Lectionary Reading

Just before midnight, on the eve of Pascha (Easter), the church stands in complete darkness. No lights, no candles—only silence, evoking the stillness of the tomb. The priest, standing before the altar, ignites a single candle and proclaims:

“Come, receive the Light from the Light that is never overtaken by night, and glorify Christ, who is risen from the dead.”

The congregation lights their candles from the priest’s flame; the fire spreads from person to person until the whole space flickers with light. This is how the Pascha service begins, with light breaking into darkness.

The congregation processes with their candles out of the church and circles the building, singing:

“The angels in heaven, O Christ our Savior, sing of Your resurrection. Make us on earth also worthy to hymn You with a pure heart.”

Behind them, the church doors are closed. When the people gather once more before the entrance, the Resurrection is proclaimed with the ancient hymn known as the Paschal Troparion which dates back to the early centuries of the church.[1]

“Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!”