Saint Stephen's Day for Catholics

Saint Stephen is the first Christian martyr to accept Jesus Christ as messiah and savior. St. Stephen's Day is celebrated by Christian Catholics on the first day after Christmas, which is celebrated by Catholics and Protestants from December 24 to 25. It is believed that Stephen is the first follower of Christ, so his memory is given a date close to Christmas. During his life, Saint Stephen was a preacher, and tried to convey the word of Christ to a large audience, among whom were mainly Jews. For imposing a “false doctrine,” the Jews stoned Stephen to death. Today in the Catholic world this day is celebrated joyfully and with light in the soul. In many European countries, St. Stephen's Day is an official public holiday, and all citizens have a day off on this day. It is worth noting that in countries with the Catholic religion, St. Stephen has different meanings. Thus, in Austria and England, St. Stephen is the patron saint of animals, especially horses. In temples, hay and oats are illuminated on this day. In Ireland, this day marks the start of the Christmas Horse Racing Festival at the Hippodrome in Dublin. In Italy, on St. Stephen's Day, a carnival holiday called Putignano begins, which lasts until Maslenitsa. During the carnival, residents and artists sing songs, read poems, dance, and dress up in costumes. The holiday has a religious basis. Everywhere, all over the world, on St. Stephen's Day it is customary to give each other gifts. In English, this tradition is called Boxing Day. On this day, shopping is organized, promotions and discounts are held in shopping centers. In Catholic churches, the evening service is special. The priests tell the parishioners the story of the life and martyrdom of St. Stephen, and bring glory to his kind and brave Christian heart. During the service, prayers to St. Stephen are read and hymns are sung in his honor. At the end of the service, believers accept both sorrow and triumph, since St. Stephen is a symbol of sincere and faithful service to the Christian faith and Jesus Christ.