St Stephen: The First Christian Martyr

The Stoning of St Stephen, tapestry by Pieter van der Aelst, Vatican Museums

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December 26th is the feast day of St Stephen, who is regarded as the first Christian martyr or protomartyr. 

St Stephen was one of the first seven deacons appointed by the apostles. He was arraigned before the high priest on a charge of blasphemy and so infuriated the  judges of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish legislative council in Jerusalem) with a lengthy defence of his faith  (Acts 7: 2-56) that he was condemned to death by stoning. 

​St Stephen is invoked by people suffering from headaches. 
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• Related post: church of Santo Stefano Rotondo.