News

May 26, 2026

Author: Vitéz Robert Winton, Seat Staff Captain

On 18 May, Johan Huovinen, Michael Kindahl, and Lars Fritz had the opportunity to meet the Hungarian Ambassador to Sweden, Dr. Péter Palóczi, at Sällskapet in Stockholm. During the meeting, they informed the Ambassador about the activities of the Swedish chapter of the Vitézi Rend, explaining that the chapter currently has approximately 30 members, of whom around 20 are regularly active, and that meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at Militärsällskapet in Stockholm. A standing invitation was also extended to the Ambassador to attend future gatherings. Through the initiative of Michael Kindahl, the Ambassador was furthermore invited to a luncheon at Militärsällskapet, with the intention of later introducing Hungary’s future Military Attaché once appointed.

Ambassador Palóczi subsequently delivered a highly appreciated lecture entitled “Hungary after the Parliamentary Election,” in which he provided both a historical overview spanning more than one thousand years of Hungarian history and an analysis of contemporary political developments. He highlighted Hungary’s NATO membership in 1999, EU accession in 2004, and entry into the Schengen Area in 2007, while also explaining that the new Parliament and Prime Minister were appointed on 9 May and that the new government was formed on 12 May. Particular emphasis was placed on the government’s more than two-thirds parliamentary majority, enabling potential constitutional reforms.

The Ambassador outlined the new government’s priorities, including strengthening the rule of law, revitalizing the economy, implementing social and systemic reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability, strengthening partnerships and trade with Western countries, increasing transparency in relations with Russia and China, reinforcing cooperation within the V4 countries, and further strengthening Hungarian foreign policy. He also emphasized Hungary’s desire to deepen cooperation with Sweden, particularly within industry and defence, partly based on the successful twenty-year cooperation surrounding the Gripen fighter aircraft.

The lecture was very well received and was followed by a lively and respectful discussion, as well as a joint dinner at Sällskapet.

May 18, 2026

Author: Vitéz Gábor Hegyi de Agyagfalva

The Hungarian Catholic community gathered at Cologne Cathedral on May 2nd to hold their annual commemoration for Cardinal József Mindszenty, Archbishop of Esztergom, Hungary. The tradition, which follows a Holy Mass, takes place at the memorial plaque in the cathedral’s crypt. The plaque was unveiled seven years ago, and the community has gathered every year since to honour his legacy. As usual, this year’s memorial included a wreath-laying ceremony. On behalf of the Order of Vitéz, vitéz Gábor Hegyi de Agyagfalva placed the wreath of remembrance.

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April 20, 2026

Author: Vitéz Attila István Szakál, Seat Captain of Partium Region

The Partium Region Seat Captaincy of the Order of Vitéz organized a commemorative event from March 27-29, 2026, to mark the 350th anniversary of the birth of Prince Ferenc Rákóczi II. The event, held with the intent of establishing a new tradition, was well-attended by members of the Order.

The proceedings began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the bust of Ferenc Rákóczi II de Felsővadász, Prince of Transylvania and Ruling Prince of Hungary, following a welcoming and commemorative speech by Vitéz Attila István Szakál, Seat Captain of Partium Region.

In the Reformed Chain Church of Szatmárnémeti (Satu Mare), Reformed pastor Zoltán Korda held a brief commemoration, followed by a visit to the Roman Catholic Episcopal Palace. There, the attendees were received and guided by Episcopal Secretary József Famen and later welcomed by the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Szatmár, His Excellency Jenő Schönberger.

The series of events concluded on the 29th with a worship service at the Reformed Chain Church.

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April 9, 2026

Author: Vitéz Nob. Mária Fekete de Galántha, Seat Captain of Victoria Region

The Order of Vitéz were active participants presenting a historical exhibition of the life stories of 23 of our Hungarian heroes from around Australia. These were documented and published in a mini booklet in both English and Hungarian, a cherished representation of our honoured Vitézes.

Another aspect to our successful exhibition was the display of the building of the Melbourne ecumenical church, which was prepared by our emeritus Staff Captain, Vitéz István Világos.

We were honoured to have our exhibition opened by the Ambassador, his excellency Zsolt Csenger-Zalán and the Melbourne Hungarian Consul, Dr. Endre Domaniczky.

All who attended were deeply moved to have this knowledge shared with them and to gain a greater understanding of the Order of Vitéz, its heroes, and their enduring contributions to the preservation of the Hungarian nation.

Acknowledgements
Some exceptional Hungarians arrived on the shores of Australia after WWII and 1956. Some were already members of the Order of Vitéz and some became members later. They often endured incredible hardship and tragedy before arriving here but nearly always built successful lives enriching the Australian success story. Already, the names and lives of these people is receding into history. In an attempt to revive the spark, some short life stories were collected of our members past and present. Hopefully, the collection will expand as more and more life stories are unearthed.

The material was collected and compiled by Vitéz Lilla Kövesdy-Ámon, Staff Captain of Australia region.

Grateful acknowledgement for the assistance of Vitéz noble Mária Fekete de Galántha, Seat Captain of Victoria Region and Head of Treasury of Australia, and Vitéz Caroline Fazakas, Vitéz Lieutenant for Victoria Region. And thanks go to Dr. Endre Domaniczky, Consul, Head of Post for Melbourne, for the generous offer to help with the Hungarian translations.

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April 7, 2026

In Melbourne, Australia we commemorated the Revolution of 1848 March 15thsymbolising national independence and democracy.

Vitéz Kövesdy-Ámon Lilla, Staff Captain Australia and Vitéz Nemes galánthai Fekete Mária, Seat Captain Victoria and Vitéz Fazakas Caroline, Vitézi Hadnagy Victoria, lay flowers (Koszoruzás) at the Heroes Memorial at the Hungarian Centre, Melbourne Australia.

The Koszoruzás was followed by a special commemoration performance, opened by the Ambassador of Hungary, his excellency Zsolt Csenger-Zalán supported by our Hungarian Consulate members in Melbourne. Our Hungarian dancers and musicians performed.

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