colonel, who settled with his family in Rochdale, near Manchester, in 1948, was posthumously inducted. His knighthood certificate was received by his granddaughter, Judit Buckley-Szakály. György Boldus held multiple wartime and peacetime awards, including the Saint László and Saint George Orders of Knighthood, and passed away on September 13, 1978, at the age of 79. His final resting place is in the Roman Catholic cemetery of Rochdale, where he was buried on September 19. Father Antal Ürge, a teacher at the Székesfehérvár Seminary, was also remembered. He arrived in England on Christmas Eve 1956, where he immediately began his pastoral work with Hungarian refugees. He passed away on February 4, 1957, from a stroke. Father Ürge was the first 1956 refugee to pass away in Northern England. His legacy lives on! Memorial: Following the speech by vitéz Babenyecz Attila, the newly inducted knights were addressed by vitéz Simon Richard Róbert, and we listened to György Dörner’s monologue titled 1956: The Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight, performed by Andrea Kolarics. Reverend Zoltán Sáfrány then gave a blessing. The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Hungarian and United Kingdom national anthems. Following the heartfelt and well-executed ceremony, both group and individual photographs were taken. The festive lunch was served in the event room of The Racquet Club Hotel. After a table blessing by Reverend Zoltán Sáfrány, speeches followed, and we raised our glasses to King Charles III and President Tamás Sulyok. The exquisite meal included Leek and Potato Soup with homemade bread, Roast Chicken Breast with New Potatoes and oven-baked parsnips and carrots, and Meringue with Fresh Fruit and Cream. The meal was accompanied by fine Hungarian wines, and the lunch passed in a pleasant atmosphere. We can proudly say that we once again spent a very successful and enjoyable day together in Liverpool.

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20th of Aug. 2024

August 20, 2024 St. Stephen's Day in Scotland No matter where you live in the world, when we sing the Hungarian anthem together, tears always come to your eyes! And that's how you know you are still Hungarian! Thanks to everyone!

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13th of Febr. 2024

February 13, 2024 Hungarian Citizenship Certificate Ceremony It was a great joy and honor for us to participate in the Hungarian citizenship certificate ceremony in Liverpool on February 13, 2024. Dr. Vitéz Lemhényi Baron Zsigmond András initiated the application for Hungarian citizenship for his dear wife and two grandchildren several years ago. After taking the oath with tearful eyes and singing the Hungarian National Anthem together, they officially received their naturalization certificates from Dr. László Riskó-Nagy, Consul General. Our heartfelt congratulations!

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15th of March 2023

March 15, 2023 Wreath Laying at the Kossuth Lajos Memorial Plaque Today in Liverpool, we also commemorated the 175th anniversary of the 1848 Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence. Dr. Vitéz Lemhényi Baron Zsigmond András, Deputy Chief Captain, and Mrs. Krisztina Kátai-Nagy, Consul General from the Hungarian Consulate General in Manchester, laid the wreath. Honor to the heroes!

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12th of Nov. 2022

12, November 2022 Vitéz Inauguration in Edinburgh Dear Esteemed Gentlemen and Ladies, Dear Guests, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for honoring us with your presence at the Vitéz Inauguration held in Edinburgh. I would like to convey the letter from Dr. Vitéz Zsigmond András, Deputy Chief Captain, in which he extends his heartfelt congratulations to those who have received recognition and to the new Vitéz members, wishing them continued success.

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Invitation 2025

Dear Honourable Ladies and Gentlemen, We are honoured to invite you and your dear family to the wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the 1848 Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence, which will take place on Wednesday, 12th March 2025, at 14:00. Location: 17 Lord Nelson Street, Liverpool, L3 5QB The ceremony and remembrance will be attended by Dr. Vitéz lemhényi báró Zsigmond András, Deputy Chief Captain, and Dr. Riskó-Nagy László, Consul General, with the support of the Consulate General of Hungary in Manchester. Further details can be found on the website vitezirend.co.uk or via the following link: https://www.facebook.com/share/19v6AFL427/ With kind regards, v. Babenyecz Attila Executive Chair Captain of the United Kingdom Order of Vitéz

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20th of Dec. 2024

Dear Hungarians! We would like to draw your attention to the fact that in 2025, we will once again launch our charity collection and the transportation of donations to Hungary. With the collaboration of four local Hungarian organizations and three transportation companies, our goal is to help as many families and communities in need as possible. We are collecting donations based on the following needs: Non-perishable food (e.g. canned goods, pasta, rice, flour, sugar, etc.) Household and personal hygiene products Clothing for adults and children in excellent condition Toys for children Every donation is a crucial help and can greatly contribute to providing the essential items needed by families in need. We kindly ask you to support our initiative again if you have the opportunity, and with your help, let's make life easier for those in need at home! Thank you for your support! Together we can help! Contact details: info.hecs22@gmail.com vitezirend.uk@gmail.com The Order of Vitéz today is not merely a tradition-preserving organisation but, in line with its founder’s intent, undertakes extensive social activities, including charitable work, youth education, military training, disaster management, and war grave maintenance. The annual Vitézi Bál is attended not only by members of the Order of Vitéz but also by representatives of historical families, and luminaries from the worlds of science and the arts. The ceremonial uniforms, traditional Hungarian attire, and the elegant gowns worn by the ladies all celebrate the greatness and excellence of the nation. These occasions are not only about merriment but also provide opportunities for meaningful encounters, conversations, and reflections on important matters of life. The event shapes and strengthens: it shapes the youth of today by presenting a traditional, Christian, and national image, and it strengthens by standing firm against the distorted currents of the modern world. The Vitézi Bál is one of the country’s most significant social events, offering an excellent opportunity for those engaged in Christian, conservative public life to express their thoughts in a relaxed, positive, and friendly atmosphere. Patron of the Bál: Vitéz Knight Imre Pákh, Deputy Captain-General, National Captain of the USA Host of the Bál: Vitéz Count János Molnár-Gazsó, Captain-General of the Order of Vitéz Venue and Date: Corinthia Hotel Budapest, 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49 22 March 2025, 6:00 PM Dress Code: Black tie, ceremonial uniform, traditional Hungarian attire Ticket Prices: Entry: 38,000 HUF Ticket Purchase Information: Tickets are available by pre-order only! Please inquire about availability at agazsojanos1@t-online.hu before purchasing. Payments should be made to the Order of Vitéz's bank account. Please include “Vitézi Bál” and the names of the ticket holders in the payment reference. Bank Details: Order of Vitéz, ERSTE Bank: 11991102-02911463-00000000 IBAN: HU90 Swift Code: GIBAHUHB In-person payments can be made on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM at the Order of Vitéz Central Office (1138 Budapest, Váci út 184, 1st Floor, Rooms 118-119). After payment, please notify us with the names of the attendees and the payer’s details. Tickets are now available! We warmly welcome everyone!

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7th of Nov. 2024

On 7th November 2024 We commemorated Colonel György Boldus, Royal Hungarian Army, at the cemetery in Rochdale. On the 46th anniversary of the passing of the late Colonel György Boldus (27th February 1900 – 23rd September 1978) and in honour of Remembrance Day, a solemn remembrance ceremony was held at his grave in Rochdale. The ceremony, organised by the Hungarian Cultural Association of the UK, was attended by László Riskó-Nagy, Consul General of Hungary in Manchester, as well as Attila Babenyecz and Gábor Oláh on behalf of the Vitézi Rend and the 1st Hungarian Hussar Regiment of England, who laid wreaths at the gravesite. Colonel György Boldus, who was the recipient of several wartime and peace-time decorations, including the Orders of Saint Ladislaus and Saint George, left Hungary with his family in 1948 and settled in Rochdale, North England. Colonel György Boldus' Decorations: Knight’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit with war ribbon and swords Knight’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit, with the Governmental Commendation Hungarian Coronation (military) Bronze Medal with narrow red and white bordered dark emerald ribbon War Memorial Medal with a red, white, and green ribbon, decorated with swords and a helmet 2nd Class Officer’s Military Service Medal Memorial Medal of the Upper Lands (Felvidék) Memorial Medal of Transylvania May he rest in peace.

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29th of Oct. 2024

29 October 2024 Interview with Lieutenant Vitéz Attila Gligor by Arany Agancs Monthly (Click the image to read the article)

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23rd of Oct. 2024

23rd October 2024 1956 Memorial Plaque Unveiling and Commemoration On the 68th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, a memorial plaque was unveiled in Barnsley, a mining town in South Yorkshire, in honour of the approximately 200 Hungarian refugees who sought refuge there after fleeing the brutal Soviet suppression of the Hungarian uprising. The plaque commemorates the contribution of these refugees to the local community. The event was initiated by Dr. Zsigmond András, Barón Lemhényi, Deputy Chief Captain of the Vitézi Rend and former Honorary Consul, and was organised by the Barnsley Civil Society Association. The ceremony was attended by László Riskó-Nagy, Consul General of Hungary in Manchester, Cllr John Clarke JP, Mayor of Barnsley, and representatives of the 1st Hungarian Hussar Regiment of England, Attila Babenyecz and Gábor Oláh. The event took place at the impressive headquarters of the National Union of Mineworkers. Guests were able to view the exhibition entitled "Remembering 1956 Around the World", which consisted of 56 panels, in the foyer of the building. Several years ago, Dr. Zsigmond András contacted Barnsley city officials via email to suggest that a memorial be established for the Hungarian miners. In his speech, a representative of the local archives and historical society highlighted the difficulty of the task but also expressed gratitude, as it enriched Barnsley’s history with another fascinating chapter. The Mayor of Barnsley paid tribute to the Hungarian miners, and the Consul General of Hungary in Manchester reflected on the events of 1956. Finally, Dr. Zsigmond András, the initiator of the event, shared his personal, adventurous experiences and thanked the town and its people for helping him and the 200 fellow refugees, most of whom later integrated into British society as miners. Following the speeches, the memorial plaque was unveiled near the entrance of the building, commemorating the invaluable contribution of Hungarian refugees to the local mining industry and British society. Among the attendees, it was especially heartwarming to see two elderly gentlemen who had been part of the 1956 revolution, despite their advanced age, they had come to the ceremony. The event concluded with a group photograph and a time for guests to chat and reminisce.

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15th of March 2024

March 15, 2024 1848 Commemoration in Liverpool Today in Liverpool, we also commemorated the 176th anniversary of the 1848 Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence. Dr. Vitéz Lemhényi Baron Zsigmond András, Deputy Chief Captain, and Mr. László Riskó-Nagy, Consul General from the Hungarian Consulate General in Manchester, laid the wreath. Honor to the heroes!

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24th of Jun. 2023

June 24, 2023 Order Meeting in Aberdeen Dear Members of the Vitézi Order, I would like to inform you that on June 24, 2023, we held a Scottish Order Meeting in Aberdeen, where one of the decisions was to propose new leadership appointments. The following members were recommended for official ranks: •Vitéz Attila Babenyecz, for the position of Executive Lieutenant of the United Kingdom Chief Captaincy. •Vitéz Zoltán Sáfrány, for the position of Vitézi Sergeant. •Vitéz Enrico Simon, for the position of Vitézi Lieutenant. I am pleased to inform you that these proposals were accepted and confirmed with certificates by Chief Captain Vitéz Count János Molnár-Gazsó. Asking for God's blessing on their work, I remain with fraternal greetings. Dr. Vitéz Zsigmond András Lemhényi, H. Chief Captain.

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2023

28th Hungarian Meeting in Perth 2023 Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 28th time this year. Let’s meet again next year!

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XXX. évfolyam I. szám

2024 március

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v.gr. Molnár-Gazsó János

2011 július 29.

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Törvényi  szabályozás

1920 - 2024

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