Saint Stephen of Hungary

Stephen, born Vajk about 975, was the son of Géza, prince of the Magyars, and was baptized as a boy. He married Gisela of Bavaria and succeeded his father in 997. On Christmas 1000 or New Year 1001 he was crowned the first king of Hungary, according to tradition with a crown sent by Pope Sylvester II. He organized the kingdom into counties, founded the archbishopric of Esztergom and other dioceses, built churches and monasteries, and gave laws, as well as advice to his son Emeric, who died before him in 1031. Stephen died on 15 August 1038 and was canonized in 1083 together with Emeric. His right hand is kept as a relic in Budapest.