Sunday worship

Afterward we continually remind one another of these things. Those among us who have means assist all who are in need, and we are always together with one another. In everything we receive, we bless the Maker of all through his Son Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit.

On the day called the Sun’s day, all who live in cities or in the countryside gather together in one place. The memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read for as long as time permits. Then, when the reader has finished, the one who presides gives verbal instruction and an exhortation to imitate these good things.

Then we all rise together and offer prayers. As we said earlier, when we have finished praying, bread, wine, and water are brought. The one who presides likewise sends up prayers and thanksgivings to the best of his ability, and the people voice their assent by saying, “Amen.” There is then a distribution to each person and a sharing in the things over which thanksgiving has been offered, and a portion is sent through the deacons to those who are absent.

Those who are prosperous and willing give whatever each chooses according to his own decision, and what is collected is deposited with the one who presides. He assists orphans and widows, those who are in need because of sickness or some other cause, those who are in prison, and strangers staying among us; in short, he becomes the guardian of all who are in need.

We all hold our common gathering on the Sun’s day because it is the first day, on which God transformed darkness and matter and made the world, and because Jesus Christ our Savior rose from the dead on that same day. For they crucified him on the day before Saturn’s day, and on the day after Saturn’s day—which is the Sun’s day—he appeared to his apostles and disciples and taught them these things, which we have also submitted to you for consideration.