The Paschal Procession

Dear parishioners!

Allow us to remind you of some important rules for the Paschal night service.

The Paschal procession begins at midnight.

The order of the procession is fixed:
At the front walk the church servers/parishioners carrying the Paschal lantern, the altar cross, banners and icons. Then comes the choir. The priests follow the choir. And after them come the faithful with lit candles.

It is IMPORTANT that everyone leaves the church — it must remain empty — just as the tomb was empty after the Resurrection of Christ the Saviour.

Those taking part in the procession sing the Paschal sticheron:
«Thy Resurrection, O Christ our Saviour, the angels in heaven sing; enable us on earth to glorify Thee with a pure heart».

IMPORTANT: keep the order of the procession and do not walk ahead of the priests and the choir.

The procession returns to the closed doors of the church, and here, on the steps, Paschal Matins begins. During this festal service the doors are opened and the procession enters the church.
It is IMPORTANT to keep the same order. Do not hurry to enter the church ahead of the singers and the clergy. Be attentive and careful going up and down the stairs. To all — a grace-filled end of the Fast and beginning of Bright Pascha!