Veszprém Archdiocese has rolled out a full calendar for early 2026, blending family life, sacred heritage, ecumenical prayer, charity, and music into a season of encounters across the city and the region. From guided walks through rarely opened spaces in the Castle District to marriage preparation courses and a charity ball in Sümeg, the programs open doors—literally and spiritually—for locals and visitors alike.
New Year, New Plans: Family Planning Session
On January 24, 4:00–6:00 p.m., families are invited to a free year-in-review and planning session at the Archdiocesan Office’s Gizella Hall, Veszprém, Jutasi Street 18/2. Using selected parts of the YearCompass booklet, the gathering guides participants in closing the past 12 months and charting a clear path into the year ahead. Participation is free but requires registration due to limited seating.
Hungarian Culture Day: Rare Access in the Castle District
Also on January 24, the Castle District turns into a living museum with special guided walks and open doors to spaces not usually accessible. The theme promises: Rarely Seen Spaces, Open Libraries, Living Heritage. Meet at the Biró–Giczey House, Vár Street 31, where the exhibitions will be open 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., showcasing the district’s history, architecture, and cultural heritage.
11:30 a.m. – Guided walk: Archbishop’s Palace and Koller Library. Led by Dr. Balázs Karlinszky, director of the Veszprém Archdiocesan Archives, this tour enters the Koller Library, home to centuries-old volumes that preserve the story of Hungarian learning.
2:00 p.m. – Guided walk: St. Michael’s Cathedral and St. George’s Chapel. Explore ecclesiastical spaces shaped from the medieval era to today.
4:00 p.m. – Guided walk: Archbishop’s Palace and Gizella Chapel. A vivid meeting of Baroque and medieval architecture in a densely layered historical setting.
Each guided walk departs with a maximum of 20 participants; no registration required. Note: The Biró–Giczey House is otherwise closed between January 1 and February 1, except for this day. Pre-arranged group tours (15+ people) continue to be available on weekends at St. Michael’s Cathedral, St. George’s Chapel, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Gizella Chapel.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
January 18–25 marks the ecumenical prayer week in Veszprém, gathering believers across denominations to pray for unity daily at 5:00 p.m. in different churches. The theme is anchored in Ephesians 4:4: One body and one Spirit, as you were called to one hope. This year’s materials were prepared by the Armenian Apostolic Church, drawing on deep historical and ecumenical experience, with prayers and reflections bearing witness to hope, dialogue, and peace in a divided world. The closing service features a sermon by Archbishop György Udvardy. All Christians are warmly invited to bear shared witness to faith and hope—That all may be one (John 17:21).
Day of Consecrated Life in Tihany
On Monday, February 2, men and women religious serving in the Archdiocese gather in Tihany. Vespers begins at 5:15 p.m., followed by a festive Mass at 6:00 p.m., led by Archbishop György Udvardy. Everyone is encouraged to come and pray together for religious communities and for new vocations.
Charity Ball in Sümeg: Dance for Families in Crisis
The 4th Veszprém Archdiocesan Caritas Ball takes over Hotel Kapitány in Sümeg on February 13, raising funds for families in crisis. Reception starts at 6:00 p.m., greetings at 7:00 p.m. Patrons of the gala are Archbishop György Udvardy and Imre Polgárdy, Chair of the Veszprém County Assembly. The evening features welcomes, a gala dinner, live music by the Gin-Tonic Band, Sümeg Rendezvous (Sümegi randevú), a show by Zoltán Miller and Bernadett Vágó, and a raffle with valuable prizes. Tickets: $44.50 per adult, $33.40 per child (ages 4–14).
Marriage Prep in Veszprém: Six Fridays to Start Strong
Engaged couples can join a practical, faith-rooted course at Padányi School, Szeghlety J. Street 6, on six consecutive Fridays: February 6, 13, 20, 27, and March 6 and 13. Topics cover the spirituality of marriage; family of origin; communication and conflict resolution; intimacy in marriage; male–female differences and common pitfalls; and parenting and family life. It’s a structured path to prepare together for a durable, loving marriage and a healthy home life.
Music Highlights: Organ, Duets, and Creation
February 4 brings a joint concert by Szilárd Ferenc Kovács and Nóra Ducza, opening the spring musical arc across the Archdiocese. On April 15, the celebrated Martin Baker performs with Tamás Kéméndi in an evening pairing international and local artistry. On May 28, organist János Pálúr presents Creation Story (Teremtéstörténet), a program that promises theological depth and sonic drama in one immersive performance.
Please note: Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
