I serve my nation! Investiture ceremony in Liverpool

The Order of Vitéz – Captaincy of United Kingdom Ceremonial Investiture

The United Kingdom Branch of the Order of Vitéz held its annual ceremonial investiture on 8 November 2025 in the fitting setting of Our Lady and St. Nicholas Church in Liverpool.

This was the seventh occasion on which the Hungarian flag was proudly raised once again on British soil, celebrating Hungarian heritage and unity abroad.
Guests attended not only from various English cities, but also from the Hungarian communities of Wales and Scotland.

Following the solemn procession, musical and operetta artist Andrea Kolarics performed the unforgettable aria Hazám, hazám (“My Homeland, My Homeland”) from Ferenc Erkel’s opera Bánk bán, setting a dignified tone for the ceremony.

The opening speech was delivered by Dr. vitéz baron Zsigmond András Lemhényi, Deputy Captain General of the Vitézi Rend, who in his address also extended greetings to the Holy Crown of Hungary, which had recently arrived in the United Kingdom.

An ecumenical service followed, celebrated by Reverend vitéz Zoltán Sáfrány. The service, as in previous years, was held in two languages: with Mrs. Márta Grund as Hungarian narrator and Miss Natália Grund, cadet, as English narrator.

After the official speeches came the presentation of decorations and honours, followed by the highlight of the day, the knighting ceremony, during which the new members took the solemn oath of knighthood.

Appointments

v. Tamás Sáfrány, Gentleman – appointed *Sergeant*

v. Attila Mihály Péter, Gentleman – appointed *Sergeant*

Honours

Lady Anita Takács – Horthy Gold Memorial Medal

Lady Márta Grund – Horthy Gold Memorial Medal

v. István Gábor Oláh, Lieutenant – Horthy Silver Memorial Medal

v. Zoltán Sáfrány, Sergeant – Horthy Silver Memorial Medal

v. Attila Mihály Péter, Sergeant – Horthy Silver Memorial Medal

Miss Natália Grund, Cadet – Horthy Bronze Memorial Medal

v. Róbert Balázs, Sergeant – Horthy Bronze Memorial Medal

v. Tamás Sáfrány, Sergeant – Horthy Bronze Memorial Medal

v. István Gábor Nánási, Gentleman – Horthy Bronze Memorial Medal

v. Csongor Székhely-Magyari, Gentleman – Horthy Bronze Memorial Medal

v. Gyula Cseh, Gentleman – Horthy Bronze Memorial Medal

v. Gábor Lukoviczki, Gentleman – Horthy Bronze Memorial Medal

Newly Invested Knights

Zsolt Bátori
Tibor Huszárszki
Csaba Koreny
Viktor Zoltán Méhész
Attila Oroszi
Gabriella Balla-Szűcs
Boglárka Szűcs
Virág Szűcs

Newly Invested Cadet

Márton Kende Méhész

Posthumously Invested Knights

György Jendrassik
Tivadar Duka

The closing address was delivered by vitéz Attila Babenyecz, Captain of the UK Branch, followed by a speech of gratitude on behalf of the newly invested knights, given by vitéz Tibor Huszárszki.
The ceremony concluded with Andrea Kolarics performing György Dörner’s monologue 1956 – In Memory of the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence”, after which Reverend vitéz Zoltán Sáfrány delivered a blessing.
The event concluded with the national anthems of Hungary and the United Kingdom.

The dignified and expertly organized celebration was followed by group photography and friendly conversation. The festive lunch took place at the elegant Racquet Club Hotel.

Grace before the meal was said by Reverend vitéz Zoltán Sáfrány.

The three-course menu included leek and potato soup, roasted chicken breast with new potatoes and oven-baked parsnips. Dessert was a special celebratory cake presented in honour of Dr. vitéz baron Zsigmond András Lemhényi, Deputy Captain General, on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
The meal was accompanied by Tine Hungarian wines and a warm, friendly atmosphere.

This event beautifully demonstrated the dedication, unity, and deep respect for Hungarian traditions within the United Kingdom branch of the Order of Vitéz.
The memory of this noble and uplifting occasion will remain forever in the hearts of all who took part.

God bless the Vitézi Rend!