27 October 2021 | Pecel, Hungary [Tibor Tonhaizer PhD with tedNEWS]
The Hungarian Adventist Theological College has awarded József Szilvási PhD with the title of Emeritus Professor for his exemplary work and outstanding contribution to the community.
In recognition of his forty-seven years of distinguished academic service, Professor József Szilvási PhD was confered the title of Emeritus Professor on 5 September 2021, at the Hungarian Adventist Theological College, in Pecel, Hungary.
Szilvási served tirelessly throughout his life in a variety of roles across countries. While serving as president of the Hungarian Union Conference (1994-1999), he oversaw the construction of the new union headquarters and the Hungarian Adventist Theological College. In his time in Rwanda, serving as rector of the Adventist University of Central Africa (2001-2009), he led the building of the new campus –to replace the old one, looted during the Rwandan genocide. Szilvási also served as a missionary, both in Hungary and Rwanda, as a district pastor, and as a Theology professor.
A prolific writer, Szilvási penned over twenty books including “The Role of the Churches in the Renewing Societies” and hundreds of articles and academic papers.
During the award ceremony Szilvási was presented with a book “Az egyház építője és misszionáriusa, Szilvási József” (The Builder and Missionary of the Church, József Szilvási) especially edited for the occasion by Professor Imre Tokics PhD. Colleagues, friends, and former students paid a tribute to Szilvási writing the collection of essays that made this book possible.
The ceremony was a very joyous occasion, Pastor Reinder Bruinsma, former executive secretary of the Trans-European Division, sent a congratulatory video message. Among other distinguished guests was former Hungarian State Secretary, Ivan Platthy. “God was graceful to me. I had the privilege to serve the Church in Hungary and in Rwanda,” said Szilvási reflecting on the day.
Szilvási will continue to serve as Head of the Systematic Theology Department at the Hungarian Adventist Theological College, in Pecel, where he lives with his wife, Eszter.
tedNEWS Staff: Victor Hulbert, editor; Vanesa Pizzuto, associate editor
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