The Holy Apostle the First Martyr and Archdeacon Stephen, High quality icon on wood, Made in Russia

The Holy Apostle the First Martyr and Archdeacon Stephen was the eldest among the seven deacons appointed by the apostles themselves, therefore he is called an archdeacon. He was a Christian first martyr and suffered for Christ at the age of about 30. In the words of Asterius, it was "the beginning of the martyrs, the teacher of suffering for Christ, the foundation of a good confession, for before Stephen no one poured out his blood for the Gospel." Being filled with the Holy Spirit, Saint Stephen boldly and convincingly preached the Christian doctrine and defeated the Jewish teachers of the law in disputes. For this, the Jews slandered Stephen, as if he blasphemed God and Moses. With this accusation, Saint Stephen appeared before the Sanhedrin and the high priest.