The Transfer of the Relics of the Holy Protomartyr Stephen from Jerusalem to Constantinople took place about the year 428. After the holy Protomartyr Archdeacon Stephen was stoned by the Jews, they left his holy body unburied to be devoured by the beasts and birds. After a day and a night the renowned Jewish teacher of the Law, Gamaliel sent people to take up the body of the Protomartyr. Gamaliel buried him on his own property, in his own tomb, not far from Jerusalem.
When Lord’s secret disciple Νikόdēmos died, Gamaliel also buried him near the grave of Saint Stephen. Afterwards Gamaliel himself, who had been baptized with his son Abibas, was buried near the grave of the Protomartyr Stephen and Saint Νikόdēmos.
In the year 415 the relics of the saint were uncovered in a miraculous manner and solemnly transferred to Jerusalem by Bishop John and the bishops Eutonius of Sebaste and Eleutherius of Jericho. From that time healings took place from the relics.
Afterwards, during the reign of holy Emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450), the relics of the holy Protomartyr Stephen were transferred from Jerusalem to Constantinople and placed in the church of the holy deacon Laurence (August 10). When a church dedicated to the Protomartyr Stephen was built, the relics were transferred there on August 2. Saint Stephen’s right hand is preserved in the Serapionov chamber of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery.
PRAYER TO ST. STEPHEN, PROTOMARTYR AND ARCHDEACON
O Blessed Stephen, First Martyr and Archdeacon, who suffered for preaching the Name of Jesus Christ, who so closely imitated Jesus in that great virtue of charity, when stoned by thine enemies, didst cast forth sparks, not of anger, but of love, to set on fire their hearts. Those hearts were harder than the stones which they threw. Having recommended thy soul to God, you cried for mercy on the souls of thine enemies. St. Stephen, most zealous for the glory of God, you were most patient and constant, full of love and purity. Your heavenly fortitude caused admiration in all. O Apostle of the Seventy, by whom so many miracles were wrought, who, in the love of God, was not inferior to the Apostles themselves. Blessed Archdeacon and Holy Martyr, who didst convert many to the faith of Christ, it was through you that the Church has received and continues to receive such singular graces. Pray for us. St. Stephen, of whom it is said, that the Holy Spirit, Who inhabited thy soul, shone and darted forth His rays into thy body. St. Stephen, whose face shone like that of an angel, filled with the faith and the Holy Spirit, pray for us, you who are dear to the Heart of Jesus. Obtain for us, O blessed Stephen, the virtue of holy charity: For which thou wast so eminent and we are so needy. Amen!
