Bodily Relic

The Incorrupt Right Hand of Saint Stephen of Hungary

Associated with Saint Stephen I of Hungary · St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest, Hungary

The Incorrupt Right Hand of Saint Stephen of Hungary

The perfectly preserved right hand of Saint Stephen I, the first King of Hungary, who Christianized the nation.

History

When Stephen's tomb was opened in 1083 for his canonization, his right hand was found incorrupt while the rest of the body had decomposed. The Holy Right Hand has been Hungary's most sacred relic for nearly 1,000 years.

Scientific Investigation

The selective preservation of one hand while the rest of the body decomposed is scientifically unexplained.

Spiritual Significance

The hand that built the Christian nation of Hungary remains preserved as a symbol of divine blessing on his work.

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