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SeekingTheLight
23rd January 2008, 02:37 AM
Why does the icon of St. Stephen the first martyr not have him holding a martyr's cross? Instead he's holding what looks like a church or a building. I've tried looking up some information,but I haven't found anything that answers this question. anyway, just curious?
Philothei
23rd January 2008, 03:37 AM
I do not remember for sure and I am sure others will know better but St. Stephen was the first deacon and that is why he is holding a church as he was the first to server ...deacon. He is depicted wearing the deacon's vestments too....
Philothei
SeekingTheLight
23rd January 2008, 12:01 PM
Oh, ok, thanks!
Mary of Bethany
23rd January 2008, 10:19 PM
I've also seen one of him holding stones, which were the instrument of his death.

Mary
SeekingTheLight
24th January 2008, 01:44 AM
I've also seen one of him holding stones, which were the instrument of his death.

Mary
I have not seen that one - very interesting!
SeraphimSarov
24th January 2008, 01:26 PM
The icon we have at church shows him holding a censer as well as a church. The censer kind of made me think he was a deacon.
SeekingTheLight
24th January 2008, 03:16 PM
The icon we have at church shows him holding a censer as well as a church. The censer kind of made me think he was a deacon.
Well, I am still learning, so I still am not sure who's who at church, other than the priest. I mean, at Vespers we always have a reader. Is a reader also a deacon? forgive my ignorance, but I'm still getting it all figured out.
Mary of Bethany
24th January 2008, 04:28 PM
1) Reader (may be "officially" a Reader by tonsuring by the Bishop, or may just be someone who is asked to read). If they have been tonsured, they will wear a black robe (sorry, can never remember the name of it). May serve in Altar.

2) Sub-Deacon - next step up from Reader. May or may not choose to become Deacon. May serve in Altar.

3) Deacon - next step up from Sub-Deacon. May or may not choose to become Priest. Assists Priest during Liturgy, etc.

4) Priest

Mary
SeekingTheLight
24th January 2008, 07:42 PM
1) Reader (may be "officially" a Reader by tonsuring by the Bishop, or may just be someone who is asked to read). If they have been tonsured, they will wear a black robe (sorry, can never remember the name of it). May serve in Altar.

2) Sub-Deacon - next step up from Reader. May or may not choose to become Deacon. May serve in Altar.

3) Deacon - next step up from Sub-Deacon. May or may not choose to become Priest. Assists Priest during Liturgy, etc.

4) Priest

Mary
thanks!