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As the Czechoslovak Hussite Church celebrates its 100 anniversary, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit attended a festive worship service, where he received a “memory medal” from Patriarch Tomás Butta commemorating the occasion.
Speaking on 11 January, Tveit extended greetings of unity and solidarity. “The Czechoslovak Hussite Church has been empowered and inspired to be church in your context and in the wider ecumenical fellowship,” he said. “By the grace of the Holy Spirit you contribute in many ways to the unity and the common witness of the WCC.”
Tveit also commended the church’s actions to promote and uphold human rights. “I continue to pray in solidarity with the Czechoslovak Hussite Church: God of Life lead us to justice and peace,” he said.
The ceremonial service in the St Nicolas Church on the Old Town Square in Prague was broadcast live by the Czech television. After the service, participants placed flowers by the statue of Master John Huss on the Old Town Square.
The Czechoslovak Hussite Church issued a “Church and Society” statement for the anniversary. “Ever since its foundation in January 1920 it presented itself as a church that was open to society, and tried to cultivate the values of freedom, democracy, and patriotic enthusiasm,” the statement reads.
