Xpat Interview: Rev. Dr. Frank Hegedus, Saint Margaret's Anglican Episcopal Church

  • 31 Jul 2014 12:00 PM
Xpat Interview:  Rev. Dr. Frank Hegedus,  Saint Margaret's Anglican Episcopal Church
Saint Margaret’s Anglican Episcopal Church was founded in Hungary in 1992 by the Rev. Canon Denis Moss, a New Zealander with British roots married to a Hungarian. Canon Dennis retired in 2011, and the church has been under the leadership of Father Frank since then.

The church is called Anglican Episcopal because Anglicans in some countries – such as the United States and Scotland -- are referred to as Episcopalians. Here in Budapest, on a given Sunday morning approximately 30-35 people attend services.

They represent at least seven different nationalities -- to name just a few: the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, several nations of Africa, and of course Hungary.  We welcome visitors and newcomers.  Our congregation motto is: Isten hozott! God brought you to us.

The Sunday morning service begins at 10.30, and it is in English.

Location of Services:

First and Third Sunday of Every Month: Protestáns Szakkollégium; 1120 Budapest; Eötvös út 35

Second and Fourth Sunday of Every Month: Evangélikus gimnázium; 1071 Budapest; Városligeti fasor 17.

For further information, including directions and fifth-Sunday location, please consult our website: www.anglicanbudapest.org.

Morning Sunday school is provided for children during the service throughout the school year.  Youth group meets twice monthly. There is also a monthly bible study programme and various fellowship opportunities.  To find out more visit the website, www.anglicanbudapest.org or our Facebook page

See what Father Frank had to say about himself…

Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in West Michigan. I went to high school in southern Indiana.

If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
Budapest, of course.

What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?
I would miss my friends and the people at my church.

Friends are in Budapest for a weekend – what must they absolutely see and do?
The Danube, the Parliament, and try some Hungarian food.

What is your favorite food?
Borjú paprikás.

What is your favorite sport / form of exercise?
Swimming.

What is your favorite place in Hungary?
Perhaps Batthyány tér for its view of the Parliament. Or maybe the Balaton in spring and autumn.  And of course my father’s village along the Slovak border.

What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I have worked as a financial planner, business manager, and as a counselor. I like being a priest the best of all.

What’s a job you would definitely never want?
Am not good with my hands, so fields like mechanics or engineering would not be for me.

Where did you spend your last vacation?
Singapore.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Southern California, where I have many friends.

What was your favorite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
As a Teen…? I liked Bob Dylan.

Apart from temptation what can’t you resist?
A good Hungarian dinner.

Red wine or white?
Rosé

Book or movie?
Book. Mostly history and theology. It figures, I suppose.

Buda or Pest side?
Buda.

Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?
Becoming a priest.

  • How does this interview make you feel?