My first parish after being ordained was in an Anglican parish church dedicated to St Stephen.
To my horror, I discovered that St Stephen's feast day was December 26th—the day after Christmas, which we call Boxing Day here in the UK.
Naturally, this means that 99.999% of people have far more important (to them, at least) things to be doing than thinking about an important figure from the New Testament, still less tramping through the deep and crisp and even snow to come to church to commemorate our beloved patron saint.
Since then, I’ve had a soft spot for this criminally overlooked saint. And when December 26th happens to land on a Sunday — as it does every six years — I always made a point of commemorating his life and death, even if hardly anybody showed up.
So, as the calendar turns over to December 26th, and we all sit groaning in our armchairs, recovering from eating and drinking far too much yesterday, let’s think about seven interesting things you might not know about St Stephen.
1. His early life
Before Stephen is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, little is known about his life. It is suggested that he was born around 5 CE. The name Stephen comes from the Greek word “Stéphanos”, meaning ‘wreath or crown’ and, by extension ‘reward, honour, renown, fame’. It was often given as a title rather than as a name.
At some point, Stephen converted to Christianity and became one of the first deacons of the Christian Church. His trustworthy character marked him out, and he was chosen as one of the seven deacons who would serve the poor. As Acts 6:5 states,
“This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.”
His life is a testament to the transformative power of faith. He transitioned from a Greek Jew to a follower of Christ, dedicating his life to the service of others.
2. Stephen’s ministry in the early church
Stephen was chosen for a ministry of humble service and was evidently more than happy to fulfil that role. But it’s clear from Acts of the Apostles that God was also using him for the more overt ministry of proclamation.
Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6.8)
From the snippets we see in Acts, it is evident that his ministry was marked by his deep faith and ability to communicate it to others. His words were so powerful that they stirred the hearts of those who heard him, leading many to convert to Christianity.
3. The martyrdom of Stephen
Stephen was accused of blasphemy and made to stand trial. False witnesses were produced, and he was accused of blasphemy.
Acts Chapter 7 records his statement before the Sanhedrin, the governing body of the Pharisees. It sets out, for the first time in the proto-church, a coherent “Gospel message” in the format that later became common.
He was then stoned to death according to the law at that time, an event witnessed by Saul of Tarsus, who was later to morph into St Paul.
Acts 7:59–60 recounts his final moments:
“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
It is believed he died around the year 34 CE. His death marked the beginning of a long history of Christian martyrdom, a testament to the strength of his faith and the depth of his conviction.
4. The legacy of St Stephen
Stephen’s defence of his faith before the Sanhedrin before being stoned to death points to a distinct strand of belief in early Christianity. His death closely parallels that of Jesus himself.
After Stephen’s death, the remaining disciples, except for the apostles, fled to distant lands, many to Antioch. This event played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem.
This event is likely to have profoundly influenced Saul, leading to his conversion and becoming one of the most influential figures in early Christianity.
5. Stephen in the world of art
Stephen is often represented carrying a pile of rocks or with rocks on his head, symbolising the manner of his martyrdom. His representation is a powerful reminder of his sacrifice and the strength of his faith.
My favourite painting of Stephen is Carlo Crivelli’s piece from 1476, housed in the National Gallery, London, which depicts Saint Stephen, the patron saint of bricklayers and stonemasons. He is shown as a deacon of the early Christian church who cared for the poor.
6. On The Feast of Stephen
St Stephen’s Day is celebrated on 26 December. In some countries, like the United Kingdom, it is also known as Boxing Day. It is a time when people give gifts to those in service positions.
In Ireland, St. Stephen’s Day is associated with events such as hunting and horse racing. The “Wren Boys” tradition, where people dress up in old clothes, wear straw hats, travel from door to door with fake wrens (previously real wrens were killed), dance, sing, and play music.
The carol “Good King Wenceslas” celebrates the spirit of giving and kindness associated with Saint Stephen — embodied by the Bohemian King, Wenceslas.
The carol was written for the Feast of St Stephen — and links both Saint Stephen and Good King Wenceslas with their love, generosity, and service to others.
Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen,When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even;Brightly shone the moon that night, tho’ the frost was cruel,When a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel.
7. Commemorating Stephen
Stephen is traditionally venerated as the protomartyr or first martyr of Christianity.
Given his role as one of the first deacons of the Christian Church, Stephen is considered the patron saint of deacons. Stephen is also the patron saint of stonemasons and bricklayers.
This is likely related to the manner of his martyrdom, as he was stoned to death.
In some traditions, Stephen is considered the patron saint of horses. Some sources also list
Stephen as the patron saint of coffin-makers.
Additionally, Stephen is sometimes invoked as the patron saint of headaches.
So, if you feel a little delicate after your Christmas excesses, perhaps Stephen is the saint you should invoke to help with your hangover…
Gracious Father,who gave the first martyr, Stephen grace to pray for those who took up stones against him: grant that in all our sufferings for the truth we may learn to love even our enemies and to seek forgiveness for those who desire our hurt, looking up to heaven to him who was crucified for us, Jesus Christ, our mediator and advocate. Amen.
Church of England Collect for St Stephen’s Day
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