St Astrik of Pannonhalma was also known as Radla, Astricus, Anastasius, Astericus, or Ascrick.
He was the Archbishop of Esztergom, Hungary.
He was born in Bohemia in the Czech Republic and died in 1035 AD.
We celebrate his feast day on November 12 every year in the Catholic Church.
| St Astrik of Pannonhalma Biography | |
|---|---|
| Place of Birth | Bohemia, Czech Republic |
| Profession | Archbishop of Esztergom, Hungary |
| Date of Death | 1035 AD |
| Feast Day | November 12 |
| Canonization | Pre-congregation |
| Patron Saint of | Hungary |
St Astrik of Pannonhalma Life History
St Astrik of Pannonhalma, originally a monk in Rome, Italy with the name Radla, took on the name Astricus.
He forged a close friendship with St Adalbert of Prague and actively supported Adalbert in his missionary endeavors in Bohemia.
Astricus assumed the role of the first abbot of Brevnov. However, due to the prevailing anti-Christian persecution in the region, he was compelled to seek refuge in Hungary, where he dedicated himself to missionary work among the Magyars.
In 997 AD, Astricus assumed the role of a spiritual mentor to the wife of Duke Geza, who happened to be the mother of Saint Stephen of Hungary.
He played a pivotal role as the first abbot of Saint Martin’s monastery in Pannonhalma, marking the establishment of Hungary’s first monastery by Duke Geza.
When Saint Stephen succeeded his father, Duke Geza, and became the ruler, Astricus resumed his missionary work with the Magyars.
Astricus made history by becoming the first archbishop of the Hungarian Church, with his episcopal seat likely situated in Kalocsa.
He also served as an ambassador to Rome and successfully negotiated the acknowledgment of Hungary as a new kingdom by Pope Sylvester II.
Notably, he transported the crown bestowed by the pope for Stephen’s coronation as King of the Hungarians, which took place in 1001, with Emperor Otto III presiding.
Astricus continued to be Stephen’s trusted advisor, offering guidance on both spiritual and state matters until Stephen’s passing. He outlived Stephen by two years and dedicated his final days to prayerful contemplation as a monk.
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