The collect for today, the Feast of St Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Apostolic Man, Martyr (source [1]):
Almighty God,
who gavest to thy servant Polycarp
boldness to confess the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ
before the rulers of this world
and courage to suffer death for his faith:
grant that we too may be ready
to give an answer for the faith that is in us
and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who liveth and reigneth with thee,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
The Lesson: Revelation 2:8-11 [2]
The Gospel: St Matthew 20:20-23 [3]
Click here [4] to read more about Saint Polycarp.
Artwork: Martyrdom of St Polycarp, Church of St Polycarp [6], Izmir (ancient Smyrna), Turkey.