Saint Stephen the Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon. Wooden orthodox icon.

Saint Stephen the Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon

This holy icon depicts Saint Stephen the Apostle, the Protomartyr and first Archdeacon of the Church, a man filled with unwavering faith, divine wisdom, and a burning love for Christ. Saint Stephen was born among the Hellenistic Jews—those living outside the Holy Land and shaped by Greek culture. After the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, the early Church grew rapidly, and the Apostles appointed seven faithful men to care for widows, orphans, and the poor. Stephen, distinguished by his purity of heart and gift of preaching, became the Archdeacon, the foremost among them.

Strengthened by the grace of God, Saint Stephen preached boldly in Jerusalem. His words were confirmed by signs and miracles, leading many to faith. His success, however, stirred the anger of the Pharisees. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, where false witnesses accused him of blasphemy. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen proclaimed the history of Israel and revealed how the people had repeatedly resisted God and rejected His prophets.

As the council grew enraged, Stephen beheld a heavenly vision and cried out:
“I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56).
This confession of divine glory provoked the crowd to drag him outside the city and stone him. Among those present was a young man named Saul, who guarded the garments of the executioners and approved the killing. Yet as stones fell upon him, Stephen prayed:
“Lord Jesus, do not hold this sin against them.”
Thus, in the year 34 A.D., Saint Stephen offered his soul to Christ and became the first martyr of the Christian Church.

His blood did not fall in vain. Saul—later known as Saint Paul the Apostle—soon came to faith, was baptized, and became one of the greatest evangelists of all time. The persecution following Stephen’s martyrdom scattered believers across the regions of the Roman Empire, spreading Christianity further than ever before.

This icon honors Saint Stephen’s courage, purity, and radiant witness to the truth of Christ. May it inspire all who venerate it to grow in faith, forgiveness, and steadfast love for God.

🖼 Product Features

Each icon in our workshop is made to last a lifetime and beyond. The image is printed with rich, fade-resistant pigment inks on a premium solid-core wood panel — then hand-finished with a natural beeswax coating that deepens the colors, protects the surface, and gives each piece the warm, reverent quality of a traditionally crafted sacred object. A metal hanging hook is included on the back, so your icon is ready to display the moment it arrives.

• Crafted on a premium wood panel — 1.6 cm (0.6") thick, sturdy yet lightweight
• Fade-resistant pigment print — rich, true-to-life colors that last for generations
• Natural beeswax finish — hand-applied for depth, protection, and a traditional feel
• Ready to hang — metal hook pre-attached on the reverse
• Hand-finished by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal

📏 Size: 14x30 cm (6"x12")

🎁 Perfect For

• Meaningful Orthodox Christian gifts
• Housewarming and family blessings
• Prayer corners and devotional spaces
• Baptisms, name days, weddings, and feast days

🌍 Worldwide Delivery

Securely packed and shipped worldwide from Portugal with tracking.

✨ Crafted with Tradition

Each icon is carefully made by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal — created to become a lasting blessing for your home or a treasured gift for someone you love.