Saint Istvan (Stephen)

[CyrilSebastian]

                  Istvan (Stephen) I was the King of Hungary from 1000 to 1038.   
                   The devotion of Istvan toward the Blessed Virgin Mary was such that he placed all   
                     his dominions under her special patronage.

[CyrilSebastian]

                      In order to make Hungary a Christian nation, Istvan sent Abbot Astricus to Rome to   
                       petition Pope Sylvester II for the royal dignity and the power to establish episcopal sees.

[CyrilSebastian]

                          Istvan was anointed King of Hungary in 1000.   
                           He received the cross and crown from Pope Sylvester II.

[CyrilSebastian]

Istvan's father Geza arranged Istvan's marriage to Gisela in 995.   
This marriage established the first family link between a Hungarian ruler and a Western European ruling house.   
Gisela was related to the Ottonian dynasty of Holy Roman Emperors.