St. Stephen the Archdeacon

#coptic #copticorthodox #childrenstorytime #christian #orthodox #kidsstories #bedtimestories #copticstorieskids Stephen (Greek: Στέφανος Stéphanos, meaning "wreath or crown" and by extension "reward, honor, renown, fame", often given as a title rather than as a name; c. 5 – c. 34 CE) is traditionally venerated as the protomartyr or first martyr of Christianity.[1] According to the Acts of the Apostles, he was a deacon in the early Church at Jerusalem who angered members of various synagogues by his teachings. Accused of blasphemy at his trial, he made a speech denouncing the Jewish authorities who were sitting in judgment on him[2] and was then stoned to death. Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, a Pharisee and Roman citizen who would later become a Christian apostle, participated in Stephen's martyrdom. Once upon a time, in a city long ago, there lived a kind and brave man named Saint Stephen. He was an Archdeacon and the first martyr, which means he was the first person to die for his faith in Jesus ChriSaint Saint Stephen was known for his great faith and the miracles he performed among the people. However, some people in the city were jealous of Saint Stephen and did not like what he was preaching about Jesus. They falsely accused him of speaking against their holy place and the laws of Moses. They brought him to a council where the high priest questioned him about these accusations. Saint Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, answered the high priest with wisdom and spoke about the history of God's people from Abraham to Moses. He reminded them of how their ancestors resisted the Holy Spirit and persecuted the prophets who spoke of the coming of the Just One, who is Jesus ChriSaint When the people heard these words, they were filled with anger and gnashed their teeth at Saint Stephen. But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at God's right hand. He boldly declared that he saw the heavens opened and Jesus standing with God. This made the people even angrier, and they covered their ears, refusing to listen to Saint Stephen. They rushed at him, cast him out of the city, and began to stone him. Even in the face of such cruelty, Saint Stephen remained faithful and called on God, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." As the stones struck him, Saint Stephen kneeled down and prayed for those who were stoning him. He asked God not to hold their sin against them. With these brave and compassionate words, Saint Stephen fell asleep, which means he died. Devout men carried Saint Stephen to his burial and mourned for him deeply. They knew that he had been a righteous and courageous man who loved God and forgave even those who harmed him. The story of Saint Stephen teaches us some important lessons. First, it shows us the power of faith and how God can work miracles through those who believe in Him. Saint Stephen's faith in Jesus allowed him to perform wonders and signs among the people. Second, we learn the importance of standing up for what we believe, even when others may not agree with us. Saint Stephen fearlessly defended his faith in Jesus, even in the face of persecution and threats. Third, Saint Stephen's act of forgiveness towards those who stoned him teaches us about the power of love and compassion. Instead of seeking revenge, he prayed for their forgiveness, just like Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Lastly, the story reminds us that even in difficult times, God is with us. Saint Stephen saw the glory of God and Jesus in heaven, giving him comfort and strength during his martyrdom. Let us remember the bravery, faith, and forgiveness of Saint Stephen. May we be inspired by his example and strive to be faithful and compassionate in our own lives, loving God and others just as he did.