Young people gathered for a youth day in Ákos
A youth day was held in Ákos on 25 April, with nearly 130 participants arriving from several congregations of the Reformed Diocese of Nagykároly, as well as from neighbouring dioceses.
The programme was opened by youth speaker Gál Krisztián Rudolf, who expressed his joy that so many young people had gathered again this year. Dean Tolnay István greeted the participants with the message of 2 Corinthians 1:13, highlighting the importance of freedom. He explained that although young people often associate freedom with independence and a life without restrictions, true freedom has a deeper meaning and should be valued, especially by those who experience the absence of it.
Rev. Gál Lídia Hajnal, reverend of Ákos, welcomed the participants and encouraged them to greet one another with a handshake or a hug. Young people arrived from many congregations, including Ákos, Dobra, Domahida, Érendréd, Érszakácsi, Hadadnádasd, Iriny, Nagykároly-Kertváros, Piskolt, Szilágyszér, Tasnád, Tasnádszarvad, Kraszna, Szilágyperecsen, Zilah and Érszőllős. She greeted them with Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Rev. Visky István from Nagyvárad gave a thought-provoking presentation entitled “Closed Lives – What Is Inside and Beyond Prison Bars”. He shared about his work as a prison chaplain and spoke about the lives of inmates in the high-security prison of Nagyvárad. Through real-life stories, he showed how easily people can end up behind bars and emphasised the importance of wise choices, including choosing friends carefully. He highlighted that through Christ people can experience inner freedom even in difficult circumstances.
During the day, participants enjoyed songs by the youth band The One Way, discussed the message of the presentation in small groups, played games and took part in sports activities. Those seeking spiritual reflection could participate in a prayer walk or experience the “invisible theatre”. The young people returned home spiritually renewed and with a deeper appreciation for the gift of freedom.
The programme was opened by youth speaker Gál Krisztián Rudolf, who expressed his joy that so many young people had gathered again this year. Dean Tolnay István greeted the participants with the message of 2 Corinthians 1:13, highlighting the importance of freedom. He explained that although young people often associate freedom with independence and a life without restrictions, true freedom has a deeper meaning and should be valued, especially by those who experience the absence of it.
Rev. Gál Lídia Hajnal, reverend of Ákos, welcomed the participants and encouraged them to greet one another with a handshake or a hug. Young people arrived from many congregations, including Ákos, Dobra, Domahida, Érendréd, Érszakácsi, Hadadnádasd, Iriny, Nagykároly-Kertváros, Piskolt, Szilágyszér, Tasnád, Tasnádszarvad, Kraszna, Szilágyperecsen, Zilah and Érszőllős. She greeted them with Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Rev. Visky István from Nagyvárad gave a thought-provoking presentation entitled “Closed Lives – What Is Inside and Beyond Prison Bars”. He shared about his work as a prison chaplain and spoke about the lives of inmates in the high-security prison of Nagyvárad. Through real-life stories, he showed how easily people can end up behind bars and emphasised the importance of wise choices, including choosing friends carefully. He highlighted that through Christ people can experience inner freedom even in difficult circumstances.
During the day, participants enjoyed songs by the youth band The One Way, discussed the message of the presentation in small groups, played games and took part in sports activities. Those seeking spiritual reflection could participate in a prayer walk or experience the “invisible theatre”. The young people returned home spiritually renewed and with a deeper appreciation for the gift of freedom.
