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.

