The Fourth Sunday in Advent

Advent Wreath Advent IV

O Lord, raise up, we pray thee, thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus . . . → Read More: The Fourth Sunday in Advent

Winter (Advent) Ember Days: III

Ember Days at the four seasons: Winter

Winter, by Abel Grimmer (1565–1630). From Wikipedia.

O God, who dost ever hallow and protect thy Church: Raise up therein, through thy Spirit, good and faithful stewards of the mysteries of Christ; that by their ministry and example thy people may abide in thy favour, and be guided in the way of . . . → Read More: Winter (Advent) Ember Days: III

Winter (Advent) Ember Days: II

Ember Days at the four seasons: Winter

For Those to be Ordained

Winter, by Abel Grimmer (1565–1630). From Wikipedia.

Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed divers Orders in thy Church: Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all those who are to be called to any office and administration . . . → Read More: Winter (Advent) Ember Days: II

Saint Thomas, Apostle

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, by Caravaggio (1571–1610)

Almighty and everliving God, who, for the greater confirmation of the faith, didst suffer thy holy Apostle Thomas to be doubtful in thy Son’s resurrection: Grant us so perfectly, and without all doubt, to believe in thy Son Jesus Christ, that our faith in thy . . . → Read More: Saint Thomas, Apostle

Winter (Advent) Ember Days: I

Ember Days at the four seasons: Winter

For Peace in the World

Winter, by Abel Grimmer (1565–1630). From Wikipedia.

Almighty Lord and everlasting Father, who wouldest have the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of thy Son Jesus Christ: Bestow thy blessing, we beseech thee, upon all who labour for peace and righteousness among the nations, that the . . . → Read More: Winter (Advent) Ember Days: I

Christmas Schedule for 2017

St Stephen’s Christmastide service schedule has been posted. It’s actually pretty much the same as it has been for the last few years, except, because Advent IV is also Christmas Eve, and there will be three Christmas Eve services late in the day, there will only be two morning services. The 9:15 AM . . . → Read More: Christmas Schedule for 2017

Altar Flowers — Advent III, 2017

Altar Flowers — Advent III, 2017

Altar Flowers — Advent III, 2017

Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

Ignatius of Antioch

The Martyrdom of Ignatius of Antioch, from the Menologion of Basil II (c. 1000). From Wikipedia.

Renew in thy Church, we beseech thee, O Lord, the courage of Ignatius the Martyr, the fervour of his letters, and the faithfulness of his teaching: That men may so burn with love towards thee, as . . . → Read More: Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

The Third Sunday in Advent

Advent Wreath Advent III

O Lord Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee: Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second . . . → Read More: The Third Sunday in Advent

A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols for Christmas

Pierre Nativity

Sunday, 17 December 2017 6:00 PM

Nativity, by Jean-Baptiste Marie Pierre (1714–89). From Wikimedia.

The Choir of Men and Boys inaugurates the Holiday Season with a traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas, a charity event in aid of the Christ Child Society of Baltimore. Through scripture readings and beloved . . . → Read More: A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols for Christmas