St. Stephan, Deacon, 26 December 2014

http://orthodoxwiki.org/Apostle_Stephen_the_Protomartyr

St. Stephan was the first of the martyrs to die for Christ.  He was one of the first seven deacons of the church, and was a powerful witness, working many miracles, and convincing many through his preaching that Yeshuah (Jesus) was the Jewish messiah.  We note in passing, that the word martyr, actually means witness, and Stephan was one of many through the ages who would witness to Jesus by dying for him.  In Stephan’s sermons in the Bible, we see that he knew his scriptures when preaching, and that we who preach should share that knowledge.  As we remember St. Stephan today, may we also be willing to witness to others that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world and may we like him be willing to forgive those who persecute us.  His dying words, were, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”. 

Jeremiah 26:1-9,12-15                                                                                                        Acts 6:8--7:2a,51c-60;                                                                                                  Matthew 23:34-39

Daily Office Readings:

AM: Psalm 28, 30; 2 Chronicles 24:17-22; Acts 6:1-7
PM: Psalm 118; Wisdom 4:7-15; Acts 7:59-8:8

Collect:  Emanuel, you raised up your servant Stephan to a ministry of service and to preach the Gospel.  Teach us like him to forgive those who persecute us, and to be faithful in service and proclaiming your kingdom, this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it.  Amen.  (red)

Readings: 

Eucharist:
Note:  If there is no celebration of the Eucharist, the Eucharistic reading for the Epistle is to be used for Matins.  At the discretion of the celebrant other Eucharistic readings may be used for Matins.