O Blessed Stephen, the adornment of Christ’s warriors,

O Blessed Stephen, the adornment of Christ’s warriors,

first of deacons and first of martyrs,

joy of the faithful and glory of the righteous,

as thou standest before Christ, the Lord of all,

pray for us who celebrate thine honorable memory

that we may receive remission of our sins,//

and be accounted worthy of the Kingdom of heaven!

(Hymn from the Feast of St. Stephen)

Fr. John