Martyr
Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen the Protomartyr
ок. 5 — ок. 34
Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen — the foremost of the first seven deacons, stoned by the Jewish Sanhedrin around 34 AD; the future Apostle Paul was a witness and participant in his execution.
Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen was one of the first seven deacons chosen by the Apostles to serve at the common tables and care for widows (Acts 6). Renowned for his eloquence and miracles, he provoked opposition from members of the Hellenistic synagogues.
Brought to trial before the Sanhedrin, he delivered a speech reviewing Israel's history of resisting God's messengers, then exclaimed: "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" — this vision was the immediate cause of his condemnation. He was led outside the walls of Jerusalem and stoned; a young man named Saul (the future Apostle Paul) guarded the coats of those who stoned him and approved of the killing. Stephen died in prayer: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60) — a scene traditionally linked to Saul's later conversion.
The Protomartyr's relics, hidden after his death, were discovered in 415 (revealed in a dream to the presbyter Lucian) and translated to Constantinople in 428.
His feast is kept on December 27/January 9 (main feast), August 2/15 (translation of relics), and September 15/28 (discovery of relics).