THE HUNGARIAN PHILOLOGISTS AS THE LIGHTS OF THE TRANSCARPATHIAN HUNGARIAN MINORITY

At the opening ceremony of the series of events honoring the 60th anniversary of Hungarian education at the Uzhhorod National University, first of all, I'd like to express my congratulations and I hope, the institution will continue its magnificent work for many more years to come.Fourthy-four years ago I have received my diplom here, together with my late first wife and my oldest son.I'm sharing my thoughts on behalf of all Hungarian artists.I'd like to point out that besides over a thousand writers who shape the lives of local Hungarians, there are 66 other colleagues to be proud of, who are the lights of the Transcarpathian Hungarian minority.They are present in the Hungarian social and cultural life as well.51 of them have their own publication, they represent intellectual value, leave a mark in time.They have shown their excellence in different genres (such as poems, prose, drama, literary translation, history, etnography, linguistics, sociography, demography, textbook writing, etc.).This study shows that in the past 60 years besides others (historic churches, higher education and science, education, musical, artistic and literary life, media, etc.) Hungarian philologists have been an essential part of organization and direction of organizations like KMDSZ, UMDSZ, MKK, KMPSZ, and almost a hundred other.They took on the protection of the Transcarpathian Hungarians political, cultural and professional interests.After the first 20 years of the 21st century, new difficulties are about to occure for the Hungarian philologists.We should continue on protecting the Hungarians in the territory during the war as well: may the education continue in Hungarian, and may our churches and institutions be filled with people who represent Christian values.Despite the war, many people stayed in their hometown fighting for survival, and for native Hungarian culture.