Feast of Saint Stephen, Protomartyr

DECEMBER 26^th is the feast day of Saint Stephen, the first martyr. The joy of the season of Christmas is interrupted a bit as we consider the sacrifice that may come as a part of the Christian life.



A statue of Saint Stephen, dressed as a deacon, and holding the stones of his martyrdom. This photo was taken in the church of Saint Stephen Protomartyr, in Richwoods, Missouri.

The record of Stephen's martyrdom is found in the Book of Acts, Chapter 7.

You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Ghost. As your fathers did, so do you also. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them who foretold of the coming of the Just One: of whom you have been now the betrayers and murderers. Who have received the law by the disposition of angels and have not kept it.