Son of chiefs

Vaik was the son of the chief. Their people had swept in from the east and conquered the land decades before. Now they embraced civilization: they accepted Christianity and aligned themselves with the aristocracy of neighboring lands.

But for Vaik, Christianity was more than part of the window-dressing of civilization. He cared for the poor, provided hospices for pilgrims, established monasteries, and cultivated piety in his personal and family life.

As the end of his life drew near, sickness and violent political intrigue afflicted him, but nothing could overwhelm his devotion to Christ and to his people, nor would Vaik’s people ever forget his shining example: a holy man who established a nation.

Born with the name of Vaik as son of a chief, baptized with the name of Christ’s first martyr and later crowned as first King of Hungary, St. Stephen died on August 15, 1038.