[Robert Drobot]

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Commemorating The Feast of † Saint Stephen, First Martyr Devoted to Jesus Christ † Artist Unknown Saint Stephen's name is derived from the Greek Stephanos, meaning "crown", which translated into Aramaic as Kelil. Traditionally, Stephen is invested with a crown of martyrdom for Christianity; he is often depicted in art with three stones and the martyrs' palm. According to The Acts of the Apostles Stephen was tried by the Sanhedrin for blasphemy against Moses and God (Acts 6:11) and speaking against the Temple and the Law (Acts 6:13-14). While on trial, he experienced a theophany in which he saw both God the Father and God the Son: "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." ( Acts 7:56 ). He was stoned to death A.D. 34–35 by an infuriated mob encouraged by Saul of Tarsus. Stephen's final speech was presented as accusing the Jews of persecuting prophets who spoke out against their sins: "Which one of the Prophets did your fathers not persecute, and they killed the ones who prophesied the coming of the Just One, of whom now, too, you have become betrayers and murderers." In the Golden Legend Saint Stephen was appointed by the apostles as one of seven deacons to comfort the widows among the Christians of Gentile origin. Jealous of Stephen's success in his ministry, the Sanhedrin conspire to bring him down. First, they attempt to defeat him by way of argument, but are unsuccessful since the Holy Spirit arms Stephen with divine wisdom. Next, they bring false witnesses, who accuse him of blaspheming against God, Moses, the Law, and the Tabernacle. Aided by an angel, Stephen refutes every point, a refutation recounted in the Legend in some detail. Finally, they try torture; still, Stephen attempts to convert them by inciting shame and fear in them, and by showing their love for him—he prays for his killers as he is being stoned.

[Robert Drobot]

CALENDAR of the SAINTS Anno Dómini 26 December 2010 "....and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud \11voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. ~ ~ Apocalypse Α ☧ Ω Saint Amaethlu of Anglesey Sixth century hermit. Founder of a church in Anglesey, Wales, now named Llanfaethlu. Α ☧ Ω Saint Archelaus of Mesopotamia Bishop of Chacar (Kashkar) Mesopotamia. Fought Manichaeism. His writings on the heresy were valued by Saint Jerome. Α ☧ Ω Blessed Daniel of Villiers 12th century Benedictine Cistercian monk. Cellarer of the great Cistercian abbey of Villiers in the Brabant region. Α ☧ Ω Pope Saint Dionysius Roman citizen. Nothing is known about his early life. Priest. Bishop in Rome during the papacy of Saint Stephen I. Involved in the controversy over orthodox and heretical forms of Baptism. Following an inter-regnum of a year caused by the persecutions of Valerian, Dionyius was chosen Pope on 22 July 259. Issued a doctrinal letter to correct the writings of Patriarch Dionysius of Alexandria regarding the Trinity. The letter opposed Sabellianism, and insisted on the true doctrine of Three Persons in one Godhead. Sent large sums of money to the churches of Cappadocia for construction and the ransom of slaves; invading Goths had destroyed the buildings and enslaved the faithful. Brought order to the Church after a period of no leadership, and made peace with Emperor Gallienus who issued an edict of toleration. He condemned Paul of Samosata as a heretic. Died A.D. 26 December 268 at Rome, Italy ; the first pope to die of natural causes - not as a martyr. Α ☧ Ω Saint Isaac II of Optina Α ☧ Ω Saint John of Hainaut Α ☧ Ω Blessed Margaret of Hohenfels Aristocratic family. Benedictine nun and prioress at Bingen under Saint Hildegard. Α ☧ Ω Saint Marinus of Rome, Martyr Son of a Roman senator. He miraculously survived torture chambers, wild beasts, fire, and water in the persecutions of Numerian ; eventually murdered by beheading A.D. 283. Α ☧ Ω Blessed Paganus of Lecco, Martyr Dominican for 50 years, received into the Order by Saint Dominic himself. Succeeded Saint Peter the Martyr as inquisitor general, and like him was murdered by heretics ; dying A.D. 1274. Α ☧ Ω Saint Secundus Pollo Α ☧ Ω Saint Stephen the Martyr First Christian martyr. Deacon. Preacher. All we know of him is related in the Acts of the Apostles. While preaching the Gospel in the streets, angry Jews who believed his message to be blasphemy dragged him outside the city, and stoned him to death. In the crowd, on the side of the mob, was a man who would later be known as Saint Paul the Apostle. Stoned to death A.D. 34. Α ☧ Ω Saint Tathai of Wales Nephew of Saint Samson of Dol. Hermit in Glamorgan, Wales. Founded the monastery at Llantathan (Saint Athan), Gwent. Founded the monastery school at Caerwent. A miracle worker, he was noted for his gentleness, love of the country, for his generosity to travellers and care of the poor. Α ☧ Ω Saint Theodore the Sacristan Sixth century sacristan for the Church of Saint Peter in Rome, Italy. Saint Gregory the Great wrote that Theodore often saw angels. Α ☧ Ω Saint Vincentia Lopez y Vicuña Daughter of a lawyer. Educated in Madrid. Refused a marriage that had been arranged by her parents. Lived with her aunt, Eulolia de Vicuna, who had founded a home for domestic servants. Vincentia took a private vow of chastity. With her aunt's help she founded a group of women to minister to working girls. She developed a Rule for the group, and in 1878 with three companions she took vows. They formed what became the Daughters of Mary Immaculate for Domestic Service which received approval from Pope Leo XIII in 1888, and which in her lifetime had spread throughout Europe and Latin America. Α ☧ Ω Bishop Saint Zeno of Gaza Cousin of Saint Eusebius and Saint Nestabus. Survived the persecutions of Julian the Apostate. Bishop of Gaza. Α ☧ Ω Pope Saint Zosimus Little is known about Pope Zosimus before his selection to the Chair of Peter. He tried to expand the authority of the pontificate, but he was regularly made to cope with challenges from local bishops. A number of his letters survive, as well as a Decree ordering priests to stay out of taverns. Fought against Pelagianism. Α ☧ Ω