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| Dame Hanna and Bishop Rutherford at the Hungarian National Opera in Budapest |
BUDAPEST 22 May 2024 (NRom)
H.H. Bishop Rutherford and H.M. Dame Hanna of Rome-Ruthenia recently attended the Hungarian State Opera in Budapest, Hungary (formerly known as the Hungarian Royal Opera). This was a public testament of the Pontifical Imperial State's steadfast commitment to nurturing and preserving the arts around the world. It conveys the message that the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and its temporal wing, the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia value the arts and their profound ability to enrich and transform lives. Art has an unparalleled power to inspire, educate, and unite people in shared experiences of beauty, meaning, and community. Yet, this commitment extends beyond just attending events; it involves promoting the development of artistic talent, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage, and creating platforms for the arts to thrive.
The Hungarian National Opera House is a stunning architectural marvel that has long been a beacon of artistic excellence, captivating audiences with its world-class performances and unparalleled grandeur. Throughout the performance, the audience was treated to an enthralling display of operatic talent, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
A Reflection of the Pontifical Imperial State's Values
The arts have long been a cornerstone of human civilization, serving as a means of expression, cultural preservation, and societal advancement. By embracing and supporting cultural institutions around the world, the Pontifical Imperial State demonstrates its deep appreciation for the transformative power of the arts, recognizing their ability to inspire, educate, and unite people from all walks of life.
Throughout the years, the Pontifical Imperial State has recognized many outstanding people through its honors system. This includes the Pontifical Society. Fellows inducted to the Pontifical Society have included various great artists around the world.
Historical Connection
Hungary once held sway over a vast territory that encompassed not only present-day Hungary but also many modern-day nations, including Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia, among others. Some of these territories overlap with the traditional regions associated with the modern Pontifical Imperial State.
Hungary's historical ties to the Pontifical Imperial State showcase the nation's significant role in shaping the region's past. For example, a Hungarian king, Andras II, ascended to the Ruthenian throne, which constitutes a major part of the Pontifical Imperial State's titular patrimony. Known as the King of Galicia during his reign, this Hungarian monarch's rule over Ruthenia demonstrated the fluid nature of power dynamics in medieval Europe. The interconnectedness of royal families and the shifting alliances of the time allowed for such unique crossovers in leadership.
As the Kingdom of Ruthenia (Old Russian State) faced its eventual dissolution, Hungary seized the opportunity to expand its territory. The Hungarian kingdom successfully incorporated some of the former Ruthenian lands into its domain, further strengthening its position in the region. Thus, Hungarian territories remain historically linked to the Pontifical Imperial State.
