First Reading

Reading from the book of the Acts of the Apostles 

Acts 6:1-7

In those days, as the number of disciples grew greatly, there arose some complaints from the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food.

Then the Twelve called together the whole assembly of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among yourselves seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

The whole assembly agreed and chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas, a proselyte from Antioch. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

The word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly, and even a large group of priests accepted the faith.v

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint John 

John 6:16-21

At evening, on the day of the multiplication of the loaves, Jesus’ disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. A strong wind was blowing, and the sea was getting rough.

When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land to which they were going.