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The Feast of Saint Stephen (Soorp Stepanosi
Don) is a very special feast celebrated in the Armenian Church on
December 25. It is a day when the great protomartyr and first
deacon of the Church is honored in such a way that all the deacons
of the Armenian Church are remembered and honored as well.
Saint Stephen (Saint Stepanos in Armenian) was the first Christian martyr and the first of seven
deacons to be ordained by the twelve apostles. The responsibility of
these seven deacons was to take care of the secular needs of the
Hellenic (Greek Speaking) Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem.
If we read Acts 6 & 7 we see that Saint Stephen did much more. Reading
on in Acts 8, we understand that Stephen began to preach the word of
God,” and Stephen, full of the grace and power, did great wonders
and signs among the people.”
Truly feeling the power of God, Saint Stephen worked hard to spread
God’s name and love in the Jewish community of Jerusalem. However,
he became controversial, falsely accused, and taken to the
Sanhedrin, charged with blasphemy and convicted. He was stoned to
death as he was cast out of the city. The site of his martyrdom was
the eastern gate of Jerusalem, which was later, named after him.
As he was being stoned, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my
spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, “ Lord do
not hold this sin against them.” Acts: 7.59.
In summary: Saint Stephen was the first martyr and also the first protodeacon. His feast day holds much meaning for us as Armenian
Christians. Saint Stephen has been an example of Christian life. We
honor him on his feast day and honor those who have followed his
path.
A beautiful stain glass window of Saint Stephen (shown above) is located above the
sanctuary doors in our Church, which remind us each time the doors
are used, of this great Saint whose name we have chosen to honor and
remember. We at Saint Stepanos Armenian Apostolic Church are proud to
bear the Saint Stepanos name.
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