Apostle Stephen the Protomartyr
Protomartyr
Commemorated June 15 · August 2 · December 27
The holy, glorious, all-laudable Apostle and Archdeacon Stephen the Protomartyr (Gk. Στέφανος, "crown") was an early Christian convert from among the Hellenistic Jews, one of the original seven deacons ordained by the Apostles , and the first martyr of the Orthodox Church . The Church remembers the martyrdom of St. Stephen on December 27 , and the translations of his relics on August 2 , as well as commemorating him on June 15 with Ss. Fortunatus and Achaicus .
Troparion
Thou didst fight the good fight, and, didst denounce the impiety of the tyrants,
O protomartyr and apostle of Christ;
for, stoned at the hands of the iniquitous,
thou hast received from on high a crown from the right hand of the Lord,
and didst exclaim to God, crying aloud: O Lord, lay not this sin to their charge!
Kontakion
Yesterday the Master came to us in the flesh,
and today his servant departeth from the flesh.
Yesterday He that reigneth over the flesh was born,
and today his servant is slain by stoning.
For His sake the godly protomartyr Stephen doth meet his end.