Divisions and Unifications in the Order of Vitéz – A Retrospective, 29 July 2011
- v. Balázs Róbert
- Jul 29
- 4 min read
Fourteen years ago today, a historic moment took place when the Captain General of the Order of Vitéz, vitéz Count János Molnár-Gazsó, made an effort to ease the long-standing disputes within the Order and to unite the Order of Vitéz. Following this significant event, he issued the following appeal to the members of the Order.
Dear Honourable Ladies and Gentlemen,
As you may have already learned from the press or from the following link, on 29 July 2011 we were finally able to show the world that the Order of Vitéz is united!
Unfortunately, there are still some Vitéz organisations that have not yet returned, even though the door remains open. We welcome with great joy and respect the return of our members from other Vitéz groups to the united Order. Those who return will face no reprisals whatsoever; indeed, everyone may retain their Vitéz rank and position!
Dear Honourable Ladies and Gentlemen,
For centuries, we have suffered under the oppression of foreign powers. Let us be honest: this was possible because our divisions served the interests of foreign anti-Hungarian forces. The division of our nation persists to this day. Hungary is currently enduring exceptionally difficult times. Those of us who think in terms of nationhood must set an example and build unity. I do not believe in the Turanian curse, but I do believe in the resurrection of Hungary.
In this nation-building effort, the Order of Vitéz has an important role to play.
The current state of the Order of Vitéz in Hungary is unworthy of the last wishes of our founder, vitéz Miklós Horthy of Nagybánya. The Regent established the Order of Vitéz with the intention that it should be a Christian, national force representing the interests of the Hungarian Nation. Unfortunately, the divisions so characteristic of our country have also affected the Order. Every member of the Order deeply regrets this unfortunate division, and I believe every Vitéz desires its end. I am convinced that a united Order of Vitéz would benefit the nation. Therefore, great responsibility rests upon the leaders of the various branches of the Order.
To restore and coordinate the unity of the Order, the Ministry of Defence has offered its assistance. On 19 April 2011, the Ministry convened a meeting with the leaders of the various groups. At this meeting, the Ministry expressed its regret over the division within the Order and offered their support towards restoring unity.
Groups Participating in the Conference:
Order of Vitéz (Legally registered and operating in Hungary under the leadership of vitéz János Molnár-Gazsó)
Historical Order of Vitéz Association (Led by vitéz László Hunyadi)
Order of Vitéz Carpathian Basin Governorship (Led by vitéz László Vad)
Order of Vitéz I.C.O.C. (A chivalric order privately registered in Sweden)
The official position was expressed that it is desirable for the unity of the Order to be restored within six months, thereby serving the interests of the Hungarian Nation. During the second part of the meeting, the leaders of each group were given the opportunity to present their ideas regarding the restoration of unity. Representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the leaders of the branches of the Order of Vitéz issued statements affirming that negotiations would continue.
In the days following the meeting,
I was contacted by the leader of the Carpathian Basin Governorship of the Order of Vitéz. As a result of discussions with Mr. vitéz László Vad, the Order of Vitéz and the Carpathian Basin Province of the Order will merge. The document formalising this will be signed in July 2011.
Following recent negotiations, the Horthy Miklós Vitézi Rend Foundation — led by vitéz József László Ajtós, vitéz Ervin Sándor, and Dr. vitéz Tamás Erdős — will join the Order of Vitéz.
I warmly welcome all vitézs who have recognised that the division within the Order serves foreign interests and who, understanding this, continue their vitéz duties as members of the unified Order of Vitéz.
The Order of Vitéz sincerely welcomes all vitézs with Hungarian friendship.
To further the cause of unity, I participated in discussions with Mr. vitéz József Árpád Habsburg. Unfortunately, they maintained a rigid position, stating that only those whom he or his predecessor have personally knighted can be considered vitézs. They do not recognise other branches of the Order and believe that all groups have the opportunity to return to their fold.
Dear Vitézs,Having regard to the last will of our founder, I have respectfully declined your offer. The Order of Vitéz operating in Hungary is a military order. We serve our homeland here at home, protecting Hungarian interests, in accordance with the last will of our founder, vitéz Miklós Horthy of Nagybánya. We stand by the proposal made during negotiations and hope that we may unite for the sake of the Order’s unity.
I have taken part in several discussions with Mr. vitéz László Hunyadi, the leader of the Historical Order of Vitéz Association. We have agreed that division does not serve the interests of the Order or our Nation. I believe we must continue negotiations in the hope of unification. We have agreed that the chief stewards of the Order of Vitéz and the Historical Order of Vitéz Association will jointly work on a unified admissions policy. Where circumstances permit, we will appear together at commemorations. In the coming times, we will encourage our members to participate in joint events.
I believe that in every vitéz group, regardless of who knighted them, there are honourable Hungarian people. I sincerely hope that disputes unworthy of vitézs will come to an end! I call upon every vitéz living in Hungary and abroad to strive for the unity of the Order of Vitéz,
considering the fate of their homeland. Let them put aside real or perceived grievances.
The existence of our Nation and our beloved Order is at stake. Let us learn from the mistakes of the past! I firmly believe that it is not by the whims of history that Hungarians, including vitézs, still live. God has a plan for the Hungarians and for us, the vitézs!
God bless Hungary and the Order of Vitéz!
vitéz János Molnár-GazsóChief Captain [signed]
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