On September 12, 2026, approximately 1,200 Unitarians from across Transylvania and Hungary gathered at Szejkefürdő (Băile Seiche), near Odorheiu Secuiesc, for the 27th annual Unitarian Gathering. This traditional autumn event brought together members of the Hungarian Unitarian Church for worship, fellowship, and Holy Communion under the biblical motto: “Let us not grow weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9).
The day began in Székelyudvarhely (Odorheiu Secuiesc) with a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Balázs Orbán, the renowned Transylvanian historian and ethnographer. Participants then proceeded to Szejkefürdő in a ceremonial procession accompanied by traditional Székely hussars and a brass band.
Bishop István Kovács welcomed the congregation, describing the annual return to Szejkefürdő as a homecoming to God’s open-air sanctuary, where faith and a sense of belonging are renewed. On behalf of the host congregations, Rev. Bernadett László reflected on the gathering’s significance across generations and the enduring bonds that unite the Unitarian community.
A carved wooden memorial post, passed between church districts each year as a symbol of unity, was handed over to the Cluj–Turda Unitarian District.
The worship service was led by Rev. János Kriza, Deputy Bishop of the Unitarian Church District in Hungary, whose sermon was based on 1 John 4:12: “If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us.” He emphasized that God’s presence becomes visible through acts of compassion, forgiveness, patience, and care for others. In an increasingly connected world, he reminded participants of the irreplaceable value of genuine human encounters and community.
Rev. Hunor Elemér Márkos, Dean of the Küküllő Unitarian District, delivered the Communion meditation, highlighting the importance of passing on faith through shared experiences and family life. He described Holy Communion as an expression of gratitude, belonging, and mutual responsibility, uniting people from different congregations and regions around a common faith.
Holy Communion was celebrated with the participation of clergy from across the Church, followed by a closing prayer and blessing offered by Rev. Csongor Szombatfalvi.
Throughout the day, participants could enjoy a variety of accompanying activities, including creative workshops for children, opportunities for personal spiritual conversations, and exhibitions of traditional crafts organized by Unitarian women’s associations.
Following the worship service, the gathering continued with a procession to the tomb of Balázs Orbán, where representatives of local and county authorities addressed the participants. Their messages highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage, strengthening communities, and passing on shared values to future generations. Wreaths were laid in remembrance of Orbán’s legacy.
The 27th Unitarian Gathering at Szejkefürdő concluded with the communal singing of the Hungarian National Anthem and the Székely Anthem, reaffirming the bonds of faith, heritage, and fellowship that unite Unitarian communities across borders.
