Today's Saint (September 2): Stephen of Hungary

Saints Home Page | BACK | NEXT

Stephen (c. 970 - 1038) is regarded as one of Europe's most important Christian Kings. He became King of Hungary in 997 A.D. when he replaced his father, Henry the Second. Stephen prayed often and was ascetical in his life, giving generously to the poor.

Not afraid to live the Christian Faith, Stephen sought to establish Christianity as the religion of his country. He built various monasteries and dioceses and made himself accessible to the poor, even to the point of occasionally disguising himself when distributing alms in their midst.

Mindful of Our Lord's command to serve instead of being served, he helped improve the spiritual lives of his subjects by maintaining high moral standards with regard to marriage, and also through quelling superstitious customs and the rampant paganism of his day.

"Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his goods" (St. Luke 12:37). (The day's Communion verse, page F 28, The People's Anglican Missal)

Catholic Encyclopedia Article
Stephen's Mass Propers

Books Worth Considering
A History of the Church in England
Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Oxford Dictionary of Saints (Oxford Paperback Reference)
The Penguin Dictionary of Saints: Third Edition (Dictionary, Penguin)

www.episcopalnet.org