Book of Common Prayer

Sunday, April 5^th, 2026

Easter Day (White or Gold)

Eastertide

The Great Vigil of Easter: As the BCP does not provide for an Easter Vigil, an adaption of the BAS Vigil could be used. An outline of this service may be found in the BAS section of this ordo under Holy Saturday.

Paschal Season: The Paschal Season begins tonight and ends after evening prayer (or Compline) on the Day of Pentecost. The second Easter collect, 184, may be used during the Octave of Easter.

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 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.

Easter Anthems: While the BCP does not envision using the anthems on p. 182 throughout the Easter season, it may be deemed appropriate to do so in some places.

Morning Prayer: Invit 6; Anthems p. 182 shall be sung or said instead of Venite; Ps 2, 3; Ex 12:1-14; Rev 1:4-18; Coll 182 (& 184)

Holy Eucharist: First Service of Easter Day: Propers 182 (& Coll 184); Int 139:1-5, 17-18; EG 118:22-25; Preface of Easter Day

Anthems 182 may be used except when HE is combined with MP

Second Service of Easter Day: Propers 184 & Coll 182 (& 184); Int 30:1-5; EG 118:22-25; Preface of Easter Day

Evening Prayer: Ps 113, 114; Ex 14:5-end; Jn 20:11-23; Coll 182 (& 184)

Note: Although no other commemorations are celebrated on Easter Day, some communities might wish to observe Memorializing the Covenant, April 5, 1994 at an appropriate time. It is recommended that this could be included in the Prayers of the People. For more information, see the liturgical note in the BAS section of this book.