"The deacon's robe, in the Roman Catholic Church. the most ancient form of the dalmatic is exhibited in the annexed wood-cut, after an early Christian painting on the walls of catacombs at Rmb. It was originally of linen, but it is now generally made of the same heavy silk as the Planeta, worn by the priest." — Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

Dalmatic

"The deacon's robe, in the Roman Catholic Church. the most ancient form of the dalmatic is exhibited…

The sedilia in Southwell Minster, England. In church architecture, a sedile is a seat near the altar used by priests and deacons.

Sedilia

The sedilia in Southwell Minster, England. In church architecture, a sedile is a seat near the altar…

"and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Acts 7:58-59 ASV
<p>Illustration of Stephen being stoned to death. He is pictured wearing a deacon's vestments, lying on the ground and looking up to the sky. An angel, carrying a palm frond and the crown of martyrdom, is flying above him. Several men hold stones over their heads. A group of men in robes, including Saul of Tarsus, watch the stoning. A city can be seen in the background.

Stephen Stoned to Death as He Looks up to Heaven

"and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the…

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." Acts 7:59-60 ASV
<p>Illustration of Stephen kneeling in prayer, looking up to heaven. Several men raise stones in the air, preparing to stone Stephen. The Jewish councilors can be seen in the crowd. Women hide their eyes in the background (right). The town walls can be seen on the left.

The Stoning of Stephen, the First Martyr

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he…