Book of Alternative Services

Sunday, April 5^th, 2026

The Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day - PF (White or Gold)

Easter

The Great Vigil of Easter: There are extensive rubrics in the BAS for the Great Vigil which may be found on p. 321. Ten readings from the Old Testament are provided, at least three of which are to be read. The passage from Exodus 14 is never to be omitted. Two readings from the New Testament are provided, both of which are to be read.
1 - Gen 1:1—2:4a; Ps 136:1-9, 23-26
2 - Gen 7:1-5, 11-18, 8:6-18, 9:8-13; Ps 46
3 - Gen 22:1-18; Ps 16
4 - Ex 14:10-31, 15:20-21; C 1 (Ex 15:1-3, 6, 11, 13, 17-18)
5 - Is 54:5-14; Ps 30
6 - Is 55:1-11; C 3 (Is 12:2-6)
7 - Bar 3:9-15, 32—4:4 or Pr 8:1-8, 19-21, 9:4b-6; Ps 19
8 - Ezek 36:24-28; Ps 42, 43
9 - Ezek 37:1-14; Ps 143
10 - Zeph 3:14-20; Ps 98
(HE) Rom 6:3-11; Ps 114; Lk 24:1-12; Preface of Easter

Paschal Season: The Paschal Season begins tonight and ends after evening prayer (or Compline) on the Day of Pentecost.

Paschal Candle: The new paschal candle, blessed and kindled at the first Eucharist of Easter, burns in a prominent location in the church at all liturgies during the Paschal season, and then it is returned to its customary place in the church, usually near the font. Until the first Eucharist of Easter of the following year, it is typically lit only for funerals (when it is placed near the remains of the deceased), and for baptisms. Wherever possible it should be replaced each year.

Easter Dismissal Alleluias: In liturgies throughout the Octave of Easter, the Alleluia may be doubled at the dismissal.

Stations of the Resurrection during the Paschal Season: The Church of England’s Common Worship: Times and Seasons provides “Stations of the Resurrection” on p. 443 that may be used in a similar way to Stations of the Cross during Lent (available online).

Alternative Old Testament Readings for Eastertide: In 2023, General Synod authorized the Table of Alternative Old Testament Readings for Eastertide as commended by the English Language Liturgical Consultation (2011) for use as an updated alternative to the Revised Common Lectionary offerings for Eastertide. They are provided in this ordo on Sundays in Eastertide and Ascension as alternative readings. Please see this entry in liturgical notes.

See also full readings for Easter in the Evening.

Morning Prayer: Ps 148, 149, 150; Ex 12:1-14; Jn 1:1-18; Coll 335

Holy Eucharist: During the Day: Propers 335; Acts 10:34-43 or Jer 31:1-6; Ps 118:1-2, 14-24; Col 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43; Jn 20:1-18 or Mt 28:1-10; If the first reading is from the Old Testament, the second reading should be from Acts; Preface of Easter

In the Evening: Propers 335; Is 25:6-9; Ps 114; 1 Cor 5:6b-8; Lk 24:13-49; Preface of Easter

Evening Prayer: Ps 113, 114 or 118; Is 51:9-11; Lk 24:13-35 or Jn 20:19-23; Coll 335

Octave of Easter: In liturgies throughout the Octave of Easter, the Alleluia may be doubled at the dismissal. The Octave of Easter takes precedence over all other days.

Note: Although no Memorials or Commemorations are celebrated during Easter Week, some communities might wish to observe Memorializing the Covenant, April 5, 1994 - Mem: Is 40:27-31; Ps 67; Eph 4:17-24; Jn 13:31-34.

Sentence: "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." John 13:34

Collects: Creator God, from you every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. You have grounded us in your covenant love, and empowered us by your Spirit to speak the truth in love, and to walk in your way towards justice and wholeness. Mercifully grant that your people, journeying together in partnership, may be strengthened and guided to help one another grow into the full stature of Christ, who is our light and our life.

Or

Creator God, at the height of great despair and loss, you visited us to deliver us from the darkness of the effects of colonization to form us into a family where healing and reconciliation are at the centre of our lives. May we, who share in the new covenant of Jesus, who has redeemed us by his blood, share in the glory of your eternal kingdom. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.

Prayer Over the Gifts: Creator God, accept all we offer you this day as you accepted us as your children and bring us into covenant love. May we who receive these holy things be found reconciling with each other and come to maturity in you through our brother Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer after Communion: Reconciling and loving Creator, you bring new life to all who accept your call. May we who receive these holy things respond to your call by loving one another and growing in faith. This we ask on the name of our brother, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Link to full text for this day.