Tonight we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord in one of the most ancient liturgies of the Christian Church.

We assemble in darkness. The President lights the new fire as a sign of God's creative power—the first action in the Service of Light. The Paschal Candle is lit and, from it, the candles of all present. The Deacon, before the Paschal Candle, a 'fire into many flames divided, yet never dimmed', calls us to rejoice in the work of God's salvation.

The Vigil begins with readings from the Old Testament. The first four are those that provide a focus for the Jewish people during Passover, when they commemorate 'four nights': the creation of the world, the sacrifice of Abraham, the escape from Egypt, and the coming of the Messiah. The fifth is a reminder of those subsequent periods in our history when God's children have been estranged from him through their sinfulness, but renewed and restored to life through his grace.

The choir sings Gloria in excelsis Deo, and the Abbey fills with light. The story of our salvation continues in the Epistle and Gospel.

From earliest times the Sacrament of Baptism was administered at this Eucharist to those who had been prepared and instructed during the course of Lent. We affirm our Baptismal Faith this night, and are sprinkled once again with the Holy Water of the Font.

We complete our celebration of Christ's risen presence, when we receive our Lord in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.

Please join in saying the words and singing the hymns printed in bold type.

The church is served by a hearing loop. Users should turn their hearing aid to the setting marked T.

Photography, filming, and sound recording are not allowed in the Abbey during services. Please ensure that mobile telephones and other electronic devices are silent.

The service is sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey.

Setting: Missa brevis, Zoltán Kodály (1882–1967)

During the offertory hymn a collection will be taken. The money from today's services will be divided equally between the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre and the work of the Abbey. Under the auspices of the Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East, the Centre works in the fields of inclusive education, health, and disability on the Mount of Olives.

Order of Service

All stand as the choir and clergy enter. The president welcomes the congregation

Brothers and sisters in Christ, on this most holy night, when our Lord Jesus Christ passed from death to life, the Church invites her children throughout the world to come together in vigil and prayer. This is the Passover of the Lord. We remember his death and resurrection by hearing his word and celebrating his mysteries, confident that we shall share his victory over death and live with him forever in God.

The new fire is kindled and is blessed

Eternal God, who made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true light: set us aflame with the fire of your love, and bring us to the radiance of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The president marks the paschal candle with the letters A and O and the figures 2-0-2-3 and says

Christ yesterday and today, the beginning and the end, Alpha and Omega, all time belongs to him, and all ages; to him be glory and power, through every age and for ever. Amen.

As grains of incense are inserted into the candle the president says

By his holy and glorious wounds may Christ our Lord guard and keep us. Amen.

The president lights the paschal candle and says

May the light of Christ, rising in glory, banish all darkness from our hearts and minds. Amen.

From the west of the Nave the deacon raises the lighted candle and sings

The light of Christ.
Thanks be to God.

Led by the deacon with the paschal candle, the ministers move to the centre of the Nave. The deacon sings again

The light of Christ.
Thanks be to God.

The ministers and taperers light the candles of the congregation. Please pass the flame to those around you. Led by the deacon with the paschal candle, the ministers move to the east of the Nave. The deacon sings

The light of Christ.
Thanks be to God.

The deacon, ministers, choir, and congregation move through the Screen to their places. Please be guided by the stewards. The deacon sings Exsultet

Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! O Universe, dance around God's throne! Jesus Christ, our King, is risen! Sound the victorious trumpet of salvation!

Rejoice, O earth, in glory, revealing the splendour of your creation, radiant in the brightness of your triumphant King! Christ has conquered! Now his life and glory fill you! Darkness vanishes for ever!

Rejoice, O Mother Church! Exult in glory! The risen Saviour, our Lord of life, shines upon you! Let all God's people sing and shout for joy.

The Lord be with you
and also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.

It is right and good that with hearts and minds and voices we should praise you, Father almighty, the unseen God, through your only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who has saved us by his death, paid the price of Adam's sin, and reconciled us once again to you.

For this is the Passover feast, when Christ, the true Lamb of God, is slain, whose blood consecrates the homes of all the faithful.

This is the night when you first saved our ancestors, freeing Israel from her slavery and leading her safely through the sea.

This is the night when Jesus Christ vanquished hell, broke the chains of death, and rose triumphant from the grave.

This is the night when all who believe in him are freed from sin, restored to grace and holiness, and share the victory of Christ.

This is the night that gave us back what we had lost; beyond our deepest dreams you made even our sin a happy fault.

Most blessed of all nights! Evil and hatred are put to flight and sin is washed away, lost innocence regained, and mourning turned to joy.

Night truly blessed, when hatred is cast out, peace and justice find a home, and heaven is joined to earth and all creation reconciled to you.

Therefore, heavenly Father, in this our Easter joy accept our sacrifice of praise, your Church's solemn offering. Grant that this Easter candle may make our darkness light.

For Christ the morning star has risen in glory; Christ is risen from the dead and his flame of love still burns within us! Christ sheds his peaceful light on all the world!

The president introduces the Vigil

In the light of the risen Christ, let us hear the record of God's saving deeds in history, recalling how he saved his people in ages past, and in the fullness of time sent his Son to be our Redeemer; and let us pray that through this Easter celebration God may bring to perfection in each of us the saving work he has begun.

All sit for the first Reading The Creation, Genesis 1: 1–4, 26—2: 3

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.

Then God said, 'Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.'
So God created humankind in his image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.' God said, 'See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.' And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

The choir sings Psalm 136: 1–9, 23–end

All stand for the Collect

Let us pray that we may see God's image restored.

Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

All sit for the second Reading Abraham and Isaac, Genesis 22: 1–18

God tested Abraham. He said to him, 'Abraham!' And he said, 'Here I am.' He said, 'Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt-offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.' So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac; he cut the wood for the burnt-offering, and set out and went to the place in the distance that God had shown him. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place far away. Then Abraham said to his young men, 'Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there; we will worship, and then we will come back to you.' Abraham took the wood of the burnt-offering and laid it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. Isaac said to his father Abraham, 'Father!' And he said, 'Here I am, my son.' He said, 'The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt-offering?' Abraham said, 'God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt-offering, my son.' So the two of them walked on together.

When they came to the place that God had shown him, Abraham built an altar there and laid the wood in order. He bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said, 'Abraham, Abraham!' And he said, 'Here I am.' He said, 'Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.' And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt-offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place 'The Lord will provide'; as it is said to this day, 'On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.'

The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, and said, 'By myself I have sworn, says the Lord: Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice.'

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

The choir sings Psalm 16: 6–end

The Lord himself is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup;
   thou shalt maintain my lot.
The lot is fallen unto me in a fair ground;
    yea, I have a goodly heritage.

I will thank the Lord for giving me warning;
   my reins also chasten me in the night-season.
I have set God always before me;
   for he is on my right hand, therefore I shall not fall.

Wherefore my heart was glad, and my glory rejoiced;
   my flesh also shall rest in hope.
For why? thou shalt not leave my soul in hell,
   neither shalt thou suffer thy Holy One to see corruption.

Thou shalt shew me the path of life;
   in thy presence is the fulness of joy;
   and at thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore.

All stand for the Collect

Let us pray that we may have the courage and strength to make the sacrifices our faith demands.

Almighty God, whose chosen servant Abraham faithfully obeyed your call and rejoiced in your promise that, in him, all the families of the earth should be blessed: give us a faith like his, that, in us, your promises may be fulfilled; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

All sit for the third Reading Crossing the Red Sea, Exodus 14: 15—15: 1a

The Lord said to Moses, 'Why do you cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to go forward. But you lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the Israelites may go into the sea on dry ground. Then I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and so I will gain glory for myself over Pharaoh and all his army, his chariots, and his chariot drivers. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained glory for myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his chariot drivers.'

The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them. It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so the cloud was there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come near the other all night.

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided. The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued, and went into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and chariot drivers. At the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down upon the Egyptian army, and threw the Egyptian army into panic. He clogged their chariot wheels so that they turned with difficulty. The Egyptians said, 'Let us flee from the Israelites, for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.'

Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and chariot drivers.' So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea returned to its normal depth. As the Egyptians fled before it, the Lord tossed the Egyptians into the sea. The waters returned and covered the chariots and the chariot drivers, the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea; not one of them remained. But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left.

Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great work that the Lord did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord:

The choir sings the Song of Moses and Miriam, Exodus 15: 1b–6, 17–18

'I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously;
   the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.
The Lord is my strength and song,
   and he has become my salvation;
this is my God, and I will praise him,
   my father's God, and I will exalt him.
The Lord is a man of war;
   the Lord is his name.

'Pharaoh's chariots and his host has he cast into the sea;
   his chosen officers are sunk in the Red Sea.
The floods cover them;
   they went down into the depths like a stone.
Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power—
   thy right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.

Thou wilt bring in thy people and plant them on thine own mountain,
   the place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thine abode,
   the sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
The Lord will reign for ever and ever.'

All stand for the Collect

Let us pray that God will give freedom to his enslaved people.

Lord God our redeemer, who heard the cry of your people and sent your servant Moses to lead them out of slavery: free us from the tyranny of sin and death and, by the leading of your Spirit, bring us to our promised land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

All sit for the fourth Reading Let us return to the Lord who saves us, Isaiah 55: 1–11

Ho, everyone who thirsts,
   come to the waters;
and you that have no money,
   come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
   without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
   and your labour for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
   and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
   listen, so that you may live.
I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
   my steadfast, sure love for David.
See, I made him a witness to the peoples,
   a leader and commander for the peoples.
See, you shall call nations that you do not know,
   and nations that do not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,
   for he has glorified you.

Seek the Lord while he may be found,
   call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake their way,
   and the unrighteous their thoughts;
let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,
   and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
   nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways
   and my thoughts than your thoughts.

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
   and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
   giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
   it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
   and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

The choir sings a Song of Deliverance, Isaiah 12: 2–end

Behold, God is my salvation;
   I will trust, and will not be afraid,
for the Lord God is my strength and my song;
   and he has become my salvation.'

With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. In that day shall ye say:
Give thanks to the Lord,
   call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the nations;
   proclaim that his name is exalted.

Sing unto the Lord, for he hath done marvellous things;
   let this be known in all the earth.
Shout and sing for joy, ye that dwell in Zion,
   for great in thy midst is the Holy One of Israel.

All stand for the Collect

Let us pray for peace and justice throughout the world.

Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

All sit for the fifth Reading Sprinkled with the water of life, Ezekiel 36: 24–28

Thus says the Lord God: I will take you from the nations, and gather you from all the countries, and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you, and make you follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances. Then you shall live in the land that I gave to your ancestors; and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

The choir sings the Motet

Sicut cervus desiderat ad fontes aquarum, ita desiderat anima mea ad te, Deus.

As the deer longs for the water brooks, so longs my soul for you, O God.

Words: Psalm 42: 1
Music: Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c 1525–94)

All stand for the Collect

Let us pray that God will give to the thirsting a new outpouring of his refreshing spirit.

Heavenly Father, by the power of your Holy Spirit you give to your faithful people new life in the water of baptism. Guide and strengthen us by the same Spirit, that we who are born again may serve you in faith and love, and grow into the full stature of your Son, Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit now and for ever. Amen.

The president makes the Easter Proclamation

Alleluia, alleluia! Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia, alleluia!

The choir sings Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria in excelsis Deo,

The organ resounds and the church is filled with light, after which, all sit

et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.

Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te, gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam, Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens.

Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe; Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram; qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.

Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, Jesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu, in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

All stand for the Collect

Let us pray.

All sit for the Epistle, Romans 6: 3–11

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

All stand to sing the Hymn

The strife is o'er, the battle done;
now is the Victor's triumph won;
O let the song of praise be sung.
   Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Death's mightiest powers have done their worst,
and Jesus hath his foes dispersed;
let shouts of praise and joy outburst.

On the third morn he rose again
glorious in majesty to reign;
O let us swell the joyful strain.

He brake the age-bound chains of hell;
the bars from heaven's high portals fell;
let hymns of praise his triumph tell.

Lord, by the stripes which wounded thee
from death's dread sting thy servants free,
that we may live, and sing to thee.

Words: Finita jam sunt proelia anonymous, 1695, translated by Francis Pott (1832–1909)
Tune: Vulpius (Gelob't sei Gott) 119ii NEH, from Melchior Vulpius' Gesangbuch Jena, 1609

The reader announces the Gospel, Matthew 28: 1–10

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, "He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him." This is my message for you.' So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, 'Greetings!' And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.'

All remain standing for the Renewal of Baptismal Vows

As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, we remember that through the paschal mystery we have died and been buried with him in baptism.

The president addresses the congregation

In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him. Therefore I ask:

Do you turn to Christ?
I turn to Christ.

Do you repent of your sins?
I repent of my sins.

Do you renounce evil?
I renounce evil.

The president approaches the font

Praise God who made heaven and earth,
who keeps his promise for ever.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ was baptized in the river Jordan, we thank you for the gift of water to cleanse and revive us.

We thank you that through the waters of the Red Sea you led your people out of slavery to freedom in the Promised Land.

We thank you that through the deep waters of death you brought your Son, and raised him to life in triumph.

Bless this water, that your servants who are washed in it may be ever one with Christ in his death and in his resurrection; cleansed and delivered from all sin.

Send your Holy Spirit upon them, bring them to new birth in the household of faith, and raise them with Christ to full and eternal life; for all might, majesty, authority, and power are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

Brothers and sisters, I ask you to profess the faith of the Church.

Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

All remain standing. The president sprinkles the congregation with holy water from the font in affirmation of our baptismal faith and the choir sings Vidi aquam

I saw water coming forth from the temple on the right side, Alleluia!

And all those to whom this water came were saved, and shall say: Alleluia, Alleluia!

Ezekiel 47: 1; Psalm 118: 1

The president says

Let us pray.

Almighty God, we thank you for our fellowship in the household of faith with all who have been baptized in your name. Keep us faithful to our baptism, and so make us ready for that day when the whole creation shall be made perfect in your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

All candles are extinguished, and the president introduces the Peace

The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then were they glad when they saw the Lord. Alleluia!

All may greet one another with the words Peace be with you. Please be sensitive to those who might not wish to shake hands

All remain standing to sing the Hymn during the Preparation of the Altar. A collection will be taken; the money from today's services will be divided equally between the work of the Abbey and Peek Vision. Alternatively, cash and contactless donations may be given as you leave via the Great West Door

O praise our great and glorious Lord,
   and call upon his name,
to strains of joy tune every chord,
   his mighty acts proclaim:
tell how he freed his chosen race
   from Pharaoh's heavy hand,
and led them by his sovereign grace
   to seek the promised land.

He gave the shadowing cloud by day,
   the moving fire by night,
to guide his people on their way,
   and make their darkness light:
to us, the light of Christ our Lord
   illumines all our ways;
he leads us by his gospel word,
   and turns our sighs to praise.

We too have manna from on high,
   the bread that came from heaven,
and he who brought salvation nigh
   has living water given:
a rock is ours, from whence the spring
   in rich abundance flows,
and Christ that rock, our priest and king,
   both life and health bestows.

Come, let us prize this heavenly food,
   and trust our heavenly guide,
so shall we find death's fearful flood
   serene as Jordan's tide;
so safely reach th'eternal shore
   no more by ills opprest;
where saints their Lord and God adore,
   and in his glory rest.

Words: after Harriet Auber (1773–1862)
Tune: St Matthew NEH 116 William Croft (1678–1727) Organist of Westminster Abbey 1708–27

All remain standing for the Eucharistic Prayer. The president says

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give you thanks, almighty and eternal Father, and on this night of our redemption to celebrate with joyful hearts the memory of your wonderful works.

For by the mystery of his passion Jesus Christ, your risen Son, has conquered the powers of death of hell and restored in men and women the image of your glory. He has placed them once more in paradise and opened to them the gate of life eternal.

And so, in the joy of this Passover, earth and heaven resound with gladness, while angels and archangels and the powers of all creation sing for ever the hymn of your glory:

The choir sings Sanctus

Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth, pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis.

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

The president continues the Eucharistic Prayer

Lord, you are holy indeed, the source of all holiness; grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit, and according to your holy will, these gifts of bread and wine may be to us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ;

who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

The president concludes the Eucharistic Prayer

And so, Father, calling to mind his death on the cross, his perfect sacrifice made once for the sins of the whole world; rejoicing in his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming in glory, we celebrate this memorial of our redemption. As we offer you this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, we bring before you this bread and this cup and we thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you.

All remain standing. The president introduces the Lord's Prayer

Rejoicing in God's new creation, so we say, each in our own language, the prayer that Jesus Christ has taught us,

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

All remain standing for the Breaking of the Bread

The congregation is invited to sit as the president and other ministers begin the distribution of Holy Communion. Those wishing to receive come forward as directed by the Stewards. If you receive communion in your own church you are welcome to do so here. Gluten-free wafers are available

Holy Communion is offered in both kinds (bread and wine). Wine is offered to drink only; please refrain from dipping bread in the chalice. If you prefer to receive in one kind (bread alone) then you may do so. Those who do not wish to receive communion are invited to come for a blessing. Please bow your head to indicate to the priest that you are asking for a blessing. The minister says

The body of Christ. Amen.

The blood of Christ. Amen.

During the giving of communion, the choir sings Agnus Dei and the Motet

Dum transisset Sabbatum Maria Magdelene et Maria Jacobi et Salome emerunt aromata ut venientes ungerent Jesum. Alleluia!
Et valde mane una sabbatorum veniunt ad monumentum orto iam sole; ut venientes ungerent Jesum. Alleluia!

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Alleluia!

When the Sabbath was over Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices so that they might come and anoint Jesus. Alleluia!
And very early on the first day of the week they came to the tomb when the sun had risen, so that they might come and anoint Jesus. Alleluia!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Alleluia!

Words: Responsory for Easter Day
Music: John Taverner (c 1490–1545)

All stand to sing the Hymn during which all candles are relit

Jesus lives! thy terrors now
   can, O Death, no more appal us;
Jesus lives! by this we know
   thou, O grave, canst not enthral us.
      Alleluia!

Jesus lives! henceforth is death
   but the gate of life immortal;
this shall calm our trembling breath,
   when we pass its gloomy portal.
      Alleluia!

Jesus lives! for us he died;
   then, alone to Jesus living,
pure in heart may we abide,
   glory to our Saviour giving.
      Alleluia!

Jesus lives! our hearts know well
   nought from us his love shall sever;
life, nor death, nor powers of hell
   tear us from his keeping ever.
      Alleluia!

Jesus lives! to him the throne
   over all the world is given;
may we go where he is gone,
   rest and reign with him in heaven.
      Alleluia!

Words: Jesus lebt, mit ihm auch ich Christian Gellert (1715–69) translated by Frances Cox (1812–97)
Tune: St Albinus 112 NEH, Henry Gauntlett (1805–76)

Let us pray.

All remain standing. The president says the Prayer after Communion

God of Life, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection have delivered us from the power of our enemy: grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his risen life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The president pronounces the Blessing

God the Father, by whose love Christ was raised from the dead, open to you who believe the gates of everlasting life. Amen.

God the Son, who in bursting from the grave has won a glorious victory, give you joy as you share the Easter faith. Amen.

God the Holy Spirit, who filled the disciples with the life of the risen Lord, empower you and fill you with Christ's peace. Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Music after the service

Incantation pour un jour saint, Jean Langlais (1907–91)

CHORISTERSHIPS AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Enquiries are welcomed at any time. If you have a son who enjoys singing, and would like further details of the world-renowned Abbey Choir and its unique choir school, please visit www.abbeychoirschool.org

Mr Mark Mitchell, Acting Headmaster, Westminster Abbey Choir School, Dean's Yard, London, SW1P 3NY, Tel 020 7222 6151 [email protected]
Mr Andrew Nethsingha, Organist and Master of the Choristers, The Chapter Office, 20 Dean's Yard, London, SW1P 3PA, Tel 020 7654 4854 [email protected]

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Hymns covered by Christian Copyright Licensing (International) Ltd are reproduced under CCL no 1040271 and MRL no 1040288. Common Worship (Church House Publishing, 2000), material from which is included in this service, is copyright © The Archbishops' Council. Scripture Readings are from the New Revised Standard Version.