Saint Stephen

Saint Stephen is the Protomartyr or first martyr of Christianity and is venerated as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church and its Eastern Rite, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Church of England and its Anglican Communion among other religious denominations. He is identified as one of the first deacons chosen by the early church in Acts of the Apostles. The Feast of Saint Stephen is celebrated on December 26 in the Western Church and December 27 in the Eastern Church. A simple octave is kept by the Roman Catholic Church in honor of this feast; it is also commemorated in the liturgy of January 2.

Related Topics:
Martyr - Christianity - Saint - Roman Catholic Church - Eastern Rite - Eastern Orthodox Church - Church of England - Anglican Communion - Religious denomination - Deacon - Acts of the Apostles - Feast of Saint Stephen - December 26 - Western Church - December 27 - Eastern Church - Simple octave - January 2

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Upon the death of Jesus, Stephen began to work hard to spread what was then called The Way. He preached the teachings of Jesus and participated in the conversion of Jews and Gentiles. Acts tells the story of how Stephen was tried by the Sanhedrin for blasphemy and was then stoned to death by an infuriated mob encouraged by Saul of Tarsus, the future Saint Paul http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Acts+22%3A20.

Related Topics:
Jesus - The Way - Sanhedrin - Blasphemy - Stoned - Saint Paul

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Saint Stephen's name is simply derived from the Greek Stephanos, meaning "crown", which translated into Aramaic as Kelil. Saint Stephen is traditionally invested with a crown of martyrdom for Christianity and is often depicted in art with three stones and the martyrs' palm.

Related Topics:
Greek - Aramaic - Palm

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