Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:21
John and Paul (c. 362)
Brothers in Faith and Life
These martyrs were brothers from a noble family and held high office in the Roman Army. Following the accession of the Emperor Julian “the Apostate”, they were accused of being Christians and given ten days in which to consider whether they would give up their faith and bow to pagan idols or die as martyrs. They chose to die and were executed in their own home. They are reputed to be the last to have suffered in Rome for refusing to worship idols.
Through the night of doubt and sorrow
Onward goes the pilgrim band,
Singing songs of expectation,
Marching to the Promised Land.
Clear before us, through the darkness,
Gleams and burns the guiding light.
Brother clasps the hand of brother,
Stepping fearless through the night.
Bernhardt S. Ingemann (1789-1862)
Translated by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924)
Thanks be unto thee, O God, for revealing thyself to man, and for sending forth thy messengers in every age. Thanks be unto thee for the first apostles of Christ, sent forth into all the world to preach the gospel; for those who brought the good news to our land; for all who, in ages of darkness, kept alive the light, or in times of indifference were faithful to their Lord’s command; for all thy followers in every age who have given their lives for the faith; for those in our own day who have gone to the ends of the earth as heralds of thy love for the innumerable company who now praise thee out of every kindred and nation and tongue. With these and the whole company of heaven we worship thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Parish Prayers (no. 755)