Agape Vespers

Agape Vespers

Agape Vespers (also called Vespers of Love) is a Vespers service that continues the celebration of Pascha, typically held in the afternoon on the day of Pascha. At this service the Gospel reading (John 20:19-25) depicts the first appearance of the risen Lord to his disciples, and is recited in many languages (often as many languages as are known by those present in the congregation), symbolising that the glorious resurrection of Christ is proclaimed to all the nations of the world. To this effect, the Gospel pericope is sometimes read from different places within the nave.

In some traditions, red eggs are again distributed to the congregation at the end of the service as a blessing. People who attend this service may also hold lit Paschal candles from the Resurrection service from the night before. It is also a custom to bring small children who were not able to attend the evening service. After this service, people will often continue the celebration of the Resurrection in their homes.