St. Stephen the Protomartyr

Stephen was one of the seven deacons the Apostles chose to serve the widows of Jerusalem, “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6). He worked great signs, and when he was brought before the Sanhedrin he gave a long sermon on the history of Israel. As they stoned him outside the city he saw the heavens opened and prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Among those who watched and approved was a young man named Saul, the future Apostle Paul.

• Feast: December 27 (New Calendar)
• Lived: died c. 34
• Place: Jerusalem