Among many ancient Christian martyrs, deacon
Stephen, the first martyr for the faith, was held
in special reverence. His cult spread, in particular,
due to the fact that his body was found. Some
of his relics were also brought to Hippo in Africa,
at the time when St. Augustine was a bishop
there. The bishop was cautious about emerging
news. Nevertheless, he ordered to build a chapel
dedicated to the Martyr and allowed to venerate
Stephen’s relics. In the same time, he was studying
the emerging cases of miracles that were attributed
to the Martyr. St. Augustine in his teaching,
however, tried to emphasize the essence of worship
and to direct the attention of the faithful to
Christ, who was acting through the intercession
of Stephen. The figure of the holy Deacon was
featured as a follower of the Savior. The attitude
of St. Stephen served as an example for the faithful.
The cult of the relics and delight in miracles that
were performed referred to the actions of God itself
who manifests divine might towards the faithful
