Dictionary

Words on this page

Eucharist

‘Eucharist’ comes from the Greek word for ‘thanksgiving’. At the Eucharist the Church remembers Jesus’ last supper where he gave bread and wine to be his body and blood, a sign of his saving love. See also Holy Communion.

Holy Communion

At Holy Communion blessed bread and wine is shared, by which we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The congregation gives thanks for Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection and his continuing presence. See also Eucharist.

Liturgy

Liturgy is a set form of words and action used for worship. In the Church in Wales (and many other churches) these forms follow the same pattern from one congregation to another. Most Anglican liturgies look back in some way to the Book of Common Prayer.

Prayer

Prayer sustains our human relationship with God and may involve words (formal or informal) or be silent. Prayer can involve adoration (‘I love you’), confession (‘sorry’), thanksgiving and supplication (‘please’).

Home Newsfeed Re-lighting an ancient Easter tradition

Re-lighting an ancient Easter tradition

St Davids news Posted: 27 March 2023

Unique Easter Day Vigil at Dawn

A unique and symbolic Christian tradition will be brought to life at St Peter’s Church in Carmarthen this Easter Sunday.

Worshippers are invited to follow in the footsteps of the earliest Christians and gather for an outdoor Easter Vigil at dawn within the grounds of the historic parish church where a Paschal Fire will be lit, and prayers shared at the blessing of the Paschal Candle.

True to tradition, the Exultet, the ancient hymn of triumph, will be sung in celebration of Christ’s resurrection, the liturgy will be bilingual and there will be a Litany of the Saints, and a renewal of Baptismal Vows.

The Easter Liturgy at dawn has its roots deep in the Early Church and signifies an experience of new life - the symbolic passage from darkness into light and the offer of hope to the faithful. Traditionally, early Christians would keep watch through the night and reflect on the glory of God. Christians used the hours of darkness for prayer before celebrating Christ’s glorious resurrection at daybreak.

The Revd Canon Dr Matthew Hill believes St Peter’s Easter Vigil will be a deeply meaningful and moving experience and may possibly be the only Easter Vigil of its kind for miles around. He welcomes worshippers to gather outside the church in the darkness just before the dawn to share in the unique and truly atmospheric tradition.

“We will light a fire in front of the tower to light the Paschal candle and then process into the darkness of the Church, lighting our own candles from the Paschal candle as we walk,” he explains.

“There will be readings, the Easter Gospel, the Litany of the Saints, and a sermon. The Gloria will be sung in true celebratory style with rapturous bell ringing and euphoric clapping.

“Following the Eucharist, we will all enjoy a celebratory Easter breakfast of fresh coffee and croissants.”

The Dawn Vigil will begin at 5.30am and will replace the usual 8am communion. St Peter’s will later be resplendent with music, flowers, bells, and joy at the Easter Sunday Sung Eucharist at 10.30am.

St Peter's Church has a history stretching back nearly a thousand years and houses many features of historic interest which include some of the finest wall memorials in Wales. It is the oldest building in continuous use in Carmarthen.

For more information contact the Church Warden, Nigel Evans, on: stpeters.warden@gmail.com