St Stephen is given the tile of protomartyr as he is recognised as the first Christian martyr. First mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as one of the seven deacons appointed by the Tweleve, he was persecuted for his faith and died bearing witness for Christ at 29 years old. Stephen was described as being 'full of grace and power and did great wonders and signs among the people'. He was said to have preached fervently, performed miracles and successfully converted many to follow Jesus.