Stephen I
Stephen I (977–1038), the first king of Hungary and its patron saint. He united the Hungarian people and established a strong feudal nation. Stephen continued the Christianizing policy of his father, Geza, whom he succeeded as grand duke of Hungary in 997. According to tradition, Stephen assumed the title king about 1000, after the pope named him “Apostolic King.” He was declared a saint in 1083. St. Stephen's feast day is August 16.