April 2nd - Dominica Resurrectionis Holy Pascha

The Sunday of the Resurrection is the Queen of Feasts, the most important of all liturgical celebrations. The Sunday is of double rite.

Before Mattins the images that have been veiled from Passiontide (or from the beginning of Lent where Array was used) are removed. At Mattins the invitatory is the triumphal proclamation of the Resurrection, Surrexit Dominus vere, Alleluia. There is no Office hymn at any of the Hours until Vespers on the following Saturday afternoon. Mattins has a single nocturn consisting of three psalms (Pss. 1, 2 & 3) and three lessons. The lessons are taken from a homily by St. Gregory on St. Mark's Gospel. The lessons are the same as those found in the modern editions. The Te Deum is sung after the third lesson.

At Lauds the antiphons Angelus autem Domini etc are sung with the usual festal psalms (Pss. 92, 99, 62-66, Benedicite & 148-149-150). After the last antiphon has been repeated Haec dies is sung in place of the chapter and hymn. The antiphon on the Benedictus is Et valde mane etc. Benedicamus Domino with a double Alleluia and its response are sung at both Lauds and Vespers of the Octave.

At Prime and the Hours the usual festal psalms are sung but without antiphons. Haec dies replaces the chapter, responsories etc. At Prime the Martyrology is read again, having not been read for the days of the Triduum. Before the announcement of the following day and moon is sung "Hac die quam fecit Dominus, Solemnitas solemnitatum, et Pascha nostrum Resurrectio Salvatoris nostri Jesu Christi secundum carnem" to the tone of the Passion.

Mass is sung after Terce. Vidi aquam replaces the Asperges during Paschaltide. At Mass the Gloria is sung, the Creed is sung, the preface, communicantes and Hanc igitur are proper. Ite, missa est with a double Alleluia is the dismissal.

At Vespers the anitphons Angelus autem Domini etc are sung with psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 113. Again Haec dies replaces the chapter and hymn. The antiphon on the Magnificat is Et respicientes etc. At Compline the usual psalms are sung with a triple Alleluia after them. The the Nunc dimittis is sung followed by Haec dies and the collect Visita quaesumus.