Saint Stephen is considered the first martyr of Christianity, and by many, the first deacon. The feast day of Saint Stephen is 26 December.

As the very early church increased in number, and as the apostles became more involved in preaching the Word, the need arose for others to take responsibility to “serve tables”, to meet charitably the needs of the community. In Acts 6:5, Stephen is identified as one of the seven men, “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”, picked for the duty.

Stephen is seized by the Sanhedrin and charged with blasphemy. Acts 7 contains Stephen’s response to the charges, after which he was stoned to death, with the approval of Saul (later known as Paul the Apostle).

Western churches observe the Feast of Saint Stephen on 26 December. Stephen is the patron saint of casket and coffin makers; deacons; headaches; horses; masons; and stone masons. His symbols include: stones, sometimes accompanied by the palm branches of martyrdom, and a deacon carrying a pile of rocks.