Description

Saint Stephen (first century AD–c. AD 34), honoured as Protomartyr (Πρωτομάρτυς) and Archdeacon (Ἀρχιδιάκονος), was one of the seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to assist the early Church’s charitable ministry. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he preached Christ with wisdom and performed signs among the people. When brought before the Sanhedrin, he recounted the history of Israel and proclaimed that Jesus was the promised Messiah whom the authorities had rejected.

During his trial, Stephen beheld the heavens opened and Christ standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7). He was dragged outside Jerusalem and stoned, becoming the first person to shed his blood for the Christian faith. Even as he died, he prayed that his persecutors would be forgiven, reflecting the mercy of Christ upon the Cross. This icon portrays him in a deacon’s vestments, carrying a censer and the Gospel.

Icon Source & Historical Details

Location: -

Iconographer: -

Date: -

Tradition: Byzantine

(If you believe any of the details above to be inaccurate, let us know through the contact form.)