Irene of Hungary

Irene of Hungary (, Greek: Αγία Ειρήνη της Ουγγαρίας, born Piroska; 1088 – 13 August 1134) was the Byzantine empress by marriage to John II Komnenos. The Byzantine Empire was at its height during this period, and her husband, John II, has been regarded as the greatest of the Komnenian emperors. but not by others. Although Hungary belongs to the Western Catholic Church, Piroska is venerated there as a Hungarian saint. The Latin name Prisca, literally meaning 'ancient', but implying 'serious' or 'grave' behaviour.

On her deathbed, in accordance with the Byzantine customs of the era, she took monastic vows, became a monastic (nun), taking on the monastic name Xene. During the marriage, John was already the designated heir to the throne, so it was known that Piroska would later be crowned Empress of the Roman Empire (the term "Byzantine Empire" is a modern historiographical designation, at the time, the state was regarded as the Roman Empire, and its people called themselves Romans).

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 (now Zeyrek Mosque, Istanbul). The monastery contained three churches and a hospital of 5 wards, which was open to people of all social classes. Irene devoted herself to extensive charitable activities from the very beginning,

John declares that the monastery had been the initiative of his late wife and, in moving words, expresses his grief: