Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

stephen_the_first_martyr

At the time when the martyr strove in the conflict, The hidden hosts assembled to watch him; He became a spectacle unto men and angels; From all sides spectators looked on him and marvelled. Then the Judge stood up to bring forth the crown with great love, And the martyr saw Him standing at the right hand. The watchers wondered at the man's wrestling and how greatly he strove, And our Lord stood, to show that they were astonished rightly. The spectacle was indeed so great that it made the Judge Himself to stand And beckon praise to the victor with those watching. This martyr was first to enter the contest, And because he triumphed in the fight, his Lord praised him and stood in his honor. For this reason, then, he saw Him standing at the right hand, And he related this true revelation before the crowds. A Homily on Stephen, the Archdeacon and First-born of the Martyrs by Mar Jacob, Bishop of Serugh.