The life of Saint Archdeacon and Protomartyr Stephen has always been, and remains, a radiant example and inspiration for all the faithful. His ministry, offered in the name of God and filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit, was a reflection of Christian love and self-sacrifice for all. With humility and care for the poor and the weak, Saint Stephen bore witness to the Gospel not only through his words but, above all, through his life, becoming a living Gospel of God’s love in the world.
Yet the enemy of mankind, who in his hatred always seeks to attack what is good, could not endure this beacon of grace. The malice of the ancient deceiver was poured out through his servants—the false accusers, the elders of the people—who surrounded Saint Stephen, seeking to silence him with lies and violence. The wrathful guardians of the Law of Moses, blinded by their hardness of heart, failed to recognize the holiness and truth that Saint Stephen proclaimed and thus condemned him to a cruel death.
This event is not merely a page from the long history of Christianity; it is a paradigm that has been repeated throughout the centuries in the life of the Church. How many times have martyrs, following the example of Saint Stephen, confessed the Truth with fearless courage, meekly offering their heads to the swords of evil? How many times have God’s saints been slandered and falsely accused, enduring great suffering for their love of Christ?
Yet, their sufferings were not in vain. They became the seed of new life, a testimony to God’s victory over evil, a testimony to a love that never perishes
This New Testament hero of faith, the Holy Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen, deeply moves the heart of every believer with his life and struggle. He reminds us of the primordial power of the Gospel, a power not of this world, but one that is gentle and filled with grace, a power that transforms the hearts and minds of those who receive it. Just as the face of Saint Stephen shone while he was confessing the Truth, so too do the faces of true Christians shine today—those who, amidst the trials and struggles of this world, remain faithful to the path of patience and humility.
Perhaps for this very reason, numerous faithful from Kičevo gathered yesterday at the Church of the Holy Chief Apostles Peter and Paul, to add to the joy of Christmas the joy of the glorious commemoration of Saint Stephen. This gathering stands as a witness to the enduring power of faith, which unites the people of God and inspires them to strive for spiritual ascent in Christ’s name.
With the blessing of His Beatitude, Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia, Mr. Stephen, who has the great honor of bearing the name and spiritual legacy of Christ’s First Martyr, the Divine Liturgy was solemnly celebrated in the Kičevo church of the Chief Apostles, bringing abundant blessings upon the city and serving as a fountain of ineffable grace for the gathered faithful.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by our beloved Elder, His Grace, Bishop Partenij of Antania, whose devoted liturgical service was met with great joy and love by all present. Concelebrating with His Grace were the revered archimandrites, hieromonks, and hierodeacons from the Bigorski Monastery, as well as the pious presbyters of Kičevo: Fr. Stefče Toševski, Fr. Aleksandar Mateski, and Fr. Aleksandar Krstanoski.
With his fatherly homily, filled with love, spirituality, and inspired wisdom, Elder Partenij strengthened the hearts of the many faithful and spiritual children from Kičevo and beyond. In his address, he reminded everyone of the highest Christian virtues that they should cultivate—faith, humility, and love—as the keys to entering the joy of Christ’s Kingdom.
In an atmosphere of quiet joy and gratitude, the faithful concluded this sacred day with hope and love in their hearts, prepared to continue their path of salvation, following the example of the Holy Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen.
