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St. Stephen is one of the select martyrs mentioned by name in scripture. He was one of the first seven deacons ordained by the church as mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. During his life, Stephen performed many miracles and was considered to be very holy. He was martyred by stoning after calling out the sins of the Sanhedrin, a martyrdom witnessed by Saul (who would go on to become St. Paul ). Stephen prayed for his killers' forgiveness as he died. Afterwards, many of the disciples fled the holy land for safety. Lifetime:  ~5 to ~33 Region:  Jerusalem Patronages:  Headaches; Brick layers; Altar servers; Harsh truths Iconograpy:  Stones; Censer; Deacon vestments Feast Day:  December 26 (Western); December 2 (Eastern)

St. Crispina was a mother and noblewoman from northern Africa who began to be persecuted after she refused to offer sacrifice to pagan gods. In an attempt to shame her into recanting her faith, the judge ordered her head to be shaven, but she remained steadfast. After continued failed attempts to get her to convert, the judge ordered her beheading and she was martyred. St. Augustine, who lived in the century following her martyrdom, preached about her example often. Lifetime:  200s to 304 Region:  Numidia (modern Algeria) Patronages:  None defined Iconograpy:  Shaved head; Holding crown; Wearing red Feast Day:  December 5