S. Stephen's Day: Stichera at Vespers

St. Stephen's Day.

STICHERA AT VESPERS.

by S. Anatolius.

τῷ Βασιλεῖ καὶ Δεσπότῃ.

The Lord and King of all things
But yesterday was born:
And Stephen's glorious offering
His birthtide shall adorn.
No pearls of orient splendour,
No jewels can he show;
But with his own true heart's-blood
His shining vestments glow.

Come, ye that love the Martyrs,
And pluck the flow’rs of song,
And weave them in a garland
For this our suppliant throng: p. 63
And cry,—O thou that shinest
In grace's brightest ray,
Christ's valiant Protomartyr,
For peace and favour pray!

Thou first of all Confessors,
Thou of all Deacons crown,
Of every following athlete
The glory and renown:
Make supplication, standing
Before Christ's Royal Throne,
That He would give the kingdom,
And for our sins atone!