On this day, June 15 according to the Julian Calendar (June 28 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Holy Apostle Stephen.
The Holy Apostle Stephen is commemorated on this day for the translation of his relics. Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Protomartyr), was one of the seven deacons chosen by the Apostles to serve the early Church. He was full of faith and the Holy Spirit, performed great wonders and signs among the people, and preached the Gospel with wisdom and power.
When accused before the Sanhedrin, Stephen gave a fearless testimony of faith, recounting the history of God’s covenant with Israel and proclaiming that Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophecies. Before his martyrdom by stoning, he had a vision of heaven opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
His relics were discovered miraculously and brought to Jerusalem, then eventually translated to Constantinople and Rome. The Church commemorates this translation on June 15, honoring the Protomartyr whose death, witnessed by Saul of Tarsus, helped spread the early Church.
May the intercessions of Holy Apostle Stephen be with us all.