Honor Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, the first martyr of the Church, remembered across the Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Antiochian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, Romanian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Bulgarian Orthodox, Georgian Orthodox, and all Eastern Orthodox Churches. As one of the first seven deacons ordained by the Apostles, Stephen devoted his life to serving the poor and proclaiming the Gospel.
His fearless witness before the Sanhedrin led to his martyrdom by stoning, during which he prayed for his persecutors: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Saint Stephen is honored as the Protomartyr—the first to shed his blood for Christ—and as a model of faith, courage, and forgiveness.
Traditions: Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Antiochian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, Romanian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Bulgarian Orthodox, Georgian Orthodox, and others
Feast Day: December 26 (Byzantine calendar), December 27 (Julian calendar usage)
Titles: First Martyr, Deacon, Protomartyr of the Church, Witness of Forgiveness
The witness of Saint Stephen inspires Orthodox Christians to serve others in love, proclaim the Gospel boldly, and forgive even in the face of persecution.
Honor Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, the first martyr of the Church, remembered across the Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Antiochian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, Romanian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Bulgarian Orthodox, Georgian Orthodox, and all Eastern Orthodox Churches. As one of the first seven deacons ordained by the Apostles, Stephen devoted his life to serving the poor and proclaiming the Gospel.
His fearless witness before the Sanhedrin led to his martyrdom by stoning, during which he prayed for his persecutors: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Saint Stephen is honored as the Protomartyr—the first to shed his blood for Christ—and as a model of faith, courage, and forgiveness.
Traditions: Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Antiochian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, Romanian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Bulgarian Orthodox, Georgian Orthodox, and others
Feast Day: December 26 (Byzantine calendar), December 27 (Julian calendar usage)
Titles: First Martyr, Deacon, Protomartyr of the Church, Witness of Forgiveness
The witness of Saint Stephen inspires Orthodox Christians to serve others in love, proclaim the Gospel boldly, and forgive even in the face of persecution.
