Hungarian, Szekely in Romania
Photo Source:
Masters View / Howard Erickson
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| People Name: | Hungarian, Szekely |
| Country: | Romania |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 988,000 |
| World Population: | 11,921,300 |
| Primary Language: | Hungarian |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 92.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 3.43 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Hungarian |
| Affinity Bloc: | Eurasian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Hungarian people's ancestors settled in the Carpathian Basin approximately 1000 years ago, and the year 1000 A.D. is recognized as the year the country was founded.
Similar to other European nations, the Hungarians saw centuries of war and conflict as well as prosperity and peace. Some events stand out, however, and help us understand the people better.
What is now Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which was dissolved at the end of WWI. Thousands of Ethnic Hungarians were now living in a different country. Portions of eastern Hungary became part of Romania.
Hungary was forced to side with Nazi Germany in World War II, which ended with Russian occupation and years of Soviet rule, the effect of which is still relevant. Some Hungarians fled their country when a Hungarian revolt led to Soviet occupation in 1956. Hungary's independence from the Soviet Union was restored in 1989 when it became a democracy. Hungary joined the European Union in May of 2004. By being part of the EU, Hungarians had the chance to find employment in other EU countries.
They are also in most former Soviet countries and those controlled by the USSR, such as Romania. Romania has a large number of ethnic Hungarians.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Hungarians in Romania have started over 300 cultural organizations after the fall of communism. There are many Hungarian-language media outlets in Romania, especially TV and radio. They have Hungarian-language schools in Romania as well. Hungarians have made their mark in Romania through sports. Politically, they have their own parties, which serves to divide Romania along ethnic lines. Hungarians are concerned that they will be marginalized.
What Are Their Beliefs?
King St. Steven the First accepted Roman Catholicism as the official religion, giving up on the former shamanistic traditions. This led to rebellion among the people, and some Hungarians look back to these shamanistic "roots" as a reinforcement of their e
What Are Their Needs?
Hungarians need the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ in a secular environment. Like the rest of humanity, they are created in God’s image, and they need him.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give spiritual hunger to Hungarians in Romania.
Pray for a Jesus-centered revival in Hungarian churches that will turn their hearts to the Lord of lords.
Pray that soon, Hungarian disciples will disciple others in Romania, especially those without a gospel witness.