Saint
Stephen the New
Hieromartyr and Confessor Stephen the New of the Mount of St Auxentius († 767)
New Calendar November 28 Old Calendar December 11
Why they are a saint
Saint Stephen the Younger (Greek: Ἂγιος Στέφανος ὁ νέος, Hagios Stephanos ho neos; 713 or 715 – 28 November 764 or 765) was a Byzantine monk from Constantinople who became one of the leading opponents of the iconoclastic policies of Emperor Constantine V (r. 741–775). He was executed in 764 and became the most prominent iconodule martyr. His feast day is celebrated annually on 28 November.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Stephen the New as a patron when they bear the name Stephen at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on November 28. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Stephen the New, 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.