Saint Stephen the Martyr
புனிதர் ஸ்தேவான்
திருத்தொண்டர் மற்றும் முதல் மறைசாட்சி:
இறப்பு: கி.பி. சுமார் 34
ஜெருசலேம், ஜூதாயு, ரோமப் பேரரசு
ஏற்கும் சபை/ சமயம்:
அனைத்து கிறிஸ்தவ பிரிவுகளும்
திருவிழா: டிசம்பர் 26
சித்தரிக்கப்படும் வகை:
கற்கள், திருத்தொண்டர் உடை, தூப கலசம், நற்செய்தி நூல்
பாதுகாவல்:
சவப்பெட்டி செய்வோர், திருத்தொண்டர்கள், பீட சிறுவர், தலைவலி; குதிரைகள்; கொத்தனார்கள்; செர்பியா
புனித ஸ்தேவான் கிறிஸ்தவத்தின் முதல் இரத்தசாட்சி ஆவார். கிரேக்க மொழியில் இவரது பெயரின் பொருள் மகுடம் (கிரீடம்) என்பதாகும். இவர் தன் உயிர்த் தியாகத்திற்காக கடவுளால் மகுடம் சூட்டப்பட்டதாக நம்பப்படுகின்றது. இவர் கலையில் பொதுவாக மூன்று கற்களை ஏந்தியவராகவும், திருத்தொண்டர்களுக்கான உடையிலும் சித்தரிக்கப்படுகிறார். திருத்தூதர் பணிகளின்படி, இவர், எருசலேம் நகரில், ஆதி திருச்சபையின் திருத்தொண்டராவார். அவருடைய போதனைகள், பல்வேறு ஜெபக்கூடங்களின் உறுப்பினர்களின் பகைமையை தூண்டியது.
இறப்பு:
திருத்தூதர் பணிகளின்படி தலைமைச் சங்கத்தின் முன் ஸ்தேவானை நிறுத்தி, மோசேக்கும் கடவுளுக்கும் எதிராகப் பழிச்சொற்கள் சொன்னதாக குற்றம் சாட்டினர்.
~ திருத்தூதர் பணிகள் 6:11
விசாரணையின் போது, ஸ்தேவான் பின்வருமாறு கூறினார்:
"இதோ, வானம் திறந்திருப்பதையும், மானிட மகன் கடவுளது வலப்பக்கத்தில் நிற்பதையும் காண்கிறேன்."
~ திருத்தூதர் பணிகள் 7:56
திருத்தூதர் பணிகள் 6 மற்றும் 7ம் அதிகாரங்கள் இந்த விசாரணையை விவரிக்கின்றன.
தூஷிப்பவராகவும், இறை பழி சொல்பவராகவும், வசைபாடுபவராகவும் குற்றம் சாட்டப்பட்ட இவர், தன்மீது அறிக்கையிடப்படும் தீர்ப்பைக் காண வந்து காத்திருந்த யூத அதிகாரிகளின் முன்னர் நீண்ட உரையாற்றினார்.
பின்னர், இவர் குற்றவாளியாக தீர்ப்பிடப்பட்டு, நகரத்திற்கு வெளியே இழுத்துக் கொண்டு போய் கல்லெறிந்து கொல்லப்பட்டார். அவர் மறைசாட்சியாக கொல்லப்பட்டதை நேரில் கண்ட சாட்சியான “பரிசேயர்” (Pharisee) “டார்சஸ்” நகரைச்சேர்ந்த “சவுல்” (Saul of Tarsus) எனும் இளைஞரிடம் மேலுடைகளை ஒப்படைத்தார்கள். (இவரே பின்னாளில் அப்போஸ்தலரான பவுல் (Paul the Apostle) ஆவார்). ஸ்தேவானை துன்புறுத்தியபோது யூதர்கள் அப்போது நேர்மையாளர்களை கொலை செய்வதாக அவர் சாடினார்.
"எந்த இறைவாக்கினரைத்தான் உங்கள் மூதாதையர் துன்புறுத்தாமலிருந்தார்கள்? நேர்மையாளருடைய வருகையை முன்னறிவித்தோரையம் அவர்கள் கொலை செய்தார்கள். இப்போது நீங்கள் இயேசுவைக் காட்டிக்கொடுத்துக் கொன்று விட்டீர்கள்."
~ திருத்தூதர் பணிகள் 7:52)
பின்பு முழந்தாள்படியிட்டு உரத்த குரலில், "ஆண்டவரே, இந்தப் பாவத்தை இவர்கள் மேல் சுமத்தாதேயும்" என்று சொல்லி உயிர்விட்டார்.
கல்லறை:
இவரின் கல்லறையின் இடத்தை அறிந்தார் எவரும் இல்லை. கி.பி. 415ம் ஆண்டு, எருசலேமிற்கு திருப்பயணம் செய்தபோது, “லூசியான்” (Lucian) என்னும் குருவுக்கு கிடைக்கப்பெற்ற காட்சியின்படி இவரது மிச்சங்கள், “பெய்ட் ஜிமல்” (Beit Jimal) எனும் இடத்திலிருப்பதாக அறிவிக்கப்பட்டது. அதே ஆண்டு, டிசம்பர் மாதம் 26ம் நாள், கிறிஸ்தவ முதல் மறைசாட்சியின் உடலின் மிச்சங்கள் ஊர்வலமாக எடுத்துச் செல்லப்பட்டு, “ஹகியா சியோன்” (Church of Hagia Sion) தேவாலயத்தில் அடக்கம் செய்யப்பட்டது. இதே நாள், இவரது நினைவுத் திருநாளாக கொண்டாடப்படுகின்றது. கி.பி. 439ம் ஆண்டு, இவரை கௌரவிக்கும் விதமாக, “பேரரசி ஏலியா யூடோசியா”, (Empress Aelia Eudocia) “டமாஸ்கஸ் வாயிலின்” (Damascus Gate) வடக்கே ஒரு புதிய தேவாலயம் கட்டி, இவரது மிச்சங்களை மாற்றினார். பன்னிரெண்டாம் நூற்றாண்டில் இவ்வாலயம் இடிக்கப்பட்டது. “செயின்ட் எட்டியேன்” (Saint-Étienne) என்றழைக்கப்படும் ஒரு இருபதாம் நூற்றாண்டு ஃபிரெஞ்ச் கத்தோலிக்க ஆலயம், அதே இடத்தில் கட்டப்பட்டது. அதேவேளை, மற்றுமொரு “கிரேக்க மரபுவழி திருச்சபையின்) (Greek Orthodox Church of St Stephen) ஆலயமொன்று, இவரது பெயராலேயே, இவர் மறைசாட்சியாக கொல்லப்பட்டதாக சொல்லப்படும் இடத்தில் கட்டப்பட்டது.
எருசலேமின் பிரதான வடக்கு வாயிலை, “புனிதர் ஸ்தேவான் வாயில்” (Saint Stephen's Gate) என்று “சிலுவைப் போராளிகள்” (The Crusaders) முதலில் அழைத்தனர்.
பிற்காலத்தில், ரோம் நகரின் வெளிப்புற சுவர்களில் தூய லாரன்ஸ் பேராலயம்” (Basilica of Saint Lawrence outside the Walls) கட்டப்பட்டபோது, திருத்தந்தை “இரண்டாம் பெலாஜியஸ்” (Pope Pelagius II) புனிதர் ஸ்தேவானுடைய உடலின் மிச்சங்களை எடுத்துச் சென்று அங்கே அடக்கம் செய்தார்.
Also known as
Stephen the Deacon
Additional Memorials
• 3 August (discovery of relics)
• 7 May (translation of relics)
Profile
First Christian martyr. Deacon. Preacher. All we know of him is related in the Acts of the Apostles. While preaching the Gospel in the streets, angry Jews who believed his message to be blasphemy dragged him outside the city, and stoned him to death. In the crowd, on the side of the mob, was a man who would later be known as Saint Paul the Apostle.
Died
stoned to death c.33
Pope Saint Dionysius
Profile
Roman citizen. Nothing is known about his early life. Monk. Priest. Bishop in Rome during the papacy of Saint Stephen I. Involved in the controversy over orthodox and heretical forms of Baptism. Following an inter-regnum of a year caused by the persecutions of Valerian, Dionyius was chosen 25th Pope.
Issued a doctrinal letter to correct the writings of Patriarch Dionysius of Alexandria regarding the Trinity. The letter opposed Sabellianism, and insisted on the true doctrine of Three Persons in one Godhead. Sent large sums of money to the churches of Cappadocia for construction and the ransom of slaves; invading Goths had destroyed the buildings and enslaved the faithful. Brought order to the Church after a period of no leadership, and made peace with Emperor Gallienus who issued an edict of toleration. He condemned Paul of Samosata as a heretic. First pope to die not as a martyr.
Born
in Greece
Papal Ascension
22 July 259
Died
• 26 or 27 December 268 at Rome, Italy of natural causes
• buried in the papal crypt in the catacomb of Callistus
Saint Vincenza María López y Vicuña
Also known as
Vicenta María López Vicuña
Profile
Daughter of a lawyer. Educated in Madrid, Spain. As a young woman she refused an arranged marriage and took a private vow of chastity. She lived with her aunt, Eulolia de Vicuna, who had founded a home for domestic servants. With her aunt's help, Vincenza founded a group of women to minister to working girls, who were open to all sorts of abuse. She developed a Rule for the group, and in 1878 with three companions she took vows. They formed what became the Daughters of Mary Immaculate for Domestic Service which received papal approval from Pope Leo XIII in 1888, and which in Vincentia's life had spread throughout Europe and Latin America.
Born
22 March 1847 at Cascante, Navarre, Spain
Died
26 December 1890 in Madrid, Spain of natural causes
Canonized
25 May 1975 by Pope Paul VI
Blessed Agnes Phila
Also known as
Margarita, Aknaet
Profile
Daughter of Joachim and Anna Thit Son Chum; she was baptized in Viengkhuk, Thaland in 1924, and her god-mother was the aunt of Sister Lúcia dos Santos. Joined the Congregation of the Lovers of the Cross in Siengvang, Laos, taking the name Agnes and making her final vows on 16 November 1928. Assigned as a school teacher in Songkhon, Thailand in 1932. Martyred in the anti-Christian persecutions that began when the French left Thailand.
Born
1909 in Ban Nahi, Nong Khai, Thailand as Margaret Phila
Died
shot on 26 December 1940 in the cemetery of Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand
Beatified
22 October 1989 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Lucie Khambang
Also known as
Lucia, Lusia
Profile
Daughter of James and Mary Dam May Li; baptized on 10 March 1917, Confirmed and received her first Communion on 4 June 1925. Joined the Congregation of the Lovers of the Cross, beginning the novitiate on 18 October 1935 and making her final profession in Siengvang, Laos on 15 October 1937. Assigned as a school teacher in early 1940. Martyred in the anti-Christian persecutions that began when the French left Thailand.
Born
22 January 1917 in Ban Wiang Khuk, Nong Khai, Thailand
Died
shot on 26 December 1940 in the cemetery of Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand
Beatified
22 October 1989 by Pope John Paul II
Saint Evaristo of Constantinople
Also known as
Evarestus, Sergio
Profile
Courtier to a relative who was an official in the Byzantine court in Constantinople c.842. Travelled on court business to the area of modern Bulgaria. However, by this point he had read himself into a more religious life, and soon after entered a monastery in Constantinople, taking the name Evaristo. He served his house in a variety offices and ways, including abbot for 30 years, the rest of his life.
Born
17 April 819 in Galatia, Asia Minor as Sergio
Died
24 December 897 at the monastery in Constantinople of natural causes
Blessed Agata Phutta Bi
Also known as
Akatha Phuttha
Profile
Raised in a pagan family, Agata converted to Christianity in her 30's, being baptized and confirmed on 3 March 1918 at Siengvang, Laos. Worked in the kitchens of the Catholic missions in the Thai cities of Mong Seng, Pkase and Songkhon. Martyred in the anti-Christian persecutions that began when the French left Thailand.
Born
1882 in Ban Kengpho, Savannakhet, Laos
Died
shot on 26 December 1940 in the cemetery of Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand
Beatified
22 October 1989 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Cecilia Butsi
Also known as
Sesilia Butsi
Profile
Daughter of Amato Sinuen and Agatha Thep. Worked in the kitchen of a Catholic mission in the archdiocese of Thare and Nonseng, Thailand, and know for the joy and courage she brought to living as an oppressed Christian. Martyred in the anti-Christian persecutions that began when the French left Thailand.
Born
16 December 1924 in Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand
Died
shot on 26 December 1940 in the cemetery of Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand
Beatified
22 October 1989 by Pope John Paul II
Pope Saint Zosimus
Profile
Little is known about Zosimus' life before his election as Pope. May have been Jewish by birth, and his father may have been named Abram. He tried to expand the power of the pontificate, but allowed his personality, and his personality clashes with local bishops, to enter into the matter. A number of his letters survive, as well as a Decree ordering priests to stay out of taverns. Fought Pelagianism and Pelagius himself.
Papal Ascension
18 March 417
Died
• 27 December 418 of natural causes
• buried at Church of Saint Laurence in Agro Verano
Blessed Giovanni Orsini
Profile
Born to the Italian nobility; his was a pious family and several of his brothers became monks. Canon lawyer. Canon of the cathedral of Turin, Italy. Commendatory abbot of Rivalta, Italy. Priest. Noted preacher. Archbishop of Turin in 1364. Zealous preacher against heresy, including Waldensianism, while travelling continually to each of the parishes in his diocese. During the Avignon papacy he tried to get the pope to return to Rome. Created cardional in 1388. Apostolic legate to the court of King Charles VI.
Born
1333 in Rivalta, Torino, Italy
Died
• 1411 in Torino, Italy
• buried in the cathedral of Turin
Blessed Jean of Hainaut
Profile
Civil and canon lawyer. Premonstratensian monk. Canon of the Joyenval monastery in the area of Ile-de-France. Abbot of his house in 1441; he served for over 30 years. Norbertine visitor for areas of Austria, Hungary, and the German areas of Swabia and Bavaria which required him to inspect all monasteries and insure adherence to the Order's rule. The Joyenval house was destroyed by English and Burgundian; Jean obtained permission to take his monks and the surviving relics of the saints on travels through France to beg alms.
Born
early 15th century Hainaut, Belgium
Died
1472 of natural causes
Blessed Bibiana Khamphai
Profile
Daughter of Lon and Monica Di Benedetto. Pious girl, dedicated to the sacraments, and attended the Catholic mission of Songkhon, Thailand. Martyred in the anti-Christian persecutions that began when the French left Thailand.
Born
4 November 1925 in Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand
Died
shot on 26 December 1940 in the cemetery of Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand
Beatified
22 October 1989 by Pope John Paul II
Blessed Maria Phon
Profile
Daughter of John the Baptist and Catherine Tan Pha. A pious girl, Maria lived with an aunt named Mary and attended the local Catholic mission. Martyred in the anti-Christian persecutions that began when the French left Thailand.
Born
6 January 1929 in Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand
Died
shot on 26 December 1940 in the cemetery of Ban Songkhon, Mukdahan, Thailand
Beatified
22 October 1989 by Pope John Paul II
Saint Marinus of Rome
Also known as
Marin, Marino
Profile
Son of an imperial Roman senator; served as senator himself. For being a Christian during the persecutions of emperor Numerian and the prefect Marcian, he was stripped of office, arrested, stripped of title, property and freedom, made a slave, tortured and executed. He miraculously survived torture chambers, wild beasts, fire, and water in the persecutions of Numerian, but was eventually Martyred. His story may be pious fiction.
Died
beheaded in 283
Blessed Pierre Boffet
Profile
Mercedarian. Professor of theology. Noted preacher. Worked to ransom Christians enslaved in Muslim-controlled areas. While on a ransom mission to Tunisia in 1442, he and Blessed Lorenzo Company were shipwrecked and imprisoned for ransom themselves. When Pierre converted a Muslim to Christianity, he was abused and executed. Martyr.
Born
France
Died
1452
Saint Tathai
Also known as
• Athaeus, Athan, Atheus, Tathal, Tathan, Tathar
• Father of all Gwent
Profile
Nephew of Saint Samson of Dol. Hermit in Glamorgan, Wales. Founded the monastery at Llantathan (Saint Athan), Gwent. Founded the monastery school at Caerwent. Reputed miracle worker, he was noted gentleness, love of the country, for his generosity to travellers and the poor.
Born
5th century Irish
Died
6th century at Caerwent or Llantathan, Wales of natural causes
Saint Archelaus of Mesopotamia
Profile
Bishop of Chacar (Kashkar; Cascus; Charchar) Mesopotamia. Fought Manichaeism. His writings on the heresy were valued by Saint Jerome.
Died
c.280
Blessed Paganus of Lecco
Profile
Dominican friar for 50 years, received into the Order by Saint Dominic himself. Succeeded Saint Peter the Martyr as inquisitor general, and like him became a martyr.
Born
13th century Lecco, Italy
Died
murdered by heretics on 26 December 1274 at Valtellina, Como, Italy
Saint Zeno of Gaza
Also known as
Zenon
Profile
Cousin of Saint Eusebius and Saint Nestabus. Monk. Survived the persecutions of Julian the Apostate. Bishop of Maïouma in Palestine where he continued to live as close as he could to the monastic rules, including doing manual labour.
Died
c.400 of natural causes
Blessed Margaret of Hohenfels
Also known as
Margarita, Margherita, Marguerite
Profile
Born to the nobility. Benedictine nun and prioress at Bingen under Saint Hildegard.
Died
c.1150
Saint Amaethlu of Anglesey
Also known as
• Amaethlu of Wales
• Amaethlin, Maethlu, Maethlin
Profile
Sixth century hermit. Founded a church in Anglesey, Wales, now named Llanfaethlu.
Blessed Daniel of Villiers
Profile
Soldier. Knight. Benedictine Cistercian monk. Cellarer of the great Cistercian abbey of Villiers in the Brabant region.
Died
late 12th century of natural causes
Saint Theodore the Sacristan
Profile
Sixth century sacristan for the Church of Saint Peter in Rome, Italy. Saint Gregory the Great wrote that Theodore often saw angels.
Saint Abadiu of Antinoë
Profile
Bishop of Antinoë. Martyred by Arians.
Saint Abadiu of Antinoë, revered as a bishop and martyr, is a significant figure in the Coptic Orthodox Church. While specifics of his life remain shrouded in the mists of time, his legacy as a steadfast defender of his faith continues to inspire.
Historical Context:
Abadiu lived during the 4th century AD, a period marked by theological controversies within the Christian Church. One of the most prominent disputes was Arianism, which challenged the divinity of Jesus Christ. Abadiu firmly opposed Arian teachings and passionately defended Nicene orthodoxy, which emphasized Jesus' divinity as equal to the Father.
Leadership and Martyrdom:
As bishop of Antinoë, an ancient city in Roman Egypt, Abadiu shepherded his flock with dedication and unwavering faith. He is said to have been a powerful preacher and a tireless advocate for the marginalized. His resolute stance against Arianism is believed to have drawn the ire of Arian authorities, ultimately leading to his martyrdom.
Veneration and Legacy:
The Coptic Church venerates Saint Abadiu as a courageous champion of orthodoxy. His feast day is celebrated on December 26th, and his memory is cherished by Coptic communities worldwide. Abadiu's unwavering commitment to his beliefs in the face of adversity serves as a powerful testament to the strength of faith and the enduring legacy of those who stand firm in their convictions.
Isaac II of Optina
Schema-Archimandrite among the group of monastics of Optina Monastery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries known as the Optina Elders.
Venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, with feast days on December 26 and October 11 (alongside all the Optina Elders).
Life and Legacy:
Born Ivan Nikolayevich Bobrakov in 1865 to a peasant family in Orel province, Russia.
Entered Optina Monastery as a novice in 1884.
Tonsured into the mantia with the name Isaac in 1898.
Ordained a priest in 1898.
Appointed abbot with the rank of archimandrite in 1913, becoming the last abbot of Optina Monastery before its closure by the Bolsheviks in 1923.
Known for his calm demeanor, simplicity, and deep spirituality.
Played a significant role in guiding and advising many people who sought spiritual counsel at Optina Monastery.
Imprisoned and martyred by the Soviet regime in 1938 for his faith.
Significance:
Venerable Isaac II is revered as a spiritual guide and teacher who offered wisdom and comfort to countless individuals during a tumultuous time in Russian history.
His teachings on prayer, humility, and acceptance of God's will continue to inspire believers today.
His life and martyrdom serve as a powerful reminder of the perseverance of faith in the face of persecution.
Secundus Pollo
Blessed Secondo Pollo (1908-1941) was a Catholic priest and Italian military chaplain, revered for his dedication to his faith and his bravery in the face of danger. His life, though tragically cut short, offers a testament to the power of conviction and the enduring legacy of a life lived in service of others.
Early Life and Calling:
Born in Caresanablot, Italy, in 1908, Secondo displayed a deep and devout nature from a young age. He felt a strong calling to the priesthood and entered the seminary at Vercelli in 1919.
Following his ordination in 1931, he served as a teacher, spiritual advisor, and lecturer in both philosophy and theology. His charisma and compassion made him a beloved figure within the community.
Military Service and Martyrdom:
With the outbreak of World War II, Secondo was drafted into the Italian army in 1940. He readily accepted the role of chaplain, eager to offer spiritual support to his fellow soldiers.
Assigned to the Alpine battalion, he saw action in the treacherous mountain terrain of Montenegro. Facing harsh conditions and constant danger, Secondo remained a source of strength and comfort for his troops.
On December 26, 1941, during a fierce battle near Dragali, he rushed to the aid of a wounded soldier under heavy enemy fire. Tragically, he was struck down by enemy bullets and died heroically.
Legacy and Veneration:
Blessed Secondo Pollo is remembered for his unwavering faith, courage, and selflessness. His selfless act of rushing to the aid of a fallen comrade despite the peril exemplifies the depth of his commitment to his fellow soldiers.
In 1998, Pope John Paul II beatified Secondo Pollo, recognizing his heroic sacrifice and profound faith. His feast day is celebrated on December 26th.
Blessed Secondo Pollo continues to inspire generations of believers and military personnel alike. His story serves as a reminder of the power of faith to overcome adversity and the enduring impact of a life lived with courage and compassion.
