Who was St Stephen?

The Apostles told the disciples to choose seven men who lived a holy life to help in the care of the poor. These men were known as deacons. Of these seven, Stephen is the first mentioned and the best known.

Stephen was a very holy and brave man, working great wonders among the people. But some of the Jews accused him of talking against God and Moses. They stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him, seized him and brought him before the council, setting up false witnesses.

People said there was a halo around his head and his face looked like that of an angel as he spoke bravely of Jesus. The Jews became very angry. But Stephen, being full of the Holy Spirit, looking up to heaven, said: "I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God."

The angry people dragged him outside of the city and stoned him to death. But Stephen forgave his murderers, saying: "Lord, lay not this sin against them. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

He died the first Christian martyr. His feast day is on the 26th of December.

The Icon of St Stephen

Our Church contains an icon of St Stephen which can be found behind the altar on the left and was completed by artist Nikki Kiely in May 2001. Click the icon below to see a larger version and for an explanation of the painting.