A:
Acts of the Apostles says that Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin to be tried on a charge of blasphemy. To have drawn the attention of the religious authorities to this extent, he must have been successful in his short-lived role as a deacon of the church.
During the trial, Acts tells us that Stephen made no attempt to defend himself, merely antagonising the members of the Sanhedrin by reciting a monologue in which he said "Your fathers" persecuted the prophets (Acts 7:51,52), as if unaware that he was also a Jew, and by lecturing them on Jewish history. That he was then taken out to be stoned to death demonstrates that his long monologue was unsuccessful in changing the views of his accusers or judges.
As to the historicity of these amazing events, Raymond E. Brown (An Introduction to the New Testament) says that we can never verify the martyrdom or even existence of Stephen. However, the story of Stephen has been successful down through the centuries in bringing people to the faith.
Stephen was his name. Last names were not in use at the time he lived.
Usually yes. However the correct spelling for the deacon and martyr is Stephen.
Saint Stephen was one of the first deacons of the early Christian Church. He was known for his faith, preaching, and miracles. He was martyred for his beliefs and became the first Christian martyr, which contributed to his recognition as a saint in the Catholic Church.
We do not know his nationality but assume he was a Hebrew since he was in Jerusalem at the time he was appointed a deacon.
At the time of his death he lived in Palestine - Israel.
There is no prescribed dress for Saint Stephen's Day.
Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
The Stoning of Saint Stephen was created in 1625.
Saul of Tarsus, later known as Saint Paul, witnessed and approved of the execution of Saint Stephen.
Stephen was his name. Last names were not in use at the time he lived.
The feast of Saint Stephen is on December 26 every year.
Order of Saint Stephen happened on 1561-03-15.
Order of Saint Stephen of Hungary was created in 1764.
Usually yes. However the correct spelling for the deacon and martyr is Stephen.
Among several other patronages, Stephen is the patron saint of horses.
Saint Stephen.
There were thousands of martyrs after Stephen.