There were seven men chosen by the early Church as deacons.

Deacons began about the year 33 AD, shortly after the death of Christ. Originally, seven were appointed by the apostles.

St. Lawrence the Deacon

He was one of the original seven deacons appointed by the apostles and the first Christian martyr.

Lawrence was one of the seven deacons of Pope Sixtus II and was martyred for his faith, along with the pope and fellow deacons. Early Christians considered all martyrs to be saints.