The Bishop of Chichester, The Right Reverend Dr Martin Warner, led the Diocese of Chichester's Easter celebrations at Chichester Cathedral last weekend, marking his final Easter as Bishop before his retirement at the end of May.
The Easter Vigil - often described as the “high point of the Church’s year” - took place on Holy Saturday (4 April) at 7.30pm. The service began with the lighting of the holy fire and included a series of Bible readings, music, baptism, confirmation, and the celebration of the eucharist.
Dr Warner baptised and confirmed candidates from parishes across the Diocese, supported by their families and congregations.
On Easter Day (Sunday 5 April), Dr Warner presided and preached at the Cathedral’s 11am Eucharist — his last Easter service as Bishop in the Cathedral Church. The service included seasonal music from the Cathedral Choir as worshippers celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of new life.
Eastertide, the season of celebration continuing until Pentecost next month, will be followed by Dr Warner’s retirement from office on 31 May.
Images: Easter Eve, Jim Holden; Easter Day, Vivien Ruddock.