Stephen was the first martyr of the Christian Church after the death of Christ. He is considered to be one of the first deacons, being chosen to help the apostles serve those in need in order that the apostles might give themselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word. Put on trial before the Jews, his defense further enraged them. He was stoned, while a young man named Saul, (later the Apostle Paul) consented to the death of Stephen and held the cloaks of those who stoned him; Scripture Reading: Acts 7:55-60.
Collect: GRANT, O Lord, that, in all our sufferings here upon earth for the testimony of thy truth, we may stedfastly 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 who suffer for thee. our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
