The death of King Stephen

King Stephen died after reigning for over 40 years, on the day of the Virgin Mary’s Assumption into heaven (15 August). His state unifying, church organising and legislative work established the Hungarian State, which has existed ever since. He was left without an heir due to the early death of his son, Prince Saint Emeric, therefore before his death he dedicated the country to the Virgin Mary. The name “Regnum Marianum”, i.e. Mary’s Kingdom originates from this.
King Stephen was buried in the Fehérvár Basilica, and according to records, “his saint body was placed into a sarcophagus carved from white marble in the centre of the building”.