Monday, 5 October 2026

Iconography of Saint Stephen the protomartyr and his Orthodox and Catholic feast days

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Iconography of Saint Stephen the protomartyr and his Orthodox and Catholic feast days

Saint Stephen, the Christian protomartyr executed by decision of the Sanhedrin around AD 33-36, is customarily depicted as a beardless youth at the moment of his execution, being stoned. In his hands Stephen often holds the Gospel and a palm branch, or a censer. Stephen was one of the first Christian deacons, and his ministry and martyrdom are described in the Acts of the Apostles. His feast day is 9 January (27 December, O.S.) for the Orthodox and 26 December for Catholics.

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