Monthly Archives: May 2014

Ordination to the Diaconate, a Sermon by Dr Leander S. Harding

Ordination to the Diaconate
A Sermon Preached by the Rev. Dr. Leander S. Harding
on June 2, 2012, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Pittsburgh, PA
[Note: Please read the entire sermon, posted on Dr Harding’s blog.]

We are here today for the joyous occasion of the ordination of deacons. Beyond and underneath that we are here today because we have died and are risen with Jesus Christ the Lord. In him have we found a new life with God and each other, being reconciled to the Father in one body through the cross of Christ. Continue reading →

Saint Stephen

Stoning of St Stephen, altarpiece of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice

Stoning of St Stephen

Saint Stephen is considered the first martyr of Christianity, and by many, the first deacon. The feast day of Saint Stephen is 26 December.

As the very early church increased in number, and as the apostles became more involved in preaching the Word, the need arose for others to take responsibility to “serve tables”, to meet charitably the needs of the community. In Acts 6:5, Stephen is identified as one of the seven men, “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”, picked for the duty.

Stephen is seized by the Sanhedrin and charged with blasphemy. Acts 7 contains Stephen’s response to the charges, after which he was stoned to death, with the approval of Saul (later known as Paul the Apostle).

Crest of Saint Stephen

Crest of Saint Stephen

Western churches observe the Feast of Saint Stephen on 26 December. Stephen is the patron saint of casket and coffin makers; deacons; headaches; horses; masons; and stone masons. His symbols include: stones, sometimes accompanied by the palm branches of martyrdom, and a deacon carrying a pile of rocks.