Saint Stephen

In the year 37 A.D., the great St. Stephen was martyred. He was an archdeacon and the first martyr (protomartyr). He was chosen among six other deacons full of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, and faith for the diaconate service and the ministry of the poor. Stephen preached and did great wonders and signs among the people. His personality and miracles incited the envy and resistance of the Hellenistic Jews, who were not able to oppose the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

The Jews seized him and brought him to the council. They accused him of blaspheming against the temple and the law. Stephen stood before them and delivered his argument in a profound, historical, and elaborate illustration. His words were convincing and fiery, and they saw his face as the face of an angel. They ran at him with one accord, cast him out of the city, and stoned him as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." He saw the glory of the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Devout men carried St. Stephen's pure body and buried him with great veneration.

The blessings of his prayers be with us all. Amen.