St. Stephen
One of the first seven deacons and the first Christian martyr, who forgave his killers while witnessing to Christ.
Image: Fabrizio Santafede — Public domain. Source and rights
Feast: December 26
Patronage and associations: Deacons, Altar servers, Those persecuted for the faith
Historical period: 1st century
The Feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr, is celebrated on December 26.
Quick facts
- Primary source
- Acts of the Apostles 6–8
- Ministry
- Service and proclamation in Jerusalem
- Witness
- First Christian martyr
Who Was St. Stephen?
Acts names Stephen among seven men chosen so the Church’s practical care would not be neglected. He was described as full of faith and the Holy Spirit. His ministry joined service to vulnerable members of the community with courageous public witness.
Stephen was accused of speaking against the Temple and the law. Before the council, he retold Israel’s history and accused his hearers of resisting God’s messengers. The speech led not to acquittal but to his stoning outside the city.
As he died, Stephen entrusted himself to Jesus and prayed that the sin would not be held against his killers. Saul witnessed the execution. Stephen’s forgiveness did not call persecution good; it revealed that violence could not make him abandon the mercy of Christ.
What St. Stephen Teaches Us Today
1. Service and witness belong together
Care for practical needs and proclamation of the Gospel are both Christian ministry.
2. Courage is not cruelty
Stephen spoke firmly without surrendering his soul to hatred.
3. Forgiveness resists evil
His final prayer refused to let violence determine the kind of person he became.
A Prayer Asking for St. Stephen’s Intercession
Lord Jesus, you received St. Stephen as he bore witness and forgave his persecutors. Through his intercession, strengthen deacons and all Christians who serve people in need. Give courage to the persecuted and keep our hearts free from hatred. St. Stephen, first martyr, pray for us. Amen.
Original prayer written by Catholic Explained.