The first of the seven deacons, a relative of the Apostle Paul. By the power of his faith, he performed great miracles among the people. The wicked, finding false witnesses who confirmed this, slandered him that he had blasphemed God and Moses. Stephen stood before them and recounted the many good things that God had done in the past to the people of Israel, as well as the many oppositions to God on the part of that people. He especially denounced them for the murder of Christ God, while his face shone “like the face of an angel.” While they were furious, he announced to them: “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). Then the wicked took him out of the city and stoned him to death. This happened a year after the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.

The Venerable Martyrs Theodore and Theophan the Painted. Sunday after Christmas, Holy Fathers. Feast of the Nativity of Christ.