Paschal Vigil and Bright Week Ceremonial use of lights

the congregation lighting candles new flame priest has retrieved altar (st. george greek orthodox church, in adelaide, australia).

during paschal vigil, after midnight office, of candles , lamps in temple extinguished, exception of sanctuary lamp behind iconostasis, , wait in silence , darkness. (in orthodox churches, when possible, holy fire arrives holy sepulchre during holy saturday afternoon , used light anew flame in sanctuary lamp.) @ stroke of midnight, priest censes around holy table, , lights candle sanctuary lamp. holy doors opened , people light candles priest s candle. then, clergy , people exit church , go in procession 3 times around holding lighted candles , singing hymn of resurrection.

during paschal vigil, , throughout bright week, priest hold special paschal candle—in greek tradition single candle, in slavic tradition triple candlestick—at beginning of service, whenever censes, , @ other special moments during service. in slavic tradition, deacon carries special paschal candle holds @ beginning, whenever censes, , whenever chants ektenia (litany).