Transylvania Tidbit – Introducing Rev. Mihály Bálint

As announced in a Newsletter article on 1/1/26, the previous minister of Sinfalva, Rev. Denes Pálfi has retired.  

Rev. Pálfi has informed me that his replacement, at least temporarily, will be Rev. Mihály Bálint. For the time being the new minister will share duties with another village. It is still possible that a full-time replacement will be assigned to Sinfalva, but it is not certain. Other villages already share ministers, depending on the size of the congregation and whether it is growing or shrinking.

I have written an email to Rev. Bálint, introducing ourselves and emphasizing that we hope to continue this 30+ year relationship. It was interesting writing the first contact letter, and comparing the experience to the first contact made with Rev. Pálfi in 1993. Here is the original letter (Realm link, you may need to log in) in English by Paul Ratzlaff. Here is the letter in Hungarian, translated by my mom, to ensure that it is correct and polite. Both letters are displayed in the Partner Church Corner in the Library.

My experience this time was very different. My mom is not here to translate now, but Google Translate is. I simply wrote the letter in English, pasted it into Google Translate, and then looked at the translation. It was excellent Hungarian, but written in the informal form (like “tu” rather than “vous” in French). It would have been like starting the letter “Hey, Rev, old buddy, what’s up?” I looked in vain for a formal/informal switch but then saw a suggestion, start the letter with a formal salutation, and that signals Google Translate. So, I added “Honored Rev. Balint” at the beginning, and, wow, it worked! Immediately I got the same letter, but politely formal. Amazing.

The transition to the next phase of our relationship is underway. I’ll write other newsletter blurbs as things happen. Anyone who would like to learn more about this connection and participate in it is welcome to contact Gabor Kiss. Proficiency in Hungarian is NOT required!