Diocesan Family Illuminated by the Light of Christ

“Tonight, we renew our commitment to being resurrection people by receiving the grace and mercy of God and by bringing that grace and mercy to others…,” said Bishop Stephen London in his Great Vigil of Easter sermon, on April 8, at All Saints’ Cathedral in Edmonton.

Because “at the end of the day, resurrection is not lived out in big ways,” he said. “It is lived out by everyday people in their everyday lives, coming together in prayer and fellowship and through simple acts of love and kindness.”

The Easter Vigil began with giving thanks for the Light of Christ that shines through the witness of parishes throughout the Edmonton diocese. Members of several parishes gathered around the new fire lit in a portable campfire pit outside the Cathedral. From the fire, Bishop London lit the Paschal Candle and asked for God’s blessing on the oil which will be used throughout the diocese as a sign of God’s Holy Spirit and abiding presence, as well as God’s healing love.

Sheltering the flame from the wind, cantor Mark Armstrong led the procession into the cathedral. Members of the congregation were invited to light tapers from the Paschal Candle as the Very Rev. Alexandra Meek, Dean of Edmonton, and the Ven. Travis Enright, Archdeacon for Reconciliation and Decolonization, lit candles for all the parishes in the diocese.

Lay and clergy participants representing many parishes read readings and prayers. The Holy Gospel, Matthew 28:1-10, was read by the Rev. John Gee, honorary vocational deacon for the cathedral and diocesan synod secretary-treasurer. Cathedral vicar the Rev. Ruth Sesink Bott celebrated the Eucharist. 

Praying the Thanksgiving Over the Water, the Rev. Nick Trussell, rector of St. Luke’s, Edmonton, jubilantly walked up and down the center aisle to bless the congregation by waving a palm branch dipped in water. The Rev. Dr. Joyce Mellor, honorary assistant at St. Luke’s, invited members of the congregation to join her in renewing their Baptismal Covenant. Music was provided by All Saints’ music director and organist Jeremy Spurgeon and the Cathedral Choir. The cathedral hospitality committee offered refreshments before the service.

“Yesterday, I was able to go to the Good Friday Outdoor Way of the Cross…,” said Bishop London speaking about the walk through the streets of downtown Edmonton which, for 43 years, has been drawing attention to the Gospel values of Jesus and how they can be applied today.

“What moved me the most about the two-hour walk was that it didn’t just feel like Good Friday; it was much more a profound glimpse of resurrection," said Bishop London. "It was a group of Christians from many denominations just being Christian; humbly praying and singing and witnessing to a vision of the Kingdom of God as justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. A kingdom where people are loved and valued regardless of where they find themselves, and a simple vision and hope of everyone knowing the gift of home and belonging. 

“Tonight is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it is also a glimpse of the resurrection. I feel so blessed to be able to worship with you, the members of so many of our parishes. We are not just an institution but a family, brothers and sisters, siblings united in Christ for a common purpose: God’s love for all the world in Jesus Christ. I am so glad that we can do this together. 

“Alleluia! Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!”

Read the Full Sermon Text

Photos: Margaret Glidden and the Rev. Jonathan Crane (from the chancel)