, Is there anyone who is a devout lover of God? Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival! Is there anyone who is a grateful servant? Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord!, These words are taken from an Easter sermon of John Chrysostom, who was archbishop of Constantinople around 400 A.D.
Though the centuries pass, the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ is still the most important holy day on the Christian calendar. Joyful ceremonies take place at an evening Easter vigils, at sunrise and throughout the morning on Easter Sunday.
Many gather in silence in the darkness. Each person is given a candle and the light pierces the darkness. The celebration often begins with the Lighting of the New Fire, from which the large Christ Candle is lit. This lighting of the New Fire takes place at locations varying from the grounds of abbeys and convents, to gatherings in the desert, to groups celebrating near the sea, and to worshippers gathered together in a church parking lot.
For many churches, a renewal of baptismal vows is an annual practice, and it is often a time of baptisms and for welcoming new members into the church.