The strong link between Hungarians and Christianity can be traced back to the Stephen I. After the death of his father, the Grand Prince Géza, Stephen I. went from being the last Grand Prince of Hungary (997 - 1000), to becoming the First King of Hungary until his death in 1038.
His entire reign was characterized by the creation of inner unity of the country and the spread of Christianity. In his advises to his son, entitled “Intelmek” (Book of Admonitions) and laws he remained for the posterity in which he draws attention to preservation and strengthening of the Christianity.
Stephen I., in cooperation with Europe and the Papacy, established the independent Kingdom of Hungary at the turn of the millennium. Additionally, he founded the units of the ecclesiastical administration, the bishoprics and the administrative districts, creating the foundations of a Christian European Kingdom. The aforementioned laws helped him in the serving as guidance and foundation for this process. Through the establishment of the State, Hungary became a part of the European Christian community with preservation of Hungarian traditions and folk characters.
According to his diplomatic and political sense he became one of the greatest statesmen of the Hungarian history. Before his death in 1038 Stephen I. offered the country to Virgin Mary.
He was canonized on August 20th, 1083.
