Saint Stephen was one of the first seven
deacons chosen by the early church in the
Acts of the Apostles, and is widely regarded to be the first
martyr, earning him the title "protomartyr". Stephen's beliefs led to his being tried for
blasphemy by the
Sanhedrin, and he was stoned to death.
His feast day is celebrated on December 26 in the West, and on December 27 in the East.
See also: