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Saint Stephen, the First Martyr

feast Christmas Time
Mass Readings → Liturgy of the Hours →

Selected Mass Reading

First Reading — Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59

And Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people. Now there arose some, of that which is called the synagogue of the Libertines and of the Cyrenians and of the Alexandrians and of them that were of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke. Now hearing these things, they were cut to the heart: and they gnashed with their teeth at him. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up steadfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And he said: Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. And they, crying out with a loud voice, stopped their ears and with one accord ran violently upon him. And casting him forth without the city, they stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, invoking and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice, saying: Lord, lay not his sin to their charge: And when he had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord. And Saul was consenting to his death.

Saints Memorialized Today

Saint Stephen
Saint Stephen Deacon, Martyr 1–36

Saint Stephen was born around AD 5, likely into a Jewish family, though little is known of his early years. He first appears in Jerusalem as one of the Seven chosen by the Apostles to serve the Church, ensuring that the daily distribution of food reached those in need, especially Greek-speaking widows. Filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, Stephen preached with courage and was known for signs and wonders that drew many to Christ. His teaching stirred opposition in several synagogues, and enemies brought false accusations that he spoke against Moses, the Law, and the Temple. Before the Sanhedrin, Stephen proclaimed God’s saving work through Israel’s history and testified that Jesus fulfills, not abolishes, God’s promises. Enraged, the crowd dragged him out and stoned him, while a young Saul of Tarsus looked on. As he died, Stephen gazed toward heaven, entrusted his spirit to the Lord, and prayed forgiveness for his killers—becoming the Church’s first martyr, the protomartyr. His feast day is December 26.