Saint Stephen was one of the first seven deacons chosen by the early church in the Acts of the Apostles, and is widely regarded to be the first martyr, earning him the title "protomartyr". Stephen's beliefs led to his being tried for blasphemy by the Sanhedrin, and he was stoned to death.

His feast day, St. Stephen's Day, is celebrated on December 26 in the West, and on December 27 in the East.