St Stephen was one of the early leaders of the Christian Church. He has the distinction of being both the first deacon and the first martyr.

Well-educated and fluent in Greek, St Stephen preached the gospel to those who were ultimately responsible for his trial and death by stoning.

At his trial, St Stephen spoke of the beliefs with which he is associated today:

• The positive powerful influence one’s own faith can have on others
• The need to live one’s life according to values that have lasting importance.