Legend of the Holy Right Hand – Szentjobb (Sâniob)
Fact of the Hungarian figure „St. Stephen and others – First christian saints in Hungarian Kingdom”
Part of the „The patrons and guardians of the land” topic
Szentjobb, also known as Sâniob in Romanian, is a small village in Romania with a significant place in Hungarian religious and cultural history due to the legend of the Holy Right Hand. This village once housed one of Hungary’s most revered relics, the mummified right hand of St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary.
St. Stephen’s most famous relic is the Holy Right Hand (Szent Jobb), which according to legend, was discovered intact years after his death in 1038. The relic’s preservation was considered miraculous, symbolizing the divine favor and sanctity of Hungary’s first king, who played a crucial role in Christianizing the nation. According to Bishop Hartvik’s legend, when Stephen’s coffin was opened in 1083 during his canonization, a monk named Mercurius presented the king’s fully preserved right hand, still bearing an authentic ring.
King Ladislaus recognized the importance of this relic and founded a monastery in Bihar, now Szentjobb (Sâniob), to honor the Holy Right, appointing Mercurius as its abbot. The monastery became a major pilgrimage site during the medieval period, attracting pilgrims from across Hungary and Central Europe who sought blessings and miracles through the veneration of the relic. The relic’s significance extended beyond religious devotion, becoming a symbol of Hungarian national identity and the legitimacy of the ruling monarchy.
Throughout history, the Holy Right Hand faced numerous trials. It was relocated several times to protect it from invading forces and political upheavals. Some theories suggest that the relic was originally a whole arm, with the upper part being detached and donated to Poland, where it was later lost. During the Ottoman occupation, the relic disappeared but was later rediscovered by Dominican monks in Ragusa, though by then, the ring had gone missing.
Eventually, the Holy Right Hand found a permanent home in St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, where it is still venerated today. The relic was examined in 1951, 1988, and 1999, using magnifying glasses, microscopes, endoscopy, and X-ray, though radiocarbon or DNA testing has not been done to confirm its authenticity.
Despite its relocation, Szentjobb retains its historical and spiritual importance. The village commemorates its connection to the Holy Right Hand through various cultural and religious events, preserving the legend and its impact on Hungarian heritage. Szentjobb stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of St. Stephen and the spiritual history of Hungary.
