St. Stephen

St. Stephen lived in the first century and was the first martyr of the Christian Church, honored with the ancient title 'Protomartyr.' As recounted in the Acts of the Apostles, he was one of the seven men, 'full of faith and the Holy Spirit,' chosen and ordained by the Apostles as deacons to assist in the care of the community, especially its widows and poor.

Gifted with grace and power, Stephen worked wonders and preached boldly. Brought before the Jewish council on charges of blasphemy, he delivered a sweeping account of God's dealings with Israel and accused his hearers of resisting the Holy Spirit; as they stoned him to death, he prayed for his executioners and commended his spirit to the risen Christ, whom he saw at God's right hand. Present at his death, consenting to it, was a young man named Saul — the future St. Paul. His feast is celebrated on 26 December, the day after Christmas.