St. Stephen
One of the seventy-two disciples of Christ, after the Ascension Saint Stephen was chosen as one of the seven deacons. Our icon depicts him with the tonsure and vestments of a deacon. Scriptures tell us that "full of grace and fortitude, he did great wonders and signs among the people." Many adversaries rose up to dispute him, but "they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the spirit that spoke." Brought before the Sanhedrin and charged with blasphemy against Moses and against God, he was filled with the Holy Ghost and looking up to heaven, he cried out, "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God" In demonic fury the onlookers rushed upon him, dragged him outside the city, and stoned him to death.
Saint of: headaches, deacons, horses.
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