In connection with the celebration of our nation’s founding, the Archdiocese of Veszprém welcomes visitors with a rich array of spiritual, cultural, and family programs from August 20 to 23. Festive Masses, church music concerts, musical devotions, themed castle tours, museum activities, and special exhibitions will commemorate the legacy of King Saint Stephen, as well as the beginnings of Hungarian Christianity and statehood.
Solemn Mass in Honor of King Saint Stephen
The first major event of the festive weekend begins at 10:30 a.m. on August 20 at St. Michael’s Cathedral, where Dr. István Takáts, the archbishop’s vicar general, will celebrate a festive Mass. The St. Michael’s Choir will provide the music for the liturgy.
Church Music Concert with the Munich Bach Chamber Choir
On Friday, August 21, starting at 7:00 p.m., the Cathedral will host a concert titled “Hör mein Bitten!” Conducted by Felix Mayer, this joint performance by the Munich Bach Chamber Choir and the Orlando Vocal Ensemble will feature sacred works by Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Bruckner. Soprano Emőke Dömötör and cellist Mátyás Virág will perform at the concert. Admission is free.
In the Footsteps of St. Stephen in the Castle District
One of the special events of the holiday weekend is the St. Stephen Tour, which will be led by Father Dávid Kulcsár on August 22 at 6:00 p.m. Participants will learn about stories and sites closely connected to King St. Stephen, Queen Gisela the Blessed, and the beginnings of Christianity in Hungary. Advance registration is required to participate in the tour; the meeting point is the Biró–Giczey House.
Festive Musical Service at the Cathedral
The day will conclude at 7:30 p.m. with a festive musical service at St. Michael’s Cathedral, where those in attendance can find peace through the organ music performed by Tamás Kosóczki.
St. Stephen's Admonitions in St. George's Chapel
Throughout the holiday weekend, from August 20 to 23, a special spiritual experience awaits visitors at St. George’s Chapel, where they can listen to the Admonitions of King St. Stephen. The thoughts he wrote to his son, Saint Imre, the founder of the Hungarian state, still offer timely guidance today on Christian life and responsible leadership.
Family Programs and Themed Activities at the Biró–Giczey House
The Biró–Giczey House also has a number of events planned for the holiday weekend.
The museum workshop titled “The King’s Spear” presents the history of the first coin minted by the Christian Hungarian state in a playful way, while the interactive program “In the Footsteps of Queen Gizella” offers an opportunity for young and old alike to explore together.
Visitors can also take part in guided tours themed around St. Stephen’s Day and view the permanent and temporary exhibitions at the Biró–Giczey House.
The festive events offer people of all ages the opportunity to learn more about the legacy of St. Stephen, the beginnings of Christianity in Hungary, and the rich historical heritage of Veszprém’s castle district.
