Stephen

St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr, stoned to death in Jerusalem around the year 36 AD. He was one of the seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to assist in the distribution of alms and the care of widows. Stephen was known for his great faith and his powerful preaching, which angered the Jewish authorities. He was brought before the Sanhedrin, where he gave a stirring defense of his Christian beliefs, for which he was condemned to death by stoning. St. Stephen is the patron saint of altar servers, casket makers, and diocese of Metz, France.