December 26: Saint Stephen, Proto-martyr

Grant, Lord, we pray,
that we may imitate what we worship,
and so learn to love even our enemies,
for we celebrate the heavenly birthday
of a man who know how to pray even for his persecutors.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son, who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

(Collect for December 26, Feast of Saint Stephen, First Martyr)

Image: Stoning of Saint Stephen by Jacopo & Domenico Tintoretto (altarpiece of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice)

Biblical Saints