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's the feast of St Stephen, 1st Century deacon and protomartyr whose death is described in the Acts of the Apostles. On the 15th Century screen at Ludham, Norfolk he holds stones, the instrument of his martyrdom. pic.twitter.com/9n7fD9906S
— Simon Knott (@SimoninSuffolk) December 26, 2025