Irene of Hungary


Saint Irene of Hungary, born Piroska, was a Byzantine empress by marriage to John II Komnenos. She is venerated as a saint.

Life

The name Piroska was a Hungarian derivation of the Latin name Prisca, literally meaning 'ancient', but implying 'serious' or 'grave' behaviour. She was a daughter of Ladislaus I of Hungary and Adelaide of Swabia.
She was born in Esztergom. Her mother died in 1090 when Piroska was about two years old. Her father died on 29 July 1095. Ladislaus was succeeded by his nephew Coloman who apparently was the new guardian of orphaned Piroska.
In an effort to improve relations with Alexios I Komnenos of the Byzantine Empire, Coloman negotiated the marriage of Piroska to John II Komnenos. John II was the eldest son of Alexios I and Irene Doukaina. He was already co-ruler of his father since 1 September 1092 and was expected to succeed him. The negotiations were successful and Piroska married John in 1104. The marriage was recorded by Joannes Zonaras and John Kinnamos.
Following her conversion to the Eastern Orthodox Church and settlement in Constantinople, Piroska was renamed Irene.
Irene played little part in government, devoting herself to piety and her many children. She was, with her husband, the patron of the construction of the Monastery of Christ Pantokrator in Constantinople. This monastery contained three churches and a hospital of 5 wards, which was open to people of all social classes.
Irene died on 13 August 1134 and was later venerated as Saint Irene.

Issue

She and John had eight children. The primary source about their order of births is the chronicle of Niketas Choniates:
  1. Alexios Komnenos , co-emperor from 1122 to 1142. His birth is recorded in the Alexiad by Anna Komnene.
  2. Maria Komnene, who married John Roger Dalassenos.
  3. Andronikos Komnenos.
  4. Anna Komnene, married Stephen Kontostephanos.
  5. Isaac Komnenos.
  6. Theodora Komnene, who married Manuel Anemas.
  7. Eudokia Komnene, who married Theodore Vatatzes.
  8. Manuel I Komnenos, emperor from 5 April 1143 – 24 September 1180.

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