Hungary's Saint Stephen canonized (1001 AD), thus becoming the first of the canonized confessor kings. He greatly expanded Hungarian control over the Carpathian Basin during his lifetime, broadly established Christianity in the region, and he is generally considered to be the founder of the Kingdom of Hungary. Pope Gregory VII canonized Stephen I, together with his son, Saint Emeric of Hungary and Bishop Gerard of Csanád, on 20 August 1083. Stephen became one of the most popular saints in Hungary, and his birthday is celebrated as a state holiday commemorating the foundation of the nation.

August 2010