St Stephen

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59-60

In our Maronite Saints calendar on 27 December we venerate St Stephen, the first Martyr. We learn about St Stephen directly from the Gospel. We are told that St Stephen was chosen as one of the seven deacons by the disciples to assist with distributing food and looking after the widows and the poor. We also know that “Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.” Acts 6:8-10

St Stephen was then arrested and was stoned to death. His martyrdom and commitment to his faith helped promote Christianity in the Early Church.

We also learn from his story, the importance of the Diaconate. The disciples chose Deacons so that they could assist them in order that they may give their "attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4.

The Diaconate remains an important Order in the Church. It assists the priests so that they can do their important works. We pray for all the Deacons in our Church and that more men will be inspired to the office of the Diaconate in our Maronite Church.