Saint Stephanie of Damascus

St. Stephanie was the wife of a Roman soldier who witnessed the torture of St. Victor in 160 A.D. He gave her such courage that she professed her faith for all to hear. St. Stephanie was martyred along with St. Victor for her profession of faith in Jesus Christ. St. Victor and St. Stephanie are of depicted together on prayer cards and mentioned in the same prayers.

St. Stephanie the Martyr Remembered

St. Stephanie is still remembered today for her steadfast faith. Many parents name their baby girls Stephanie after this courageous saint. A traditional baptism gift for an infant named Stephanie is a St. Stephanie charm or a St. Stephanie medal. The St. Stephanie jewelry is a reminder to the child to live a life of true faith in Jesus Christ.

It is also traditional to give a St. Stephanie necklace to a young woman taking Stephanie as a Confirmation name. A St. Stephanie pendant is the ideal Confirmation gift, reminding the young woman to remain true to the faith and live as a soldier of Jesus Christ.
Although young people today are not asked to be martyrs for their faith, there are other tests of faith that they face in their daily lives. Wearing a St. Stephanie medal reminds girls to defend their faith and to live a life that Jesus would want for them, not being afraid to talk about Jesus to their friends.

Prayer to Remain Faithful to Jesus Christ

The following is a prayer that can be recited for strengthening faith in God, just as St. Stephanie did as she faced martyrdom.

Father in Heaven,
Ever living source of all that is good,
Keep me faithful in serving You.
Help me to drink of Christ's Truth,
And fill my heart with His love
So that I may serve you in faith
And love and reach eternal life.
In the Sacrament of the Eucharist
You give me the joy of sharing Your Life.
Keep me in Your presence.
Let me never be separated from You
And help me to do Your will. Amen.