Hungarian in Canada

Introduction / History

The Hungarian people's ancestors settled in the Carpathian Basin approximately 1000 years ago, and the year 1000 A.D. is recognized as the year the country was founded.

Similar to other European nations, the Hungarians saw centuries of war and conflict as well as prosperity and peace. Some events stand out, however, and help us understand the people better.

What is now Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which was dissolved at the end of WWI. Thousands of Ethnic Hungarians were now living in a different country. Hungary was forced to side with Nazi Germany in World War II, which ended with Russian occupation and years of Soviet rule, the effect of which is still relevant. Some Hungarians fled their country when a Hungarian revolt led to Soviet occupation in 1956. Some of them settled on Prince Edward Island in Canada. Hungary's independence from the Soviet Union was restored in 1989 when it became a democracy. Hungary joined the European Union in May of 2004. By being part of the EU, Hungarians had the chance to find employment in other EU countries. They are also in most former Soviet countries and those controlled by the USSR.

Others have settled in Canada, where they live in most of the provinces. Some came between 1880-1914 to farm, since needed land reform in Central Europe was non-existent. They struggled as agricultural pioneers but eventually prevailed. Others came between 1925 and 1930. The third wave was right after WWII; these were war refugees. The largest and final wave came after Hungary’s failed rebellion against the Soviet Union in 1956.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Hungarians in Canada have made their mark in forestry, statistical analysis, business, cinematography, music and sports. Hungarian-Canadians have established the Canada-Hungary Educational Foundation as a charity to help with educational needs and to highlight Canada’s contribution in accepting refugees.

What Are Their Beliefs?

King St. Steven the First accepted Roman Catholicism as the official religion, giving up on the former shamanistic traditions. This led to rebellion among the people, and some Hungarians look back to these shamanistic "roots" as a reinforcement of their e

What Are Their Needs?

Hungarians need the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ in a secular environment. Like the rest of humanity, they are created in God’s image, and they need him.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to give spiritual hunger to Hungarians in Canada.
Pray for a Jesus-centered revival in Hungarian churches that will turn their hearts to the Lord of lords.
Pray that soon, Hungarian disciples will disciple others in Canada, especially those without a gospel witness.

Text Source:   Joshua Project