Easter Vigil Gospel Procession

Use: Easter Vigil
Required Resources: deacon, celebrant, trumpet, organ, cantor
Language: English

According to tradition, prior to the singing of the first "Alleluia" prior to the Gospel reading at the Great Easter Vigil, the deacon approaches the celebrant (bishop or priest) with these words: "(Most) Reverend Father, I bring you a message of great joy, the message of 'Alleluia.'" Springing from this dramatic moment, J. William Greene has arranged his Easter Vigil Gospel Procession for Celebrant, Cantor, Congregation, Organ and Trumpet.

A short processional accompanies the deacon's journey to the celebrant's chair. After the spoken announcement of "Alleluia" by the deacon, an organ interlude introduces the intonation of the familiar "Alleluia" melody, which the congregation then repeats. This sequence is repeated three times, modulating up one whole step each time. Now in the bright key of A Major, the cantor and congregation alternate in singing the verses of Psalm 118 and the "Alleluia" refrain, ending with one last, glorious "Alleluia" of voices, organ and trumpet.

Dr. Greene is Organist/Choirmaster at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynchburg VA. He was the 2000 recipient of CNP's Palestrina Award for his contributions to church music in the United States and for upholding the principles of providing excellent "Traditional Music for the Contemporary Church."