Saint Stephen was born in Constantinople into a pious family. His mother, Theophania, observed strict fasts during her pregnancy, which predetermined his holiness. An image of the cross appeared on the chest of the infant, symbolizing his future life. From an early age, he demonstrated abstinence, refusing his mother's milk after abundant food.
Stephen was baptized and, upon reaching adolescence, became a diligent student. After the death of his father, he took monastic vows and began a life of seclusion in the church of Saint Apostle Peter, where he received visions from Christ and the Holy Martyr Antipas, which strengthened him in the feats of prayer and fasting.
For twelve years, he lived in a grave cave, subjecting himself to strict ascetic practices, which led to significant exhaustion of his body. Having accepted the Angelic schema, he continued to lead the life of a hermit, feeding only on vegetables and water during holidays.
Saint Stephen lived fifty years in strict asceticism and passed away at the age of seventy-three, surrendering his spirit to God.
