The procession begins near midnight. The people leave the dark church building singing, carrying banners, [[icons]], candles, and the Gospel. The procession circles the outside of the church and returns to the closed front doors. Here the Gospel is read which tells of the empty tomb. Next, the [[Pascha#Hymns|Easter Troparion]] is sung for the first time, together with the verses of [[Psalm]] 68 which will begin all of the Church services during the Easter season.

:''Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee from before his face!''

:''So the sinners will perish before the face of God; but let the righteous be glad.''

:''This is the day which the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!''