In this special service marking the beginning of our Easter celebrations, our watching and waiting throughout Lent is rewarded with light.
Our service begins outside in Paradise (accessed from the Cathedral cloisters), where from a new fire the Paschal Candle is lit. As we process into the Cathedral, the light from the candle is shared amongst the congregation. We celebrate the victory of light over darkness, of life over death, as we hear scriptural readings telling of our creation by God and how he restores us to new life.
New Christians are then baptized and confirmed by the Bishop of Chichester, and welcomed into the family of the Church, before we all share in the First Eucharist of Easter.
Sing, choirs of heaven! Let saints and angels sing!
Around God's throne exult in harmony!
Now Jesus Christ is risen from the grave!
Salute your King in glorious symphony!
The Exsultet