St. Stephen was the first King of Hungary. He was born at Esztergom in about 975, the son of Géza, Duke of Hungary, and he was given the name Vajk. Sometime during his early years (perhaps 985), he and his father converted to Christianity and were baptized; it was then that he received the name Stephen. In 995, he married Gisela, sister of St. Henry II (see July 13). Upon the death of Stephen’s father in 997, he succeeded to the throne, and on Christmas 1000, he was crowned king with a crown that Pope Sylvester II (999–1003) had sent him. Since his conversion, Stephen had been a fervent Christian, and as king he set about Christianizing his country. He abolished all pagan customs and ordered severe punishments for theft, murder, and adultery. He built many churches and gradually established ten dioceses throughout his land; he likewise promoted the spread of Benedictine monasteries. During his rule, the people lived in harmony and the nation prospered. He died at Esztergom on August 15, 1038, and was buried in Székesfehérvár in the basilica he had built and had dedicated to Mary. It was in that church that the kings who succeeded him were crowned and buried. Stephen was canonized by Pope Gregory VII in 1083. Hungarian Catholics look upon St. Stephen as the founder of the Hungarian Church and of the Hungarian state.
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