20
January. 1662 Book of Common Prayer: Fabian, Episcopos (= Presbyter) in Rome
(Third Day of Prayer For Christian Unity)
Fabian was
Bishop of Rome for 14 years. He organized the city of Rome into parishes and
appointed scribes to record the lives of the martyrs for posterity. When the
Emperor Decius began a persecution of Christians, probably the first one to be
waged simultaneously in all parts of the Empire, Fabian was one of the first to
be put to death, setting a courageous example for others. His tombstone, with
the inscription dimly visible, can still be seen at Rome.
PRAYER
(traditional wording)
O God, who in thy providence didst call thy servant Fabian
to The office of Bishop, and didst guide him so to strengthen thy Church that
it stood fast in the day of persecution: Grant that those whom thou dost call
to any ministry in the Church may be obedient to thy call in all humility, and be
enabled to carry out their tasks with diligence and faithfulness; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and for ever.
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