Speaker: Knight Rev. László Koncsag, parish priest – – Szentegyházasfalu (Vlăhița)

Lecture title: How Did Margit Berényi Become a Community Educator?

Rev. László Koncsag’s lecture presented the power of community service and dedication through the life story of an exceptional individual. Margit Berényi’s career began within the framework of the traditional teaching profession, but soon extended far beyond it: through her work, she became a true community educator who not only taught, but actively shaped her environment and community.

She began her teaching work under extremely challenging conditions, particularly among the children of working-class families in Szentkeresztbánya (Vlăhița). Education was often hindered by social difficulties, poor hygienic conditions and the lack of a supportive family background. Margit Berényi, however, did not merely adapt to these circumstances, but actively sought to change them: she visited families, worked to improve the living conditions of workers, and gave meaning to learning by awakening the children’s interest.

During her work in Szentegyházasfalu (Vlăhița), her activity further expanded. In addition to teaching, she played a key role in organizing community life: she led youth groups, held handicraft and drama sessions, and, as part of practical education, involved children in gardening and various crafts. Her dedication to beekeeping is particularly noteworthy, as it not only supplemented her livelihood, but she also passed on her knowledge to others, even to the level of professional examination.

She also played a significant role in the religious and spiritual life of the community. She actively participated in the organization of church life, religious education, teaching of singing and various spiritual activities. She believed that the education of children could not be separated from the education of families, and therefore placed great emphasis on shaping the mindset of parents as well.

One of the most important messages of the lecture is that true education extends beyond the framework of the school: it must address the entire community. The life example of Margit Berényi demonstrates that a dedicated individual can initiate lasting change within a community, if knowledge, faith and human commitment are lived in unity. Her work remains an inspiring example of how a vocation can become a form of service.

Speaker: Knight Tamás Sashalmi-Fekete, historian, Hungarian Institute of Research, Historical Research Centre, Magyarságkutató Intézet, Történeti Kutatóközpont

Lecture title: The Sword Planted in the Ground, the Oath of Loyalty and the Chosen – European and Eastern Features in the Chivalric and Warrior Culture of the Kingdom of Hungary

Tamás Sashalmi-Fekete’s lecture examined one of the most ancient and profound symbolic elements of warrior and chivalric culture: the role of the sword, with particular focus on the ritual of the “sword planted in the ground.” The central idea of the lecture was that the sword is not merely a weapon, but a bearer of meaning, symbolizing power, oath and communal commitment.

The presentation traced ritual practices associated with the sword back to the Bronze Age. In the Carpathian Basin, several sites have yielded swords placed in unusual ways—inserted vertically into the ground or arranged in deliberate patterns—pointing to a complex ritual system. These findings suggest that the sword already carried sacred significance in prehistoric times.

The lecture placed special emphasis on medieval sword finds from Székely Land, which represent a unique phenomenon. The swords found planted in the ground in areas such as Páva, Bodza, Dálnok and the Pricske Peak indicate that the tradition of sword rituals persisted for centuries. These finds are not simply weapons, but traces of a worldview in which warrior identity and ritual thinking were closely intertwined.

In addition to historical examples, the lecture also addressed oath-taking and territorial rites associated with the sword. According to medieval tradition, a sword driven into the ground both marked the claimed territory and expressed the oath of loyalty connected to it. A similar motif appears in the legend of the Saxon settlers and in the coat of arms of Nagyszeben (Sibiu), where crossed swords symbolize communal commitment and defense.

One of the most important messages of the lecture is that chivalric culture is not exclusively of Western origin, but is also closely intertwined with Eastern and nomadic traditions. The reverence for the sword, the concept of the chosen warrior, and the symbolism of the oath together form a shared cultural heritage that appears in a distinctive and complex form in the history of the Kingdom of Hungary.

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Speaker: Knight György Fodor, forestry advisor, retired forest district manager

Lecture title: On the Modern History and Current Situation of Forestry in Székely Land

Knight György Fodor’s lecture presented the historical development and present-day challenges of forestry in Székely Land, with particular emphasis on the relationship between the forest and the community. A central idea of the presentation was that the forest is not merely an economic resource, but an integral part of the life and identity of Székely society.

The lecture outlined the evolution of forest use in a historical perspective. In traditional Székely communities, forests were held in communal ownership, and their use was governed by strict, unwritten rules. These systems ensured the sustainable use of forests over long periods, creating a balance between human needs and natural resources.

In the modern era, however, this balance has been disrupted in several ways. Nationalization, followed by restitution processes after the political transition, as well as the increasing influence of economic interests, have brought significant changes to the structure of forest management. The lecture highlighted that these processes led not only to changes in ownership, but also to a transformation in mindset.

Special emphasis was placed on the evaluation of the current situation. The speaker also offered a critical assessment of present-day forestry practices. Today, forestry is simultaneously an economic, environmental and social issue. The role of forests has gained increasing importance in the context of climate change, biodiversity conservation and community life. The speaker emphasized the importance of responsible management and long-term thinking.

One of the most important messages of the lecture is that our relationship with the forest reflects our system of communal values. Sustainable forestry is not only a professional task, but also a moral issue: a responsibility toward future generations.

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Speaker: dr. Becsek Garda Dezső, historian, Professor Emeritus, Babeș–Bolyai University, Gheorgheni Extension

Lecture title: „Romania’s Accession to the European Union and the Territorial Autonomy of Székely Land

Speaker: Dr. István Botár, archaeologist, Csíki Székely Museum

Lecture title: Dendrochronological Data for the Medieval Architecture of Udvarhelyszék

Dendrochronology—the science of tree rings—is one of the most precise methods for dating historical buildings, revealing the chronology of the past through the growth patterns of trees. Dr. István Botár’s lecture presented the application of this complex method in the study of medieval churches in Udvarhelyszék, demonstrating through vivid examples that timber effectively functions as a “time archive.”

The method is based on the fact that trees growing under similar climatic conditions exhibit comparable ring patterns. By aligning these patterns, regional chronologies can be established, to which timber of unknown age can be accurately matched. This makes it possible to determine, often with year-level precision, the felling date of a roof structure or wooden building, and even whether the timber was cut in winter or summer.

The lecture was particularly valuable through the presentation of concrete Transylvanian examples. The roof structure of the Unitarian church in Székelyderzs (Dârjiu), for instance, can be dated to the winter of 1494–1495, while in other buildings multiple construction phases could be clearly distinguished. These analyses not only refine the dating of buildings, but also shed light on changes in construction techniques, material use and forest management practices.

Dendrochronological research also reveals broader historical and environmental connections. The types of wood used—such as oak, fir or spruce—reflect patterns of forest use, landscape management and economic decision-making. Thus, the research provides not only architectural, but also forest-historical and climate-historical insights.

The lecture clearly demonstrated how the modern toolkit of heritage conservation and archaeology can reinterpret the history of well-known buildings. Through the study of timber, medieval churches emerge not only as aesthetic and religious monuments, but also as precisely datable historical sources—contributing to a deeper understanding and authentic preservation of the built heritage of Székely Land.

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Speaker: Dr. István-Elemér Sebestyén, history teacher, Deputy Headmaster of the Dr. T. Boross Fortunát Secondary School in Zetelaka (Zetea)
Lecture title: The Passage of the Front Through Udvarhely in September 1944

The lecture revisited one of the most dramatic periods in the history of Székelyudvarhely (Odorheiu Secuiesc) and its surrounding region: the events related to the passage of the front line in September 1944. The presentation provided a detailed reconstruction of the military situation, outlining the defensive lines that, within a matter of days, stretched across the settlements of Székely Land, accompanied by rapid evacuation and continuous retreat. However, the historical overview did not remain limited to military movements. One of the most moving and deeply human aspects of the lecture focused on the fate of local communities. Special emphasis was placed on those Catholic priests who, despite the dangers, chose to remain in place, accepting the risks of occupation and potential reprisals. Their stories—of hiding, deportation, and eventual return to their congregations—stand as powerful examples of commitment to the community and spiritual service.

However, the historical overview did not remain limited to military movements. One of the most moving and deeply human aspects of the lecture focused on the fate of local communities. Special emphasis was placed on those Catholic priests who, despite the dangers, chose to remain in place, accepting the risks of occupation and potential reprisals. Their stories—of hiding, deportation, and eventual return to their congregations—stand as powerful examples of commitment to the community and spiritual service.

The lecture highlighted that wartime events had not only military, but also profound social and psychological consequences. The forced displacement of the population, the evacuation of settlements, and the fear of an uncertain future transformed the life of entire communities within a very short time.

One of the key messages of the presentation is that history is not only a sequence of major events, but also the sum of personal destinies and moral choices. Those who stood firm in the most difficult times continue to offer an example of loyalty, responsibility and perseverance in the service of the community.

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Speaker: István Sipos, historian, Director of the Baczkamadarasi Kis Gergely Reformed College

Lecture title: “Their Progress Is Evident for Their Age” – Reformed Education in Udvarhelyszék in the Late 18th and Early 19th Centuries in the Light of Visitation Records

István Sipos’s lecture explored the world of Reformed education in Udvarhelyszék through sources that rarely receive focused attention: ecclesiastical visitation records. These documents provide insight not only into the functioning of schools, but also reflect the social, moral and communal conditions of an entire era.

The presentation outlined the three-tier structure of the ecclesiastical institutional system—parish, diocese and church district—and demonstrated how education was closely embedded within this framework. Archival sources offer detailed insights into how teachers’ work was monitored and evaluated, not only from a professional standpoint, but also from a moral perspective.

Based on the visitation questions, the ideal teacher of the time emerges as a person who not only instructs, but also sets an example. Teachers were expected to participate in church service, maintain a disciplined lifestyle, foster good relations with the community, and even ensure the proper order of their family life. The role of the teacher thus combined pedagogical, religious and communal functions.

A particularly interesting aspect of the lecture was the presentation of concrete data regarding the content and operation of education. Students were taught not only reading and writing, but also religion, moral conduct, singing, and even geography and natural sciences. The records often documented the number of students, their progress and behavior, including remarks such as: “their progress is evident for their age.”

The lecture also highlighted the many challenges faced by education at the time: attracting children to attend school was difficult, delays in teachers’ payments were frequent, and the financial condition of the community significantly influenced the functioning of schools. Despite these difficulties, education operated within stable and organized frameworks and played a crucial role in shaping communal identity and values.

One of the most important messages of the lecture is that the school was not an isolated institution, but an integral part of community life. Teaching, faith and moral education formed a unified system that, in the long term, shaped the functioning and value system of local society.

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