Who Was Saint Stephen I?
Saint Stephen I ruled as the very first King of Hungary around 1000 AD. He transformed wandering tribes into a unified, Christian European nation. He built churches, created strict laws, and established the country’s foundation. Today, Hungarians honor him as the true founder of their state.
The Story of the Holy Right
St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest holds a fascinating historical treasure:
- The Sacred Artifact: The basilica houses the mummified right hand of Saint Stephen himself. Locals call this relic the Szent Jobb (Holy Right), and it rests inside an ornate reliquary shrine in the church chapel.
- Why the Hand? Legend says that workers found Stephen’s right hand completely intact when they opened his tomb years after his death. People saw this miracle as proof of his holy life and generous deeds.
- An Interactive Visit: You can stand right next to the glass display case. When you drop a small coin into the slot, internal lights illuminate the glass so you can clearly see a 1,000-year-old royal hand!
Celebrating St. Stephen Today
Every year on August 20th, Hungarians celebrate St. Stephen’s Day, the nation’s biggest official holiday. The day features dynamic public celebrations:
- The Procession: Priests carry the Holy Right through the streets of Budapest during a solemn parade.
- The New Bread: August 20th also marks the harvest festival, where priests bless and slice the official “First Bread” of the year.
- Fireworks: A massive, world-class firework display over the Danube River closes the night.
