Saint Zoltan z Egeru

Zoltan Arpad (born 981 in Eger, died 1022) was a wandering preacher and a direct descendant of Árpád, the first ruler of Hungary. He was the son of Laszlo and Dorrotya. The chronicles of Gallus Anonymus mention that Zoltan had two sons. Zoltan is considered the first historical wandering preacher of the Magyars and the most fervent propagator of Christian thought in the lands of the Khazars. He continued the Christian policy of his dynasty, spending most of his mission preaching the Christian message in pagan lands. Zoltan was ordained shortly after King Stephen I the Saint established the bishopric in his native Eger in 1009. Soon after entering the clergy, he set out for the East. Surviving sources describe him as a stout man with a short beard who always traveled with a staff. Records indicate that he was a lover of red Hungarian wine, yet he maintained a very strict approach to matters of faith. Despite his austere religious disposition, he was renowned among his friends as a first-rate orator and a talented bard. Most details of his life remain shrouded in mystery; it is known only that he suffered martyrdom while preaching the Word of God among the most pagan tribes. Pope Victor II recognized Zoltan’s merits by declaring him a saint. Despite the recognition of his contributions as a zealous propagator of the faith in the 10th and 11th centuries, later chroniclers for unknown reasons omitted the activities and fate of Zoltan of Eger.