The Lighting of the Paschal Candle

In the darkness, a new fire is struck by the Presider who then says a prayer of blessing over the newly kindled flame.

On the Paschal Candle, the Presider traces the Cross, the Greek letters Α and Ω, and 2023. As he does this, he says,

Christ yesterday and today. The beginning and the end: alpha and omega.

All time belongs to him and all the ages.

To him be glory and power through every age forever. Amen.

Five wax nails embedded with incense are inserted into the Candle, marking the Cross. Then the Presider lights the Paschal Candle from the new fire.

Bearing the Candle, the Deacon leads the People in procession into the church, pausing three times to sing:

Each person’s candle is lit from the same fire of the Paschal Candle as it is placed in its stand.

The Exsultet

The Cantor then begins singing the Easter proclamation: Rejoice now, heavenly hosts and choirs of angels, and let your trumpets shout Salvation for the victory of our mighty King…

The story of Creation

Psalm 136:1–3, 4–6, 7–9, 23–26