Saint Stephen the First Martyr Handmade Orthodox Icon

Description

Saint Stephen the First Martyr was the first among the seven deacons elected at the suggestion of the Apostles to care for the widows and the poor of Jerusalem. A man full of faith, Saint Stephen devoted his entire life to preaching the Word of Christ. He was distinguished for his miraculous works and charitable acts, which provoked the envy and hatred of the Jews. Unable to oppose his wisdom and spiritual power, they falsely accused him of blaspheming God and Moses.

Saint Stephen was brought before the Council of the Jews to defend himself. His powerful apology exposed the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, leading them to drag him outside the city of Jerusalem, where he was stoned to death. He became the first Christian to suffer martyrdom for Christ and is therefore honored as the First Martyr. The Orthodox Christian Church commemorates Saint Stephen on December 27, and he is the patron saint of Skydra and Arnaia in Greece.

Dimension 16x24cm