Stephen I of Hungary

Who they were

Vajk was born around 975 at Esztergom, son of Duke Géza of the Magyars, whom the emperor Otto helped to turn from raiders into a settled, Christian people. His Christian mother raised him in the faith, and at baptism he took the name Stephen after the first martyr.

Inspired by St Adalbert of Prague, he surrounded himself with wise counsellors; at his request the Pope made him King of Hungary, gave him the right to name its bishops, and sent the crown with which he was crowned 'Apostolic King' at Christmas in the year 1000. With his wife Gisela he invited Benedictines, founded monasteries and schools, and built the country on Christian foundations. He wrote to his son that without living the Gospel he would be no Christian; the son died in a hunting accident. Stephen died on 15 August 1038 and was buried in the cathedral he had built at Székesfehérvár.

The miracles

Vatican News says Gregory VII allowed his veneration in 1083, as the people already honoured him as king and apostle of Hungary, and that he was proclaimed a saint in 1686; other sources call the 1083 act his canonisation.

Why that counted as sanctity

Stephen used a king's power to plant the Church among his people, and taught his heir that a ruler is a Christian only if he lives the Gospel.

Connected on this site

• Saint Emeric of Hungary Saint Child
  “1007 – 2 September 1031), was the son of King Stephen I of Hungary and Giselle of Bavaria.” — Wikipedia
• Gisela of Hungary Blessed Spouse
  “985 – 7 May 1065) was the first queen consort of Hungary by marriage to Stephen I of Hungary, and the sister of Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor.” — Wikipedia
• Adalbert of Prague Saint
  “Inspired by St Adalbert of Prague, he surrounded himself with wise counsellors; at his request the Pope made him King of Hungary, gave him the right to name its bishops, and sent the crown with which he was crowned 'Apostolic King' at Christmas in the year 1000.” — this site's research
• Gerard of Csanád Saint
  “Maurus, bishop of Pécs, and King Stephen I of Hungary convinced him to discontinue his pilgrimage, emphasizing that Gerard's preaching could accelerate the conversion of the Hungarians.” — Wikipedia