Martyr
Stephen
Stephen, Archdeacon & First Martyr
New Calendar December 27 Old Calendar January 9
Why they are a saint
Stephen, Archdeacon & First Martyr is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on December 27. Venerated as a martyr who died for the faith in Christ; little else about his life has come down to us.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Stephen as a patron when they bear the name Stephen 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 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.