The pulpit, or ambo, is built around the figure of St. Stephen, a man of much faith and wisdom, who was filled with the Holy Spirit. He was one of the seven original deacons to be ordained in the Church, and was able to speak with such eloquence, wisdom, & spirit that his listeners were unable to resist him
The figure shows St. Stephen holding a basket of stones and a palm branch, a symbol of martyrdom. These represent the fact that Stephen was stoned to death. He is known as the Church’s first martyr.