King Saint Stephen

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

King Saint Stephen is revered as the patron saint of Hungary and the founder of the Hungarian state. His feast day on August 20 is a national holiday, celebrated with a procession of his mummified right hand, the Holy Right. He is considered the greatest Hungarian king, having unified the Magyar tribes and established a Christian kingdom that endured for centuries. His legacy is honored in countless churches, schools, and even on the 10,000 Forint note.

AwardsStephen was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1083, one of the highest honors in the faith. He was granted the title Apostolic King by the Pope, giving him authority to direct the spread of Christianity in Hungary.

Honours & Distinctions

Patron Saint of Hungary

Catholic Church·1083

Declared patron saint of Hungary after canonization.

Apostolic King

Pope Sylvester II·1000

Title granted by the Pope, giving authority to spread Christianity.

Order of Saint Stephen of Hungary

Empress Maria Theresa·1764

Chivalric order established in his honor.

Holy Right Relic

Hungarian State·Ongoing

His mummified right hand is a national relic housed in St. Stephen's Basilica.

Rankings & Lists

Greatest Hungarian of All Time

National poll·2005

Records & Feats

First King of Hungary

Historic First·1000

Crowned on December 25, 1000, establishing the Kingdom of Hungary.

First Hungarian ruler to mint coins

Career Milestone·c. 1000

Introduced coinage as a symbol of sovereignty.