Saint Stephen I of Hungary ^{1 2 3}

   Other names for Stephen were István Király (King Stephen) and Vaik (Vojk).

  General Notes:

Stephen I, 975–1038, duke (997–1001) and first king (1001–38) of Hungary, called the Apostle of Hungary. The Hungarian state may be said to date from his reign. Because he continued the Christianization policy of his father, Duke Geza, and followed a pro-German policy, he had to put down revolts by pagan nobles. Married to a German princess, Stephen favored German immigration and modeled his administration on that of the German kings. He divided Hungary into counties, governed by royal officials, to prevent abuses by the nobles. His crown, sent to him by Pope Sylvester II, has remained through the centuries the sacred symbol of Hungarian national existence. (From 1945 to 1978, the crown was in the possession of the United States.) He is the spiritual patron of Hungary. Feast: Sept. 2 (in Hungary, Aug. 20). ⁴

  Noted events in his life were:

• Acceded: King of Hungary, 997.

• Coronation: King of Hungary, 17 Aug 1001, Gran, , Komárom-Esztergom, Hungary.

Stephen married Giselle of Bavaria, daughter of Henry II the Wrangler of Bavaria and Gisela of Burgundy, in 995.¹ (Giselle of Bavaria was born circa 985 and died 1033 or 1065.)

  Marriage Notes:

Some sources say they were married in 1008.