The Cult of St. Stephen in the Ministry of Bishop Augustine of Hipp o

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