St. Stephen of Hungary

In the late 9th century, the Magyars arrived in Hungary, settling along the Danube under Chief Arpad's leadership. They were known for their fierce nature and came into contact with Christianity during their raids across Europe.
While Christianity had been introduced to Pannonia earlier, it wasn't until the 10th century that the Magyars began to consider it seriously. Geza, the third leader after Arpad, recognized the political importance of Christianity and converted, setting an example for some nobles. However, for many, this conversion was more out of convenience.
An exception was Geza's son, Vaik, who became known as Stephen after his baptism. In 995, he married Gisela, the sister of Emperor St. Henry II of Bavaria. Two years later, Stephen succeeded his father as the leader of the Magyars.
Stephen faced challenges, including conflicts with rival leaders. To secure the future of Christianity in his realm, he gradually established episcopal sees as Magyar clergy became available.
He made Szekesfehervar his usual residence and built a church there in honor of the Mother of God, where Hungarian kings were later crowned and buried. Stephen also completed the foundation of the great monastery of St. Martin.
To support churches, pastors, and the poor, Stephen commanded the payment of tithes and abolished pagan customs. He insisted on marriage for all except clergy and religious, forbidding unions between Christians and idolaters.
Stephen was known for his humility and generosity. It's said that, while distributing alms in disguise, he was mistreated by beggars, but he took it with good humor, happy to serve his Savior.
His virtuous example influenced those around him, especially his son, Emeric, to whom he inscribed his code of laws.
Stephen's legacy also includes political organization. He abolished tribal divisions, introduced counties with governors and magistrates, and made nobles vassals of the crown, unifying the Magyars into a single entity.
Despite the challenges, Stephen was the founder of Hungary as an independent realm. His historical background was marked by a fierce and uncivilized era.
In his later years, Stephen wished to entrust more responsibility to his only son, Emeric. However, Emeric's tragic death in 1031 left Stephen without an heir, leading to family disputes over succession.
Stephen passed away in 1038, buried beside Emeric. His tomb became a site of miracles, and his relics were enshrined in a chapel in Buda by Pope St. Gregory VII.