Saint Stephen

<p>This celebration dates back to about the 4th century. Because his name is Greek, it is assumed Stephen was a Jew of the <em>diaspora</em> (Jewish communities outside Israel) who had resettled in Jerusalem. Stephen is the first-named among the seven deacons chosen to minister to Greek-speaking Christians in Jerusalem at the very dawn of the Christian church. He is the first recorded martyr of the New Testament.©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong&gt;. Reprinted with permission.</p>