George (bishop of Veszprém)

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George (György) was a Hungarian church leader in the 11th century who served as Bishop of Veszprém, probably starting after 1055. He died after 1061. The next bishop named in records is John, in an 1082 charter that is not considered authentic; some scholars also think a bishop named Andrew may have served between 1062 and 1079 (or 1081).

While bishop, George helped found Zselicszentjakab Abbey in 1061 by drafting its establishing charter. The founder, Otto Győr, granted him land in the village of Dorog in Somogy County (today part of Patosfa) with a vineyard and servants.

Scholars note the charter’s wording resembles Carolingian-era documents, suggesting George may have studied in Western Europe or come from there. Because he acted as a witness and drafter for the charter and the monastery lay in his diocese, he likely was the Bishop of Veszprém at that time and his approval was needed to establish the abbey.

The monastery was built on a hill by the Kapos River in honor of the Apostle St. James, on the site of an earlier church under episcopal authority. George’s involvement shows that, in the 11th century, Somogy County belonged to the Diocese of Veszprém rather than to Pannonhalma Abbey.