“The monastery was founded by St. Stephen so that the monks living there could pray for Hungary every day, but for us it doesn’t just mean that we pray every day, it also means that our fellow citizens, or those who are open to it, can pray for Hungary.” They regard Pannonhalma as a bit of their own, and they develop a sense of connection with those they pray for. “We have been praying for a thousand years, and Hungary still stands,” said Father Konrad Dijskes, director of the Arcus Temporum festival in Pannonhalm, when we asked how the monks measure the power of their prayers.
According to Konrad Dijskes, when the monastery opens its doors, participants can encounter nature, silence and a very high level of cultural experience. Visitors also give a boost to the monks, because the community is faced with the fact that it is worth getting out of the routine of everyday life, which basically means protecting them.
We're stepping out of our comfort zone, but it's great to see people open up about what we're going through every day.
The community’s unspoken goal is for visitors to feel at home in the country’s oldest house, not only with respect and awe, but also with a familiar sense of homeliness. “Holiday” – that’s the title given to the period from 23 to 25 August 2024. As an event that takes place between, the Benedictine monks of Pannonhalm this year celebrate the 800th anniversary of the renovation and consecration of the medieval St. Martin’s Cathedral, while organizing the Arcus Temporum festival for the 20th time.
“We didn't have candidate B.”
Father Konrad Dijskes revealed that they are preparing for a large-scale opening ceremony in front of St. Martin's Cathedral, and that this year András Keller will be the artistic director of the music program, Sándor Bazányi will be in charge of literature, and the host will be the event director Pal Maksáy, director of the Orkény Theatre. According to the festival director, it was surprising that the artistic directors and organizers were the ones who had already prepared the programs during the first idea.
In this year’s event, András Keller compares Mozart to the recently deceased contemporary composer Peter Eötvös. In the literary section, the leading role will be played by Kossuth Prize-winning actor Géza Röhrig, who will share details of his new novel to be published in the fall, and as part of a reading – in addition to the works of Sándor Borbély – Röhrig’s poems will also come to life in performances by Piroska Molnár and Pál Maxsay.
We didn’t have a second-rate candidate, Sándor Bazsányi and I immediately thought of Géza Röhrig, although it’s not that simple because he’s currently in Hungary or New York. We called him and he said yes, we already knew during last year’s festival that he would be our next guest, but we haven’t announced it yet, I find his art very exciting. I’m proud that I didn’t need much convincing
Konrád Dejcsics answered our question about why they chose the hero of Son of Saul as the literary guest star.
Lavender and lemon
At this year's Arcus Temporum Festival, in addition to music, visual arts, literature and spirituality, gastronomy also plays a role.
We thought of having a celebratory lunch this year, prepared by the monastery’s protocol kitchen. The performers and the audience will have lunch and talk in the same place, which is what we want the festival to be, a very personal time spent with each other.
“Gastronomy is an important part of culture,” said Father Conrad, adding that this year, to cater to the needs of the guests, visitors will also be guided around the monastery’s famous winery. Nothing is too exotic for a monk to even come close to filling up, he said, but the menu is already being prepared and will definitely include the monastery’s lavender and lemongrass liqueur.
The podcast also discusses, among other things, when Peter Nadas will return to Pannonhalma, what the Eastern contemplative tradition has to do with Christianity, and when Kisbal and Borz's concert will take place at the festival.
If you missed the previous arútluK podcast or would like to listen to the conversation again, click here. you can do that.
(Cover image: Podcast recording with Father Conrad Dijks on 07/19/2024. Photo: Peter Papajksik / Index)
