St. Stephen of Hungary

St. Stephen (977-1038), was the son of the Magyar chieftain Geza; Stephen succeeded him as leader in 997. He gave his patronage to Church leaders, helped build churches, and was a proponent of the rights of the Holy See. Stephen also crushed the pagan counterreaction to Christianity, forcibly converting the so-called Black Hungarians after their failed rebellion. In recognition of his efforts, Stephen was anointed king of Hungary in 1000, receiving the cross and crown from Pope Sylvester II. The remainder of his reign was taken up with the consolidation of the Christian hold on the region. His crown and regalia became beloved symbols of the Hungarian nation, and Stephen was venerated as the ideal Christian King.

Canonized in 1083 by Pope St. Gregory VII, he became the patron saint of Hungary. His Feast Day is August 16.