Grant, O Lord, that in all our sufferings here upon earth, for the testimony of thy truth, we may steadfastly look up to heaven, and by faith behold the glory that shall be revealed; and, being filled with the Holy Ghost, may learn to love and bless our persecutors by the example of thy first martyr, Saint Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to thee, O blessed Jesus, who standest at the right hand of God to succour all those that suffer for thee, our only mediator and advocate. Amen.
Today the Church of England celebrates Stephen, Deacon, First Martyr
Image: 'Devout Men Taking the Body of Saint Stephen', commissioned 1776 for St Stephen Walbrook by its Rector, Revd Thomas Wilson. In the church up to 1987, now on display in Boston, MA https://t.co/ixqFZUVg2b pic.twitter.com/SGXsfPXQVJ
— The Anglican Church in St Petersburg (@anglicanspb) December 26, 2023