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Saint
Stephen - Archdeacon and first Martyr
Stephen was the first of the seven deacons chosen by the Apostles to minister to the material needs of the community at a time when Christians were moved to sell their property and bring their money to the Apostles for distribution among the poor. He is also the very first martyr. As he was being arrested, he had a vision of Christ at God's right hand. This so enraged the crowd that they skipped the trial and stoned him then and there. His persecutors placed their clothes at the feet of Saul (later St. Paul), who consented to his murder. |
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