The Feast Day of St. Stephen

St. Stephen, first deacon in the early Christian ecclesia, the community of Christ.

And the first martyred for Christ.

Celebrated on the first day after Christmas Day, December 26.

To all deacons, a Happy Feast Day on the occasion of the day of your patron.

To all priests, who were ordained deacon before being priested, may we remember those vows we first took.

To the Church Universal, may we remember that Stephen forgave his murderers. "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." (Acts 7:60)

Neither hold against us our sins against one another in your name.

Blessed Stephen, pray for us.