St. Stephen the Protomartyr
St. Stephen, a kinsman of the Apostle Paul, was the first of the seven deacons ordained by the Apostles to serve the Jerusalem community, and is therefore called the Archdeacon.
Full of grace and power, he worked great wonders among the people until he was accused of blasphemy and brought before the Sanhedrin, where his face shone like the face of an angel as he recounted God's dealings with Israel and their rejection of the Righteous One. Around the year 34, he was dragged outside Jerusalem and stoned to death while the young Saul, the future Apostle Paul, guarded the garments of his killers; he died praying for his murderers, becoming the first martyr of the Church.
Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.
Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Lord, do not hold this sin against them.
The Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands; as the prophet says, 'Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool.'
You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.
Troparion · Tone 4
For the struggles you endured for Christ God, a royal diadem crowns your head, O First Champion of Martyrs. For you refuted the folly of the Jews and beheld your Savior on the right of the Father. Ever beseech Him, therefore, for our souls.
Kontakion · Tone 3
Yesterday the Master came to us in the flesh, today His servant departs from the flesh; yesterday the King was born in the flesh, and today His servant is stoned; for His sake, the Protomartyr and divine Stephen is perfected.
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