The Collect
O ALMIGHTY God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord; Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys which thou hast prepared for those who unfeignedly love thee; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings: (Revelation vii. 2; St. Matthew v. 1)
All Saints' Day occurs the day after All Hallows' Eve or Halloween and it is an opportunity for believers to remember all saints and martyrs, both known and unknown, throughout our Christian history.
Remembering saints and martyrs, and dedicating a specific day to them during the year has been a Christian tradition since the 4th century AD, but it wasn't until 609 that Pope Boniface IV decided to remember all-martyrs. Originally 13th May was designated as the Feast of All Holy Martyrs. Later, Pope Gregory IV extended the festival to remember all the saints, changing its name to Feast of All Saints and changed the date to 1st November.
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