The Life of St. Stephen the Younger

The translation of The Life of St. Stephen the Younger details the unique birth narrative, monastic life, and martyrdom of an Eastern Christian monk named “Stephen,” killed by a blow to the head on the way to his formal execution in approximately 765 AD. Composed in the early ninth century, this entertaining and interesting life and death narrative has resulted in Stephen the Younger being easily identified as one of the best known and popular martyrs. Between Stephen’s birth and death, the reader is introduced to the theological and social culture of ninth-century Constantinople through Stephen’s relationship with male and female monastics, religious councils, and imperial figures. This saint’s life, unique for its length, detail, and effect on the literary tradition, is essential for scholars and lay-readers alike who wish to understand the priorities of the Byzantine world. Scholars, students, and non-specialist readers with an interest in hagiography and medieval religious literature, Orthodox Christianity, or Byzantine history will find that the translation of The Life of St. Stephen the Younger provides an elegant recounting of the stirring tale, while the historical commentary offers detailed insight into a historic moment of great religious and political complexity.