Saint
Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen
Holy Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen († c.34)
New Calendar December 27 Old Calendar January 9
Why they are a saint
He belonged to the group of seven deacons installed by the apostles to serve meals for the widows (Acts 6) and was called archdeacon because he was the eldest of them. The Orthodox Church commemorates Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen on December 27.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen as a patron when they bear the name Protomartyr at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 27. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.