Saint Stephen, who was the first to proclaim and profess faith in Christ, becoming the first martyr of the Church, is celebrated by Christians on the third day of Christmas, December 27.

Saint Stephen, celebrated on December 27

St. Stephen is considered the first to proclaim and profess faith in Jesus Christ, and for this he was stoned to death.

The holy apostle and archdeacon Stephen of Jewish origin was one of the seven deacons elected by the holy apostles in Jerusalem. St. Stephen helped in the daily distribution of goods, especially food. He enjoyed primacy among deacons, being considered an archdeacon. However, its name is of Greek origin, meaning “crown,” News.ro notes.

St. Stephen was a good connoisseur of the Old Testament, as well as the teachings of Jesus Christ. He was tried by the Sanhedrin for blasphemy against Moses and God.

Saint Stephen was taken out of the city and stoned, thus becoming the first Christian martyr. When he was killed, he asked for forgiveness from those who killed him. According to legend, Gamaliel buried his body in a cave.

According to tradition, people with health problems should bring home an icon of St. Stephen on St. Stephen’s Day. In addition, it is believed that it is good to give the icon of St. Stephen for the growth of the house and for health, and for people who are quarreling to reconcile.

There are no special customs for the holiday of Stephen, but the peasants, like the townspeople, observe them. There are many who bear the name of the saint and therefore honor him as a patron saint.

“A good name is more precious than fragrant oil,” says Ecclesiastes. In the old days, the name was chosen very carefully. The newborn was given the name of a saint (who became his patron) or a name that scared away evil spirits, such as Urs, Lup, Grozava, Stoyan. The birthday ceremony in the village melted during the feast of the Saint. For example, on the day of Sangiorge, among many others, people who bore the name Gheorghe were honored.

The city, poor on holidays, but attentive to the individual, attaches great importance to names, although in everyday life the names of saints are abandoned in favor of diminutive ones. Who else has the courage to be called Gheorghe today, even if it is “written” in the documents? You say Geo, you say Gigi, you say George. George, it’s only your birthday, not even then.

The saint, who is celebrated on the third day of Christmas, was the first to preach and profess faith in Christ. He was stoned to death for his faith. While the stones were hitting him, Stepan prayed for those who threw them: “Lord, do not impute this sin to them.” His sacrifice immediately paid off.

The boy who guarded the clothing of those who threw stones was concerned about martyrdom. After meeting Christ on the road to Damascus, a young man named Saul followed him and became the apostle Paul,” writes Iryna Nicolau in the “Guide to Romanian Holidays”.