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E02145: Asterius of Amasea, in his Homily XII, On *Stephen the First Martyr (S00030), delivered on the saint’s festival on 26 December, presents a contemplation on the story and martyrdom of Stephen. Written in Greek at Amaseia/Amasea of Pontus (northern Asia Minor), in the late 4th or early 5th c..
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posted on 2016-12-18, 00:00 authored by erizosAsterius of Amasea, Homily XII, On Stephen the First Martyr (CPG 3260.1, BHG 1656)
Summary:
1. The festival follows the feast of Christmas.
2. Cain first defiled the Earth by the blood of fratricide, but Stephen first blessed it by the blood of martyrdom. Peter, James, and John, the Apostles, whose festivals follow, should not be jealous of Stephen’s distinction.
3. Peter and James are undoubtedly distinguished and praiseworthy, but Stephen was the first to obtain martyrdom.
4. The memory of Stephen’s story has not been overshadowed by the passing of time.
5. Stephen was the first of the deacons, and he preached under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
6. Summary of Stephen’s speech to the Jews (Acts 7).
7. Stephen’s vision of the Father and the Son (Acts 7:55-56).
8. God appeared himself to Stephen, rather than sending his angel to support him. He thus inaugurated martyrdom.
9. Stephen loudly confesses his vision and is therefore stoned to death.
10. Stephen’s last prayer, requesting the forgiveness of his persecutors.
11. Paul was present at the martyrdom, but would soon experience his own conversion.
12. Special reference to the fact that Stephen’s vision was of the Father and Son. It was the result of divine providence, anticipating the false doctrines of Sabellius concerning the divine substances.
13. The vision does not mention the Holy Spirit, but Acts states that Stephen saw his vision, while being full of the Holy Spirit.
Text: Datema 1970.
Summary: Efthymios Rizos.
Summary:
1. The festival follows the feast of Christmas.
2. Cain first defiled the Earth by the blood of fratricide, but Stephen first blessed it by the blood of martyrdom. Peter, James, and John, the Apostles, whose festivals follow, should not be jealous of Stephen’s distinction.
3. Peter and James are undoubtedly distinguished and praiseworthy, but Stephen was the first to obtain martyrdom.
4. The memory of Stephen’s story has not been overshadowed by the passing of time.
5. Stephen was the first of the deacons, and he preached under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
6. Summary of Stephen’s speech to the Jews (Acts 7).
7. Stephen’s vision of the Father and the Son (Acts 7:55-56).
8. God appeared himself to Stephen, rather than sending his angel to support him. He thus inaugurated martyrdom.
9. Stephen loudly confesses his vision and is therefore stoned to death.
10. Stephen’s last prayer, requesting the forgiveness of his persecutors.
11. Paul was present at the martyrdom, but would soon experience his own conversion.
12. Special reference to the fact that Stephen’s vision was of the Father and Son. It was the result of divine providence, anticipating the false doctrines of Sabellius concerning the divine substances.
13. The vision does not mention the Holy Spirit, but Acts states that Stephen saw his vision, while being full of the Holy Spirit.
Text: Datema 1970.
Summary: Efthymios Rizos.
History
Evidence ID
E02145Saint Name
Stephen, the First Martyr : S00030 Peter the Apostle : S00036 James the Apostle, son of Zebedee, ob. 1st c. : S00108 John the Evangelist : S00042Saint Name in Source
Στέφανος Πέτρος Ἰάκωβος ἸωάννηςRelated Saint Records
Type of Evidence
Literary - Sermons/Homilies Literary - Hagiographical - Accounts of martyrdomLanguage
- Greek
Evidence not before
380Evidence not after
430Activity not before
380Activity not after
430Place of Evidence - Region
Asia MinorPlace of Evidence - City, village, etc
AmaseaPlace of evidence - City name in other Language(s)
Amasea Nicomedia Νικομήδεια Nikomēdeia Izmit Πραίνετος Prainetos NicomediaMajor author/Major anonymous work
Asterius of AmaseaCult activities - Liturgical Activity
- Service for the Saint
Cult activities - Festivals
- Saint’s feast
