Stephen the Newly Radiant

Venerable Stephen the Newly Radiant died in the year 912 (according to another source, in the 9th century). He was the son of the pious Constantinopolitan priest Zacharias and from his youth served among the clergy of the great church of Constantinople. After his father's death he chose the hermit's life and made his struggle ever stricter. He reached so high a step of perfection that the Lord made him worthy to see the holy apostle Peter and Saint Antipas (commemorated 24 April). He gave up his soul in the schema. He is called "the Newly Radiant" because, through strict struggle like the ancients, he won great grace and joined their radiant company. The Church of Georgia commemorates him on 9 December (old style; 22 December new style).