• Home
• Channel: Community & Culture
• Peace Light of Bethlehem Arrives at Parliament in Budapest

Peace Light of Bethlehem Arrives at Parliament in Budapest

• 18 Dec 2024 3:52 PM
• Hungary Today

The Peace Light, lit in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, arrived to Budapest’s Parliament on Monday, brought by a delegation of Hungarian scouts. The flame is a symbol of peace and love, and its arrival marks a significant moment in the Advent season.

At the event held in front of the Delegation Hall, János Latorcai, the KDNP Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, emphasized the importance of the Advent period as a time for preparation and expectation. He noted that the flame represents a message of love, urging people to “prepare our hearts and open our souls to the miracle of the coming of Jesus Christ.”

Mr. Latorcai also reflected on the historic Christmas ceasefire of 110 years ago during the First World War, wondering whether today’s soldiers, fighting in wars across the globe, might experience even a single day of peace.

He prayed for divine intervention, hoping for an end to the suffering caused by conflict.

The flame, he said, is not just a symbol but a beacon of true love and peace that can transcend borders and conflicts.

Márta Mátrai, the First Officer of the National Assembly, also participated in the ceremony, recalling a poem by Transylvanian Hungarian poet Sándor Reményik. She wished a blessed holiday to all those present, quoting the poem’s message of hope. Zoltán Bóna, the Reformed pastor of Dunavarsány (near Budapest), blessed the flame during a festive mass, adding a spiritual dimension to the occasion.

The flame has its roots in the Austrian television charity program Licht ins Dunkel (Light into Darkness), which began in 1986. It has been carried from Bethlehem to Austria annually, and since then, scout delegations from various countries, including Hungary, have taken part in its journey.

The Hungarian Scouts Association became involved shortly after the movement’s re-establishment in the 1990s, and since then, the flame has been ceremonially distributed across Hungary, with the Parliament building being a key destination.

This tradition of bringing the Peace Light to Hungary’s Parliament is a symbol of hope and peace, a reminder of the importance of unity, love, and faith during the Advent season.

The event is organized in an ecumenical spirit, with both Catholic and Protestant spiritual movements playing a key role in its annual observance.

*********************************

You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: 
Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoop’s groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary

You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters

Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here.

• How does this content make you feel?
• I love it
• I like it
• I dislike it

• Peace Light of Bethlehem Parliament

XpatLoop Media Partner

Hungary Today

Launched online long after XpatLoop.com, this 'government-related' source states its aim is "to provide a complete, unbiased picture of Hungary”. However the site also says that this “does not necessarily mean that our writers do not have their own opinions,” which is useful for our readers to keep in mind. Another stated aim expressed is to become “the leading English-language news portal of Hungary”, which is a role that XpatLoop has successfully fulfilled independently for well over two decades. That noted, our team is open to occasionally sharing a useful Hungary Today article - with their permission of course - for the benefit of our readers.

Explore More Reports

National Holiday Marks '56 Revolution: Events in Budapest, 22 - 23 October

• 20 Oct 2025 6:32 AM

The 1956 Hungarian Revolution was a spontaneous nationwide revolt against Soviet control, sparked by student protests on October 23. Demanding freedom and independence, Hungarians briefly overthrew the communist regime before Soviet forces crushed the uprising.



Remembering Trianon: ‘Day of National Unity’ Commemorated Tragic Treaty for Hungary

• 5 Jun 2025 12:00 PM

Hungary observes 4 June as the Day of National Unity, declared in 2010 to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Trianon in 1920. The treaty, imposed without Hungarian participation at the post-WWI Paris Peace Conference, marked a major geopolitical and emotional turning point in the nation’s history.



Insider’s Guide: Top 10 Highlights at the Hungarian National Museum

• 5 May 2025 5:28 PM

Go to journey through Hungary’s rich history, as few cultural experiences in Budapest are as essential for expats living in Hungary as visiting the Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum, as it’s called in Hungarian. Founded in 1802, it is the oldest public museum in the country and remains a centrepiece of local identity.



Insider’s Guide: Top 10 Highlights at the Hungarian National Gallery

• 24 Apr 2025 12:56 PM

Discovering your host country’s cultural depth and identity is one of the real joys of living abroad. For expats living in Hungary, there’s perhaps no better place to do this than at the Magyar Nemzeti Galéria, perched proudly atop Buda Castle Hill with sweeping views over the Danube and Pest.