Individual Details

St. Piroshka of Hungary "Eirene"

(Est 1078 - 13 Aug 1134)

Daughter of King László the Saint and Adela von Rheinfelden, Piroska was born about 1078. After the death of her father, she spent much time at the court of her cousin, King Kálmán. About 1104/1105 she married the Byzantine heir, Johannes Komnenos Dukas, whose Orthodox faith she had to accept. Her new name was Eirene.

She excelled in her role as Empress, and gained much experience in matters of state. She saw her wealth as a means to help improve the empire. With her husband she founded the Pantokrator Monastery in Constantinople. She always took in pilgrims and heard their tales. She did not forget her native land, granting audiences to Hungarian messengers and serving as an intermediary between Hungary and Byzantium. After her death the Orthodox Church canonised her, and her image can still be seen in a mosaic at Hagia Sophia. Hungarians too consider her their saint.

Unfortunately a detailed history of her has not survived, but she may be considered a role model: a woman who, far away from her native land, tried to do her duty, recognising and accepting the role in which she was placed.

Source: Leo van de Pas

Events

BirthEst 1078
Marriage1104Ioannes II, Komnenos Dukas, Emperor of Byzantium
Death13 Aug 1134Xene

Families