Saint Stephen I

Stephen I, also known as King Saint Stephen (Hungarian: Szent István király; Latin: Sanctus Stephanus), was the last grand prince of the Hungarians between 997 and 1000 or 1001, and the first king of Hungary from 1000 or 1001 until his death in 1038. Born around 975 in Esztergom, he was given the pagan name Vajk at birth but later became a devout Christian. He married Gisela of Bavaria and succeeded his father as grand prince after a conflict with Koppány, supported by foreign knights. Stephen was crowned king on either December 25, 1000 or January 1, 1001, with a crown sent by Pope Sylvester II. He unified the Carpathian Basin through military campaigns and protected his kingdom's independence against Conrad II, Holy Roman Emperor.

Stephen established at least one archbishopric, six bishoprics, and three Benedictine monasteries, leading to the development of an independent Church in Hungary. His reign was marked by a lasting period of peace and prosperity for the Hungarian people. He died on August 15, 1038, aged 62 or 63, and was buried in his new basilica in Székesfehérvár, dedicated to the Holy Virgin. His death led to civil wars that lasted for decades. Stephen was canonized by Pope Gregory VII, together with his son Emeric and Bishop Gerard of Csanád, in 1083. He is a popular saint in Hungary and neighboring territories, celebrated on August 20 as State Foundation Day, which is also a public holiday.