Part of the crucifixion of the protomartyr Stephen

Saint Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen (27/12)

The holy archdeacon Stephen was the first to be martyred for his faith in Christ, which is why he was called the protomartyr.

Once, while he was in a discussion between Jews and Greeks about Christ, he did not hesitate to confess his faith, wanting to help them return to the truth.

But they arrested him and led him to make an apology before the chief priests.

There, all those present at the conference saw his face illuminated with a wonderful light like the face of an angel.

The saint boldly confessed once again the divinity of our Lord Jesus and rebuked his hardness of heart.

After this, the Jews, unable to bear the shame that overcame them, stoned him to death.

As he was dying, the saint begged God not to hold this sin against them, imitating his Model.