Even though Stephen was born in the imperial palace, with his intrigues and power struggles, faith, not ambition, burned in his heart. The son and younger brother of the emperors spent their days in fasting and prayer. Stephen was distinguished by virtue, always helped people and spent a lot of time reading theological books and thinking. His spiritual qualities were so great that he became a patriarch at the age of 18.
Life says that Stefan was content with little, was abstinent in food, wore simple clothes, instead of wine drank water.
He took care of his flock, did charity. Stephen died peacefully in 893. He was buried in the Sickellian monastery.
Memorial Day
May 30
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
