<Dd> Bestowing life! </Dd> <P> Preparation for Easter begins with the season of Great Lent . In addition to fasting, almsgiving, and prayer, Orthodox Christians cut down on all entertainment and non-essential worldly activities, gradually eliminating them until Great and Holy Friday, the most austere day of the year . On the evening of Great and Holy Saturday, the Midnight Office commences an hour or two before midnight (see paschal vigil). </P> <P> At its completion all light in the church building is extinguished, and all wait in darkness and silence for the stroke of midnight . Then, a new flame is struck in the altar, or the priest lights his candle from the perpetual lamp kept burning there, and he then lights candles held by deacons or other assistants, who then go to light candles held by the congregation (this practice has its origin in the reception of the Holy Fire at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem). Then the priest and congregation go in a procession around the temple, holding lit candles, chanting: </P> <P> By Thy Resurrection O Christ our savior, the angels in Heaven sing, enable us who are on Earth, to glorify thee in purity of heart . </P>

The name of easter in the old testament