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..

Asterius 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.