Readings:
Psalm 126
2
Esdras 2:42-48
Matthew 10:24-30
Preface of a Saint (3)
[Common of a Pastor] [Common of a Martyr]
[Of the Holy Cross]
PRAYER (traditional
wording)
Grant, Almighty God, that in all times of trial and persecution, we might remain steadfast in faith and endurance, according to the example of thy servant Fabian, who was faithful even unto death. We ask this for the sake of him who laid down his life for us all, Jesus Christ our Savior; who livest and reignest with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
PRAYER (contemporary
wording)
Grant, Almighty God, that in all times of trial and persecution, we might remain steadfast in faith and endurance, according to the example of your servant Fabian, who was faithful even unto death. We ask this for the sake of him who laid down his life for us all, Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
This commemoration appears in Lesser Feasts & Fasts 2018 with revised lessons and collects.
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Last updated: 18 Nov. 2022
FABIAN
BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250)
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.
by James Kiefer
Upon the death of Pope Saint Antherus in 236, a council
was convened in Rome to elect his successor. In the crowd
was Fabian (Fabianus), a layman from another part of Italy
(it is not known where). According to the historian
Eusebius, a dove flew into the building and landed on
Fabian's head. The people immediately interpreted this to be
an omen, and unanimously acclaimed Fabian their new pope. He
turned out to be an excellent leader. He organized the
parochial (parish) structure of the Church that is in use to
this day. He developed the custom and rites of veneration of
the martyrs buried in the catacombs, and appointed fourteen
scholars to record the lives of the martyrs, so that they
would not be forgotten in future years. In 239 the Emperor
Decius instituted a persecution of Christians. This was the
first persecution to be waged throughout the entire Empire
instead of just locally. Fabian was captured and brutally
executed. The courage with which he went to his death was an
inspiration to thousands who followed him in martyrdom. His
broken tombstone in Rome still exists, and three words on it
are still barely legible; "Fabian ... bishop ...
martyr."
by Fr. Rick Losch
See also article in Wikipedia