who was st stephen and why is the 26th december his day?

Answer 1

Others have pointed out the story of Stephen in the New Testament (Acts 6-7). As the "first martyr" of the young Christian church it is scarcely surprising that he would come to have his own feast day as such practices developed.

But as for December 26th as THE day... here things are much murkier. I do, believe though, that some other traditions related to that day and the days that surround it, taken together with the key facts about Stephen's work and death, may provide a clue.

Incidentally, there does not seem to be any "rule" that a "saint's day" must refer either to his/her birthday or the day of their death -- both, and perhaps others, seem to have been used. I would guess that in THIS case, given the centrality of Stephen's MARTYRDOM, the day was thought to be connected to his DEATH.

As for the suggestion that this day was observed (or at least identified) even before Christmas was... I cannot verify that one way or the other, though it seems to me more likely that the association of Jesus' birth with December 25 (even if not formally declared yet) influenced the day that fell to Stephen.

So, here are a couple of things to consider that may help:

a) The Feast of the Holy Innocents --commemorating Herod's killing of all the boy babies two years and under (told of in Matthew 2) is set on December 28th, clearly to connect it to Chrstmas/Jesus' birth.
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07419a.htm

The idea that these "early martyrs" and the first CHURCH martyr Stephen would be associated makes some sense, so may have influenced the setting of Stephen's day at this time of year.

b) Related to this, Scandinavian traditions, seemingly a bit confused, identifying Stephen as a servant in Herod's household, and so associating him with the BIRTH of Christ. Perhaps this happened in part because of the association of this martyr with the 'holy innocents' ?
http://www.sacred-texts.com/time/crt/crt18.htm#Chapter_XIV

c) Stephen's role as a "DEACON", charged with seeing that widows and orphans received the share of food they needed may have had an influence. St. Stephen's Day, often under the name "Boxing Day", has become associated with GIVING to the needy (though the details of the practices' origins is murky), whether by opening the alms box of the church, giving to one's servants or social inferiors, or whatever. This ties in to the association of Christmas and the 'Christmas season' (over time) with the more general giving of gifts (culminating in Epiphany/Three Kings Day).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_Day#Origins

This association of St. Stephen's Day and caring for the poor is evident in the theme of "Good King Wenceslas" (based on the story of a 10th century ruler of Bohemia [the modern day Czech Republic] - http://www.royalty.nu/Europe/Wenceslas.html )

Answer 2

He is the first Martyred Saint in Acts 1 54-59 Describes his death
the next two line Acts 8 1-2 is the first mention of Paul (Saul) in the bible. The Day was assigned by the church in the early days because it was thought that it was the day of the stoning. It is a day of charity and giving by the haves to the have nots in Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand St Stephans Day is called Boxing Day where by tradition the Nobs and Toffs serve the servants in the civilian sector and the enlisted are over their officers in the Military

He is the first man to call on Christ to forgive his tormentors and was considered the model martyr.

The sign of St Stephan is a red field surrounded by three stones with a golden palm in the center.

Answer 3

At a very early stage in the church, they decided they needed some people to do all the hard work while the apostles got on with preaching. (Not much changes). So they appointed a number of deacons. One of these was Stephen who was promptly stoned to death by the local Jewish gang.

26th December is traditionally the day he died. It has been his feast day for a lot longer than we've had Christmas which wasn't introduced until 322AD.

Answer 4

Saint Stephen, known as the Protomartyr (or first martyr) of Christianity, is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, as well as in the Orthodox Church. His feast day was historically kept on August 3, commemorating the finding (Latin: inventio) of his body during the reign of Emperor Honorius

December 26, the "feast of Stephen" referred to in the Christmas carol Good King Wenceslas, is called "St. Stephen's Day"; it is a public holiday in Ireland, Italy and Finland. The holiday is celebrated on December 27 in Romania and other Eastern Orthodox lands. In Catalonia (though not elsewhere in Spain) it is called "Sant Esteve" and is a bank holiday. It is called "Saint Étienne" in France and bank holiday in Alsace and Moselle only.

December 26 is also a holiday in Ligao City, Philippines, which celebrates fiesta in honor of St. Stephen Protomartyr, its patron saint.

Answer 5

the 26th is whats known as his feast day (which i didnt know), and st. john's (who is Jesus' "rigth hand man") feast day is the 27th of dec (and i know that becuase its my birthday!!) all the saints have a feast day....dont quote me on this part but i think its the day they die that is their feast day

Answer 6

Don't know but he is the patron Saint of Bricklayers.

Answer 7

He was the first Christian martyr

http://www.catholic-forum.com/SAINTS/saints04.htm