Magyar News, 2000. szeptember-2001. augusztus (11. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2001-04-01 / 8. szám
The cover of our February issue was a painting by the Hungarian artist, Gyula Benczúr. It showed the event of Vajk (St. Stephen) being baptized by Bishop Adalbert. This beautiful picture created in 1870 has Vajk kneeling in the church next to the Baptism Fountain and Adalbert pouring water from a golden chalice. Vajk is a young man beyond the age of a christening. We know that many of the Hungarian leaders, including Vajk’s father Geza had converted to Christianity some time ago. It would be strange if Geza hadn’t had his son baptized at an earlier age. Vajk was brought up in the Christian faith and by the time he became a young man, he was confirmed and not baptized as the painting indicates it. Bishop Adalbert from Prague spent time on many occasion at the court of Geza. He was considered a mentor to Vajk. He was among the Hungarians at the time when it was appropriate to Christen Vajk, also at the time what we consider for Vajk to be confirmed. Besides the lengthier stay at the court, Adalbert travelled back and forth to other European countries and naturally to Rome. Who was really (Saint) Adalbert? Adalbert was bom around 956 in a Czech fortress, Libice. He came from a prominent family and was related to Henrik II. Therefore related through Gizella to King Stephen. He started his studies at the then very famous school of the Archbishop of Magdeburg at the age of 16. During his studies Adalbert did not consider his life to be connected to serving religion. This happened later on. Finishing his studies he returned to Prague and was ordained by Bishop Theotmar. Theotmar was trying unsuccessfully to change the sinful life of his people. This changed Adalbert’s future. He identified with Theotmar and when the Bishop died Adalbert became Prague’s second Bishop. In this position he continued his predecessor’s work. He had to face sever hardships and accomplished very little. Adding to the situation was the fact that Prague was the European capital of slave trade of the time. Adalbert finally disappointed left Prague and went to Rome. There he worked with many different Kloisters, including those with Byzantine Right. For a short time he went back to Prague, but the government was against him. Adalbert disillusioned after Czech nobilities disgraced the Saint George Chapel in the Hradzsin so he went back to Rome. There he learned that his relatives in Lidice were all massacred and they took over the fortress. With a few of the Monk Brothers he went to Prussia to work as a missionary instead of going back to Prague. This didn’t last long, on April 23, 997 he died as a martyr. Two of his fellow missionaries were able to escape and bring the bad news to Rome. When Brave __________________ Boleslav, head of Commemorative stamp the Polish people heard about Adalbert’s death, he offered the weight of Adalbert’s body in gold. This is not the end of the story. In 1038 the Czechs looted the cathedral in Gniezno, Poland, and carried the relics of Saint Adalbert back to Prague. What do we know about Adalbert’s connection to the Hungarians? The legends of Saint Stephen mention his visits on many occasions. During his comings and goings he travelled through Hungary and spent time there. He knew the Magyars who’s leaders were already Christened. He was also instrumental in the marriage of Stephen and Gizella. His fellow missionaries also helped spreading Christianity among the Hungarians. Adalbert had a great impact on all neighboring countries. He was even considered to be Saint Stephens mentor. Joseph F. Balogh Page 1 Bishop Saint Adalbert and King Saint Stephen shown together in a miniature from 1511
