Stephen of Byzantium

Holy Martyr Stephen of Byzantium received the crown of martyrdom at Constantinople for the veneration of the holy icons, in the time of the iconoclast emperor Constantine Copronymus.

In the time of Constantine Copronymus many Orthodox soldiers left military rank and became monks. Many of them the lawless emperor put to death after tortures. One, Basil, he first blinded, and when Basil, even after being blinded, went on venerating the holy icons, the executioner thrust a sword into his belly, so that all his entrails were seen. At that time Stephen too received the crown of martyrdom for the holy icons, at Constantinople. A few others, two Gregorys and some more, were sent into confinement, where they died. Finally John was driven away to Daphne, where by the emperor's order he was often beaten, and of this he died.

He is commemorated on 11 December, in the new style.