Saint Stephen Key Ring- Made in Italy Patron Saint of Deacons He is first mentioned in Acts 6:5, when the apostles appoint seven deacons in order to minister to the physical needs of the faithful. Because Stephen is mentioned first among the seven men ordained as deacons in Acts 6:5-6, and is the only one singled out for his attributes ("a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost"), he is often regarded as the first deacon as well as the first martyr. Feast Day December 26th