St Stephen, is known as the “Protomartyr,” the first Christian to die for their belief in Jesus Christ. St Stephen was the first Deacon who was ordained to serve at the Eucharistic meal.
In the eucharistic celebration on this feast day, celebrated this year on Sunday 22 December 2024, it is traditional for all deacons serving at the altar to wear a liturgical crown, which is one of the vestments worn only by priests on all other days of the year. The crown being, in this instance, not only a reflection of the derivative of the name “Stephen, but also a symbol of martyrdom.
