At the Praises, six stichera—

Glory... the composition of Cyprian, in Tone V—

At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone VI: Spec. Mel: “Proceed, ye hosts of angels...”—

The composition of Cyprian, in Tone I— O ye faithful, let us weave for the protomartyr an athlete’s wreath, fashioned of words instead of flowers. For he prepared the martyrs’ way, and cried out in joy: I see the heavens opened and the Son of God standing at the right hand of the invisible Father! Twice

Now and ever... the composition of John the Monk, in the same tone—

All creation riseth with joy to greet the feast, and the heavens rejoice with us; for, the Creator, incarnate of the Virgin, hath most gloriously been seen in a manger in Bethlehem of Judah. Let us say to the people, O our blessed God, Who hast been born, glory be to Thee!

The composition of Anatolius, in Tone II I— First among the deacons and first among the martyrs hast thou been shown to be, O most holy Stephen; for thou wast a path for the saints and hast brought many martyrs to the Lord. Wherefore, heaven was opened unto thee, and God appeared to Thee. Him do thou beseech, that our souls be saved.

Glory... the composition of Cyprian, in Tone VIII—

Stichos: From the womb before the morning star have I begotten Thee.

In sanctity wast thou clothed, O blessed Stephen, protomartyr and first deacon, who hast a portion with the angels. Intercede and pray to the Lord, the sinless Savior, in our behalf.

Now and ever... the composition of John the Monk, in the same tone—

Being the preëternal Word, Thou camest to earth to become incarnate of the Virgin, and wast seen as a Babe, that Thou mightest make mortals heavenly. Wise men didst Thou bring from Persia to worship Thee, O Compassionate One; and with them we cry out in joy: O our blessed God, Who hast been born, glory be to Thee!

As is meet, let us honor Stephen, the valiant protomartyr, first deacon and favorite of Christ; for, standing in the midst of the iniquitous, he beheld the Son standing at the right hand of the Father.

Stichos: The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou at My right hand.

In Tone IV, the composition of John the Monk— O glorious Stephen, citizen of heaven, blessed favorite of Christ: Pray thou in behalf of our souls!

O Jesus, Who for our sake shone forth from the Father before the ages, for our sake Thou didst appear as a little Babe, wishing to renew all men, who had grown old through the transgression. Wherefore, in thanksgiving we all ever cry out to Thee: O our blessed God, Who hast been born, glory be to Thee!

Stephen, the goodly beginning of martyrdom, full of grace and power, working great wonders and signs among the people, was by the iniquitous slain by stoning. Yet he shone forth as an angel, and beheld at the right hand of power the glory of Thee Who wast crucified for our sake, and was taken away to heaven by the Spirit of grace; wherefore, abiding now with the choirs of the angels, he prayeth that our souls be saved.

Rejoice in the Lord, O crown-bearer Stephen, thou emulator of the Master, for thou wast the first martyr of Christ our King, and hast abolished the falsehood of the iniquitous Jews, praying unto the Lord in our behalf.

O apostle and protomartyr, portal of martyrdom, glory of the righteous, and boast of the apostles: Standing in the tribunal thou didst behold the heavens opened, and the Son of God standing at the right hand of the invisible Father. Wherefore, thy countenance shining like that of an angel, in joy thou didst cry out concerning those who were stoning thee to death: Lay not this sin to their charge! And now pray thou for those who praise thee with love, that they may receive cleansing of their sins and great mercy.

How can I describe the great mystery? The Incorporeal One is incarnate, the Word taketh on flesh, the Invisible One is seen, the Intangible One is touched, and the Unoriginate One hath a beginning in time. The Son of God becometh the Son of man, even Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever!

An unapproachable mystery is today accomplished in Bethlehem: the Invisible One is seen, the Incorporeal One is incarnate, the Word taketh on flesh, and becometh that which He had not been. A Virgin giveth birth in a cave unto a little Babe, the Creator of nature. A manger is formed into a heavenly throne, and beasts represent the ranks of the cherubim. Shepherds marvel, magi bear gifts, and angels, chanting, say, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men, O immutable Emmanuel!