Holy Saturday (Easter Even) 2026 - The Vigil & Service of Light

for 1 hour, 30 mins
St Oswald's, Durham
Church Street Durham, DH1 3DQ, United Kingdom

A special late evening service of light on Easter Even celebrating the Resurrection of Christ.

All are very welcome.

And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.'

(Matthew 28:2-7, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition)

The Collect for the Service of Light:

Eternal God, who made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true light: set us aflame with the fire of your love, and bring us to the radiance of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month:

April 2026 - Chester-le-Street and Houghton Deanery

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Intentions for the Day:

The Parish of St Mary and St Cuthbert, Chester-le-Street: Rector - The Reverend Matt Strand; Self Supporting Minister (Curate) - The Reverend Miriam Wakefield; Pastoral Ministers - Mrs Sharon Dodds, Mrs Sue Begg, Mrs Louise Vincent, Mr Will Hoy; Pastoral Minister and Reader - Dr Paul Vincent; Reader - Mr John Hopper; Reader in Training - Mrs Sharon Pritchard

Chester-le-Street C of E Primary School:, Head Teacher - Mrs Rachel Butler

Anglican Communion Prayer Cycle Intention for the Day:

The Diocese of Southern Virginia (The Episcopal Church) - The Right Reverend Susan Haynes

St Oswald's, Durham

We are a Church of England parish with a strong tradition of music in worship, where all are very welcome. As an ancient Church in the centre of Durham, St Oswald's is a reservoir of peace for all who enter it.

The Sunday Eucharist is at 11:00am, and we have a play and books corner by the font for any younger worshipper who feels a parent or carer would enjoy it there. Evensong is at 6:00pm on Sundays, either in the chancel, or roughly every other week during term time when the usual hymns expand to a full choral setting, in the body of the church. Midweek Holy Communion is at 10:00am on Wednesdays, and the church is usually open from 9:30am till round about 5:00pm (or dusk, if earlier) on weekdays.

The latest editions of the weekly news-sheet and music notes are in the 'News' tab, and please ask if you'd like to join the mailing list. Here are links to bell ringing and choir and concert info. We have a strong connection with St Oswald's Primary and Nursery School, and with our neighbouring parishes within The Benefice of the Three Saints—St Mary's (Shincliffe), St Mary's (Coxhoe) and St Helen's (Kelloe). 

Wednesday, 8th July 2026 - Ordinary Time

The Collect of the Day:

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for all thy faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry they may serve thee in holiness and truth, to the glory of thy name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Common Worship 

Verses from the First Reading Appointed for Today's Morning Prayer:

Prophecy Against Eli's Household

Now Eli was very old. He heard all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. He said to them, ‘Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. No, my sons; it is not a good report that I hear the people of the Lord spreading abroad. If one person sins against another, someone can intercede for the sinner with the Lord; but if someone sins against the Lord, who can make intercession?’ But they would not listen to the voice of their father; for it was the will of the Lord to kill them.

1 Samuel 2:22-25, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition 

A Prayer for All Affected by the Recent Earthquakes in Venezuela:

Gracious God, our refuge and strength, we pray for the people of Venezuela following the recent earthquakes. Comfort those who mourn, heal the injured, protect those still awaiting rescue, and strengthen all who are working to bring relief and care. Give wisdom to those leading the response, generosity to those able to help, and hope to all who are facing loss and uncertainty. We pray especially for those who know and love you in Venezuela: strengthen their trust in you, fill them with compassion, and use them to point others to the hope that is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. In his name we pray.

Amen.

The Anglican Diocese of Bathurst (The Anglican Church of Australia)

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month:

July 2026 - Wearmouth Deanery

A Prayer of St Oswald of Northumbria:

Let us kneel together, and pray the true, the ever living and almighty God to protect us in his mercy from the arrogant savagery of our enemies, for he knows that we fight in a just cause for the preservation of our nation.

Amen. 

Saints of the North 

(Prayed by King Oswald with his Army on the Battlefield on the Eve of the Battle of Heavenfield, AD634)





















Get in touch

Revd. Peter Kashouris

St. Oswald's Vicarage,
Church Street

DH1 3DG
Vicarage
0191 374 1681
Parish Office
0191 383 0830
What's on

Holy Saturday (Easter Even) 2026 - The Vigil & Service of Light

for 1 hour, 30 mins
St Oswald's, Durham
Church Street Durham, DH1 3DQ, United Kingdom

A special late evening service of light on Easter Even celebrating the Resurrection of Christ.

All are very welcome.

And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.'

(Matthew 28:2-7, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition)

The Collect for the Service of Light:

Eternal God, who made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true light: set us aflame with the fire of your love, and bring us to the radiance of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month:

April 2026 - Chester-le-Street and Houghton Deanery

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Intentions for the Day:

The Parish of St Mary and St Cuthbert, Chester-le-Street: Rector - The Reverend Matt Strand; Self Supporting Minister (Curate) - The Reverend Miriam Wakefield; Pastoral Ministers - Mrs Sharon Dodds, Mrs Sue Begg, Mrs Louise Vincent, Mr Will Hoy; Pastoral Minister and Reader - Dr Paul Vincent; Reader - Mr John Hopper; Reader in Training - Mrs Sharon Pritchard

Chester-le-Street C of E Primary School:, Head Teacher - Mrs Rachel Butler

Anglican Communion Prayer Cycle Intention for the Day:

The Diocese of Southern Virginia (The Episcopal Church) - The Right Reverend Susan Haynes

Safeguarding

The parish of St. Oswald's, Durham is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults.

Please click through to our safeguarding page for more information.

St. Oswald's safeguarding page

St Oswald's, Durham Charity No. 1196296