Theme: The joyous resurrection of the Incarnate Word and God's
consummate saving act of His creation.
Liturgical Color: White
Time: The season begins on "Easter Eve" (Saturday
night after sundown before Easter Day) and continues for 50 days, ending
at "Pentecost". Easter is a variable time and is set by lunar
calculation. "Easter" is associated with our word for
"east", the direction of the rising sun and thus the traditional
"sunrise service". The symbolism is obvious with the dawning of
new light after the darkness. Easter also falls in the spring time which
is replete with images of new growth, clean air and clear light.
"Easter" is the climax of the church year and is celebrated
with great joy, beauty and reverence. The Easter service in our parish
begins at sundown of Easter eve, a Saturday, where the darkened church is
slowly illuminated with candles from the large Paschal Candle (Easter
candle) which the priest carries slowly down the aisle as the words,
"The Light of Christ", are proclaimed aloud. Each parishioner
lights his or her candle from the Paschal Candle or from a neighbor's
candle, symbolizing the passing along of the "Good News" of the
resurrected Lord and the "Light of Christ" from person to
person. The Paschal (or Easter) candle is lit for every service during the
Easter season and stands in a prominent place in the sanctuary.
An equally joyous Easter Sunday Morning service is conducted during
regular service hours replete with bountiful lilies and greenery,
uplifting hymns and joyous proclamations which stand in grave contrast to
the exiguity of the previous "Lenten Holy Week". A banquet
reception always follows the Easter morning service in which parishioners
can bask in the Holy Light of fellowship in the risen Lord.
A traditional greeting of our fellows on Easter Day is to say "The
Lord is Risen" to which one responds with: "The Lord is risen
indeed". This is a joyous feast day and should be considered equal
with the joys of Christmas.
- Special Days:
- Ascension Day, the fortieth day
of Easter, thus always a Thursday
Pentecost, the fiftieth day of Easter, thus always a Sunday
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