Fast, concise facts and information about Saint Stephen
The following provides fast and concise facts and information: - The patron of Stonemasons
- Born : Jerusalem, date unknown
- Memorial Day / Feast Day: December 26th
- Date of Death: Saint Stephen died in A.D. 35
- Cause of Death: Stoned
The Feast of Stephen - Christmas Carol 'Good King Wencelas'
The words to the famous Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas" were written by John Mason Neale and published in 1853 and refer to the Feast of Saint Stephen celebrated on 26 December: Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even Who or what is Saint Stephen the patron saint of?
Saint Stephen is the patron of Stonemasons. Meanings, definition and origins - a patron is considered to be a defender of a specific group of people or of a nation. There is a patron for virtually every cause, profession or special interest. Prayers are considered more likely to be answered by asking a patron for intercession on their behalf. The Story and History of Saint Stephen
The story and history of Saint Stephen. Stephen, or Stephenos in Greek, is believed to have been a Jew of Greek descent whose family had settled in Jerusalem. Stephen became a follower of Jesus, converted to Christianity, and because of his excellent of rhetoric he used his skills as an evangelist, preaching the teachings of Jesus, to the people of Jerusalem. Saul (later Saint Paul), together with other members of the strict influential party of the Pharisees, was a bitter opponent of Jesus and the new Christian religion. He persecuted Saint Stephen and a mob dragged Stephen outside the city of Jerusalem and then stoned him to death, while Saul looked on. Saint Stephen became the first Christian martyr in 35AD. Death of Saint Stephen
There are two categories of saints: martyrs and confessors. A Christian martyr is regarded as one who is put to death for his Christian faith or convictions. Confessors are people who died natural deaths. Date of Death: Saint Stephen died in A.D. 35. Cause of Death: Stoned. Why is Saint Stephen the patron of Stonemasons?
Why is Saint Stephen is the patron of Stonemasons? Because he was stoned to death. How Saint Stephen is represented in Christian Art
It is helpful to be able to recognise Saint Stephen in paintings, stained glass windows, illuminated manuscripts, architecture and other forms of Christian art. The artistic representations reflect the life or death of saints, or an aspect of life with which the person is most closely associated. Saint Stephen is represented in Christian Art by the manner of his death which is symbolized by the stone which appears on his shoulder, and another on the side of his head. The book carried in his left hand refers to the Gospel that he preached just before being stoned. His dress is that of a deacon, because St. Peter himself appointed him to that office during his ministry.
Feast Day of Saint Stephen
The Feast Day of Saint Stephen is December 26th. The origin of Feast Days: most saints have specially designated feast days and are associated with a specific day of the year and these are referred to as the saint's feast day. The feast days first arose from the very early Christian custom of the annual commemoration of martyrs on the dates of their deaths at the same time celebrating their birth into heaven. | 