841
edits
Changes
Added scriptural account
== Life ==
St. Stephen was a Jew living in the Hellenic provinces, related to the [[Apostle Paul]] and one of the first seven deacons ordained by the [[Apostles]] to serve the Church in Jerusalem (thus making him an archdeacon).In the words of [[Asterias]]:St Stephen was "the starting point of the martyrs, the instructore of suffering for Christ, the foundation of righteous confession, since Stephen was the first to shed his blood for the Gospel." In the [[Acts of the Apostles]], we read in chapter 6: "Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, 'It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.' And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people."
The [[Holy Spirit]] worked powerfully through his faith, enabling him to perform many [[miracle]]s and always defeat the Jews who would dispute disputed with him.
The Jews in their hatred of St. Stephen lied about him to the people, but St. Stephen with his face illumined reminded preached to the people , reminded them of the miracles God had worked through him , and even rebuked the Jews for killing the innocent [[Christ]].
The people were enraged by what they thought was blasphemy and 'gnashed their teeth' at Stephen. It was then that he saw his Christ in the heavens and declared it so. Hearing this, the Jews took him outside the city and stoned him to death, with his kinsman Saul (later St. Paul) holding their coats while they did it. Afar off on a hill was the [[Theotokos|Virgin Mary]] and St. [[Apostle John|John the Theologian]] who witnessed this first martyrdom for the Son of God and prayed for him while he was being stoned. This occurred about a year after the first [[Pentecost]].