Stephen

Saint Stephen, often called the Protomartyr, was one of the first seven deacons chosen by the Apostles to serve the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem (Acts 6:1-6). Recognized for his faith, wisdom, and divine power, he fervently preached the Gospel. His ministry and preaching, notably his discourse before the Sanhedrin where he recounted Israel's history and accused his judges of resisting the Holy Spirit, earned him the hostility of the Jewish authorities. He was stoned to death, thus becoming the first Christian martyr, around the year 34 AD. His last words were a prayer of forgiveness for his persecutors, mirroring Christ. His stoning is narrated in the Acts of the Apostles (chapter 7).