Let us celebrate this feast in harmonious company, taught by the kindly example of its author, who prayed for the deceit of his persecutors!
O Stephen, highest standard bearer of the Good King, do thou hear us, thou who wert heard on thy enemies’ behalf to their advantage!
By thy prayers, o Stephen, Paul who once persecuted thee believeth in Christ, and rejoiceth with thee in the kingdom to which no persecutor draweth nigh.
So, may thy most holy intercession reconcile us – suppliant and calling upon thee and beating upon thee with our prayers – alway to our God!
Peter appointed thee a minister of Christ: Thou didst provide for Peter an example of belief when thou shewest at the right hand of the Highest Father the One whom the raging mob crucified.
Christ chose thee for Himself, o Stephen, by whom He might strengthen His faithful, manifesting Himself to thee as consolation amidst the wheeling of stones.
Now thou art crowned and shinest amidst the glorious purple of martyrs.
