Martyr Stephen of Kazan
A Tatar convert to Christianity in Kazan who, healed of a weakness in his legs after baptism, suffered death for abandoning Islam for Christ.
The Holy Martyr Stephen of Kazan
Life
Stephen of Kazan was a Tatar convert to Christianity who was martyred for his faith in the years following the incorporation of Kazan into Muscovite Russia. He is commemorated on March 24, together with the Martyr Peter of Kazan, a fellow newly-baptized Tatar.
By the account preserved in the synaxarion, Stephen had suffered for more than twenty years from a weakness in his legs. After the capture of Kazan by Tsar Ivan IV ("the Terrible") in 1552, he came to believe in Christ and was healed of his infirmity. He was baptized by Archpriest Menignus of the Moscow cathedral, who had come to the Russian army bearing a letter from Metropolitan Macarius.
When the Russian army withdrew from the city, the Tatars turned upon those who had embraced Christianity. Because Stephen remained faithful to Christ, he was cut to pieces, his body scattered, and his house plundered. He is honored as a martyr who would not forsake the faith he had received.
Kontakion & Troparion2 hymnsReadHide
(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”) You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance,
which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Stephen;
extinguishing the allure of false gods,
you enlighten the faithful,
always interceding for us all.
Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).
Your holy martyr Stephen, O Lord,
through his suffering has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).
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