08/29/2026
Before a new season begins in the life of our church next week, I would like to pause for a moment and remember with gratitude our late President, "Sanyi bácsi". By the grace of God, I had the privilege of serving the Safety Harbor congregation with him for more than a decade.
Over the years, Sanyi bácsi became much more to me than a president (Gondnok). I think I can say that he was like a father, a brother in Christ, and a wise mentor to me. He always regarded my work with genuine love and respect, and in many ways, I feel that he was my greatest supporter. He knew how deeply I loved this community and understood the responsibility we had carried together since my arrival in 2012.
We stood beside one another in joyful times and difficult ones. It will always remain a profound privilege that I was able to hold his hand when Sanyi bácsi returned to his heavenly home. The blessing is that I still feel his presence today, not only when I enter the church, but whenever I think about this community.
Before he left us, Sanyi bácsi told me how deeply he loved this congregation and this church. His greatest hope was that we would continue building our community and make it a welcoming home; a place where anyone could rest, belong, connect with others, and follow a spiritual path whose ultimate purpose is simply to love one another.
Because loving one another, as he often said to me, does not require a degree, money, fame, or a certain age. Perhaps it is the one thing in life that all of us are capable of; if we truly choose it.
I believe that Sanyi bácsi is now watching over us from the other shore. I still see his love and kindness shining through our community and through the faithful service of our presbyters, who continue building our congregation despite the outside pressures and challenges we face.
Let us honor Sanyi bácsi’s legacy by continuing this work together: caring for one another, welcoming one another, carrying one another’s burdens, and finding joy, hope, and inspiration within the walls of our church. Because all of us need a place where we can feel at home, safe, and loved.
Dear friends, now it is our turn to continue what Sanyi bácsi began. It is up to us, here and now, to make real what we all long for:
Love. Peace. A place to call home.