Easter Day is one of the great celebrations at St Mary’s. At the beginning of our Easter Day service, ‘new fire’ struck from flint is enkindled and blessed. From this new fire the Paschal Candle will be lit. The marvellous Exsultet is then sung, proclaiming the full meaning of the Easter mystery. Candles are lit. The whole church is filled with light. We celebrate the Eucharist together, ringing bells and clashing cymbals as the Gloria begins, and then our whole celebration of the Eucharist culminates in the singing of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. In this podcast, we listen to the Exsultet, sung by Esther Brazil, and the gospel appointed for Easter Day: John 20.1-18 read by Julia Hollander.

Welcome The Revd Dr William Lamb Prayer The Collect for Easter Day (The Revd Alan Ramsey) Hymn Jesus Christ is risen today Reading John 20.1-18 (Julia Hollander) Organ Interlude Sermon The Revd Dr William Lamb Anthem Wood, Easter Carol Prayers Louise Jarvis Blessing The Revd Alan Ramsey Organ Voluntary Mendelssohn, Prelude no. 1 in C minor (Opus 37)

The sound quality may be uneven as participants have recorded the different elements of the podcast themselves.