A fuel cell device having an exterior surface defining an interior ceramic support structure. An active zone is along a first portion of the length for undergoing a fuel cell reaction, and at least one non-active end region is along an end portion extending away from the active zone without being heated. Fuel and oxidizer passages extend within the interior support structure from respective first and second inlets in the non-active end region to the active zone. The active zone has an anode associated with each of the fuel passages and a cathode associated with each of the oxidizer passages in opposing relation to a respective one of the anodes with an electrolyte therebetween. A plurality of ceramic support members in spaced-apart positions are provided throughout each one of the plurality of fuel and oxidizer passages that physically holds open the passages to prevent collapse.