St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal
The Easter Cycle: 2003




A Personal Observation

As a child, I viewed Christmas as the most important Christian celebration of the year. I knew all about the 'Babe of Bethlehem' and the 'Three Wise Men'. Easter was barely a footnote, mostly associated with the 'Easter Bunny', 'Easter Eggs', and lots of candy. Even when as I grew into an adult, Easter was still a minor holiday compared with Christmas. I would make it to church, if I could, for Easter, but I almost never missed Christmas.

I thank the Lord that, as he has given me the opportunity in my later adulthood to learn more about Christianity, I have come to understand that Easter is the cornerstone of our faith, and that Christmas is almost the footnote, if you will! Of what importance is the birth of Jesus, if not for his death on the cross and his resurrection by the Father?

I make it a point, now, to do my best to attend all of the services of Holy Week, so as to get the full experience of renewal and rebirth in my faith.
Roger Kenner - Webmaster

The Easter Cycle

The Easter Cycle actually begins with Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of Lent. Then comes Palm Sunday, when we celebrate Christ's triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, to begin the last key days of his personal ministry on Earth.

Maundy Thursday service (April 17, 2003: 19:30):

The word 'maundy' comes from 'mandate', and refers to the new commandment that Jesus mandated as he celebrated his Last Supper with the disciples: "A new commandments I give unto you: To love one another as I have loved you"

Good Friday service (April 18, 2003: 11:00):

As we return to the church in silence the next morning, it is to commemorate and bear witness to Christ's trial and crucifixion.

Jesus was dead and his body would be laid in the tomb.

Easter Vigil service (April 19, 2003: 20:00):

The Easter Vigil service is hosted each year by St. John's Lutheran Church in downtown Montreal and brings together Lutheran's from all over the city: St. John's Lutheran; Christ, the Redeemer; St. Paul's Lutheran; St. Ansgar's Lutheran; Good Shepherd Lutheran; and the Student Group of St. John's.

We gathered on the front steps of the church to strike a new fire, to keep vigil, and to celebrate new life in Christ. Following the celebration was a wine & cheese gathering, with dessert and coffee and Christian fellowship.

St. John's writes:

The early Christians considered the liturgy of the Easter Vigil to be their central celebration. On this night all time converged: God triumphed, still reigns victorious, and on this night God will come and gather the people into his presence. The journey begins and reaches completion: Good Friday and Easter met.
Christians gathered, took fire, made light in the darkness, read the story of salvation, baptised, and filled with joy, celebrated Easter Holy Communion.
Every year on this night there was renewal and conversion. The community passed over from the way of death to the way of life.

On the Saturday night of Easter, we make passage from the despair of Good Friday to the hope of Easter. The service begins in darkness and, similar to the act of creation, a fire is kindled, flames leap up and the dark night gives birth to a new light. The Easter (or Paschal) candle (which stands throughout the year by the baptismal font) is newly lighted and it leads us, in the name of Christ, up into the dark church, which is still laid bare from Good Friday.
At this point, excerpts from the Bible, which show God's preoccupation with our salvation are read.
After this, each of us renews his or her baptism.
After affirming our Baptism, the Easter celebration begins: The organ and trumpet play, all the lights go on, and everyone joins in decorating the church for Easter.
In the midst of this joyous atmosphere, the first Holy Communion of Easter is celebrated to give thanks to God: Christ is risen! Darkness transforms into light. Hope lives on!
(Taken from St. John's Easter Vigil flyer)

[Click Here] for a more detailed account of the Easter Vigil Service.

Easter Sunday service (April 20, 2003: 11:00):

Our fellow workers in Christ at St. Monica's Catholic Church in N.D.G. celebrated an Easter Sunrise Service at 7:00 in the morning.

Meanwhile, back at St. Ansgar's, the community gathered for our traditional Easter morning pancake breakfast at 9:00 am.

Our Easter morning service began at 11:00 am.

[Click Here] for a more detailed account of the Easter Sunday Service.


Web Page maintained by Roger Kenner and Jette Blair.
Last Updated: 2003/05/15
St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal