Happy Feast of Saint Stephen

Thursday, December 26, 2024 - 09:15

Happy Feast Day of Saint Stephen! 

Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr, whose apologia before the Sanhedrin  points to a distinct strand of belief in early Christianity. His defence of his faith before the rabbinic court enraged his Jewish audience, and he was taken out of the city and stoned to death. The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles (6:8-10; 7: 54-59) gives the account of Stephen’s martyrdom as he dies he prays “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” and asks mercy for his killers “Lord do not hold this sin against them."

In Britain, we often forget this special day, because of the Victorians who replaced it with 'Boxing Day' when the rich used to box up gifts to give to the poor. Boxing Day also traditionally became the one and only day off for servants - a day when they received a special Christmas box from their masters.

As the protomartyr, Saint Stephen was the first of many more Christian martyrs including the Apostle, Saint Jude.

Saint Stephen, pray for us. 

Image: Jorisvo - used with permission of Istockphoto.com